The hottest Art & Illustration Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Art & Illustration Topics

The state with the fancy plates

Basta’s Notes • 40 implied HN points • 11 Apr 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Typography Design Fonts Visual Arts
  1. License plate typography is more detailed than you might think, impacting visibility and individual character legibility.
  2. Most states use sans-serif typefaces for license plates to enhance legibility, with variations like serifs added for character differentiation.
  3. Virginia stands out by using a unique serif typeface on its license plates, which presents challenges in maintaining character equal width and readability.

The Dark Forest Anthology of the Internet

The Ideaspace • 21 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Book Internet Platform Creativity Community
  1. The Dark Forest Anthology of the Internet is a book capturing a critical moment in internet history, exploring the concept of retreating to 'dark forests' online as a response to mainstream internet behaviors.
  2. The book is a limited first-edition run of 1,000 copies available for purchase through Metalabel, offering a beautifully designed narrative of life on the web.
  3. Metalabel is a new platform supporting the selling, releasing, and exhibiting of various creative works, providing a space for creative groups to collaborate and share their work and audiences.

The Art Machines of Zagreb

Cybernetic Forests • 39 implied HN points • 09 May 21
🎨 Art & Illustration Interactive art
  1. The exhibition 'New Tendencies' in Zagreb from 1960-1971 aimed to democratize art away from the exclusivity of the art market by emphasizing reproducibility and democratization of aesthetic experiences.
  2. The focus on 'objective' scientific research in the New Tendencies exhibition blurred the line between art and science, challenging traditional notions of the artist's role.
  3. Old computer art works, like those from the New Tendencies exhibition, provide a window into rethinking what we can do with technology and offer clarity on the systems' possibilities.

My Last Commission That Looks Like This

The False Consensus Effect • 19 implied HN points • 24 Feb 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Painting Art market Creative Process
  1. Sometimes, artists struggle with the challenges of taking on commissioned work, as it can change their creative process and compromise their artistic values.
  2. Pricing art can be a complex and delicate task, involving considerations of time, materials, and the artist's worth.
  3. Artists often face the dilemma of balancing financial needs with the desire for artistic freedom and expression, which can lead to difficult decisions in their artistic journey.
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The Art Critic Part II

The False Consensus Effect • 39 implied HN points • 15 Jan 21
🎨 Art & Illustration Art Criticism Art market Social Commentary Creative Process
  1. The post discusses the events surrounding the Capitol riot on January 6, highlighting the insurrection, sedition, and impeachment of a U.S. President and lawmakers.
  2. The author reflects on the art world, critiquing the influence of money and power in auctions and the value of artwork compared to the intentions of the artists.
  3. Effective altruism and the debate around the impact of creating art versus supporting charitable causes are explored, with strong criticisms towards the idea of art being considered frivolous in the face of global suffering.

It’s Business Time

The False Consensus Effect • 19 implied HN points • 08 Jan 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Painting Drawing Journaling Creative Expression
  1. The theme of failure in business is a common thread throughout the text, emphasizing the challenges and pressure associated with it.
  2. The importance of pursuing art without solely focusing on profit, as highlighted through references to Thoreau's philosophy and personal experiences.
  3. Reflections on the past and the impact of great thinkers like Thoreau, contrasting it with modern society's values and behaviors.

The Art Critic, Part I

The False Consensus Effect • 39 implied HN points • 25 Dec 20
🎨 Art & Illustration Music Culture Politics Health Philosophy
  1. Van Morrison's actions during the pandemic have sparked controversy and criticism, particularly regarding his stance on live performances and financial support for struggling artists in the music industry.
  2. The disparity in wealth among musicians, with a select few earning immense amounts while the majority struggle to make a living, highlights broader issues within the music industry in terms of financial stability and support.
  3. The story of the man and the berry bush serves as a cautionary tale about selfishness and the consequences of prioritizing personal gain over the well-being of others.

from paris with love

alice maz • 26 implied HN points • 06 Sep 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Literature Love Life Poetry Romance
  1. The story explores the passionate and tumultuous relationships between Renée Vivien and Natalie Clifford Barney, highlighting themes of love, poetry, jealousy, and growth.
  2. Renée Vivien and Natalie Clifford Barney had a complex, star-crossed love affair filled with intense emotions, struggles with fidelity, and conflicting desires for spiritual and physical union.
  3. Natalie's evolving relationships and life at 20 rue Jacob became a central hub of lesbian culture and art, illustrating her journey from turbulent affairs to stable connections and artistic fulfillment.

