The hottest Art & Illustration Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Art & Illustration Topics
diabolical β€’ 58 implied HN points β€’ 20 May 23
  1. The author creates Grand Theft Auto VI images using an AI software called Midjourney.
  2. The author enjoys experimenting with different art styles, from realistic to stylized.
  3. The article showcases various images created by the author, including a fan-favorite character from GTA V.
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Silicon Reckoner β€’ 58 implied HN points β€’ 02 May 23
  1. The discussion is about the expectation of fun and enjoyment in mathematics, especially concerning formal proofs and proof assistants.
  2. There is an exploration of the interaction between formalization, mathematical communication, and technology, emphasizing the potential impact on author-reader dynamics.
  3. The text questions the philosophical implications of automatic translation between different forms of mathematical proofs, highlighting the nuances and potential losses in communication and understanding.
Chartography β€’ 58 implied HN points β€’ 25 Aug 23
  1. Benjamin Benus's new book about Herbert Bayer's iconic work redefines past and future data graphics.
  2. Herbert Bayer was a Bauhaus designer whose talents were appreciated in advertising, art, and architecture in America.
  3. There is a growing collection of beautiful books about visionary information designers, such as W. E. B. Du Bois, Charles-Joseph Minard, and others.
Perfecting Equilibrium β€’ 58 implied HN points β€’ 02 Apr 23
  1. Professional photography is evolving with technology, focusing more on fast impact visuals for online consumption.
  2. The essence of photography lies in capturing memories and moments, not just producing technically perfect images.
  3. Movies and videos won't replace still photography as the power of photography is in freezing the decisive moment for study and reflection.
Life in Color β€’ 58 implied HN points β€’ 30 May 23
  1. Opepen project combines Web3, AI, and art to create a community-driven meta protocol.
  2. Opepen blurs the line between substance and form in art, encouraging remixes and derivatives.
  3. The use of AI in Opepen challenges traditional ideas of scarcity and abundance in creation and curation.
On Looking β€’ 219 implied HN points β€’ 15 Apr 22
  1. The illustrator focused on rephrasing text in their own words to take more control and use visual cues effectively in creating the illustration.
  2. Having the freedom to choose between portrait or landscape format allowed the illustrator to experiment with different compositions and ideas.
  3. Collaboration with the art director and making small tweaks throughout the process significantly contributed to the final outcome of the illustration.
Cybernetic Forests β€’ 59 implied HN points β€’ 16 Apr 23
  1. Dogbotic is a unique educational space teaching technology through a hands-on, creative, and abstract approach.
  2. Exploring generative art and music through tools like AI and tape loops can lead to innovative ways of creating and understanding sound.
  3. Thinking critically about the use and misuse of new technologies like AI can spark profound insights into our relationship with these tools and their impact on society.
Generative Arts Collective β€’ 65 implied HN points β€’ 16 Feb 25
  1. Creating generative art involves using programming to make things like color palettes or music inspired by nature. These projects let you explore creativity with technology.
  2. NeuralSVG is an interesting method for generating vector graphics from text prompts. It helps create more structured designs, which can be really useful for artists.
  3. Using tools like Blender and Three.js can make it easier to design stunning generative visuals. Tutorials are available to help you learn these skills step by step.
Design Lobster β€’ 259 implied HN points β€’ 14 Feb 22
  1. Be more specific in your design by paying attention to the details that fit the context.
  2. Work with the natural elements and constraints of a situation rather than against them to create solutions that blend seamlessly.
  3. Design with personal experiences in mind to create universal connections, and stay alert to unintended discoveries in your process.
Cosmographia β€’ 79 implied HN points β€’ 01 Feb 23
  1. The post is part of the Atlas' Notes series by Cosmographia, focusing on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography related to a specific location.
  2. Access to the full post is for paid subscribers only.
  3. The post includes imagery and is authored by M. E. Rothwell.
Norse Mythology & Germanic Lore β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 14 Dec 23
  1. Runes were letters used by ancient Germanic-speaking people to write words and sentences, not symbols for abstract concepts.
  2. The origins of runes are cryptically described in Norse mythology, but they bear resemblance to alphabets used for Latin and Greek languages at the time.
  3. Modern rune magic concepts are rooted in 16th-century occultism and may not align with how runes were used for magic in the pre-Christian Norse era.
