Book Review - Show your Work by Austin Kleon

Kerri Dixon Author

Explore Show Your Work! by Austin Kleon and how simple storytelling and sharing your process can boost confidence and build connection.

Show Your Work: Why Your Art Journey Deserves to be Seen

If you’ve ever looked at your half-finished artwork and thought, “Nope, absolutely no one needs to see this chaos,” then Austin Kleon’s book Show Your Work! is basically your new creative bestie.

This book is a tiny powerhouse—like a motivational speaker but in pocket form—and it has one simple message:
Stop hiding your magic. People actually want to see what you’re up to.

And honestly… he’s right.

Let’s talk about the biggest lessons from the book and how they can help you grow as an artist, build community, and maybe even feel a little braver the next time you hit “post.”

1. You Don’t Need to Be a Genius (Seriously)

Kleon opens the book with a big exhale moment: you don’t have to be some art-world prodigy to share your work.

Creativity isn’t a solo-genius thing—it’s a scenius: a community of people learning, experimenting, and inspiring each other.

So if you’ve been waiting until your art is “good enough”… stop right there.

Your messy middle?
Your awkward early layers?
Your dodgy sketches?

That’s all part of the magic.
People connect with real artists—not polished robots.

2. Share the Process, Not Just the Pretty Stuff

Here’s where Kleon really hits home:
Your process is more valuable than your final masterpiece.

Wild, right?

But think about it—when you see another artist’s behind-the-scenes, don’t you instantly feel more connected to them?

Your audience feels the same about you.

Share:

• your reference photo adventures

• those first rough shapes

• your swatch tests

• the “oh no I’ve ruined it” stage

• the big aha! moment when it all clicks

It's vulnerable, but it builds real trust.

3. Tiny Shares Add Up

You don’t need to drop a massive finished artwork every week.

Kleon encourages you to “share something small every day” — and that can be as simple as:

• a WIP snap

• a quick thought you had while drawing

• your favourite pastel stick

• your messy desk (artists love mess—don’t lie)

Showing up regularly builds momentum for you and for the people watching.

4. Tell the Story Behind Your Art

Okay, THIS one is huge for wildlife and nature artists.

People fall in love with your why.

Why that dingo?
Why that cow?
Why that reference photo you took lying in the dirt like a crime scene victim?

Stories give your art heart.
They’re what turns a “nice painting” into “OMG I LOVE this.”

5. Teaching What You Know Helps You Grow

Kleon says that when you share what you’re learning, you’re naturally teaching.

And teaching reinforces your own creativity.

This is literally how artists evolve.
When you explain your choices—your techniques, your mistakes, your discoveries—you get clearer on your own voice.

And you help someone else along the way. Win-win.

6. Don’t Be Human Spam

AKA:
Stop only showing up when you want to sell something.

Your people follow you because they like YOU, not because you're a vending machine.

So:

• comment on other artists’ posts

• share your thoughts

• cheer on your community

• be generous with your journey

Then, when you do sell something, the support is genuine.

7. Longevity Beats Going Viral

This one’s a comfort snack for the soul.

You don’t have to explode online overnight.
You just have to keep showing up.

Your journey—messy, experimental, unpredictable—is the story people want to follow.

And for the artists who feel like they’re “starting too late”?
Nah.
You’re right on time.

If you struggle to stay consistent or motivated, this post on How to Stay Productive as an Artist will really help.

The Heart of It All

Show Your Work! is ultimately a gentle push to stop hiding and start sharing your creative life—even the imperfect bits.

You don’t have to pretend you’ve got it all figured out.
You don’t have to wait until you’re a master.

You just have to be willing to let people see the real journey.

And honestly?
That’s where the best connections happen.

So go on—share something today.
Even something tiny.
You never know who you’ll inspire.

Kerri xx