The hottest Art & Illustration Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Art & Illustration Topics
Autoscriptorium β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 10 Mar 23
  1. The writer describes being in a box, feeling isolated and unheard, reflecting on the concept of 'shriek' and the time spent waiting.
  2. An interaction in the kitchen highlights the repetitive use of 'vibe' by a colleague, showcasing how language can lose meaning through overuse.
  3. Observing a chaotic meeting from within the box, the writer reflects on time management and the uncertainty of future opportunities.
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Data People Etc. β€’ 124 implied HN points β€’ 27 Feb 24
  1. The Cat in the HatGPT offers a unique perspective on the balance between excitement and responsibility.
  2. It highlights the clash between hype beasts who thrive on trends and cynics who resist change.
  3. Ultimately, the story prompts reflection on the influence of external pressures and the role of love in navigating the hype cycle.
Do Not Research β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 18 Jan 24
  1. The video features 3D scans of clay sculptures, digital art, and AI-generated content, with unique audio creation methods.
  2. The themes touched upon in the video include human subjectivity in digital space, online culture, and references to historical government involvement in digital infrastructures.
  3. The visual elements include a clay figure interacting with images, and a floating head narrating haikus and poetic monologues about digital culture.
Design Lobster β€’ 179 implied HN points β€’ 29 Nov 21
  1. Jigsaw puzzles were invented by John Spilsbury, starting as educational tools for children which later became popular as a therapeutic activity during the Great Depression.
  2. Puzzle jugs from the 18th century were designed with hidden tricks to prevent spills, showcasing how designs can incorporate elements of surprise and challenge for users.
  3. Design should aim to reduce clutter and confusion, but intentional puzzlement in design can sometimes offer satisfaction and intrigue to users.
Gideon's Substack β€’ 16 implied HN points β€’ 24 Jul 25
  1. Jack Whitten was an innovative artist who loved to experiment with new materials and techniques throughout his career. His work combined planning with elements of chance, creating unique effects and textures.
  2. Whitten drew inspiration from his life experiences and surroundings, blending influences from Alabama, New York, Greece, and jazz into his art. This rich background helped shape the depth and meaning behind his creations.
  3. Many people have not heard of Whitten despite his significant contributions to modern art. Exhibitions like the one at MoMA help to correct this oversight and highlight the importance of recognizing artists who have been overlooked.
The Cosmic Companion β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 14 Jan 24
  1. The AI Man is a modern take on the classic 1928 film, The Cameraman, blending artificial intelligence and romance.
  2. The film cleverly juxtaposes past simplicity with modern technology to offer a fresh perspective on love and connection.
  3. The AI Man captures nostalgia while staying relevant and timeless, showcasing the enduring essence of human connection.
The False Consensus Effect β€’ 78 implied HN points β€’ 02 Jul 22
  1. The author reflects on the idea of professional artistic residencies and the freedom found in creating without the pressure of external judgment.
  2. The author expresses a desire to escape the societal demands and norms, yearning for a simpler, more authentic existence to create and live by their own terms.
  3. The author plans to disconnect from social media, prioritize personal creative pursuits, and embrace a quieter, more intentional lifestyle away from the noise of constant online updates.
The False Consensus Effect β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 07 Jan 23
  1. The post showcases various acrylic paintings by the artist, including 'My Mother's Toothache' and 'Not Indian,' giving a glimpse into their recent work.
  2. The artist's writing in the post is expressive and introspective, sharing personal thoughts on social media detachment and artistic processes.
  3. There is an invitation to dance and embrace freedom in the artist's message, encouraging self-expression and self-discovery.
Autoscriptorium β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 22 Feb 23
  1. Creation involves reflecting inner truths and projecting them outward, resulting in something separate from its origin.
  2. Different methods like 'block' or 'pressure' are explored as ways to bring new worlds into existence.
  3. Worlds can be formed through actions like chasing, wiping, or even sighing in sleep.
Neckar’s Notes β€’ 117 implied HN points β€’ 14 Feb 24
  1. Reading for pleasure is a rare and fulfilling experience in a world dominated by social media and short attention spans.
  2. Engaging in concrete practices beyond mere words is crucial for finding meaning, connection, and balance in life.
  3. Exploring various practices like breathwork and attending events can help cultivate wisdom, balance, and a deeper connection with oneself and the world.
