Show Your Work! by Austin Kleon – My Honest Review

CreativityCreative Beginner Books
Written By Ian Sebesta
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Book Snapshot

What This Book Is About

Show Your Work! is the follow-up to Steal Like an Artist. While the first book focuses on building your creativity, this one is all about sharing it with the world. Kleon emphasizes that you don’t have to be a genius or have a massive breakthrough; you just need to consistently put your work out there, little by little, so others can connect with it.

Why Did I Buy This Book?

I decided to pick up this book (and its prequel) after seeing it recommended on Reddit as a must-read for people diving into YouTube and the creative space. I was curious to see what it had to offer; maybe it could provide tools or ideas to help me push through creative blocks and be more consistent.

Some Thoughts.

 

Favorite Insight

The biggest takeaway for me came from Chapter 3, where Kleon emphasizes the importance of sharing something small every day.

I struggle with staying consistent on social media, so challenging myself to post even one small thing daily has helped reduce the pressure. Whether it’s a simple story about what I’m working on or a quick edited video, that mindset shift makes me feel more productive. I now aim to publish at least one small thing every day, even if it’s imperfect.

Would I recommend it?

I’d recommend this book for creators who feel stuck or intimidated about putting themselves out there. It’s a quick and motivational read, packed with reminders that you don’t need perfection to share, just consistency.

That said, if you’re already seasoned in sharing your work publicly, some of the content may feel more like a refresher than a deep dive.

Personal Verdict

📖 Show Your Work!: 10 Ways to Share Your Creativity and Get Discovered is a 7/10 read.

It’s best suited for beginners or hesitant creators, especially those who want to build the habit of sharing their process, not just their polished results. If you’re looking for a detailed strategy manual, this isn’t it, but it does a great job of getting you started.

Final Note

Have you read Show Your Work!? Did you find it motivating, or did it feel too simple? I’d love to hear how it impacted your approach to sharing your creativity! Drop a comment below!

If you plan on buying this book and want to support me, you can purchase it using my affiliate link at no extra cost. Check it out here on Amazon

If you’d like to check out more of my book reviews, you can find them all here.

Ian Sebesta
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Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon – My Honest Review