From Moldy Basement to City Skyline

The False Consensus Effect • 19 implied HN points • 09 Dec 21
🎨 Art & Illustration
  1. The exhibition faced financial challenges, selling 13 paintings but not covering costs adequately, highlighting the struggle of making money in creative endeavors.
  2. The support of Bill, a generous business owner, led to opportunities and recognition for Ron, demonstrating the value of unexpected connections and kindness.
  3. Ron embraces a hand-to-mouth existence, preferring a simple life focused on creativity and optimism over financial success, showing his unique perspective on life and art.

Organic Architecture, Automation, and Poisson Flow

Generative Arts Collective • 26 implied HN points • 04 Aug 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Generative Art Creative Coding Automation
  1. Exploring 3D generative asset creation using computational geometry libraries like CGAL can lead to combining organic and inorganic processes.
  2. Automation in creative coding through projects like Automaton offers a framework and GUI to connect coding pieces with animations.
  3. Learning about Poisson Flow Generative Models can provide insights into generating images using deep learning models inspired by physics.

Writer's block

The Leftovers • 19 implied HN points • 19 Dec 21
🎨 Art & Illustration Writing
  1. Writer's block may feel real, but it doesn't actually exist; there are ways to overcome it.
  2. Sometimes writing feels challenging due to lack of inspiration or motivation, but it's important to keep pushing through.
  3. Maintaining a consistent writing practice, even on tough days, is key to improving and overcoming obstacles.

"What If?"

Juan David’s Newsletter • 7 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Film Storytelling Creativity Cinematography Production
  1. Curiosity drives human connections. When you talk to strangers, you might discover amazing stories that surprise you.
  2. Taking risks is important. You need to act boldly to achieve what you want instead of overthinking things.
  3. The best stories often come from real experiences. When creating something, let the story develop naturally from the events that happen.

How To Price A Painting

The False Consensus Effect • 19 implied HN points • 14 Nov 21
🎨 Art & Illustration
  1. Pricing a painting involves more than just the artwork itself, but also considerations like promotion and event planning.
  2. Modern artists face challenges like being expected to market their work like used cars, in contrast to earlier periods.
  3. Artists may find solace in their isolation, using modern tools to express themselves and maintain authenticity amidst the demands of the art world.

An evening love affair looking through the lens of the USSR

One bag many places • 1 HN point • 01 May 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography Vintage History
  1. The Helios 44-2 lens is a vintage legend famous for its swirly Bokeh, highly accessible, continues to be relevant, and creates a dreamy feel in photos.
  2. The lens was made in multiple factories, with some variations in quality control, but generally offers exceptional value for its price.
  3. Vintage lenses like the Helios can provide unique characteristics and quality results that might surprise and fascinate photographers, even though they come from a different era.

Political Art

The False Consensus Effect • 19 implied HN points • 02 Nov 21
🎨 Art & Illustration Political art Art history Social Commentary Cultural critique
  1. Political art reflects how groups in societies make decisions to live together peacefully.
  2. Art has historically played a role in politics, from Michelangelo to contemporary political artists.
  3. Artists throughout history have used their creations to provoke thought, question authority, and bring attention to important societal issues.

Maculate Conception Redux

Gideon's Substack • 7 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Contemporary Art Art market Art Criticism Conceptual Art
  1. The value of art can sometimes seem absurd, like a banana taped to a wall being sold for millions. It's more about the idea and the story than the physical object itself.
  2. Jasper Johns's artwork shows that art can be both conceptual and deeply emotional. His paintings connect abstract ideas with personal experiences, making them meaningful beyond just their visual appearance.
  3. Art should be seen as a gift to share and reflect upon, rather than just a product to be bought and sold. This perspective keeps the spirit of art alive and important.

Can you see it?

The Leftovers • 19 implied HN points • 12 Nov 21
🎨 Art & Illustration Storytelling Visual art
  1. The post discusses over-characterization in a story told by the author's grandfather, creating intrigue.
  2. The author describes a humorous prank where his grandfather and friends pretended to see something in the sky, adding a playful element to the narrative.
  3. The use of storytelling and personal anecdotes can engage readers effectively, making the content more relatable and captivating.

