I’ve just finished reading a great book “Show your work” by Austin Kleon. It’s not a cheap book but it was worth it. It’s small and handy. A perfect size for a bag and quick read in a tram, metro or bus. The book is filled with a lot of information and not just a pretty pictures so that’s a plus and it’s funny too!
It’s the second book by this author. I didn’t read the first one (“Steal like an artist”) because I couldn’t buy it! It’s sold out! Well, thanks to my sister that lives in the UK, I will have it in a couple of weeks so I’m super excited.
“Show your work” is about how the title says – how to show your artwork. It’s not about showing it in galleries but how to expand your art through the social media. Everybody knows that now the social media is important. If you’re not on Facebook, Instagram or Tweeter than you don’t exist.
Now everybody wants to earn money on YouTube or by blogging but it’s not that simple. If you don’t look like a model or a total weirdo than you have a small chance in the world of the Internet.
Klean suggest to just “spent the majority of your time, energy and attention practicing a craft […] allowing for the possibility that your work might attract a group of people who share your interests”.
He repeats a lot a word “amateur”. He believes that we forgot about being amateurish in our life. We just have to let go and share the love for art and other people will find us.
Kleon also suggests to find the time and make art that it’s not related to your day job/school. If you ask yourself how to find time for it than just “look for it” as Kleon says. How simple is that!
And now some quotes from the book that I really like.
“Be open, share imperfect and unfinished work that you want feedback on, but don’t share absolutely everything. There’s a big, big difference between sharing and oversharing. “
“Don’t ever ever ask people to follow you. “Follow me back?” is the saddest question on the Internet.”
I recommend this book to everyone that want to show the world some art.
Three Mice Design 