Review of Show Your Work! by Austin Kleon
As someone with a deep passion for creativity and sharing ideas, I was drawn to Austin Kleon’s Show Your Work! after thoroughly enjoying his earlier work, Steal Like an Artist. The premise intrigued me: this book proposes that “generosity trumps genius,” delving into the importance of being open about one’s creative process. I was eager to see how Kleon would guide his readers in making their artistic endeavors more visible.
Kleon’s writing is accessible and engaging, punctuated by whimsical illustrations and insightful anecdotes. The book comprises ten rules that encourage sharing work and nurturing a community. This approach resonated with me, as I often wrestle with the fear of exposing my creations. For instance, I particularly appreciated the chapter "You Don’t Have to Be a Genius," which dismantles the myth that only geniuses can be creative. As Kleon emphasizes, “you can’t find your voice if you don’t use it.” This simple yet profound reminder made me feel more motivated to let my own voice shine through.
Many readers, like Will, echo my sentiments with remarks about the book’s capacity to provide fresh perspectives each time one revisits it. Will notes that he keeps Kleon’s work on hand for when he hits a creative rut—something I can wholeheartedly relate to. The idea that one can continuously derive value from rereading and reflecting on the information made me appreciate the book even more.
However, while I found much to celebrate, a couple of drawbacks were present. For instance, I understand the sentiment expressed by some, like S Review’s, that the book may not be geared specifically toward every demographic. While Kleon targets artists and creatives, I believe the insights are universally applicable. However, readers who feel disconnected from creative fields might not resonate as deeply with his examples.
One of the most compelling aspects of Show Your Work! is its emphasis on being “findable” through sharing—utilizing networks rather than traditional, more forced forms of self-promotion. This is echoed in Robert Morris’s review, which states that the crux of Kleon’s message lies in enabling others to “steal” from you by sharing your processes and accomplishments. This notion is both liberating and empowering. However, it sometimes leads to the challenge of oversharing, a topic that Kleon dives into cautiously.
One particular critique I could align with came from Catherine McCann, who questioned the recommendation against asking for likes or engagement on social media. As someone who believes that engagement can help elevate creative work’s visibility, I understand this viewpoint. While I value the principle of authenticity in sharing, I also see merit in orchestrating invitations for others to join in the conversation or view the work directly.
Kleon’s actionable advice, such as sharing small snippets consistently and building a supportive network (whom he refers to as an “ecology of talent”), often motivated me to implement changes in my creative approach. The ease of these directives makes them digestible and practical, validating why other readers have deemed this book a “quick read.”
In conclusion, I found Show Your Work! to be an inspiring exploration of creativity, filled with useful strategies and an encouraging mindset. While it has its limitations—particularly in terms of audience targeting and approaches to social media engagement—its overall messages are universal, appealing to anyone eager to forge a path in the digital age. Whether you’re an artist or simply someone yearning to share ideas, this book is undoubtedly worth a read. If you’re looking for motivation and practical advice that sparks a desire to share authentically, I highly recommend diving into Kleon’s work.