Britain’s interwar apartment boom

The Works in Progress Newsletter • 15 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Architecture History
  1. Between 1934 and 1939, there was a significant boom in the construction of flats in London, with over 56,000 flats built. This period marked a shift from the predominant planning ethos of the time and led to a broad range of flats designed for different budgets and locations.
  2. The era prior to the interwar apartment boom in Britain was characterized by the construction of semi-detached homes on the outskirts of cities. The surge in private flat construction during the 1930s offered a different housing option to a wider range of people, breaking away from the norm of suburban living.
  3. The 1930s saw the rise of purpose-built flats, moving from traditional housing forms. These flats were embraced by a more affluent demographic and reflected changing lifestyles and aspirations. The historic interwar apartment boom in Britain offers insights into urban housing densification and its implications in modern city development.

Painting Box for Russia

The False Consensus Effect • 19 implied HN points • 08 Oct 21
🎨 Art & Illustration Painting Exhibition Artistic Process
  1. The author is preparing for a solo exhibition in Rochester, NY focusing on his paintings and pricing strategy
  2. The author discusses the impact of 20th-century paradigms on art scenes and the need for change in how success is viewed
  3. A particular 'Painting Box for Russia' with ready-to-deliver paintings to Saint Petersburg for an exhibition has remained unopened due to lockdown, and the author plans to display it at an upcoming exhibition in a unique way

#40 Designers, is it vegan to eat yourself?

Design Lobster • 39 implied HN points • 02 Nov 20
🎨 Art & Illustration Design
  1. Question fundamental assumptions in design - what might be too shocking to challenge?
  2. Incorporate personal experiences into design for universally recognizable elements.
  3. The way a problem is defined influences the solutions that are considered - craft the problem definition as carefully as the solution.

#39 Do designers make a contribution, really?

Design Lobster • 39 implied HN points • 26 Oct 20
🎨 Art & Illustration Design Innovation Art History
  1. Designers can provoke a sense of wonder and inspiration with their work, potentially influencing others in unexpected ways.
  2. Innovation in design, like the cash register, can lead to the creation of new mechanisms that improve transparency and tackle issues like fraud.
  3. Achieving perfection in design can elevate it to the level of art, where solving problems with precision becomes a form of artistic expression.

Doing Nothing, Creative Freedom and Airfoil - Tutorial

Generative Arts Collective • 13 implied HN points • 19 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Generative Art Tutorial
  1. Creativity thrives on individual freedom, allowing artists to express themselves uniquely.
  2. Artists grapple with the balance of being authentic while also desiring recognition and fair compensation for their work.
  3. Consider the interplay between individual expression and collective culture in creative pursuits to maintain a harmonious balance.

Pro tools

Internal exile • 24 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Performance art Digital Art
  1. Artists are challenged by technology in art creation, raising questions about collaboration and human mastery.
  2. The use of algorithms in art risks reinforcing existing hierarchies rather than democratizing creativity.
  3. Debates on nonhuman agency in art underscore complexities around assigning responsibility and interpreting machine-generated outputs.

Multimedia Effort to Plug a Book

The False Consensus Effect • 19 implied HN points • 22 Jul 21
🎨 Art & Illustration Multimedia Book promotion Creativity Painter Writer
  1. The author discusses the struggle of being a creative professional and the challenges of making a living from art and writing, emphasizing the financial difficulties faced in pursuing their passion.
  2. Reflections on societal dynamics, capitalism, and the impacts of wealthy individuals like Jeff Bezos on economic structures are contemplated in a critical and satirical manner.
  3. Personal anecdotes about anniversaries, life on a country property, and the complexities of balancing artistic pursuits with financial realities are shared, highlighting themes of love, debt, and creative fulfillment.

August 2020: Notes in the Margins

Notes in the Margins • 39 implied HN points • 01 Sep 20
🎨 Art & Illustration Writing Novel Books Reading Storytelling
  1. Many people are feeling a mix of emotions in 2020 - from low key sad to high note sad, it's been a rollercoaster year.
  2. It's important to pay attention to the little details and listen to inner callings, even if it means making adjustments and changes.
  3. Committing to a creative project, like writing a novel, can bring a sense of purpose and fulfillment, even when the path forward may not be entirely clear.