The hottest Art & Illustration Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Art & Illustration Topics

The Film and Studio That 'Should Not Exist'

Animation Obsessive • 13095 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation Film Design Creativity Production
  1. Cinema Fantasma, a unique stop-motion studio in Mexico, created the first Mexican stop-motion feature film called 'I Am Frankelda.' Their work shows how creativity can thrive even with tight budgets.
  2. The film has a fun, imaginative storyline with memorable characters and songs that resonate with audiences. Its premiere at the Annecy Festival was met with excitement and applause.
  3. The Ambriz brothers, who run Cinema Fantasma, faced many challenges but remained determined to bring their vision to life. They hope their success inspires more stop-motion projects in Mexico in the future.

How I Pieced Together a Personal Style in Photography

In the Flash • 2238 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography Visual Arts Creative Process Art history Personal style
  1. Developing a personal style in photography can take time and experimentation. It's normal to feel anxious about finding your unique voice.
  2. Originality in art comes from mixing ideas from different sources, not from trying to be completely unique. It's about remixing influences to create something new.
  3. Learning from other artists and styles can help shape your own work. It's okay to borrow elements that resonate with you to build your signature style.

Magnum Square Print Sale Announcement

In the Flash • 679 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography Curation Visual Arts
  1. There's a special photo print sale happening called the Magnum Square Print Sale, featuring work from famous photographers. Prints start at $100 and there's a deadline coming up soon.
  2. One of the highlights is a photo of people enjoying time in NYC that captures the city's vibes after the pandemic. The photo reflects beauty and stillness amidst the busy city life.
  3. The sale's theme is 'Eden,' showcasing the beauty of our planet and the need to protect it. Diverse photography styles are represented, but the focus is mainly on documentary and portrait work.

How to get your art into museums

Science of Art • 418 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Exhibitions Cultural Diversity
  1. Museums acquire art through buying, donations, and exchanges. It's not just about buying; they also consider gifts and bequests.
  2. Artists should align their work with a museum's mission. If their art matches a museum's goals, their chances of being noticed increase a lot.
  3. Networking is key for artists. By participating in events and connecting with art communities, artists can improve their visibility and create opportunities for themselves.
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Ina Garten Portraits for the New Yorker

In the Flash • 1698 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography Portraits Lifestyle Visual art Creative Process
  1. A photographer was advised to keep the shoot with Ina Garten simple and natural, avoiding anything unusual. This means sticking to natural light and straightforward setups.
  2. The photographer brought various tools for creativity but had to focus on a more minimalist approach as per the instructions.
  3. It's important in photography to balance creativity with the preferences of the subject or their team, ensuring everyone is comfortable.

Come See the Chair Show on Nov. 23

The American Peasant • 2036 implied HN points • 06 Oct 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Exhibitions Creative Process
  1. The Chair Show is happening on November 23, and it sounds like a fun event to see lots of interesting work.
  2. The person organizing the show prefers to sell their work directly rather than through a gallery, which often takes a large cut of the sales.
  3. They haven't shown their work in a gallery before, but they are excited about the opportunity and the social aspect of gallery shows.

For Paid Subscribers Only

The American Peasant • 1557 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Crafts Design Sculpture Painting Photography
  1. The first 100 Exeter hammers are on sale for $133 and come numbered. It's a great buy if you're into woodworking.
  2. You can learn more about the different types of hammers and their uses on the website provided. Knowing the right tool can really help your projects.
  3. Shipping for the hammers is free in the U.S., and you might want to check out the new T-shirts they offer too. It's a fun way to support a brand you like.

The Colorful Fever Dream of Djeneba Aduayom

In the Flash • 1039 implied HN points • 03 Oct 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography Contemporary Art Creative Process Artist interviews
  1. Djeneba Aduayom mixes color and black and white in her photography, choosing based on the story she wants to tell. This flexible approach helps her capture different feelings and interpretations.
  2. When dealing with creative burnout, she takes time to pause and reflect, engages in unrelated activities, and practices self-compassion. This process helps her recharge and reconnect with her creativity.
  3. Djeneba believes staying true to herself is the most important part of her art. Rather than following trends or fitting into categories, she focuses on creating work that reflects her unique experiences.

Disorderly Creativity

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 170 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity Expression Inspiration Art Theory Literature
  1. Creativity often feels chaotic and unpredictable. It's important to embrace that disorder rather than trying to control it with logic.
  2. Art is more about emotions than just ideas. Creating purely from thoughts can lead to dull and flat outcomes.
  3. To spark true creativity, step away from your usual patterns and allow yourself to engage with the mysterious and unknown parts of your mind.

