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

To be everywhere is to be nowhere

3557 implied HN points • 21 Apr 23

Being everywhere can make you feel lost and disconnected. It's better to focus on a few places or activities to have a more meaningful experience.
Reading full books can be more enjoyable and informative than just scrolling through news or articles. They can give you a deeper understanding of a subject.
It's important to support artists, whether through buying their music or attending events. This helps keep creativity alive in our communities.

Quitting the chocolate factory

2118 implied HN points • 22 Aug 23

🎭️ Culture Art Literature Media Philosophy Film

Sometimes, we can find ourselves doing work that doesn't feel right for us, like Charlie running the chocolate factory. It’s important to think about what truly makes us happy.
Mid-life crises are common and can lead to big changes in our lives. Reflecting on our choices can help us make better decisions moving forward.
Stories about characters facing big life choices, like Charlie and Peter Pan, can inspire us to evaluate our own paths and dreams.

The weekly review

3437 implied HN points • 25 Apr 23

🚌 Education Productivity Self-reflection Time management Personal Growth Creativity

Scheduling a regular time for a weekly review helps you reflect on what you've done and plan what you want to do next. It’s about taking a moment to think and organize your thoughts.
Using a method that works for you, like making mind maps or lists, can make your review more effective. Visualizing your tasks can help you see connections and prioritize better.
A private weekly review can lead to clearer mind and focus for the upcoming week. It allows you to 'clear your psychic decks' so you can enjoy your time off without distractions.

30-day challenge

5875 implied HN points • 01 Nov 22

🎭️ Culture Art Creativity Personal Development Writing Motivation

Doing something small every day can lead to big changes over time. Just like writing a page a day can add up to a whole chapter or even a novel.
Focusing on daily progress is easier than thinking about long-term goals. Trying to do a little each day keeps you grounded and motivated.
Don't be afraid to start small and accept that being bad at something is part of getting better. The key is to practice regularly and enjoy the process.

Time is not a butler

3517 implied HN points • 07 Apr 23

🎭️ Culture Art Music Film Writing Creativity

Don't stress about finding your own style; focus on creating instead. It's okay if your style evolves over time.
Learning from others doesn't mean copying them; it’s about using reference images to grow as an artist.
Meeting new experiences, like seeing a screech owl or watching unique movies, can inspire your creativity and add joy to your life.

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In search of America

2437 implied HN points • 04 Jul 23

📚 Literature Classic literature Travel Writing Biography American Literature Non-fiction

Steinbeck felt out of touch with America after living abroad and wanted to reconnect by traveling. He had a strong urge to explore and escape the feelings of aging.
He named his camper truck 'Rocinante' after the horse of Don Quixote, highlighting his adventurous spirit. The unique name also sparked curiosity during his travels.
The book captures the essence of wanderlust and the desire to discover one's own country, reflecting on how age doesn’t diminish the yearning for adventure.

Failing in both directions

3077 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23

🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Food Philosophy

Thinking about intelligence can be really interesting, especially when it's connected to our bodies. There are ways to have experiences that help us understand this better.
Keeping a weekly review can help you track what you've done and what you want to do next. It’s like having a checklist to keep your thoughts organized.
Sometimes when creating something new, you can only change one part at a time. It’s good to focus on either how it tastes or how it looks, but not both at once.

What’s the matter?

2058 implied HN points • 01 Aug 23

🎨 Art & Illustration Visual Arts Creative Process Artistic expression Cultural Commentary Art Education

Asking 'What’s the matter?' helps us understand what's bothering us and can lead to artistic ideas. It's a question that sparks creativity.
The discomfort or irritation we feel can be the starting point for new work. Those feelings can inspire us to create something meaningful.
We can also think about 'matter' in terms of the physical materials we use, like paint or paper. Getting hands-on might help when we're unsure of what to create.

School’s out for summer

2657 implied HN points • 26 May 23

🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Philosophy Education

School is out for summer, which often brings excitement and new opportunities for students to explore their interests.
Writing and creativity can be daily practices that are done without the pressure of immediate success or failure.
Understanding the complexities and risks of AI is important, as it can affect how we think and make decisions.

3 poems from the sports section

1498 implied HN points • 24 Oct 23

🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry Visual Arts Creative Writing Cultural critique

The sports section of newspapers is great for crafting blackouts because of the simple and expressive language used by athletes and coaches.
Even though the New York Times recently disbanded its sports department, this section continues to inspire creative writing.
Using nouns and verbs from sports articles can help create interesting and relatable poetry, highlighting themes like time and idleness.

Love is not mind-reading

3397 implied HN points • 17 Feb 23

🎭️ Culture Relationships Media Art Music Literature

Love can't read minds, so it's important to clearly communicate what you and your loved ones want. This helps build understanding and happiness in relationships.
Expectations and reality can differ, and it's good to think about how our perceptions may mislead us. Reflecting on these differences can be eye-opening.
Finding your unique voice is key for expression. Everyone has different ways of thinking, speaking, and writing, and recognizing this can help improve communication.

A library of words

3497 implied HN points • 07 Feb 23

📚 Literature Writing Books Linguistics Genres History

Roget's Thesaurus is more than a simple list of synonyms; it's organized by ideas. This unique layout helps you think about what you want to say instead of just finding a word.
Roget's life was all about organizing information, which influenced how he created his thesaurus. He wanted it to be a tool that helps users explore language in a deeper way.
Using Roget's Thesaurus can be really helpful before you write. It can inspire you and help you find the right words for your thoughts, rather than just swapping words around.

Normal is what you can successfully ignore

3137 implied HN points • 03 Mar 23

🎭️ Culture Literature Art Music Philosophy Nature

Normal is not just a standard; it's about what we don't pay attention to. If something feels normal to you, it's likely something you easily overlook.
Public speaking can improve with practice and self-assurance. It's important to focus on sharing ideas rather than trying to be perfect.
Connecting with nature and animals can deepen our understanding of life. Reflecting on our relationships with them can lead to interesting insights.

The art of forgery

1438 implied HN points • 17 Oct 23

🎨 Art & Illustration Art history Authenticity Creativity Cultural critique

Forging art means giving credit to someone else for work you create, while plagiarism is taking credit for someone else's work. It's about the effort you put into creating something.
Art forgery requires a lot of skill, and sometimes forgers become as famous as the original artists. For example, Han van Meegeren became well-known for his skill in copying famous painters.
Forgers often have their own reasons for their work, sometimes even out of frustration with the art world. This can lead them to excel in their craft, creating impressive forgeries that fetch high prices.

A good assistant to your future self

2857 implied HN points • 24 Mar 23

🎭️ Culture Literature Art Music Film Personal Development

Keeping a diary can help you understand your past and guide your future. It's like having a helpful assistant looking out for you.
Reading multiple books at once can lead to new and exciting ideas. Mixing different subjects creates a richer understanding.
Slow learning is important in a fast-paced world. Taking your time can help you learn better and remember more.

Not writing, but typing

2677 implied HN points • 11 Apr 23

🎭️ Culture Literature Art Technology Writing History

Using typewriters can make writing more fun and slower, helping you pay better attention to your words. They allow you to enjoy the writing process rather than rush through it.
Typing out poems or favorite excerpts can be a great way to connect with the text. It feels like you're playing the words, which can deepen your understanding and appreciation.
You can share your typed poems with friends in a fun way, similar to how restaurants use check pads. It’s a creative method of sharing and enjoying writing together.

The vibration is the way in

2977 implied HN points • 10 Mar 23

🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Film Writing

Good creativity comes from knowing when to take ideas and when to create something new. It's about making the right choices in what to borrow and what to invent.
Getting to explore exciting events, like SXSW, can be a great way to find new ideas and inspirations. Even without a badge, you can enjoy the vibe and discover new experiences.
Just like flowers, people thrive in different conditions. Some need more nurturing, while others can grow strong anywhere.

These are the good ol’ days

2158 implied HN points • 06 Jun 23

🎭️ Culture Nostalgia Memory Identity History Art

Nostalgia can bring comfort and happiness, reminding us of good times from the past. But it can also distort how we see things now and make us forget about the present.
While nostalgia can be a way to escape reality, a little bit of it can help us reconnect with ourselves and appreciate who we are now.
We should cherish our current moments because they will turn into nostalgia one day. It's important to enjoy life and make memories while we still can.

How to read like an artist

6674 implied HN points • 03 May 22

📚 Literature Book Reviews Author insights Literary culture

If you don’t like a book, it’s okay to stop reading it. Find something that excites you instead.
Always have a book with you so you can read during those little free moments throughout your day.
Share your favorite books with others and talk about what you read. It helps you connect with people who enjoy similar stories.

Pizza night movie logbooks

1738 implied HN points • 25 Jul 23

🎭️ Culture Family life Movies Traditions Entertainment Food

Pizza night with the family has become a fun and anticipated weekly ritual. It's a time for everyone to enjoy a movie together while sharing a meal.
Choosing movies is a fun process where not all favorites align, and that's okay. The focus is on finding what the kids enjoy, even if it differs from adult classics.
There are endless movies to watch, and exploring different genres keeps things exciting. Recommendations and personal research help find appropriate choices for family movie nights.

Preaching to the choir

2837 implied HN points • 17 Mar 23

🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Education Social Issues

It's important to share ideas and creativity with friends and community. Connecting with others can inspire new thoughts and strengthen relationships.
Reading and listening to influential figures can spark new insights. Ursula Franklin's work on silence and technology is a great example of this.
When you believe in your ideas, it shows. Loving what you create can lead to more meaningful and impactful work.

No expectations

3137 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23

📚 Literature Writing Comics Workshops Creativity Diaries

Embrace what you have instead of wishing it were different. Focus on what's in front of you rather than dreaming about an imaginary version.
When reading or writing, ask better questions like 'What is this?' instead of thinking about how to fix it. This helps you appreciate the work instead of getting distracted.
Using old notebooks or diaries to inspire new ideas can be helpful. Often, there are gems in past writings that can spark fresh thoughts today.

Life imitates comedy

3397 implied HN points • 13 Jan 23

🎭️ Culture Art Music Cinema Literature Comedy

Life often reflects comedy, showing how funny situations can mirror our daily experiences.
Reading multiple books at once can spark creativity, as different ideas interact and inspire new thoughts.
The acceptance speeches at the Golden Globes highlighted themes of resilience and the importance of perseverance in life.

I made you some poems

2318 implied HN points • 02 May 23

🎭️ Culture Art Poetry Education Creativity Inspiration

Creating art can be a source of comfort and inspiration. Making blackout poems is one way to express creativity and find joy in the process.
It's important for teachers and artists to keep practicing their craft. Staying engaged in making things helps them grow and inspire others.
Feedback from others can motivate artists to create more. Positive comments can encourage experimentation and exploration in their artistic journey.

Prompts for the New Year

3337 implied HN points • 03 Jan 23

🎭️ Culture Reflection Creativity Self-Improvement Personal Growth

Think about what you want to learn this year. Making a list can help guide your choices and goals.
Reflect on the past year with a set of questions. This can help you understand your experiences and shape your future.
Consider starting a 30-day challenge to build a new habit. Doing something small every day can keep you motivated and accountable.

Waiting for the miracle

3417 implied HN points • 23 Dec 22

🎭️ Culture Literature Art Music Philosophy Lifestyle Education

Trying times can bring both fun and challenges, like dealing with a painful kidney stone. It's important to find joy and comfort from friends even in tough situations.
Reading can be a delightful escape, and keeping lists helps to remember our favorite books and moments from the year. It's fun to reflect on what we've enjoyed.
Good advice often reminds us to focus on what we want instead of just running away from negativity. It's all about moving towards something positive.

On this date...

2497 implied HN points • 31 Mar 23

🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Film Creativity

Curiosity is important, but sometimes we miss things we should be curious about. It's good to reflect on what interests us.
Sharing art can be a fun and engaging experience. It's great to connect with others and see various creative works.
Keeping a journal can be a magical space for thoughts and ideas. It's a good way to explore your feelings and creativity.

Going through the motions

2897 implied HN points • 10 Feb 23

🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Film Nature

Starting something can feel tough, but just going through the motions can help get you going. It's a great way to break the ice and find your rhythm.
Roget's Thesaurus has a quirky history that's more fascinating than you might expect. It's not just a reference book; it's filled with unusual ideas about language.
Artists are always in the process of creating, even when it seems like nothing is happening. Like plants staying alive in winter, their work is growing beneath the surface.

The thing that sticks out

2098 implied HN points • 09 May 23

🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity Gardening Metaphors Art Process

It's important to know what to keep in your work and what to remove. Sometimes, cutting out parts you love can help your overall project grow better.
You can take pieces from your creative work, like plant cuttings, and use them in new ways. This allows you to explore fresh ideas or directions.
Giving things time to settle before you repurpose them can make a big difference. Just like letting cuttings dry before replanting, patience is key in creating something new.

Productive procrastination

2957 implied HN points • 27 Jan 23

🎭️ Culture Art Literature Design Music Writing

Productive procrastination can help you get things done while also allowing you to avoid tasks you might not want to do right away. It's about using your distractions to make progress on other things.
Book design is important and can greatly impact how people perceive a book. Great designs, like those of Carin Goldberg, can become iconic in the literary world.
Enjoying the little moments, like sitting around a fire, can help you focus better and recharge creatively. It's okay to take time for yourself in a busy world.

Ice and owls

2757 implied HN points • 03 Feb 23

🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Photography Nature

February often feels repetitive, almost like every day is the same. It can serve as a reminder of life's cycles, feeling like we're stuck in an ice storm each year.
A '30-minute noticing workout' can help people become more mindful and spark creativity. It encourages taking time to observe the world around us.
With the right tools, like a spotting scope and a camera app, you can enjoy and capture nature, like watching owls in your backyard.

Firsts of the year

2977 implied HN points • 06 Jan 23

🎭️ Culture Art Literature Fashion Film Music

The author shared their first creative projects of the year, including collages and vegetable printmaking. It's a great way to start the year with fresh artistic ideas.
They mentioned their diverse reading choices, highlighting the joy of exploring different books and authors. Reading can keep your mind engaged and expand your knowledge.
The author reflected on recent celebrity deaths, reminding us to appreciate influential figures in arts and culture. Remembering their contributions helps us honor their legacy.

The book that changed my life

6074 implied HN points • 15 Mar 22

🎭️ Culture Books Creativity Arts Literature Personal Growth

The book 'Steal Like an Artist' encourages creativity by showing that it's okay to borrow ideas from others. It teaches that creating something new often comes from remixing existing concepts.
The author had a significant life change after writing this book, leading him to quit his job and pursue his passion full-time. This shows how following your creative journey can lead to unexpected opportunities.
The book's unique style and design were influenced by personal limitations and a desire to create something that felt handmade and authentic. It reminds us that constraints can sometimes spark the most creativity.

Where you look is where you go

2797 implied HN points • 20 Jan 23

🎭️ Culture Literature Music Film Comics Events

Where you focus your attention affects your direction in life. Just like biking, if you look in a certain way, that's where you'll end up.
Reading and exploring new stories, whether in books or through documentaries, can provide insights and deepen your understanding of various subjects.
Having fun and enjoying art, like comedy specials or music, is important for a balanced life. It adds joy and connection to our everyday experiences.

100 things that made my year

2917 implied HN points • 30 Dec 22

🎭️ Culture Books Music Film Television Podcasts Art

Reflecting on the year can highlight significant moments and experiences that brought joy or growth. It's important to take time to acknowledge what made the year special.
Books, movies, music, and other forms of entertainment can shape our experiences and provide comfort or inspiration throughout the year. Curating favorites can help in remembering those moments.
Sharing recommendations and engaging with a community can enhance our enjoyment of various media and foster connections with others who have similar interests.

Printmaking with the sun

1458 implied HN points • 11 Jul 23

🎨 Art & Illustration Collage

Summer is a great time for art activities, like making sun prints with nature's elements. It allows you to connect with the outdoors and be creative.
Cicadas are fascinating and have a long history in art, which can inspire our perspectives during summer.
Creating prints and collages from found objects can be a unique way to memorialize nature and reflect on life's cycles.

Notebooks in movies

2657 implied HN points • 17 Jan 23

🎭️ Culture Film Writing Art Media Literature

Notebooks often play important roles in movies. Examples include Indiana Jones' diary and the many notebooks in Se7en.
These notebooks can inspire people to start their own journaling or note-taking habits. Many viewers are motivated to express themselves creatively after seeing these films.
Films frequently explore themes of documentation and memory through notebooks. They show how writing can reflect a character's thoughts and experiences.

The art of imperfection

2717 implied HN points • 09 Dec 22

🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Television Books

Embracing imperfection in art can lead to unique and heartfelt expressions. It's okay to be a little rough around the edges.
Reading can be a refreshing escape, and trying different books can bring new inspiration to your life. It's fun to explore different genres.
Starting and ending your day with books can create a nice routine. It helps frame your day in a thoughtful way.

A spring bouquet

1978 implied HN points • 21 Mar 23

🎭️ Culture Art Literature Nature Philosophy Creativity

Spring is a time of new beginnings and growth. It's a great season to reflect on how we can create and blossom in our own lives.
The interplay of light and darkness is crucial for both plants and personal growth. Sometimes, it takes more than just light to flourish; we need time to thrive too.
Understand which season you're in, whether it's creatively or in life. Recognizing your current phase can help you grow and move forward.

Do you have a nemesis?

1438 implied HN points • 13 Jun 23

🎭️ Culture Art Literature Philosophy Society Creativity

Having a nemesis can help us understand ourselves better. By comparing ourselves with someone else, we can see what makes our work unique.
It's okay to feel envy towards others; it can actually be useful. This feeling can help us figure out what we want to achieve in our own work.
Instead of letting envy pull us down, we can use it to motivate us. It's about turning those feelings into something positive that drives our creativity.