Showerthought: Is showing your process killing the mystery of finished art?

I used to post every single WIP shot and layer breakdown for my pieces, thinking people wanted to see the sausage made. But after I skipped sharing process for one illustration on a whim, that post got way more engagement than any of my detailed breakdowns ever did. It made me wonder if showing all the messy steps actually ruins the magic for viewers. On one hand, I love seeing how other artists build their work, it helps me learn. On the other, maybe the finished piece has more impact when people don't know you redrew that arm three times. Has anyone else noticed a difference in reactions when you hold back the process shots?

2 comments

2 Comments

ryan_carr5918h ago

You ever think maybe the messy process shots actually lower the perceived value of the finished piece? I used to think sharing everything built trust, but honestly you might be onto something here, keeping some of the mystery back makes the final result feel more special.

jackson.sarah17h ago

Throw the whole "transparency" trend out the window honestly. Nothing kills the magic like watching someone struggle through five failed sketches before finally producing something decent. Keep the smoke and mirrors, let people think you just snap your fingers and make perfect art appear.

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