A Simple Rule for Using AI in Art

Counter Craft • 421 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual Arts Literature AI Art Creative Process Ethics
  1. Using AI in art can be great if it's done thoughtfully. It's important to be open about how AI is used and ensure it enhances rather than replaces creativity.
  2. There are successful examples of authors using AI to help craft dialogue or ideas, but they are intentional and clear about their AI use. This distinction separates meaningful art from low-quality outputs.
  3. For artistic integrity, it's best to be honest about your use of AI, especially if it generates a lot of the work. Just like with plagiarism, taking someone else's work, including AI-generated text, without credit is not acceptable.

Book Review: From Bauhaus To Our House

Astral Codex Ten • 24089 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Architecture Design Modernism Cultural critique Art history
  1. Modern architecture started as a reaction against traditional styles and aimed to be functional and non-bourgeois, but many people ended up disliking it.
  2. Even though architects thought their designs were better for society, many real workers preferred the old styles and often complained about the new ones.
  3. The focus on modern architecture continued because top schools and institutions pushed it as the only acceptable style, ignoring the opinions of the general public.

How Did You Do On The AI Art Turing Test?

Astral Codex Ten • 25259 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🎨 Art & Illustration AI Art Art Appreciation Digital Art
  1. Many people struggle to tell the difference between AI-generated art and human-created art. Most scored just slightly above random guessing on a test designed to distinguish between the two.
  2. Participants often judged art based on its style rather than its origin. People tended to think that certain styles, like Impressionism, had to be human even when they were AI-created.
  3. Surprisingly, more people preferred AI art over human art, with many claiming they disliked AI art but still choosing AI pieces as their favorites.

The comfort of drawing Batman

Austin Kleon • 2018 implied HN points • 20 Aug 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Drawing Creativity Comics Cultural Commentary Personal Reflection
  1. Drawing can be a comforting activity, especially during times of boredom or stress. For some, like the author, drawing familiar characters like Batman brings joy.
  2. Airplane mode can enhance productivity because it eliminates distractions. This can turn a flight into a great opportunity to focus and create.
  3. Comfort work is any creative task you do when you don't know what else to tackle. It's nice to have simple activities, like drawing, to fall back on.

Hanging out with Lenny Kaye

Patti Smith • 14996 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Movies Poetry Friendship
  1. Patti Smith and Lenny Kaye enjoyed a day together in the city, reminiscing about past performances and exploring the neighborhood.
  2. They watched the movie Poor Things in an old-fashioned theater, appreciating the cinematography and performances.
  3. Their friendship spans over half a century, highlighting the value of long-lasting friendships.

Drawing Eno

Austin Kleon • 1778 implied HN points • 23 Jul 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual art Film Creativity Generative Art Documentary
  1. The documentary about Brian Eno is exciting and unique because it creates a different version every time it's shown. This encourages viewers to watch it in theaters for a fresh experience.
  2. It uses a special system called Brain One to generate the film. This system combines new interviews and personal clips from Eno’s archive, making each showing feel like a new story.
  3. The movie has interesting marketing advantages. Since every version is different, it gives people a reason to see it on the big screen instead of waiting for it to stream.

Procedural Jellyfish, Slang Shaders, and Generative vs Generative AI

Generative Arts Collective • 92 implied HN points • 07 Jun 25
🎨 Art & Illustration Generative Art Creative Coding Digital Media Visual Arts Art Philosophy
  1. There's a growing connection between art and technology, especially in generative arts. Artists now use programming and math instead of just brushes and paint.
  2. Questions about creativity, originality, and the role of the artist are becoming more complicated with advancements in AI and machine learning.
  3. New tools are making it easier for anyone to create art, which can help unleash more creativity in people who might not have tried otherwise.

A Weekend of New Animation

Animation Obsessive • 8252 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation Storytelling Cinematography Visual Arts
  1. The London International Animation Festival (LIAF) showcased many interesting animation films from around the world, featuring unique styles and stories.
  2. Some standout films included 'Adios', which explores a father-son relationship in a beautifully crafted stop-motion style, and 'The Girl with the Occupied Eyes', which creatively addresses modern issues using vibrant animation.
  3. There is a notable trend of children's films at festivals tackling serious themes, suggesting that animations for kids can also tell meaningful and thoughtful stories.

A Burning City

Animation Obsessive • 8521 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation Film Manga Illustration
  1. Katsuhiro Otomo's short film 'Combustible' showcases his unique storytelling style, featuring a deep emotional core and a focus on the Edo period in Japan. It's a departure from his earlier work like 'Akira', emphasizing a personal and experimental approach.
  2. The animation in 'Combustible' combines traditional art styles with modern technology, allowing for intricate designs and details that highlight the beauty of the Edo era. Otomo aimed for a blend of history and contemporary techniques.
  3. Despite its compelling qualities, 'Combustible' remains relatively obscure compared to Otomo's more famous works. Nonetheless, it proves that he is a versatile director with a wide range of creative capabilities beyond just 'Akira'.

