showyourwork

Show Your Work! is a 2014 non-fiction book by Austin Kleon. Published by Workman Publishing, it argues that creators should actively share their processes in addition to finished products to build an audience, receive feedback, and demystify creative work. The central idea is that documenting steps—sketches, drafts, experiments, influences—helps others engage with the work and makes the creator more visible.

The book offers practical guidance for daily practice and public sharing, including posting small, frequent updates, giving credit, and using low-friction channels such as blogs or newsletters. Kleon emphasizes consistency, generosity, and treating sharing as part of the work rather than a distraction or marketing tactic. He also discusses how to respond to feedback, cultivate a repertoire of work-in-progress materials, and turn casual engagement into meaningful opportunities.

Reception has been positive within many creative communities, with readers praising its accessibility and actionable approach. Critics note that the advice can feel prescriptive or optimistic, and that outcomes may vary across disciplines. Show Your Work! is frequently recommended alongside Kleon's Steal Like an Artist and has influenced educators and makers seeking to foster transparent, collaborative creative practice.