The hottest Art & Illustration Substack posts right now

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Top Art & Illustration Topics

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.
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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.

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

On quantity and quality

Austin Kleon • 3776 implied HN points • 02 Apr 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity Inspiration Education Literature Philosophy
  1. Making lots of work can actually help you create better work in the long run. The more you create, the more you learn from your mistakes.
  2. Focusing too much on making everything perfect can hold you back. If you worry less about perfection, you might surprise yourself with something great.
  3. The idea is that practicing quantity helps improve quality. It's about taking action and experimenting instead of just thinking about what could be perfect.

My favorite artist

Austin Kleon • 4036 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual art Artists Drawing Creativity
  1. Many artists believe that all kids are born artists because they naturally create and imagine. Staying artistic is about keeping that sense of wonder and creativity as we grow up.
  2. A personal story highlights the moment a child started drawing, showing that creativity can start at a young age. Encouragement from parents helps nurture this talent.
  3. The act of drawing and creating is a joyful and playful experience, often leading to spontaneous and fun discoveries in art.

The work of art

Austin Kleon • 2417 implied HN points • 30 Apr 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual art Collage Creative Process Editing
  1. Not being concerned about being liked can free up your creativity. It allows you to express yourself more freely without the pressure of pleasing others.
  2. Having a clear sense of taste is important in creative work. Knowing what you like helps you to articulate your preferences and make better choices.
  3. Editing is more than just correcting mistakes; it's about improving and refining your work. Great editors help you see what's missing and guide you to enhance your creation.

Does your politics affect your art?

Science of Art • 59 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Modern Art Art history Cultural critique Art Techniques
  1. Artists can hold different political views and still create art that appeals to a wide audience. For example, Norman Rockwell had liberal beliefs but often illustrated conservative themes.
  2. The way an artist views uncertainty in the world can influence their art style. People comfortable with ambiguity may prefer abstract art, while those seeking certainty might lean towards realistic works.
  3. Art reflects both society and the inner feelings of the artist. Successful art aligns with the era's spirit and resonates with the public, regardless of the artist's political leanings.

The Mystery of Mary Oliver

Tom Ryan, Author • 9276 implied HN points • 23 Sep 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry Literature Autumn
  1. The post discusses the mystery surrounding the moves of poet Mary Oliver towards the end of her life.
  2. The author reflects on the idea of famous poets living away from their well-known locations.
  3. The text highlights the author's curiosity and interest in the mystery, drawing comparisons to other renowned literary figures.

The Power of Second Acts in an Artist’s Life

Science of Art • 99 implied HN points • 03 Oct 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Creative Process Art history Cultural impact
  1. Second acts in an artist's life are opportunities for reinvention and growth. They often come after personal changes and challenge artists to evolve their work.
  2. Many artists find renewed success or new directions after facing hardships. Experiences like illness or life transitions can inspire powerful and transformative art.
  3. It's never too late for artists to achieve recognition. Some artists create their best work later in life, showing that creativity can flourish at any age.

Drawing an unlikeness

Austin Kleon • 1738 implied HN points • 07 May 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Illustration Drawing Culture History Literature
  1. Ralph Steadman and Hunter S. Thompson had a unique partnership that started with the Kentucky Derby. Their first collaboration was more about their friendship than the actual event.
  2. Steadman's drawings of people sometimes upset them, which confused him because people in England usually accept caricatures lightly.
  3. Trying blind contour drawing helped explore the idea of not needing to create a perfect likeness. It's okay to let loose and embrace the 'unlikeness' in your art.

A Note of Gratitude to My Readers

Sarah Kendzior’s Newsletter • 6050 implied HN points • 24 Nov 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual art Museum Paintings Inspiration Creativity
  1. The newsletter is supported by paying subscribers who help keep the content accessible to all, without a paywall, allowing everyone to enjoy the material equally.
  2. Writing and reading serve as powerful tools during tough times, providing companionship, creativity, and a way to connect with oneself and others.
  3. The importance of free access to art and culture, as demonstrated by the St. Louis Art Museum's commitment to being free for all, supported by voluntary contributions and public funding.

Kitty's Bordello

Pizza Party • 28 implied HN points • 25 Feb 26
🎨 Art & Illustration Illustration Character design Visual storytelling Concept Art Digital Art Composition
  1. Background characters and small visual details can hide important story beats that deepen the narrative.
  2. A seemingly minor character like Hans the bartender can be essential to preserving and connecting the story.
  3. Paying attention to subtle details makes a story richer, because tiny elements can change how the plot is remembered.

The 2023 Kleon Studios Gift Guide

Austin Kleon • 5235 implied HN points • 24 Nov 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity Gifting Writing tools Personal Projects
  1. Books make great gifts for creative people, especially titles that inspire and help them with their work. Consider gifting titles like 'Steal Like an Artist' or 'Show Your Work!'.
  2. A one-line-a-day diary is an easy and fun way to keep track of thoughts and moments over time. It's a great gift for anyone wanting to start journaling.
  3. Creative tools like unique pencils, notebooks, and art supplies can spark joy and inspiration. Kits and bundles with these items can be thoughtful gifts for artists and writers.

Day 10. Delight: BLIND CONTOUR DRAWING!

DrawTogether with WendyMac • 3930 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Drawing Creativity Instruction Technique
  1. Blind contour drawing focuses on HOW we draw, not just WHAT we draw.
  2. Blind contour drawing helps connect our eyes and hands, improving drawing skills and teaching us to really SEE.
  3. Blind contour drawing encourages us to let go of expectations and focus on the process of drawing, leading to fun and transformative experiences.

Handmind is heartwork

Austin Kleon • 2457 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Collage Creativity Craft Design
  1. Creating by hand connects our thoughts with our hearts. It helps us slow down and be more mindful about our work.
  2. Working with crafts can be a powerful way to express ourselves. It combines our ideas with physical creation.
  3. Collaboration and conversation can inspire new ideas. Sharing thoughts with friends can lead to meaningful projects.

Liana Finck, Cartoonist/Philosopher/Genius

Ladyparts • 838 implied HN points • 11 Jun 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Cartoons Books Parenting Creators Illustrations
  1. Liana Finck's book 'HOW TO BABY' cleverly reflects on the challenges and contradictions of parenting.
  2. Finck's cartoons humorously navigate the complexities of relationships, parenthood, and life in a relatable and profound way.
  3. The power of art lies in its ability to simplify and bring joy and understanding to complex emotions and experiences.

Day 9. Delight: NATURE!

DrawTogether with WendyMac • 3537 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Nature
  1. Nature is full of variety and no two plants or objects are exactly the same.
  2. Nature journaling can bring a sense of peace and a deeper connection to the world around us.
  3. Drawing the natural world offers endless possibilities, from contour drawings to colorful painterly styles.