Animating in Present Tense

Animation Obsessive • 7355 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation Visual art Film Music Cultural Commentary
  1. Sasha Svirsky is a self-taught animator who values improvisation over traditional rules. He creates unique animations by following his feelings, resulting in lively and often chaotic films.
  2. His work touches on important themes like oppression and the impact of war, often reflecting real-world events. Svirsky's art resonates deeply with viewers and highlights pressing issues.
  3. In animation news, the European co-production system continues to produce noteworthy films, such as 'Kensuke’s Kingdom,' which is a nostalgic adventure tale with a memorable score that emphasizes emotional storytelling.

AI Art Turing Test

Astral Codex Ten • 10048 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Digital Art AI Art Visual Culture Art Criticism Interactive art
  1. There's an AI Art Turing Test happening, which is a fun way to see if you can tell the difference between AI-generated art and human-made art.
  2. Participants can take part by filling out a form, which takes about twenty minutes, and the results will be shared the following week.
  3. Don't peek at the comments until you're done with the test, as they might give away answers.

Writing on the wall of heaven

Patti Smith • 10554 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Writing Handwriting Art
  1. The author reflects on the joy of learning penmanship and practicing handwriting with dipping pens and ink in school.
  2. The author's dream was to write like the authors of the Declaration of Independence and copied it line by line at different points in their life.
  3. The post celebrates National Handwriting Day and mentions a meditation on the importance and beauty of handwriting.

Animating Out of Spite

Animation Obsessive • 8700 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation Film Cultural Commentary Visual Arts
  1. Fyodor Khitruk created a 50-second animated film called Othello-67 as a response to a contest requirement that frustrated him. It humorously condenses Shakespeare's play into a fast-paced experience.
  2. The film critiques the idea of simplifying complex art into quick bites, showing that lots of meaning can still fit into a short time frame.
  3. Despite being a small part of Khitruk's body of work, Othello-67 stands out for its creativity and humor, proving that even short animations can leave a lasting impact.

An Ocean of Pain and Death

Looking Through the Past • 178 implied HN points • 06 Oct 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Art history Visual Culture Cultural Commentary
  1. Ernst Friedrich's book 'War Against War!' aimed to show the harsh realities of war, pushing people to rethink their views on conflict. He believed that by confronting the true impacts of war, society could work towards lasting peace.
  2. Artists throughout history, like Goya and Picasso, have used their work to express the horrors of war, presenting it not as glorious but as tragic. Their art serves as a reminder of the suffering that war brings to individuals and communities.
  3. The anti-war art movement highlights the need to see the brutal consequences of conflict, encouraging people to think critically about war and its effects on humanity. Recognizing these realities can help prevent future wars.

A love Supreme

Patti Smith • 18121 implied HN points • 23 Sep 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Music
  1. John Coltrane's music was a powerful force of love and creativity.
  2. For many, Coltrane symbolized spiritual seeking and artistic freedom in the 1960s.
  3. The impact of John Coltrane's music on individuals and their relationships is profound and lasting.

Dare to dream

Soaring Twenties • 115 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual art Art Community Creative Process Personal Growth
  1. Dreaming big is important. Imagining what you could do with the right support can spark new ideas and goals.
  2. Having a structured schedule can help balance creative work and business tasks. This way, you can focus on your art without feeling overwhelmed.
  3. It's vital to build a community around your work. Sharing your journey can connect you with like-minded people and open up opportunities.

The Curious Case of the Pearl Jam Posters

Webworm with David Farrier • 10299 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Artists Posters Compensation Design Creativity
  1. An artist was asked to make posters for a Pearl Jam tour but was offered an unusual form of payment.
  2. There were mixed reactions from artists who had similar deals with bands like Pearl Jam, with some feeling undervalued.
  3. The case raises questions about fair compensation for artists and the value of their work, sparking a conversation about artist payment standards.

Parma Return

Patti Smith • 13660 implied HN points • 03 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Literature History Travel
  1. Patti Smith returned to Parma for a festival honoring Guiseppe Verdi and St. Francis.
  2. Loris Borghi, who previously presented an honorary doctorate to Patti Smith, passed away in 2018.
  3. Patti Smith's visit to Parma included exploring the town, sharing pictures, and a venue performance the next day.

A Time of Gifts

Patti Smith • 6387 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity Visual art
  1. The post is the final installment of a series called The New Jerusalem
  2. The author discusses responding to difficult times with art, music, poetry, theater, dance, and film
  3. Patti Smith expresses appreciation for the engagement and shares an image of a youth with birds