Keep Going by Austin Kleon: Book Review

Who’s it for

Artists, writers, musicians, and anyone wanting to live a more creative and productive life.

What it’s about in a nutshell

I have previously written a book review about an Austin Kleon book, Show Your Work. In that publication, the writer discusses the importance and necessity of showing your work to the work and getting started, no matter what stage in the process you are at. So, if that was about showing your work, Keep Going is a much more appropriate sequel.

Keep Going follows the same layout formula as Kleon’s other books. They are small, both in physical size (15cm in height), and page length – 213 pages. It also includes images handmade and drawn by Kleon himself as well as some photography.

The book is split into 10 chapters:

1. Every Day is Groundhog Day

This is about taking each day, one day at a time. He jokes about when people talk to him about taking the creative journey, he rolls his eyes, because being ‘creative’ is not something heroic. Some days are good, and some days are bad. It’s not about triumphing an evil, it’s about showing up every day to do your work. It’s about creating a daily routine, lists, habits, a to-learn and a to-be list.

2. Build a bliss station

Building a place or a bit where you can disconnect from the world. Use Aeroplane mode on your phone, do not pay for WiFi, say no when it is needed and don’t wake up to read the news.

3. Forget the noun, do the verb

Kleon talks about doing the ‘thing’ and not worrying about titles. In some aspects, this chapter is about polymaths and also how we need to stop saying we are such titles. The book gives an example where if someone were to call themselves a filmmaker, what would happen if they wanted to try sculpting?

It’s quite a genius way of thinking about things. People in society sometimes think because you do one career or job, to do something else on the side could be odd or interesting. But it is quite common. Guitar players can also be writers and actors, actors can also be musicians and singers, TV chefs can also be TV presenters, and programmers can also be speakers.

4. Make gifts

Quite a simple concept, but one that most people ignore, and that is to do things because you love them. Create and make gifts for people, because you can. This chapter talks about the common notion when someone might knit a scarf, and someone might say, you should do that on Etsy.

It talks about creating things that you love doing, without the pressures of making money or looking at digital metrics. Getting done to basics.

5. The Ordinary + Extra Attention = The Extraordinary

This chapter talks about slowing down and paying attention to things around you, and taking inspiration from the world that you live in.

6. Slay the Art Monsters

A quote from Andy Rooney on Kurt Cobain after his death starts this chapter, so already I was intrigued. This is a short chapter and it essentially concludes that art is life, and it is meant to make our lives better.

7. You are allowed to change your mind

Starting a piece of work can be daunting, and often artists, writers etc. do not know where to start and that you should allow yourself to be open so that you can change your mind.

If you can’t come up with ideas then identify things from the past or identify a popular idea and argue against it.

8. When in doubt, tidy up

Whilst tidying or cleaning can be seen as procrastination if you have a piece of work that needs to be done, it is also an essential part of creating and living. Tidying can be a form of relaxation from your work, taking your mind off something, which could help bring fresh ideas, as well as help you find an old notebook or magazine that will give you fresh ideas.

9. Demons hate fresh air

Simply, go for a walk and exercise. It is good for you and can you put you in a good mood as well rejuvenate ideas.

10. Plant your garden

Life is like seasons. Sometimes you are cold, sometimes you are hot. Start now by planting your own garden.

This chapter is not essentially about gardening, but again about slowing down, waiting for things to change and appreciating the beauty of the world.

Why I liked it

I loved it because it is short, sweet, uplifting and full of useful and heartwarming advice from a fellow person that writes and creates(see I’m not using nouns).

I find Austin Kleon’s books inspirational, and Keep Going is no different. Show Your Work gave me the confidence to put more content into the world, and to know that it doesn’t matter whether or not I am the finished article. Whereas with Keep Going, I am inspired to continue putting out work as well to not doubt myself too much, take it slow, and do things for the sake of it – out of love perhaps.

One of my favourite quotes from the book, for which I can totally vouch is

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“You’re often the most creative when you’re the least productive.”

— Austin Kleon