Austin Kleon

Austin Kleon's Substack offers weekly insights on art, creativity, and personal growth, emphasizing the importance of nature, reading, creative practice, and building meaningful connections. Recurring themes include finding joy in small things, self-reflection, innovative workspaces, and the power of sharing and community in artistic endeavors.

Art and Creativity Personal Growth The Creative Process Reading and Literature Community and Connections Self-Reflection Nature and Environment

The hottest Substack posts of Austin Kleon

And their main takeaways

When the student is ready, the teacher will appear

7873 implied HN points • 23 Aug 24

It's back to school time, which can make parents reflect on how fast their kids are growing up. Keeping busy with projects like writing or crafting can help with those feelings.
Many famous artists and writers use simple supplies like scissors, glue, or index cards to create their work. It shows that you don't need fancy tools to be creative.
A mixtape can be a fun way to connect different themes or moments in life. It's also interesting how the term 'blue moon' can mean two different things depending on how it’s used.

Recently returned

5215 implied HN points • 30 Aug 24

🎭️ Culture Literature Music Art Documentaries Personal reflections

The 'recently returned' shelf in libraries offers a unique escape from mainstream choices. It allows readers to discover books that aren't marketed or buzzing online.
Embracing antilibraries can inspire creativity and learning. Looking at what you haven't read can be just as valuable as focusing on what you have.
Returning to places where you feel at home can be fulfilling. It's important to appreciate where you are now, even if the journey to get there was winding.

The North Shore

5575 implied HN points • 16 Aug 24

🏝 Travel Destinations Vacation Travel tips

Traveling to Oahu was a magical experience with beautiful views, fun activities, and tasty food. Enjoying nature, swimming with sea turtles, and watching sunsets made it a wonderful vacation.
Understanding Hawaii's history is important for visitors. Reading about its past can deepen one's appreciation for the culture and land.
Having good travel gear makes trips easier. Useful items like waterproof pouches and a flat-bottomed bag can really help when you're out exploring.

Donkey work

6154 implied HN points • 09 Aug 24

📚 Literature Writing Reading Books Authors Creativity

Writing can feel like hard work, but it's satisfying when a piece takes on a life of its own. Those moments when creativity flows can make all the effort worth it.
Many writers find joy in finishing something rather than the writing process itself. It can take a long time to feel that payoff, but it's really rewarding when you finally do.
Being in between drafts can be a peaceful time for a writer. It's a chance to relax without worrying about the next steps until the next draft comes back.

The finer things in life

6614 implied HN points • 02 Aug 24

🎭️ Culture Arts Entertainment Sports Media Lifestyle

Being in a state of flow is key to happiness, as it helps us focus fully on what we love doing. This idea connects both athletes and artists, showing how engagement with our passions can bring joy.
The Olympics brings out strong emotions in us, as we witness athletes pushing their limits. However, there’s a contrast between the real-life experiences of these athletes and the commercial push for technology and AI.
Creative work often requires us to not overthink. Many athletes express that letting go of thoughts is what helps them perform better, which can also apply to how we approach creativity in our everyday lives.

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Listening is the whole deal

6554 implied HN points • 26 Jul 24

🎭️ Culture Art Music Film Literature Creative Process

Listening is really important in music and art. It helps you connect deeply with what you're experiencing, whether it's a song or a piece of writing.
Movies like _Perfect Days_ show us the beauty of simple life moments, like taking photos and enjoying music, reminding us to appreciate everyday experiences.
When creating something, many artists say they listen to their work. It’s like the art guides them on what to do next—this shows how important it is to be open and receptive during the creative process.

Land of enchantment

6274 implied HN points • 19 Jul 24

🏝 Travel Travel tips Travel experiences Cultural Insights Leisure activities

Visiting local attractions like Meow Wolf in Santa Fe can be a delightful surprise. It’s great for families, and exploring such places can spark creativity and imagination.
Traveling provides a chance to see your life from a new perspective. Different environments can highlight what you want to change or improve in your daily life.
Simple activities like visiting public libraries during trips can give you real insight into a place. You might discover interesting local spots or meet helpful locals who share great tips.

Best of the year (so far)

5755 implied HN points • 12 Jul 24

🎭️ Culture Books Music TV Movies Podcasts Art

The author enjoyed various types of reading, from essays and books to magazines that make great bathroom reads.
They found joy in both music and movies, highlighting favorites from old classics to new releases, showing a preference for a mix of styles.
The author shared experiences with family activities like pizza night movies and fun gadgets that made everyday life more enjoyable.

Always have a book with you

3197 implied HN points • 06 Aug 24

📚 Literature Reading Books Writing Authors Literary culture

Always carry a book with you. Keeping a book on hand helps you use spare moments for reading instead of reaching for your phone.
Read multiple books at once. Mixing up your reading can create interesting connections between different ideas.
Leave books in various spots around your home. This way, you'll find opportunities to pick one up and read a bit whenever you see it.

The comfort of drawing Batman

2018 implied HN points • 20 Aug 24

🎨 Art & Illustration Drawing Creativity Comics Cultural Commentary Personal Reflection

Drawing can be a comforting activity, especially during times of boredom or stress. For some, like the author, drawing familiar characters like Batman brings joy.
Airplane mode can enhance productivity because it eliminates distractions. This can turn a flight into a great opportunity to focus and create.
Comfort work is any creative task you do when you don't know what else to tackle. It's nice to have simple activities, like drawing, to fall back on.

Midyear in a mid year

6294 implied HN points • 05 Jul 24

📚 Literature Classic literature Contemporary Fiction Poetry Literary Criticism Book Reviews

The concept of being 'mid' can refer to a stage in life that seems mediocre, but it doesn't have to be boring. Embracing the middle can lead to inspiration and growth.
Reading can be a journey, as shown by the author's experience with classic literature. Sometimes, a book may not resonate, but that doesn't take away from the value of exploring different works.
Creativity often flourishes when you embrace uncertainty. Not knowing everything about your craft can lead to more genuine and joyful expressions of art.

Life in the matrix

2877 implied HN points • 30 Jul 24

🎭️ Culture Travel Happiness Mental health Writing Philosophy

Life consists of three stages: anticipation, experience, and recall. Enjoy the waiting time before an event to boost overall happiness.
Writing can create more worry than actual suffering. Try to dedicate specific time for writing and not think about it outside those moments.
For enjoyable activities like vacations, embrace the planning and recall process to extend the joy of the experience. Taking photos and journaling can enhance the memories.

The way you wanted to feel

5295 implied HN points • 28 Jun 24

🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Film Parenting Philosophy

Riding a bike can make you feel like a kid again, giving you a sense of joy you wanted when you were younger. It's important to give yourself those little joys in life.
Think about what you loved doing as a child because it can help you discover your passions today. Reflecting on those moments can guide your hobbies and career choices.
Creative work often connects with childhood memories. Embracing what made you happy as a kid can inspire you to be more creative and fulfilled now.

The carousel keeps turning

5495 implied HN points • 21 Jun 24

🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Media Community

The newsletter celebrates reaching 200,000 subscribers with a special offer of 20% off paid subscriptions. This helps support the free newsletter for everyone.
There is a blend of personal reflections, like enjoying a vintage stamp carousel, and sharing creative projects and recommendations, such as books and music.
Useful advice on research techniques includes maintaining a routine, taking notes, and exploring diverse perspectives to enrich creativity and learning.

21st century books with pictures

3457 implied HN points • 16 Jul 24

📚 Literature Books Comics Graphic novels

Graphic novels are becoming a popular and important form of literature in the 21st century. They combine pictures and stories in a unique way.
Books with illustrations can be just as impactful as traditional novels and can stretch the boundaries of what a book can be. Many authors are blending text and visuals creatively.
Lists of the best books often spark discussions and differing opinions. People appreciate sharing their favorites and what they feel might have been overlooked.

When you get confused

6454 implied HN points • 31 May 24

🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Media Creativity

It's okay if your writing isn't perfect at first. The important thing is to just get it out there.
Taking time to relax and enjoy lighter activities can help balance out harder work, making you more creative.
When you feel confused or stuck, sometimes just getting on your bike and listening to music can clear your mind.

A process to process

4955 implied HN points • 14 Jun 24

🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Events Reflection

Many people enjoy reflecting on memories, like going through old photos. It's a nice way to process feelings and experiences.
There are always new books being released by different authors. Checking them out can introduce you to fresh ideas and stories.
Gardening teaches us patience. Just like plants take time to grow, our creative projects need time to develop too.

Ampersanding

4995 implied HN points • 07 Jun 24

🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Media Philosophy

The ampersand symbol comes from the Latin word 'et', meaning 'and'. It shows how language can evolve over time.
It's important to revisit your old notes because they can remind you of ideas and thoughts you may have forgotten.
Finding the right music for writing is key; it should be upbeat but not too distracting so you can focus on your thoughts.

A big pile of imperfect things

5815 implied HN points • 24 May 24

🎭️ Culture Literature Art Music Film Education

Reading big books can be enjoyable, especially when you take your time with them. Some people like to read them in parts over several weeks.
It's okay to create imperfect things. The idea is to enjoy the process and keep going despite not being perfect.
Finding joy in what you like can lead to happiness. It's about discovering new things to appreciate and even learning to like things you didn't before.

Success means you get to do it again tomorrow

6554 implied HN points • 10 May 24

🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Film Design

Success is about doing what you love and getting to keep doing it, day after day. It's not about reaching a final goal, but enjoying the process.
Understanding what you like can help you feel less stressed about being liked, which can make your work more authentic and free.
Artists like Steve Albini believe that goals can create unnecessary stress. Instead, focusing on enjoying the process can lead to true success.

Drawing Eno

1778 implied HN points • 23 Jul 24

🎨 Art & Illustration Visual art Film Creativity Generative Art Documentary

The documentary about Brian Eno is exciting and unique because it creates a different version every time it's shown. This encourages viewers to watch it in theaters for a fresh experience.
It uses a special system called Brain One to generate the film. This system combines new interviews and personal clips from Eno’s archive, making each showing feel like a new story.
The movie has interesting marketing advantages. Since every version is different, it gives people a reason to see it on the big screen instead of waiting for it to stream.

Some kinds of monsters

5115 implied HN points • 17 May 24

🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Film Comics

Taking breaks from technology can be refreshing and help us focus on enjoyable activities like listening to music or reading. Simple changes can lead to significant positive effects in our daily lives.
Finding humor in creative struggles can lighten the load of anxiety and procrastination. Embracing these feelings is part of the writer's journey.
Looking back on influential figures and their work reminds us of their impact on creativity. Cherishing their contributions helps inspire our own artistic endeavors.

Head, heart, hands

2537 implied HN points • 02 Jul 24

🎭️ Culture Art Community Health Education Creativity

Our work should connect with our mind, heart, and hands. This balance helps us find fulfillment in what we do.
The original idea of head, heart, and hands is powerful and reminds us of simplicity in our commitments.
Health is seen as a result of taking care of our head, heart, and hands, emphasizing the importance of holistic well-being.

Title matters

2038 implied HN points • 09 Jul 24

🎭️ Culture Art Literature Creativity Inspiration Writing

Titles are important for any piece of work. They can set the tone and attract interest.
Using randomness can spark creativity in titling. Techniques like flipping through books or pulling titles from a drawer can yield great ideas.
Keeping a running list of potential titles helps you have options ready when you need to name something.

Like a snail on a cactus

5755 implied HN points • 26 Apr 24

🎭️ Culture Literature Music Art Travel Podcasts

Understanding perfectionism can help you recognize it in yourself and find solutions to overcome it.
Reading different kinds of books can expose you to various styles, which might inspire you to explore more related works.
Creative work often comes from what seems like wasted time or materials, highlighting that there’s value in every experience.

Basic pleasantries

7613 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24

🎭️ Culture Art Fashion Music Film Literature

A total solar eclipse will happen soon, and many events are planned. It's great to watch these events in everyday settings, like your backyard.
Being playful as you grow older can make life more enjoyable. Staying curious and lighthearted is a good approach to aging.
Politeness can go a long way; simple gestures like saying 'Hello' or 'Thank you' can really brighten someone's day. Treating others with respect is important.

Figure it out

4556 implied HN points • 03 May 24

🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Film Media

Reading is valuable! Check out books that focus on writing good sentences; they can help improve your own writing.
Exploring how artists work can inspire creativity. Look into features and documentaries about artists at different stages of their careers.
Listening to music and podcasts about music can open your mind to new genres and artists. It’s a great way to relax and discover something new.

Oh, hail no!

5615 implied HN points • 12 Apr 24

🎭️ Culture Arts Literature Comics Media Music

Standard Ebooks offers free and well-designed versions of classic books that are in the public domain. You can read great works without paying a dime.
Working with your hands, like drawing or crafting, is really good for your brain. It's a nice way to relax and be creative.
There’s a great community around Lynda Barry’s Comics Room that supports artists. It's a place where creativity and collaboration can really thrive.

Diamonds and dictionaries

5095 implied HN points • 19 Apr 24

🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Philosophy Media

Life is short, so choosing to live playfully can enhance your experience. A new documentary about Hans Zimmer shows how creativity and playfulness can lead to interesting discoveries.
The Criterion Channel now offers a continuous stream of films, so you can watch without deciding what to choose. It's a great way to enjoy movies while working or relaxing.
Women artists often create their work in small moments throughout the day. This highlights the importance of finding time for creativity in our busy lives.

Sticking with it

2617 implied HN points • 04 Jun 24

📚 Literature Writing Creativity Artistry Motivation Passion

You need to really love your idea when creating something. It has to come from a personal place and excite you deeply, because it will take a lot of time and effort to bring it to life.
While you can brush off mean critics, sometimes it's the well-meaning people that can hurt your project the most. Their opinions matter to you, so be careful how much you let them influence your passion.
If your project becomes successful, you'll be talking about it for many years. So, it's important to choose something you truly enjoy and can stay excited about for a long time.

When you hear it

5115 implied HN points • 05 Apr 24

🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Film Media Nature

Experiences like a solar eclipse can be felt with your whole body, not just seen. Sounds from nature during such events can be unique and delightful.
Creating a mixtape or playlist can be a fun way to share music inspired by special events like an eclipse.
Rejecting ideas can hurt your creativity. It's important to explore your own thoughts and not just follow what others want.

Back to the beginning

5735 implied HN points • 22 Mar 24

🎭️ Culture Literature Music Art Media Entertainment

Reading children's books can help adults reconnect with their imagination and sense of wonder. It's like taking a break and remembering how big the world feels when you're a kid.
Making and sharing mixtapes is a fun way to bond with others. It's all about connecting through music and sending songs you love to each other.
Talking about books and stories you love is important. Sharing what resonates with you can inspire others and create a great discussion.

The Edge Index

1938 implied HN points • 18 Jun 24

📚 Literature Books Reading Writing Analysis

The fore-edge of a book is important for understanding its structure. By making an edge index, you can see how the book is organized and breaks down into sections.
Making an edge index can also give insight into the author's writing process. For example, understanding how a long novel like Middlemarch was serialized helps appreciate its structure.
Books like Dilla Time show that unique structures can enhance storytelling. Alternating chapters allow for a deeper exploration of the subject, making it more engaging.

Working titles

1718 implied HN points • 25 Jun 24

📚 Literature Writing Publishing Creativity Culture

Finding the right title for your work can be a tough job. It often involves trying different combinations of words until something feels right.
There are different styles of titles, like poetic or descriptive, and each has its own appeal. Sometimes, getting the opinion of others can help you figure out what works best.
Even great titles can face skepticism from others. Just because someone isn’t confident in a title doesn't mean it won't be successful.

Fold, crease, tear

7094 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24

🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Media Craft

Making things with your hands, like creating zines, can boost your mood and happiness. It's good to stay connected to your creative side.
Writing in a paper journal helps keep thoughts organized and can enhance creativity. Using paper is a simple yet powerful tool for self-expression.
Exploring new forms of art and literature, like zines and unique book recommendations, opens up new ways to think and feel. There's always something new to discover.

Meeting yourself again

2118 implied HN points • 11 Jun 24

🎭️ Culture Nostalgia Creativity Memory Reflection Generosity

Looking back at old memories can be joyful and inspire connection with others. Digging through old photos can bring back happy moments that you might have forgotten.
Sometimes, what starts as a chore, like cleaning out photo storage, can turn into a fun trip down memory lane. You may find sentimental photos and reminders of good times.
Revisiting past work or memories isn't just about nostalgia; it can spark new ideas for the future. Reflecting on what you've done can help guide where you want to go next.

Letters mingle souls

4975 implied HN points • 29 Mar 24

🎭️ Culture Literature Art Music Media Poetry

Letters can connect us deeply, allowing friends to communicate and share thoughts even when they're apart.
Many scientists still prefer using chalk on blackboards because it offers a tactile and visual way to think and communicate ideas.
Reading magazines from cover to cover can provide enriching conversations and unexpected insights, especially about creative relationships.

100 things that made my year

9152 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24

🎭️ Culture Life events Creativity Family Personal Growth Community

Celebrating small joys can boost happiness, like watching nature unfold around you or enjoying simple meals with family.
Connections with friends and family, whether through conversations or shared activities, are vital for a fulfilling life.
Taking time for self-reflection and personal growth helps you appreciate the present and improves overall well-being.

The objects we love and live with

2517 implied HN points • 14 May 24

🎭️ Culture Art Design Lifestyle Family Technology

The objects we own can reveal a lot about who we are and what we value. They reflect our interests and memories.
Having meaningful items at home, like a piano, can enrich our lives and provide emotional outlets, especially for children.
Commercials or ads that show destruction of beloved items can be shocking and evoke strong feelings, reminding us of our attachments to the things we cherish.

On quantity and quality

3776 implied HN points • 02 Apr 24

🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity Inspiration Education Literature Philosophy

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.
Focusing too much on making everything perfect can hold you back. If you worry less about perfection, you might surprise yourself with something great.
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.