Show Your Work

About the Author

Austin Kleon is an American author, artist, and speaker known for his innovative approach to creativity in the digital age. His work transcends traditional boundaries between art and writing, blending visual elements with literary insights to produce thought-provoking pieces that resonate with a wide audience. Kleon first rose to prominence with his bestselling book "Steal Like an Artist," where he explored the concept of creative inspiration and how ideas are borrowed and transformed into new works of art.

Kleon’s journey began in Austin, Texas, where he worked as a librarian before transitioning into a full-time creative career. His background in the literary world is evident in his work, which often draws from a deep well of literary and artistic traditions. Over the years, Kleon has become a sought-after speaker, sharing his insights on creativity and digital culture at venues such as Pixar, Google, and TEDx. His ability to communicate complex ideas in a simple, accessible manner has made him a beloved figure in the creative community.

"Show Your Work!" is the second installment in Kleon’s trilogy about creativity, following "Steal Like an Artist" and preceding "Keep Going." In this book, Kleon shifts his focus from the act of creating to the importance of sharing that creation with the world. Through his characteristic blend of personal anecdotes, practical advice, and artistic wisdom, Kleon encourages readers to embrace the vulnerability of sharing their creative process and to use it as a tool for personal and professional growth.

Main Idea

"Show Your Work!" is a manifesto for anyone who creates. Whether you are an artist, writer, musician, or entrepreneur, Kleon argues that the path to success lies not just in the work you produce, but in how you share it with the world. He challenges the traditional notion that only finished, polished work should be shared, advocating instead for a process-oriented approach where every stage of creation is made visible to others.

At the heart of Kleon’s message is the idea that sharing your work can lead to a host of benefits, including personal growth, community building, and financial success. By documenting and sharing your process, you open yourself up to new opportunities and connections that can significantly enhance your creative journey. Kleon’s approach is deeply rooted in the digital age, where social media and online platforms provide unprecedented opportunities for creators to reach and engage with a global audience.

Table of Contents

1. Why You Should Share Your Work All the Way Through Your Process
2. How to Share Your Creative Process
3. How to Deal With Online Attention
4. Making Money From Your Work
5. How to Persevere

Why You Should Share Your Work All the Way Through Your Process

Kleon begins by addressing a common obstacle faced by many creatives: the fear that their work is not ready to be shared. This fear often stems from perfectionism, a mindset that can be paralyzing and prevent creatives from ever putting their work out into the world. Kleon argues that this fear is misplaced, and that the real value lies in sharing not just the finished product, but the entire creative process.

According to Kleon, there are three primary reasons why sharing your work throughout the creative process is beneficial: