The hottest Art & Illustration Substack posts right now

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Top Art & Illustration Topics

THE SOUND OF FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA

The Nelson George Mixtape • 353 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Film Sound design Author analysis
  1. The sound design of 'Apocalypse Now' by Walter Murch played a crucial role in making Francis Ford Coppola's film memorable and visionary.
  2. Walter Murch revolutionized movie sound through his work on 'The Godfather,' 'The Conversation,' and 'Apocalypse Now,' contributing to cinematic masterpieces.
  3. Sam Wasson's book provides insights into Murch's artistic journey and his significant contributions to sound design in film, making it a great read for cinephiles.

A Masterwork by the Master of Mistakes

Animation Obsessive • 4126 implied HN points • 17 Apr 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation Filmmaking Cinematography Cartoons
  1. Brigand Jurko (1977) is a unique animated film blending various genres and styles, created by director Viktor Kubal.
  2. Kubal's approach to animation focused on embracing mistakes and prioritizing content over form.
  3. The film Brigand Jurko is praised for its distinctive storytelling, blending serious themes with comedy and surreal visual elements.
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Nathan Yau's friendly voice

Alberto Cairo's The Art of Insight • 99 implied HN points • 29 May 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Data Visualization Infographics Statistics Graphic design Book Reviews
  1. Nathan Yau is known for making data visualization fun and approachable, both in his blog and his book, 'Visualize This'.
  2. The second edition of 'Visualize This' offers updated examples and tools, making it more cohesive than the first edition.
  3. Reading Yau's work feels like getting hands-on help from an experienced designer, which makes learning enjoyable.

How to Write an Action Sequence.

Development Hell • 454 implied HN points • 03 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Writing
  1. Action sequences in scripts are crucial for storytelling and should always serve a purpose in moving the plot forward.
  2. When writing an action sequence, structure it with a three-act pattern: beginning, middle, and end to create a well-paced and engaging narrative.
  3. Use the 'three-act' principle, like in Snyder's 'Save The Cat' structure, to build tension and drive the action forward in your script.

A Lost Son Comes Home

The Recovering Academic • 395 implied HN points • 26 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Ancestry Heritage Family Memories History
  1. Researching family roots can provide a sense of connection and identity in times of major life transitions.
  2. Exploring ancestral places can offer insights into family history and traditions, creating a deeper understanding of one's origins.
  3. Family graves and homes hold important emotional significance, serving as anchors to the past and providing a sense of belonging.

How 'Chicken Run' Stayed Aardman

Animation Obsessive • 3857 implied HN points • 22 May 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation Film Hollywood Character design
  1. When creating 'Chicken Run,' Aardman faced the challenge of maintaining their unique style amidst growth and Hollywood partnership.
  2. Nick Park and the Aardman team worked hard to preserve their quirky, British humor while collaborating on 'Chicken Run.'
  3. The film 'Chicken Run' is considered a successful example of balancing creative vision with external influences, retaining the essence of Aardman's work.

The Lone Toad - Ribbiting Adventures Issue 1

The Lone Toad - Croaker RPGs Newsletter • 219 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration RPGs Solo Play Creative Process
  1. Castle Grief prefers analog creation over digital, finding the tactile experience more engaging and personal.
  2. The world of Tarvannion was inspired by historical events and the desire for a long-form solo RPG campaign, showcasing a blend of rich storytelling and exploration.
  3. Solo RPG play offers a unique creative freedom, helping to enhance storytelling skills and provide a peaceful, meditative experience for Castle Grief.

The Big Yard: Notes from a Pajama Birdwatcher

The Big Yard • 353 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Nature Animals Celebration Creatures Creativity
  1. The author shares their experience with birdwatching from their home, especially during icy weather.
  2. Despite freezing temperatures, the author marvels at the resilience and survival strategies of the Anna's Hummingbirds.
  3. The narrative includes personal reflections on marriage and baking, intertwined with observations of bird species in the yard.

