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

Fun, play, and discovery

4456 implied HN points • 29 Sep 23

Writing should be fun and a way to explore your thoughts. It's all about discovering what you want to say.
Creativity is about the process, not perfection. Filling a notebook is more important than looking good.
Being open and honest in your work helps you grow, whether in writing, music, or acting. Just get started and keep creating!

Melted

4935 implied HN points • 11 Aug 23

🎭️ Culture Music Literature Art Publications History

Pete Drake was a talented pedal steel guitarist who played on many famous records. He even invented a device that made a guitar sound like it was talking.
Notetaking is important for remembering ideas and learning from books. Creating a system to revisit your notes can help you keep track of insights.
Play and creativity are vital for a fulfilling life. Engaging in playful activities can boost your imagination and overall well-being.

Make an appointment with yourself

4376 implied HN points • 01 Sep 23

🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Film Comics Photography

Making time for yourself is important, and you should commit to it like an important appointment. It's easy to forget self-care in our busy lives, but it can greatly improve your happiness.
Creativity is essential to many artists, and being away from their art can hurt their well-being. Finding ways to create regularly can help maintain a good quality of life.
Explore new books, music, and films to inspire creativity and reflection. Engaging with different forms of art can spark new ideas and perspectives.

Focus!

4316 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23

🎭️ Culture Arts Music Literature Comedy Parenting Interviews

Music memoirs can be a great way to relax and unwind, especially if you've read something heavy. They're often fun and refreshing.
It's really important to focus on the learner in the education process, as they're the ones truly driving their learning journey.
Getting creative and organizing your space can help spark new ideas and inspiration, like the concept of 'knolling'.

Be a good date

4656 implied HN points • 18 Aug 23

🎭️ Culture Literature Art Music Film Philosophy

Being a good date means being someone others want to spend time with, including your readers. It's important to engage and connect with them.
Reading can be a rewarding experience, no matter the book. Discovering new insights from familiar writers, like Vonnegut, can be very fulfilling.
Sharing interests or experiences, like music or art, can create a sense of nostalgia and connection with others. It's great to revisit things that made you happy in the past.

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The Church of Minding One’s Own Business

4256 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23

🎭️ Culture Literature Comics Music Television Art

Minding your own business can be a refreshing approach to life. It allows you to focus on your own thoughts and interests instead of getting caught up in others' lives.
Reading good translations can greatly enhance the experience of classic literature. Edith Grossman's work on 'Don Quixote' is a perfect example of how translation can bring a book to life.
Nostalgia is powerful, whether through music or movies. Listening to favorite albums or watching beloved films can bring back fond memories and feelings.

It’s trying to tell you something

4356 implied HN points • 25 Aug 23

🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Philosophy Film

Writer's block can mean something important and may guide your creative process. It's worth paying attention to what your mind is telling you when you feel stuck.
Understanding the impact of literature and quotes in our lives can help us grow. Reflecting on classic works can lead to deeper insights about ourselves and our experiences.
Art is about pushing culture forward. Engaging with different artistic expressions can inspire personal and collective growth.

Afterimages of the eclipse

3916 implied HN points • 20 Oct 23

🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Poetry Media

Poetry can really help us through tough times, and Louise Glück's work is a great place to start if you're looking for comfort in words.
When creating art, it’s best to just focus on the process and forget about success or failure for a while.
Listening to music can inspire creativity, just like how Carla Bley started her journey in music by being an attentive listener.

I don’t want to be the best

4915 implied HN points • 14 Jul 23

🎭️ Culture Literature Art Music Film Comics

Laziness can sometimes lead to more discipline. It's interesting how they can connect in unexpected ways.
Reading apps like Libby and Hoopla have made it easier to discover new books, but it's concerning when access gets restricted for younger audiences.
Midlife crises can be transformative opportunities, so rather than seeing them as negative, we should embrace the change and potential they bring.

Books are made out of books

5335 implied HN points • 16 Jun 23

📚 Literature Books Authors Reading Writing Audiobooks

Books are often inspired by other books and authors, creating a blend of ideas. For example, Cormac McCarthy's work is a mix of classic literary influences.
Good editors are essential for great writing, as they guide authors and improve stories. A famous editor once advised a writer to make readers 'turn the page' to keep them engaged.
Listening to audiobooks can be fun and brings stories to life in new ways. For instance, an audiobook version of 'Don Quixote' can be really enjoyable, especially with a great narrator.

Waiting to be thrilled

3437 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23

🎭️ Culture Arts Literature Media Music Film

It's interesting to define yourself by what you won't do. This can help clarify your values and beliefs.
While technology can be helpful, it's okay to be cautious about it. Asking questions and being skeptical can lead to better understanding.
Taking time to enjoy great books can be fun, and sometimes you just need a little trick to get started.

Compare and despair!

3297 implied HN points • 19 Sep 23

🎭️ Culture Art Literature Creativity Social media Procrastination

Comparing yourself to other artists can lead to feelings of inadequacy. It's easy to feel like you should do what they do instead of focusing on your own path.
Reading about how others work can distract you from your own projects. Instead of creating, you might end up shopping for supplies or changing your methods unnecessarily.
Your mindset influences how much you compare yourself to others. When you're feeling vulnerable or unsure, it can be tempting to try what others do, even if it doesn't fit your style.

Not knowing is the first step

4016 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23

🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Comics Film

Sometimes not knowing what you're doing can be a part of the creative process. Even famous artists admit they often don't have everything figured out.
Books can be powerful tools for dealing with loss. There are new releases that focus on saying goodbye and exploring difficult emotions.
Documentaries can be really enjoyable when they're well-made. The recent Wham! documentary shows how good editing can make a story more engaging.

A big number

4196 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23

📚 Literature Books Authors Translations Audiobooks Reading

The book 'Steal Like an Artist' has sold over a million copies, showing how much people love its message. It's amazing to see such a huge number.
Reading short books after finishing a big one can feel refreshing. They can be powerful and enjoyable, even if they're under 200 pages.
Sometimes, it's fun to explore different topics in books or articles that interest you. Whether it's science or art, there's always something new to learn about.

The meaning of discipline

2437 implied HN points • 28 Nov 23

🎭️ Culture Creativity Self-development Art Music Writing

Discipline is about making a commitment over time. It's important to stick with something consistently, even when it's tough.
Musicians must balance three types of discipline: hands, head, and heart. Being good at one area isn't enough; all three need to work together.
To be disciplined, you need to show up and get the work done. Sometimes, that just means sitting down and starting the task at hand.

Summer diary

3117 implied HN points • 03 Oct 23

🎭️ Culture Diary Reflection Art Photography Personal Growth

Keeping a diary helps track daily life and creates a record of experiences. It can provide a sense of accomplishment and reflection.
Summer in Texas can be tough, both weather-wise and emotionally. Writing about it can help cope with the challenges.
Re-reading diary entries serves as a reminder that tough times will eventually pass, offering comfort and perspective.

There are two mes

3636 implied HN points • 28 Jul 23

🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Design Film

There are two sides to everyone: the public persona and the real self. Recognizing this helps us understand people better.
Life is a learning journey where experiences shape how we live. This idea emphasizes the importance of staying curious and open to growth.
Children's creativity is pure and inspiring. To create great work, we can learn from their open-mindedness and natural expression.

20 books I didn’t read this year

1958 implied HN points • 19 Dec 23

📚 Literature Fiction Non-fiction Books Reading Writing

There's no shortage of books to read, so it's okay not to finish them all. It's a reminder that reading is a journey, not a race.
Having a list of books you didn't read can reflect your interests and ongoing projects. It can actually tell you a lot about what you want to explore next.
Taking breaks from reading or not finishing certain books doesn't mean you're not engaged. Sometimes, other things in life take priority.

Artists must be allowed to do bad work

4636 implied HN points • 12 May 23

🎭️ Culture Art Creativity Media Philosophy Literature

Artists need the freedom to create bad work. It’s part of the process and helps them grow.
Creative exploration sometimes involves messy experiments and repeating ideas without clear purpose. This can eventually lead to better discoveries.
Reading about philosophy can inspire creativity. Classic thinkers can offer insights that enhance artistic expression.

The joy of interviews

2158 implied HN points • 21 Nov 23

🎭️ Culture Interviews Music Art Media Performance

Listening to artist interviews is enjoyable and can be enriching. You might find interesting insights and stories that inspire you.
Repetition in interviews can reveal important truths. When artists repeat certain ideas, it shows what matters most to them.
Collecting and studying interviews can be like a mini class. You can learn valuable lessons from what artists say and how they express themselves.

Remembering what you want out of books

1918 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23

📚 Literature Reading Writing Authors Books Memoir

Different writers can evoke different feelings. Some are frustrating to read but still valuable, while others are delightful and can leave you feeling a bit lost.
Knowing what you don't want to read is just as important as knowing what you do want to read. It helps you focus on the books that truly matter to you.
Reading can be both a joy and a discipline. It's about finding the balance between what you think you should read and what you actually want to read.

Building my dream studio

6734 implied HN points • 06 Dec 22

🎨 Art & Illustration Creative Process Personal Projects

Creating a dedicated workspace can boost your creativity, especially if it reflects your personal style and needs. Building a space designed just for you can help keep things organized and focused.
It's important to stay flexible and open-minded when designing your workspace. Things can change during the process, and being adaptable can help you make the most of any situation.
Natural light and a good view are crucial for a productive environment. A well-lit space can make working feel enjoyable, transforming how you approach your projects.

You don't need a vision

3457 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23

🎭️ Culture Philosophy Art Motivation Self-Improvement Literature

You don't always need a clear vision for your future; sometimes it's okay to go with the flow. Life can be unpredictable, and paths can change in unexpected ways.
Focusing too much on a specific vision can limit your perspective and keep you stuck in the past. It's important to stay open to new possibilities and experiences.
While having a vision can be motivating for some, others may find inspiration in exploring their interests and passions without a set end goal. Enjoy the journey and see where it leads.

Inside my commonplace diary

5155 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23

🎭️ Culture Literature Art Philosophy History Personal Growth

Keeping a commonplace diary is a fun way to collect quotes and thoughts. Instead of writing about daily life, you can enjoy capturing interesting things you hear or read.
Over time, a commonplace diary can reveal themes and connections between quotes, making it a creative project. It can even help inspire new writing pieces or ideas.
Writing things down by hand helps you remember them better, and it feels like a little adventure in time. Looking back at your quotes can bring back memories and show how your thoughts have grown.

Studio as a verb

3217 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23

🎭️ Culture Art Film Music Literature Design

The word 'studio' comes from a verb, which reminds us that being creative is an active process. It means that we should always engage in making, experimenting, and creating.
To generate great ideas, start by getting rid of your lesser ones first. Sometimes copying others can lead you to unique insights and inspiration.
You can connect with people in special ways, like through shared interests. For example, cartooning helped a son bond with his elderly father, showing how creativity can strengthen relationships.

Seeing is forgetting the name of the thing one sees

2078 implied HN points • 07 Nov 23

🎨 Art & Illustration Contemporary Art Art history Art Criticism Visual Culture

Robert Irwin was an artist who focused on creating experiences rather than traditional paintings. He wanted people to think about how they perceive the world.
Lawrence Weschler wrote a book about Irwin called 'Seeing is Forgetting the Name of the Thing One Sees'. It dives into Irwin's ideas and art philosophy.
David Hockney and Robert Irwin had different views on art, but their conversation through Weschler's writing shows how meaningful discussions can happen even without direct contact.

Old notes to myself

2358 implied HN points • 05 Sep 23

🎭️ Culture Art Writing Creativity Literature Personal Growth

Don't get too caught up in your own ideas. It's important to think about the bigger world outside of your thoughts and not just what you've read.
Creating art is like sharing energy. The connection between the artist and the audience brings the work to life.
Inspiration comes from what's around you, not just from within. Pay attention to the world and gather ideas from your surroundings.

More for me!

3437 implied HN points • 09 Jun 23

🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Podcasts Nostalgia

Embracing the phrase 'More for me!' can help you focus on what you enjoy, even if others don’t share your tastes. It’s a great way to remind yourself to keep doing what makes you happy.
Nostalgia can bring up deep feelings when revisiting childhood memories. Reflecting on these moments can help us appreciate our past and connect with loved ones.
Listening to music, like Miles Davis's 'Milestones,' can set the mood for your experiences. Finding the right soundtrack can transform ordinary moments into something special.

Messages from the compost heap

3197 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23

🎭️ Culture Literature Art Music Food Community

Reading classics like Don Quixote can be surprisingly funny and relatable, showing that older books are often much more lively than we think.
Riding a bicycle can bring joy and a fresh perspective to life, making the city feel like a new place to explore.
Boredom is important for everyone, not just kids. It can help spark creativity and give us time to think.

Mixed feelings

2517 implied HN points • 15 Aug 23

🎭️ Culture Art Media Family Emotions Childhood

It's normal to feel two emotions at once, and that's okay. We all have mixed feelings about things in life.
Kids can learn a lot from shows like Daniel Tiger, especially about understanding emotions and complex feelings.
Adults often struggle more with these feelings, and it's important to practice dealing with emotions rather than ignoring them.

Professional human loser

3816 implied HN points • 05 May 23

🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Film Poetry

Embracing the idea of being okay with failure can lead to a more fulfilling outlook on life. It's all about learning and growing, even when things don't go as planned.
Creative expression, like making blackout poems, can be therapeutic and inspiring. It's important to find joy in the creative process regardless of others' opinions.
Sharing your work can help you connect with others and build an audience. Don't be afraid to put your creativity out there and see where it leads.

Virtue is in between vices

3656 implied HN points • 16 May 23

📖 Philosophy Ethics Virtue Stoicism Aristotle

Virtue exists in the middle of two extremes, which are known as vices. This means finding a balance between too little and too much of a certain quality.
This idea, known as the Doctrine of the Mean, suggests that we need to navigate between deficiency and excess to discover virtue.
Many thinkers, like Aristotle and Confucius, have discussed this concept, showing that it has been an important part of ethical discussions through history.

Small requirements

3577 implied HN points • 19 May 23

🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Film Media

It's important to let go of perfection and just share your work, like Joan Baez says about drawing. Sometimes, you just have to put it out there.
Telling your story is crucial for holding onto your memories and who you are. If you don't share it, you might lose it.
Creative work can be like gardening: you take your time, grow slowly, and eventually leap into your projects with confidence.

When does a diary pay off?

2797 implied HN points • 18 Jul 23

🎭️ Culture Writing Personal Growth Creativity Reflection Memory

Keeping a diary helps you pay attention to your life. It makes you notice what's happening and appreciate your everyday experiences.
Writing in a diary allows you to track your personal patterns and understand yourself better over time.
Having years of diary entries gives you a chance to look back and reflect on your growth and memories, making it easier to connect with your past.

Entering into the spirit

1998 implied HN points • 31 Oct 23

🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Philosophy Creativity

To really enjoy something, it's important to let go and surrender to it. When we enter into the spirit of an activity, we can connect deeply and get more out of it.
Creative blocks often come from trying too hard to control the process. Instead of forcing things, letting go and being open can help overcome these blocks.
Finding joy in creative work is about embracing the experience. When we engage fully, we unlock a world of inspiration that can be missed when we stay distant.

Hatchlings into fledglings

3996 implied HN points • 14 Apr 23

🎭️ Culture Arts Literature Music Travel Design Media

A writer creates the story, and the reader brings it to life in their imagination. They both play important roles in enjoying a book.
Celebrating the life of cartoonist Al Jaffee, who entertained many with his creativity, shows the impact of humor and art across generations.
Listening to audiobooks and travel stories can inspire new experiences and adventures, like dreaming of visiting far-off places with family.

Maps of scenius

2178 implied HN points • 12 Sep 23

🎭️ Culture Creativity Art Social Networks Collaboration Community

Scenius is about creativity that comes from a group, not just individual genius. Joining or creating a supportive community can help boost your creative efforts.
Successful sceniuses have elements like friendly competition and easy sharing of ideas and tools. This sense of connection can lead to more innovation and creativity.
Balancing connection with others and taking time alone is crucial for creativity. Both interacting with a community and having time to reflect can enhance your creative output.

How to find your people

4536 implied HN points • 24 Feb 23

🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Philosophy Community

Writing a blog post or making a video can help you connect with like-minded people. It’s a way to find your community.
Keeping a diary or journal can be a great way to reflect on your thoughts and feelings. It's nice to have a collection of other people's diaries to read too.
Books can be more fun if we think of them as toys. Instead of just reading them, we can enjoy them in a playful way.

Arguing with bots

2118 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23

🎭️ Culture Social media Writing Literature Online Discourse Public Opinion

People often get upset about things online that aren't true. In one case, people thought they were angry at a famous author but were really just mad at a fake account.
It's easy to fall for misleading quotes. Even I made that mistake without checking the original context first.
Social media can often showcase poor writing. It might be better to focus on reading good stuff instead of engaging with low-quality content.

How I’m spending Dead Week

5315 implied HN points • 27 Dec 22

🎭️ Culture Lifestyle Traditions Self-care Reflection Leisure

The week between Christmas and New Year's, called Dead Week, is a time to relax and not feel pressure to achieve much. It's a break from the usual hustle and bustle.
Re-reading notebooks and journals can help reflect on the year. It's a comforting way to see what was accomplished and what was not.
Taking time for small pleasures, like relaxing baths and enjoying junk food or fun movies, helps unwind and enjoy the end of the year. It's okay to take it easy and just enjoy life.