Men Yell at Me β€’ 198 implied HN points β€’ 10 Mar 24
  1. The author values their collection of novelty mugs, with one mug having a special story behind it.
  2. The author mentions sharing the story of their David Brooks mug at book events.
  3. The post is intended for paid subscribers, with an option to subscribe or sign in provided.
Generative Arts Collective β€’ 79 implied HN points β€’ 22 Dec 24
  1. You can create unique snowflake designs using a website that generates them. It's fun to play around with the designs and save your favorites as SVG files.
  2. Generative AI is being used in interactive art to create experiences that change based on audience interaction. This can highlight important issues like environmental damage.
  3. Using voice commands to control software like Blender shows how technology can make creative tools more accessible, allowing for new and exciting ways to interact with art and design.
awesomekling β€’ 379 implied HN points β€’ 07 Apr 23
  1. After overcoming drug addiction, the author started documenting his progress through YouTube videos, which led to a supportive community.
  2. The author successfully transitioned from video content creation to writing as a new challenge, aiming to improve his skills in English and thinking.
  3. By facing discomfort and embracing new challenges, the author continues to grow and evolve personally and professionally.
Weekly Wisdom β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 07 Dec 23
  1. The creative process involves distinct phases, and creative friction arises when there is a mismatch between the phase and the task.
  2. There are at least four main phases in the creative process: collective, connective, creative, and critical, each playing a vital role in creating and refining work.
  3. To enhance creativity, it's beneficial to keep the phases of the creative process separate, allowing for more efficient and energizing workflow.
Pryor Questions β€’ 186 implied HN points β€’ 13 Mar 24
  1. The author embarked on a challenging, multi-year journey to create a parody children's book mimicking a classic, venturing into a realm of satirical humor.
  2. Drawing from inspiration and striving for humor, the author faced hurdles in advertising due to the political nature of their content, highlighting the complexities of self-publishing.
  3. The process of creating a book presented unexpected challenges, from mimicking a famous art style to learning new tools like Photoshop, illustrating the perseverance and creative struggles involved in bringing art to life.
On Looking β€’ 139 implied HN points β€’ 25 Aug 22
  1. The newsletter will continue with an anthropological focus as the author starts a PhD in anthropology at the University of Cambridge, providing insights into research and discussions.
  2. Paying subscribers will have more interactive and experimental content, while the core essays will remain free for everyone.
  3. There will be a hiatus in the newsletter from mid-September to mid-October due to the author's relocation and academic commitments.
Do Not Research β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 30 Nov 23
  1. Many people are turning to the online world for answers due to an uncertain future, leading to the emergence of fringe political identities and online communities that can potentially escalate into radicalization.
  2. The Netherlands has witnessed a rise in fringe political identities, influenced by the mishandling of a global pandemic, which has highlighted the deep-rooted connection between online culture and the broader societal psyche.
  3. The project _pol/der (vriens)_ explores how conspiracy theories can become collective myths, shaping culture and politics by materializing online imagery into tangible representations.
Sasha's 'Newsletter' β€’ 195 implied HN points β€’ 02 Feb 24
  1. Ethyl maltol is a magical substance in perfumery with a childhood-like smell.
  2. It is single-minded, precise, and offers specific shades isolated from complex settings.
  3. Being closely related to maltol but stronger, it requires only a tiny dose and leaves space for other ingredients in perfumery formulas.
Alberto Cairo's The Art of Insight β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 11 Mar 24
  1. Learning basic rules of data visualization helps you make better choices but it's also important to know that there aren't hard and fast rules. Understanding conventions allows you to decide how to present data effectively.
  2. Using a bar graph is often better than a pie chart for comparing numbers, but beyond that, your choices matter more than following strict rules.
  3. The key is to use the knowledge you've gained about perception and cognition to guide your decisions, creating a unique approach to data visualization.
Textual Variations β€’ 231 implied HN points β€’ 14 Nov 23
  1. Michael Mann is known for continually revising and reissuing his movies, showcasing his auteur style through subtle changes.
  2. Mann's editing style involves small, surgical alterations to existing footage, aiming to refine details rather than make big sweeping cuts.
  3. Advancements in technology enable Mann and filmmakers like him to continuously improve and modify their works, leading to potential future revisions and restorations.
Design Lobster β€’ 259 implied HN points β€’ 06 Dec 21
  1. How map projections like the Mercator can heavily distort our perception of the world and influence political narratives.
  2. The concept of maps can extend beyond traditional paper forms to include tactile representations, like the wooden Ammassalik Map, challenging our preconceptions of navigation.
  3. Designers should be conscious of how they interpret reality in their designs and consider different perspectives and ways of representation.