I’ve been reading like crazy lately – looks like I’ll be able to hit my goal of a dozen books in 2017 with no problem at this rate! I picked up a copy of Show Your Work by Austin Kleon because I’m working on getting into more group art shows this year.

Turns out this wasn’t quite the book I was looking for…

When you pick out a book from the library website, you don’t necessarily read the back cover. I figured “show your work” meant art shows. And I was like “YES! Let’s do it!”

Show Your Work by Austin Kleon turned out to be a book about social media. But it was still a really good read.

As I read, the phrase “What are you working on?” really resonated with me.

Full disclosure – I struggle sometimes when I post on Instagram. You’ve got all these amazing artists and illustrators that seem to post picture perfect finished artwork every single day (sometimes multiple times!). I share the studio with my 2 year old daughter, and the truth is I just can’t keep up with that kind of daily instagram perfection.

But reading Show Your Work by Austin Kleon, it made me feel much better about sharing things that are less than perfection. 

Things that are in progress.

That I can handle.

What I took away from Show Your Work by Austin Kleon

1. The “So What” test. I already catch myself editing what I share on social media – after reading this book I’ll probably get even more selective about what I post on Facebook. I have certain criteria for both my biz page and my personal page – it needs to be happy and fun for the most part. Austin Kleon’s book echoes that.
    
   If your facebook friend is going to say “so what?” after reading your update, don’t post it.
    
2. Stop worrying about whether or not you’re cool. I’m a dork and I know it. For the most part, it doesn’t bother me and I’m proud of my nerd status. But still, it’s always nice to read others that echo that it doesn’t really matter if you’re not in the cool kids club. He says:
    

   “When you find things you genuinely enjoy, don’t let anyone else make you feel bad about it. Don’t feel guilty about the pleasure you take in the things you enjoy. Celebrate them.”

    

3. Never stop learning. Austin Kleon goes on to talk about how you should share this journey on social media. Don’t be afraid to show your audience what you’re learning and where you’re going. He shares this quote by Alain de Botton:
   

I haven’t read Kleon’s other book, Steal Like an Artist, but it’s on my list of upcoming reads for sure!