The Lone Toad Newsletter - April 2024

The Lone Toad - Croaker RPGs Newsletter • 179 implied HN points • 05 Apr 24
🎨 Art & Illustration RPGs Solo RPGs Game design
  1. The OSR (Old School Renaissance) can bring interesting mechanics and principles into solo RPG play, such as focusing on rulings over rules and implementing reaction tables and morale checks.
  2. Retainers in solo RPGs, like torchbearers, mercenaries, and hedge wizards, can add depth and assistance to your character as they navigate dangerous scenarios.
  3. Consider trying out OSR solo RPG suggestions like Scarlet Heroes and Black Streams:Solo Heroes for a different gaming experience rooted in classic tabletop rules.

⬜ Ignore the ugly book cover

One Thing • 296 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Books Fashion Podcasts Cuisine Literature
  1. The memoir of Venice highlighted in the post is engaging, despite its unattractive book cover.
  2. The CEO of Daunt Books emphasizes curation, allowing each store's staff to dictate book displays, leading to unique and engaging selections.
  3. Exploring Venice through the lens of 'The Politics of Washing' provides insights into daily life, history, and cultural complexities, showcasing the beauty and challenges of the city.

The Age of Noise

Cybernetic Forests • 239 implied HN points • 03 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual art Archives Humanity History Creativity
  1. The information age has transitioned into the age of noise, where data overload and automated systems shape our digital landscape.
  2. Artificial intelligence, while powerful, operates on abstractions of past data and predictions, emphasizing the need for human oversight and consciousness in decision-making.
  3. As artists and creators, it's essential to uphold meaning and context in the face of technological advancements, facilitating a collective understanding of our history and culture.

Drawing at the skate park

Austin Kleon • 1698 implied HN points • 11 Nov 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Illustration Drawing Art events Creative Process
  1. Spending one-on-one time with kids is really important. It helps you create special memories and strengthen your bond with them.
  2. Reading can offer unique insights into relationships and creativity. Books like Ada Calhoun’s memoir can inspire thought about family dynamics and artistry.
  3. Music and art have a lasting impact. Remembering and exploring the work of musicians and artists who have passed can help keep their legacy alive.

"The Manic American Humanist Show" at PWA

Do Not Research • 219 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Digital Art Exhibition Sculpture Curation Community
  1. The exhibition "The Manic American Humanist Show" at Public Works Administration honors work from core contributors to Do Not Research and reflects on a decade of online political experiments.
  2. The featured artists explore themes of political ideologies, personal frustrations, and cultural reflections through their artwork.
  3. The project space, Public Works Administration, serves as a platform for digital artists to showcase their work, collaborate with online communities, and foster connections within the art world.

Fiji

Cosmographia • 579 implied HN points • 28 Jun 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Literature Cartography Photography
  1. The post is part of an 'Atlas' Notes' series that focuses on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography centered around a specific place like Fiji.
  2. The content seems to be only accessible to paid subscribers of Cosmographia, requiring a subscription to view the full post.
  3. The post includes a link to subscribe for those interested in accessing the complete content and becoming paid subscribers.

Captain Obvious: a personal essay

Design Lobster • 579 implied HN points • 21 Aug 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Writing Design Creativity Advertising Psychology
  1. Obviousness in writing can be seen negatively for lacking depth but celebrated in design for clarity and ease of use.
  2. Good writing avoids clichés and offers fresh perspectives, while good design balances between obviousness and experience for effective outcomes.
  3. Finding the right level of obviousness in design is crucial based on the project's focus on creating an experience or an outcome.

Needs more Flair

Austin Kleon • 1358 implied HN points • 24 Jan 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Illustration Design Creativity Writing Tools
  1. The Paper Mate Flair pen is great for writing, especially in notebooks. Many people love how it writes smoothly and that it doesn't bleed through the pages.
  2. Using the Flair pen can be a bit tricky as it's water-based ink, which can fade if washed. Some people prefer more permanent inks after experiencing this.
  3. Despite past issues, the Flair pen is making a comeback in some people's writing routines because of its unique feel and style. It's fun to use and can bring creativity to note-taking.

Let’s throw an art show!

Austin Kleon • 1099 implied HN points • 28 Mar 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Contemporary Art Visual Arts Digital Art
  1. We can now share pictures in our chats on the web, which makes connecting easier. It's a fun way to show off our art creations!
  2. There's a virtual art show happening where everyone can join and post their recent artworks. It's great to see what others have been working on.
  3. Engaging in these chats and sharing our work helps build a creative community. It's nice to connect and inspire one another!

The Summer Pitch Bible Part 1

slow motion multitasking • 1091 implied HN points • 30 May 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation Character design World Building Storytelling
  1. The idea for the show was born from homesickness and a desire to celebrate platonic friendship.
  2. The pitch bible creation process involved developing main characters like Oscar while maintaining personal attachment to original designs.
  3. The pitch bible layout included sections on show overview, characters, world-building, and episode ideas.

The Slump

Development Hell • 572 implied HN points • 10 Aug 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Screenwriting
  1. The life of a screenwriter can be perceived as glamorous and successful from the outside due to the nature of their job in creating stories for TV shows and movies.
  2. Success in the field of screenwriting is often associated with fast cars, swimming pools, mansions, and occasionally awards.
  3. Screenwriting is a unique profession that involves the creation of stories either on speculation or for payment, offering a window into a world that can appear luxurious.

Letter from the field #3 - The anthropology of illustration

On Looking • 339 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Anthropology Visual Culture
  1. The lives of NYC creatives in the illustration field are rich and complex, often intertwining personal identity with creative work.
  2. Illustrators create images that reflect their unique styles, which are not just for commercial purposes but also a form of personal expression.
  3. Art directors play a pivotal role in matching visuals with text, acting as 'image brokers' who translate language into visual art, influencing how people interact with images in everyday life.

#148 Music to my eyes

Design Lobster • 179 implied HN points • 01 Apr 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Music Design Graphic design
  1. Music visualisation dates back to as early as the 18th century with instruments like the Ocular Harpsichord by Lousi Bertrand Castel in 1725.
  2. The iconic album cover for Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon teaches the power of condensing design into a single, impactful image.
  3. Designers can blend different senses creatively in their designs, like how music visualisation fuses sound and visuals in surprising ways.

Any questions?

So Here’s a Thing • 570 implied HN points • 12 Apr 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Writing process Paid content Visual art Music recommendations
  1. The author plans to offer a question and answer session for paid subscribers about the writing process. Paid subscribers will get exclusive content in return for their payment.
  2. The author seeks feedback from paid subscribers on what additional content they would like to see and how they can make the subscription feel worthwhile. Feedback is essential to improve the subscriber experience.
  3. The author aims to strike a balance where paid subscribers feel they are getting added value while maintaining a fair experience for all subscribers. They want to avoid creating a two-tier system.

the full moon in pisces for writers

astrology for writers • 569 implied HN points • 30 Aug 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Astrology Writing prompts Trans issues
  1. Full Moon in Pisces brings focus on ongoing creative labor strikes and LGBTQ+ equality headlines.
  2. The Full Moon in Pisces signifies a moment of completion and understanding in both personal and collective lives.
  3. Reflect on completion, emotional connections, and impact of Mercury and Venus retrogrades on creativity during the Full Moon in Pisces.

'Run, Melos!' Shows the Power of Animated Realism

Animation Obsessive • 3677 implied HN points • 08 May 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation Realism Anime Director
  1. 'Run, Melos!' is a buried treasure of realist anime that breaks away from cliches like high school and superpowers.
  2. The film showcases the perfection of animated realism unique to Japanese animation, creating a solid, three-dimensional world with detailed characters.
  3. The production of 'Run, Melos!' involved a team of talented animators and artists who focused on creating realistic characters, backgrounds, and storytelling.

Four Magical Minutes from Cartoon Saloon

Animation Obsessive • 3498 implied HN points • 05 Jun 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation Film Industry Visual Arts Entertainment
  1. Cartoon Saloon created a visually stunning four-minute sequence in 'On Love' within the film 'The Prophet'.
  2. The project was made possible by a Hollywood production of 'The Prophet' without a screenplay or director attached, allowing indie teams like Cartoon Saloon to participate.
  3. The success of 'On Love' paved the way for Cartoon Saloon's larger projects, including 'Wolfwalkers'.