The Leftovers β€’ 59 implied HN points β€’ 17 Oct 22
  1. Sometimes unexpected encounters and coincidences can lead to introspection and a desire for change in life.
  2. The exploration of doppelgΓ€ngers, mundane events, and abrupt endings in storytelling can spark contemplation on the nature of existence and personal identity.
  3. Sharing experiences and moments of synchronicity with others can create a sense of connection and shared purpose, transcending individual narratives.
The Lone Toad - Croaker RPGs Newsletter β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 03 Mar 23
  1. Favorite blog posts from February 2023 include highlights from the Solo But Not Alone 3 Bundle and a review of the game Golem - Stories of a Person Twisted By Magic.
  2. Croaker RPGs released a new game called The Ferrum Mysteries, an adventure for Ironsworn: Starforged with unique mystery elements.
  3. It's okay to take a break from solo gaming if you're not feeling it, just focus on having fun and the interest will return naturally.
Design Lobster β€’ 159 implied HN points β€’ 13 Dec 21
  1. Designing on the moon poses challenges due to lack of atmosphere, extreme temperatures, and difficulty in transporting materials, requiring innovative solutions like 3D-printing with lunar soil.
  2. The Prague Astronomical Clock is a fascinating example of design connecting people with the solar system, featuring unique horological measurements and a gravity-powered moon phase mechanism.
  3. Design can be enriched by asking brave questions, leading to more insightful and meaningful solutions, as emphasized by Carl Sagan's quote.
Cybernetic Forests β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 19 Feb 23
  1. Eryk Salvaggio will be a guest on BBC 4's _Digital Humans_ radio show discussing creativity and automation in AI art
  2. Sensitive Noise is an AI-generated artwork exploring content moderation and human sensuality through censored images
  3. Apply for STORY x CODE, a residency program focusing on AI and Machine Learning in storytelling, filmmaking, and animation
Diane Francis β€’ 259 implied HN points β€’ 08 Apr 21
  1. The art market is often secretive, which can help people hide illegal money. High-profile paintings like da Vinci's _Salvatore Mundi_ have mysterious ownership and location, raising suspicions about their use in money laundering.
  2. Tax havens and anonymous art storage facilities allow people to buy and sell valuable items without paying taxes. This makes it easy for criminals to hide their money without detection.
  3. Governments in the US and Europe are now cracking down on illegal activities in the art market. New rules will force art dealers to report suspicious transactions, similar to how banks operate.
On Looking β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 27 May 22
  1. Collaborating early with illustrators can lead to discussions about the best use of illustrations for a project, sparking creative ideas.
  2. During the creation process, challenges and hesitations can arise, but sometimes, exploring different visual approaches can bring clarity and align with the content.
  3. Drawing and illustrating can often convey ideas and concepts that are challenging to put into words, relying on patience and trust to communicate effectively.
Design Lobster β€’ 159 implied HN points β€’ 08 Nov 21
  1. Be aware of the potential misuse of your designs, like in virtual reality where hacks can physically move users without their knowledge.
  2. Consider ways to enhance the immersion of your design, like the Sensorama, one of the earliest virtual reality devices with multi-sensory experiences.
  3. Think about designing objects in the context of their surroundings, as mentioned by architect Eliel Saarinen in considering design elements in their larger context.
The Lone Toad - Croaker RPGs Newsletter β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 22 Dec 23
  1. Croaker RPGs sends holiday greetings and thanks subscribers for their support in the newsletter.
  2. The December Lone Toad Newsletter offers 13 RPG recommendations and a Winter Sale till 6 December 2024.
  3. Featured RPGs in the newsletter include 'Queenless,' a Solo RPG of exploration, and 'Sea Beast,' an adventure compatible with Ironsworn.
On Looking β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 13 May 22
  1. Artistic work involves the joint activity of many people, contrary to the idea of a solitary genius navigating the art world alone.
  2. All art, including illustration, relies on conventions and collaborative efforts involving various actors like developers, engineers, illustrators, editors, and more.
  3. Aesthetics in art are tied to moral judgments, impacting the reception of artwork; illustrators also navigate aesthetic choices that can influence their commercial success.
The False Consensus Effect β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 04 Dec 22
  1. The author reflects on the challenges and temptations of going into business, balancing personal passions with financial pressures.
  2. The text discusses the idea of finding a balance between pursuing dreams, like owning a restaurant, and maintaining a sense of joy and fulfillment.
  3. There is an exploration of the impact of business on personal relationships and the potential loss of creativity and freedom when solely driven by profit.