Austin Kleon is a writer who draws. He’s also the author of three of my favourite books about creativity: Steal Like An Artist, Show Your Work! and Keep Going.
Image: Austin Kleon’s trilogy of books on creativity.
In many ways, this trilogy is designed to work together. In the first book, Kleon shows us how we can steal our way to a more creative life. In the second, he encourages us to share our creativity with the world. In the final book he shares ways to stay creative, focused and true to ourselves, even when the going gets tough.
Through Show Your Work! Kleon has created a manifesto for artists to embrace the digital age we’re living in. He encourages us to leverage online tools, invite people behind the scenes of our processes and build connections with audiences and other artists:
“I wanted to create a kind of beginner’s manual… a book for people who hate the very idea of self-promotion. An alternative, if you will, to self-promotion.”
He goes on:
“If Steal Like An Artist was a book about stealing influence from other people, this book is about how to influence others by letting them steal from you.
Imagine if your next boss didn’t have to read your resume because he already reads your blog. Imagine being a student and getting your first gig based on a school project you posted online. Imagine losing your job but having a social network of people familiar with your work and ready to help you find a new one. Imagine turning a side project into your profession because you had a following that could support you.
Or imagine something simple and just as satisfying: spending the majority of your time, energy, and attention practising a craft, learning a trade, or running a business, while also allowing for the possibility that your work might attract a group of people who share your interests.
All you have to do is show you work.” [1]
Encouraged by Kleon and others, there are now thousands of creative and interesting people letting us take a peep into their studios, workshops and sketchbooks. They’re sharing the ups and downs of their making processes, and signposting to others who are influencing and inspiring them.
To find these creative explorers, a good place to start is searching the #ShowYourWork hashtag on your preferred social media platforms. I’ve been inspired to join them via this blog and newsletter, and perhaps you should consider joining them, too? I’d love to see what you’re making and who you’re inspired by.
