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Work in Progress: A Memoir
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Expected 29 Sep 26Win a free print copy of this book!
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20 copies available
U.S. only
The inspiring true story of the self-made, Bronx-born portraitist who overcame all odds to become the most followed artist on social media worldwide—featuring 20 original black-and-white ink drawings of the people, places, and things that made him who he is.
Devon Rodriguez talks to his subway sketches and person-on-the-street interviews have earned him millions of followers. His hyperrealistic work demonstrates the power of portraiture to help us see ourselves and each other. He’s a new-school influencer with old-school talent.
Now, the celebrated Bronx-born artist turns his perspective inward. When Rodriguez was a child, art became an escape from devastating abuse, drugs, and poverty. It was also a currency that helped him stay out of trouble. This fascinating memoir is a twenty-first-century fable about a young man with a pencil, a phone, and a relentless drive to succeed.
Instead of following the conventional route to art world prestige, he saw opportunity online, sharing his work in bite-sized TikTok videos that after many experiments went viral, making him one of the top influencers of his generation. An entrepreneur who makes art accessible to everyday people, he’s succeeded without gallery representation or a Yale degree.
Devon has now sketched over a thousand people. With this book, he delivers his most precise and moving portrait of himself. Frank, profound, and occasionally hilarious, it's motivational magic for the digital age.
Devon Rodriguez talks to his subway sketches and person-on-the-street interviews have earned him millions of followers. His hyperrealistic work demonstrates the power of portraiture to help us see ourselves and each other. He’s a new-school influencer with old-school talent.
Now, the celebrated Bronx-born artist turns his perspective inward. When Rodriguez was a child, art became an escape from devastating abuse, drugs, and poverty. It was also a currency that helped him stay out of trouble. This fascinating memoir is a twenty-first-century fable about a young man with a pencil, a phone, and a relentless drive to succeed.
Instead of following the conventional route to art world prestige, he saw opportunity online, sharing his work in bite-sized TikTok videos that after many experiments went viral, making him one of the top influencers of his generation. An entrepreneur who makes art accessible to everyday people, he’s succeeded without gallery representation or a Yale degree.
Devon has now sketched over a thousand people. With this book, he delivers his most precise and moving portrait of himself. Frank, profound, and occasionally hilarious, it's motivational magic for the digital age.
- GenresMemoirNonfiction
368 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication September 29, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
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July 13, 2026Work in Progress is an inspiring and deeply personal memoir that goes far beyond the story of artistic success. Devon Rodriguez offers an honest account of resilience, creativity, and determination, showing how talent, persistence, and authenticity can transform even the most difficult beginnings into extraordinary opportunities.
One of the book's greatest strengths is its emotional honesty. Rodriguez doesn't present success as something that happened overnight or through luck alone. Instead, he shares how art became both an escape and a lifeline during a childhood marked by adversity, illustrating the remarkable role creativity can play in healing, self-expression, and personal growth.
I particularly appreciated the way the memoir captures the intersection of traditional artistic skill and modern digital culture. Rodriguez demonstrates that social media can become far more than a platform for entertainment it can also be a powerful tool for sharing meaningful work, connecting with people, and building an entirely new path to success outside conventional gatekeepers.
The stories behind his subway portraits and encounters with strangers reinforce one of the book's central themes: every person has a story worth seeing and telling. That human-centered perspective gives the memoir warmth and emotional depth while reminding readers that genuine connection often begins with curiosity and empathy.
What makes Work in Progress especially compelling is that it speaks to a wide audience. Artists, entrepreneurs, creators, students, and anyone pursuing an unconventional dream will recognize the challenges of self-belief, perseverance, and finding opportunity where others see obstacles.
Ultimately, this is more than the story of a successful artist it is a powerful reminder that our circumstances do not define our future. Through remarkable talent, relentless determination, and a willingness to embrace new possibilities, Devon Rodriguez has created an inspiring portrait not only of himself but of what is possible when passion meets perseverance.
One of the book's greatest strengths is its emotional honesty. Rodriguez doesn't present success as something that happened overnight or through luck alone. Instead, he shares how art became both an escape and a lifeline during a childhood marked by adversity, illustrating the remarkable role creativity can play in healing, self-expression, and personal growth.
I particularly appreciated the way the memoir captures the intersection of traditional artistic skill and modern digital culture. Rodriguez demonstrates that social media can become far more than a platform for entertainment it can also be a powerful tool for sharing meaningful work, connecting with people, and building an entirely new path to success outside conventional gatekeepers.
The stories behind his subway portraits and encounters with strangers reinforce one of the book's central themes: every person has a story worth seeing and telling. That human-centered perspective gives the memoir warmth and emotional depth while reminding readers that genuine connection often begins with curiosity and empathy.
What makes Work in Progress especially compelling is that it speaks to a wide audience. Artists, entrepreneurs, creators, students, and anyone pursuing an unconventional dream will recognize the challenges of self-belief, perseverance, and finding opportunity where others see obstacles.
Ultimately, this is more than the story of a successful artist it is a powerful reminder that our circumstances do not define our future. Through remarkable talent, relentless determination, and a willingness to embrace new possibilities, Devon Rodriguez has created an inspiring portrait not only of himself but of what is possible when passion meets perseverance.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I've been following Devon (pronounced De-Vaughn) Rodriguez on Instagram for quite a while, so when I saw he had written a memoir, I requested it on NetGalley immediately. I was so excited to read it that I also suggested my local library purchase it, and I'm happy to say they did.
