The hottest Art & Illustration Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Art & Illustration Topics
Ceramics Now Weekly β€’ 117 implied HN points β€’ 14 Mar 23
  1. A ceramics conference, NCECA 2023, is happening in Cincinnati, Ohio with expected attendance of 5,000 artists, designers, educators, and scholars.
  2. Applications are open for various international ceramics competitions and artist residency programs around the world.
  3. Various ceramic exhibitions, artist talks, and art programs are taking place globally, offering opportunities for artists to showcase their work.
London in Bits β€’ 117 implied HN points β€’ 26 Jun 23
  1. The book 'Piccadilly: The Circus at the Heart of London' by Midge Gillies tells the story of Piccadilly Circus through the eyes of various individuals like flower girls, shop assistants, and celebrities.
  2. The author's interest in social history led to the book's clever structure with themes like entertainment, transport, and advertising interwoven throughout the chronological narrative.
  3. Piccadilly Circus is portrayed as a unique meeting place where people of diverse backgrounds gather, reflecting a history of social change and surprising stories like the Rainbow Corner and the Piccadilly Commandoes.
Chartography β€’ 117 implied HN points β€’ 13 Jun 23
  1. Mathematician discovered a shape that can be tiled without repeating pattern, shown in a data map.
  2. Retired professor highlighted alarming anomalies in ocean temperature and sea ice extent through powerful graphics.
  3. Exploring robotic arts and geometric designs from the 1950s, showcasing artistic QR codes and industrial perfection.
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This Week's Top Ten β€’ 117 implied HN points β€’ 30 Jun 23
  1. It's okay to say no if you don't want to do something. Your reasons are valid.
  2. We all have different preferences, thresholds, tendencies, ideas, capacities, boats, emotional triggers, and senses of righteousness.
  3. Saying no is a complete answer and should be respected.
Into the Hedge β€’ 59 implied HN points β€’ 02 Feb 24
  1. The farm collaborated with a ceramics studio to create unique split-leg pottery aprons, showcasing handcrafted workwear and textiles.
  2. The geese were taken for slaughter as part of the farm's routine, highlighting the emotional complexity and respect for the animals under the farmer's care.
  3. The geese play a role in maintaining the farm by helping with grass cleanup before the arrival of new growth in spring.
Banana Peel Pirouette β€’ 59 implied HN points β€’ 02 Feb 24
  1. The author drew inspiration for their writing from the book 'Society of the Spectacle' by Guy Debord and created a collection of 'the spectacle is...' sentences.
  2. The project was reminiscent of 'Love Is...' comic strips in its saccharine and creepy tone, leading the author to delve deeper into the concept.
  3. The author explored the theme akin to love, revealing a creative process that evolved as one idea sparked another in their writing.
Chartbook β€’ 429 implied HN points β€’ 10 Feb 24
  1. The post discusses topics like the status of dollars, AI development, business in the far-right, and Foucault's dissertation.
  2. The Chartbook Newsletter by Adam Tooze provides valuable links, images, and readings.
  3. The featured artist, Edi Hila, is an influential figure in the Balkan art scene who captures the societal changes in post-communist Europe.
On Looking β€’ 139 implied HN points β€’ 05 Apr 23
  1. Julien Posture's newsletter 'The (Im)posture' is rebranding and broadening its focus to discuss visual culture matters beyond just the creative industry.
  2. The newsletter reflects Julien's transition from being an anthropologist doing illustration to an illustrator engaging with anthropology, exploring a wide range of topics from AI in illustration to language perception in VFX.
  3. The aim of the newsletter is to deepen visual literacy, encouraging readers to think profoundly about living in an image-saturated world as both creators and viewers.
Cybernetic Forests β€’ 59 implied HN points β€’ 28 Jan 24
  1. Gordon Pask made significant contributions to cybernetics, challenging the idea of black boxes and exploring the distinctions between conversations and communication.
  2. Artists like Eryk Salvaggio are inspired by Pask's work and aim to challenge technology orthodoxy, similar to Pask's approach to machine building.
  3. Events like Big Ideas in Art + Culture and Future of Arts, Culture & Technology Symposium offer platforms for exploring the intersection of technology and the arts, including discussions on AI, automation, and climate impact.
The Joyous Struggle β€’ 98 implied HN points β€’ 03 Nov 23
  1. The post discusses the idea of selling the future using a love poem and the impact of revolution and existence.
  2. The writing touches on themes of injustice, humanity, and the connection between love and revenge.
  3. There's a reflection on the fragility of life, the endurance of love, and the commitment to following love even in times of extinction.
Eternal Sunshine of the Stochastic Mind β€’ 59 implied HN points β€’ 25 Jan 24
  1. Following in dance involves synchronizing with your partner's movements and being fully present in the moment.
  2. Leading in dance is about clear communication and creating a dialogue with your partner, rather than a monologue.
  3. Embracing uncertainty and letting go of control can lead to more creative and connected experiences in dancing and in life.
Litverse β€’ 79 implied HN points β€’ 09 Dec 23
  1. The process of creating art with AI can be a mix of excitement and uncertainty, similar to Frankenstein's creation of his monster.
  2. Artists are facing a new age of AI technology and must adapt to the changes it brings, even if it sparks fear and ethical concerns.
  3. Utilizing AI in art could be a way to reach more people and make impactful creations, but it also presents challenges in maintaining human connection and relevance.
Do Not Research β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 27 Oct 23
  1. The author recounts their deep involvement and transformative experience within a secret online community called the 'Super Secret Sleeper Cell' on Discord, where they found a sense of belonging and creative inspiration.
  2. Through connections made in this online community, the author underwent a spiritual and artistic awakening, leading them to question the traditional art world and empower themselves to create new forms of expression.
  3. The narrative evokes themes of community, artistic resilience, the power of online connections, and the idea of embracing change and new beginnings through creative collaboration and self-discovery.
Do Not Research β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 25 Oct 23
  1. Explore the intersection of AI technology and human society through Daniel Felstead & Jenn Leung's project 'Literally No Place' on Dis.art.
  2. Consider the diverse range of futures AI technology could bring, from a post-scarcity society to potential human extinction.
  3. Reflect on the different perspectives presented in the project before forming a stance on AI's impact on society.
Wild Information β€’ 98 implied HN points β€’ 26 Oct 23
  1. Corridors in architecture are often an afterthought, especially in structures with many rooms.
  2. Corridors play a significant role in popular science fiction, such as in Star Trek, representing travel and exploration.
  3. Robert Irwin's innovative art and approach to light mirror the creativity and attention to detail seen in the set design of Star Trek.
An Interpersonal Journal β€’ 119 implied HN points β€’ 02 Jun 23
  1. The author is taking a break from posting on Substack to focus on preparing for graduate school applications in Political Science.
  2. They have been writing and publishing biweekly pieces since January but need to slow down to prioritize other pursuits.
  3. Although the schedule may be disrupted, the author plans to return to posting in the future.
FontDiscovery β€’ 58 implied HN points β€’ 19 Jan 24
  1. Create a naming matrix to help generate brand names based on word structure and types of names.
  2. Ensure to consider legal issues, domain availability, scalability, and cultural sensitivity when naming your brand.
  3. Naming is an important aspect of branding that involves creating an identity and should be done carefully with input from others.
Why is this interesting? β€’ 361 implied HN points β€’ 11 Mar 24
  1. Geoff Rickly reads voraciously, including magazines, newsletters, and novels, with a preference for publications with a strong physical presence.
  2. Rickly recommends John Fosse's 'Septology' as a transformative read that had a profound impact on him as an artist, blending modern and eternal spirituality.
  3. Rickly fell into a deep rabbit hole exploring perfumes, starting from wanting to smell good to seeking unique and even repulsive scents, mentioning various indie perfume brands and his personal favorite, MeM by Antonio Gardoni.
Read Max β€’ 474 implied HN points β€’ 19 Nov 23
  1. The post features a cyberpunk docu-fiction masterpiece and a novel about art, finance, and a gnome.
  2. There is a special holiday music request from a radio host for rare gem holiday songs.
  3. Read Max offers recommendations like good movies and books for subscribers.
Critic at Large β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 10 Mar 24
  1. Ulises CarriΓ³n challenged traditional concepts of books and literature, urging people to see books as more than just text.
  2. CarriΓ³n's creations, known as 'bookworks,' were imaginative and thought-provoking, inviting viewers to engage and interpret them in unique ways.
  3. His approach to art and communication, like his mail art projects, emphasized interaction, engagement, and the co-creation of meaning with the audience.
Chartbook β€’ 371 implied HN points β€’ 27 Feb 24
  1. The post discusses Xi's crackdown on bankers and the world's most polluting power plants.
  2. It touches on topics like book-buying, flatscapes, the Kaiser on future ships, and Oswald's swan.
  3. The content includes great links, reading, and images from the Chartbook Newsletter by Adam Tooze.
Chartbook β€’ 357 implied HN points β€’ 08 Mar 24
  1. The post discusses America's Gaza policy, the UK situation, Turkey's diplomatic role, China's satellite programs, and a life portrayed in three colors.
  2. The Chartbook Newsletter by Adam Tooze provides great links, images, and readings related to these topics.
  3. The content includes a mention of Dorothea Tanning's artwork 'Endgame' from 1944 and her desire to convey hidden aspects of life through surrealism.
Chartbook β€’ 357 implied HN points β€’ 07 Mar 24
  1. The post provides top links on global asset management rankings, private equity times, nuclear issues, and Chinese migration.
  2. The Chartbook Newsletter by Adam Tooze offers great links, images, and reading material.
  3. The post includes a piece on Tatsuo Ikeda and his artistic journey, available to paid subscribers.
Chartbook β€’ 371 implied HN points β€’ 17 Feb 24
  1. The post discusses the UK's concerning situation, issues with banks, risks to the authentic Iranian identity, and Morin's perspective on Gaza.
  2. The Chartbook Newsletter by Adam Tooze offers valuable links, images, and reading material.
  3. Paid subscribers get exclusive access to in-depth content and profiles, like the one on artist Awol Erizku and his exploration of the Black condition.
Do Not Research β€’ 79 implied HN points β€’ 23 Nov 23
  1. A deep fake artwork of Joe Rogan at an art exhibition critiques his problematic discourse on self-realization and individualism.
  2. The artwork visually represents Joe Rogan as trapped in a grotesque body, symbolizing the spreading of controversial and masculinist ideologies.
  3. The artwork highlights how platforms like Spotify can amplify anti-vax and conspiracist messages that oversimplify complex issues like depression and addiction.
Do Not Research β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 02 Oct 23
  1. The story 'The Town' by Genevieve Goffman explores a haunting tale of two children from a town, one of whom is drawn to a mysterious wasteland by mutated creatures.
  2. The town's growth, fueled by industrial and tech developments, experiences a destructive explosion and fire, showcasing a disconnect between the town and the tech center to the west.
  3. A unique relationship is depicted between a girl, the protagonist, and a dog that possesses intelligence and skills, warning her of dangers beyond the gate she crosses despite the foreseen consequences.
Do Not Research β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 25 Sep 23
  1. Clark Filio's artworks include pieces like 'Children of Gont' and 'Neolithic Village, After Zdeněk', showcasing diverse themes and styles.
  2. His exhibitions like 'Heaven Ship' offer opportunities to view his artwork and appreciate the creativity behind them.
  3. Clark Filio's art often features scenes inspired by literature, original Gundam concept art, and real-life events, presenting a unique blend of imagination and reality.
A Good Interface β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 27 Jul 23
  1. Consider color blindness when designing games - 8% of boys and 1% of girls are affected by some form of color vision disorder.
  2. Check the contrast between text and background colors to ensure readability and understandability of game content.
  3. Accessibility in game design goes beyond color - include other visual elements and gather user feedback to enhance user experience.