If you only know Devon from his incredible subway portraits, this book gives you the story behind the artist. He comes across exactly as he does online: kind, humble, and genuinely grateful. At times, it was heartbreaking to read about everything he endured growing up, but what stood out most was his determination to build a different future for himself.
His grandmother's unwavering love, constant prayers, and belief in him were such a powerful part of his story. Along with the encouragement of mentors and the opportunities that came when people recognized his talent, those moments helped shape the person and artist he became.
This memoir is honest, inspiring, and a reminder that talent can open doors, but perseverance, hard work, and having even one person believe in you can truly change the course of a life. It left me with an even greater appreciation for both the artist and the person behind the art.
Here's hoping he makes the NYT Best Sellers List!
Thank you to NetGalley & Random House | One World for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
#WorkInProgress #NetGalley
If you only know Devon from his incredible subway portraits, this book gives you the story behind the artist. He comes across exactly as he does online: kind, humble, and genuinely grateful. At times, it was heartbreaking to read about everything he endured growing up, but what stood out most was his determination to build a different future for himself.
His grandmother's unwavering love, constant prayers, and belief in him were such a powerful part of his story. Along with the encouragement of mentors and the opportunities that came when people recognized his talent, those moments helped shape the person and artist he became.
This memoir is honest, inspiring, and a reminder that talent can open doors, but perseverance, hard work, and having even one person believe in you can truly change the course of a life. It left me with an even greater appreciation for both the artist and the person behind the art.
Here's hoping he makes the NYT Best Sellers List!
Thank you to NetGalley & Random House | One World for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
#WorkInProgress #NetGalley
June 27, 2026
Work in progress completely exceeded and surpassed any expectations I had. I knew of Devon Rodriguez’s incredible artwork and viral subway portraits, what I did not know was how deeply personal, honest, and inspiring his story would be.
This memoir shows something more than just a success story. It shows the resilience exhibited by someone just trying to find purpose when life never stopped trying to knock them down, while also continuing to choose to create beauty even after experiencing such pain. There were so many memorable moments in this memoir, I truly appreciate just how vulnerable Devon is about his childhood, his struggles, and the determination it took to carry him through.
I loved how authentic his story is, it really felt like sitting across from someone who was finally telling you the story behind the art. You get a sense of his passion to truly know and understand the people around him, it was a beautiful reminder that everyone has a story worth hearing.
Whether you’ve followed Devon’s journey online or are discovering him for the first time, this memoir is absolutely worth reading. This was one of the most memorable and inspiring memoirs I’ve ever read, I highly recommend.
This memoir shows something more than just a success story. It shows the resilience exhibited by someone just trying to find purpose when life never stopped trying to knock them down, while also continuing to choose to create beauty even after experiencing such pain. There were so many memorable moments in this memoir, I truly appreciate just how vulnerable Devon is about his childhood, his struggles, and the determination it took to carry him through.
I loved how authentic his story is, it really felt like sitting across from someone who was finally telling you the story behind the art. You get a sense of his passion to truly know and understand the people around him, it was a beautiful reminder that everyone has a story worth hearing.
Whether you’ve followed Devon’s journey online or are discovering him for the first time, this memoir is absolutely worth reading. This was one of the most memorable and inspiring memoirs I’ve ever read, I highly recommend.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was unfamiliar with Devon Rodriguez and his artwork before reading this memoir, but now I'm a fan. It was truly one of the most inspirational memoirs I have ever read.
As a child, Devon survived years of abuse and neglect from both his parents, but what saved him was his love for drawing, a zeal to change his life using his art, and the unconditional love of his abuela.
He tells his story in such a way, like his art, that the reader is drawn (no pun intended) into his world; we experience how he sees life and translates those perceptions into his work. He is a fascinating person and extremely talented.
Anyone who enjoys memoirs and the human perspective will love this book. His fans will also appreciate learning how he went from being an underprivileged kid in the Bronx to someone whose artistic gifts positively affect everyone who encounters them.
I was unfamiliar with Devon Rodriguez and his artwork before reading this memoir, but now I'm a fan. It was truly one of the most inspirational memoirs I have ever read.
As a child, Devon survived years of abuse and neglect from both his parents, but what saved him was his love for drawing, a zeal to change his life using his art, and the unconditional love of his abuela.
He tells his story in such a way, like his art, that the reader is drawn (no pun intended) into his world; we experience how he sees life and translates those perceptions into his work. He is a fascinating person and extremely talented.
Anyone who enjoys memoirs and the human perspective will love this book. His fans will also appreciate learning how he went from being an underprivileged kid in the Bronx to someone whose artistic gifts positively affect everyone who encounters them.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a very enjoyable memoir. Walking you through the journey of childhood to adulthood and Devon’s path to finding himself and his purpose in art. He is an incredible storyteller. It is easy to feel the emotions as he walks you through the struggles of his family and childhood. His experience of feeling different and just wanting to draw instead of fighting. I feel like I learned so much about art as he discussed how he was mentored and grew his art skills through his Highschool years. Every step was needed to complete the journey. Every loss, every new friend, each new skill. It was fascinating to hear of his dedication to his craft, the hours of work put into growing social media accounts and how he developed different ideas and ads once he started getting contacted by brands. Overall a very gripping and enjoyable book!
Review of advance copy
Visceral. Raw. Beautiful story. What a triumph!!!!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews