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

Thinking outside of your head

1858 implied HN points • 04 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Creativity Cognition Education Social Interaction Mindfulness
  1. We don't just think in our heads; our bodies and surroundings also help us think better. Moving around and being in nature can really boost our creativity.
  2. Social interactions play a big role in our thinking. Learning from others and sharing ideas helps us understand what we really know.
  3. Writing things down or mapping out our thoughts helps clear our minds. It's like giving our ideas a space to grow and connect with each other.

Listening to audiobooks

1738 implied HN points • 18 Apr 23
📚 Literature Books Audiobooks Reading Authors Narration
  1. Audiobooks are easy to access through apps like Libby and Hoopla, making it simple to enjoy books while doing other activities like walking or cleaning.
  2. Finding the right audiobook can be tricky because you need to enjoy both the story and the narrator's voice, which can really affect your experience.
  3. Recording audiobooks can help you connect more deeply with the text, just like reading out loud can give you a different perspective on a story.

Souvenirs that outlive us

1978 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Art Creativity Poetry History Design
  1. Creating art is often messy and unpredictable. It's not always as straightforward as the end result might suggest.
  2. Inspiration can come from the most mundane things, like everyday objects. Even clothespins can spark creativity and lead to new artistic ideas.
  3. Blackout poetry doesn't have to come from traditional sources like books. Using unusual materials can make the process fun and unique.

Riding or writing

2537 implied HN points • 02 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Writing Creativity
  1. Reflecting on the past year is important, like making a list of 100 things that made it special. It's a good way to remember goals and accomplishments.
  2. We lost several influential artists recently, reminding us of their impact on culture and art. Their work continues to inspire many people.
  3. It’s a good season for reading, with many 'best of' book lists coming out. People share their favorites, which is a great way to find new reads.
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Tomorrow is February

2058 implied HN points • 31 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Holidays Traditions Art Inspiration Personal Growth
  1. February is the shortest month, making it a good time to start new habits or challenges. You could try reading more, journaling, or even going for daily walks.
  2. Many cultures have special days in February to look forward to, like Imbolc and Candlemas, which can help bring a bit of hope during the winter months.
  3. It's okay to take it easy in February. It's a time to go with the flow rather than force productivity, maybe even pampering yourself a bit with activities that bring joy.

Inside my studio

2378 implied HN points • 13 Dec 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity Visual Arts Art Process
  1. Having a neat workspace can be overwhelming. It's important to remember that creating in a clean space is not the ultimate goal.
  2. Sometimes, you need permission to get messy and be creative. It's okay to make a bit of a mess while working on your projects.
  3. A well-organized studio setup can make it easier to switch between tasks. Having both digital and analog spaces allows for more creativity.

All good things must begin (again)

2178 implied HN points • 10 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Writing Expression Creativity
  1. Starting fresh can be tough, but it's okay to take your time. Sometimes it helps to focus on the little things that motivate you every day.
  2. Writing isn’t always about creating new ideas; it's also about rediscovering old ones and sharing them again. What you say can still be valuable even if others have said it before.
  3. Using notebook affirmations can uplift your spirit and give you the push you need to create. Remind yourself of your goals and why you love writing to stay inspired.

And then what?

2278 implied HN points • 16 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Education Media
  1. It's important to think about what comes next after finishing a big task. Asking 'And then what?' can help guide your next steps.
  2. We often shape ourselves to fit what machines can do. It's surprising how much we adapt to be like technology.
  3. Kids today are pushing back against social media culture. They care less about likes and more about real connections.

Spooky season! 👻

2677 implied HN points • 30 Sep 22
🎭️ Culture Arts Literature Music Film Design
  1. Spooky season is a time for fun and cozy activities like watching scary movies. It's a great way to enjoy the change in the air and get into the spirit of fall.
  2. Reading is highlighted as a wonderful pastime, with recommendations for both fiction and non-fiction books. This can inspire others to dive into new stories or learn something new.
  3. Sharing experiences like interesting events or personal reflections can connect people and spark conversations. It’s a reminder of the joy of community through shared interests.

Comfort work

2517 implied HN points • 18 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture Art Work Society Lifestyle Mental health
  1. Comfort work is the type of work you do when you're unsure what else to tackle. It's about finding tasks that feel good and familiar, especially when you're feeling tired or unmotivated.
  2. This kind of work should still be rewarding. It needs to be challenging enough to count as real work, but not so overwhelming that it feels stressful.
  3. Everyone experiences moments when they need comfort in their work. Understanding this can help you be kind to yourself and find productive ways to cope during tough times.

The day had just taken a seat

2777 implied HN points • 19 Aug 22
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Media Politics
  1. Understanding today's politics can be easier if you look at professional wrestling. It's a surprising connection that many people are finding interesting.
  2. Finding a book that ends perfectly is a joy. Craig Brown's book about The Beatles really nailed its conclusion.
  3. It's important to be kind to yourself, especially when facing challenges. Sometimes, just taking small steps forward can make a difference.

Travel selfie

2178 implied HN points • 04 Nov 22
🏝 Travel Travel tips Destinations Travel experiences
  1. Travel can inspire creativity and new experiences. It’s refreshing to get away and see different places, like exploring Pennsylvania.
  2. Music and art play an important role in enjoying trips. Listening to a good album or visiting a museum can make the experience even better.
  3. Social media impacts our lives in significant ways. It's important to be aware of how it affects our daily experiences and creativity.

Not knowing what’s impossible

2477 implied HN points • 09 Sep 22
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Music Philosophy Film
  1. Sometimes, not knowing what can't be done can lead to amazing creations, just like Orson Welles with 'Citizen Kane'. It shows us the power of ignorance in fostering creativity.
  2. When faced with frustrating or silly ideas, a good response is to explore and contradict them, like what philosopher Mary Midgley did in her writing. It's a way to keep thinking and learning.
  3. Finding joy in our passions, like movies or music, helps us connect with ourselves. Looking back at what we loved as teens can reveal a lot about who we are today.

Imagineering

1978 implied HN points • 25 Nov 22
🎭️ Culture Art Travel Entertainment Family Media
  1. Traveling along the Pacific Coast Highway and visiting places like Disneyland can create unforgettable family moments. Exploring the beauty of nature and enjoying fun attractions brings joy to families.
  2. Disneyland is not just about the rides; it's also about the incredible detail and design of the park. Experiencing the atmosphere can feel energizing and magical.
  3. Taking a relaxed approach to exploring Disneyland can lead to surprising and delightful experiences. Enjoying the park at a slower pace helps you appreciate its creativity and charm even more.

A portal to lost loot

1998 implied HN points • 18 Nov 22
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Food Design Education
  1. Learn to use brush pens for creative projects; they can add a nice touch to your art. You can find tips on how to mix colors for your own pens too.
  2. Making a mind map can help organize your thoughts and ideas clearly. It's a fun way to visualize what you are thinking.
  3. Sometimes, simple things like date stamps can bring joy and help keep memories organized. It's a neat tool for journaling or scrapbooking.

Summer mailbag

2677 implied HN points • 19 Jul 22
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Philosophy Media Happiness
  1. Going out to do small tasks can bring joy and purpose to your day. It's nice to find little errands to make life feel active and engaged.
  2. Answering letters is rewarding, but managing email can be overwhelming. It's great to connect with others but sometimes it's hard to keep up.
  3. Happiness often feels elusive, and chasing it can be tiring. It may just come to you unexpectedly if you're living in the moment.

My third eye

1998 implied HN points • 21 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture Literature Film Music Art Social Issues
  1. Comfort work is the work you do when you're unsure of what else to tackle. It can help ease feelings of uncertainty.
  2. Books and stories about loneliness often explore the difference between being alone and feeling lonely, which can be a complex topic.
  3. Discovering new music and films can be inspiring and enjoyable. It's great to find fresh sounds that you love or revisit old favorites.

Here’s your ticket

2378 implied HN points • 22 Jul 22
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Media Subcultures Performance
  1. Creativity can feel more like discovering something than making it from scratch. It's about uncovering ideas that already exist.
  2. Bookstores are becoming more diverse and popular, which is great news for readers. It’s nice to see so many indie bookstores thriving.
  3. RIP to influential artists like William Hart and Claes Oldenburg, who contributed a lot to the music and art world. Their legacies will be remembered.

Kisses®

1698 implied HN points • 29 Nov 22
🍲 Food & Drink Baking Recipes Food history Culinary Arts
  1. Holiday baking can create lasting family traditions. Making special cookies together can bring generations closer.
  2. Hershey's Kisses have a unique history and fun design elements. They even added little paper flags to make them special.
  3. Weaving personal meaning into art and food can make the experience more enjoyable. It's all about the memories we create with loved ones.

Drawing at the skate park

1698 implied HN points • 11 Nov 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Illustration Drawing Art events Creative Process
  1. Spending one-on-one time with kids is really important. It helps you create special memories and strengthen your bond with them.
  2. Reading can offer unique insights into relationships and creativity. Books like Ada Calhoun’s memoir can inspire thought about family dynamics and artistry.
  3. Music and art have a lasting impact. Remembering and exploring the work of musicians and artists who have passed can help keep their legacy alive.

Needs more Flair

1358 implied HN points • 24 Jan 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Illustration Design Creativity Writing Tools
  1. The Paper Mate Flair pen is great for writing, especially in notebooks. Many people love how it writes smoothly and that it doesn't bleed through the pages.
  2. Using the Flair pen can be a bit tricky as it's water-based ink, which can fade if washed. Some people prefer more permanent inks after experiencing this.
  3. Despite past issues, the Flair pen is making a comeback in some people's writing routines because of its unique feel and style. It's fun to use and can bring creativity to note-taking.

Whatever happened

1938 implied HN points • 16 Sep 22
🎭️ Culture Books Art Music Film Design
  1. Nostalgia can be comforting, so it's okay to revisit old books and memories when things get tough.
  2. It's fun to discover new and interesting art and media, like books and podcasts, that bring inspiration and joy.
  3. Sharing experiences and recommendations can help build community and keep creativity flowing.

Let’s throw an art show!

1099 implied HN points • 28 Mar 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Contemporary Art Visual Arts Digital Art
  1. We can now share pictures in our chats on the web, which makes connecting easier. It's a fun way to show off our art creations!
  2. There's a virtual art show happening where everyone can join and post their recent artworks. It's great to see what others have been working on.
  3. Engaging in these chats and sharing our work helps build a creative community. It's nice to connect and inspire one another!

You can help me escape

1878 implied HN points • 23 Sep 22
🎭️ Culture Literature Music Art Film Design
  1. It's a good time to enjoy the changing seasons and reflect on seasonal thinking. Fall brings an opportunity to re-evaluate our daily routines.
  2. Finding the right book can be a generous escape, as they can draw readers in so deeply that they want to stay up late reading.
  3. Embracing imperfection is important for creativity. It’s okay to make mistakes and learn from them instead of striving for perfection.

It was not a request

1778 implied HN points • 07 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Film Media
  1. Many people today struggle with hands-on skills, like cutting paper, which shows a disconnect from traditional crafts.
  2. Artists like Steve Keene focus on quantity over perfection, believing that producing more work can lead to better creativity.
  3. There's a shared appreciation for music and movies, with a nostalgia for past artists and a love for engaging stories told through film.

How to make a map of your mind

3577 implied HN points • 02 Nov 21
🚌 Education Learning Techniques Cognitive Science
  1. To get your thoughts flowing when you're stuck, try making a mind map. Start in the middle of the page with a word or image, then branch out from there.
  2. This method helps you get ideas out of your head quickly and allows you to see connections between them that you might miss while writing normally.
  3. You can do this on a small scale in a notebook or go big on a wall or whiteboard. Starting in the middle can jog your creativity and help you dive right into your ideas.

The creative tensions

1878 implied HN points • 30 Aug 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Creative Process Visual Arts Art Theory Art Philosophy
  1. Creative work has opposing forces that create tensions, and we should embrace these instead of avoiding them. They can actually help us create better art.
  2. Finding the right balance in these tensions is important, just like tuning a guitar string; too loose or too tight won't produce good music.
  3. Understanding and accepting paradoxes in creativity can help us work through challenges, and thinking in terms of both/and instead of either/or is key to problem-solving.

One page diary

2158 implied HN points • 14 Jun 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity Techniques Video content Personal Projects
  1. Creating a one-page diary is a simple exercise that encourages you to reflect on the best thing that happened each day. It helps you practice cheerful thinking by focusing on the positives.
  2. Using tools like a brush pen and a slow writing method can enhance your diary experience. This slows you down and allows for more thoughtful reflection.
  3. Incorporating video into your diary practice can make it more creative and engaging. Filming your process can help you share your work, even if it's just for yourself.

Water in the well

1898 implied HN points • 05 Aug 22
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Film Photography Media
  1. It's important to keep your creative well full so you can keep making good work. Think of it as filling up a water tank; you need it to be full to use it.
  2. Creativity often faces resistance, and overcoming that resistance can lead to better creative outcomes. Embrace the challenges as part of the creative process.
  3. Finding joy in what you read or watch can inspire and refresh your creativity. Explore new books or films to keep the ideas flowing.

Resistance is necessary

1878 implied HN points • 02 Aug 22
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Metaphysics Logic Aesthetics
  1. Resistance helps us move forward. Without some friction, we can't really make progress in life.
  2. We often get distracted by easy paths. It's important to seek out challenges that guide us in the right direction.
  3. Creativity thrives on challenges. Facing resistance can spark new ideas and help us grow.

Energy in the gap

1578 implied HN points • 11 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture Creativity Art Literature Philosophy Design
  1. Creative tension is the gap between what you create and what you wish to create. It's common for beginners to feel disappointed because their work doesn't match their high standards.
  2. Everyone starts somewhere, and it's important to push through the awkward early stages of creativity. Many people give up here, but sticking with it is key to improvement.
  3. Reading and learning from others can help process your own creative thoughts. Books often show us that our ideas are not as original as we think.

Warp & Weft

1718 implied HN points • 06 Sep 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Music Creativity Literature Tradition
  1. Weaving has two main threads: the warp, which is the tense thread on the loom, and the weft, which moves over and under it. This can symbolize how we create things from both old ideas and new ones.
  2. The concept of warp and weft is often used in writing and art to describe how we all borrow from traditions and influences. Nothing is completely original because we all build on what came before us.
  3. Anni Albers' work connects weaving to creative expression, showing how different materials can inspire and shape our artistic processes. Learning about materials can open up new creative possibilities.

Labor and wait

1758 implied HN points • 26 Aug 22
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Movies Communication
  1. Patience is key in the creative process. Sometimes, you just have to put in the work and wait for the results.
  2. Art and creativity can often be inspired by what we experience in life and what we consume, whether it's books, movies, or music.
  3. Sharing and discussing what you love helps you connect with others. There’s value in sharing your thoughts and favorites with friends.

A heavy canceling by asteroid

1938 implied HN points • 01 Jul 22
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Comics Sports
  1. Access to health care, including abortion, is super important for artists and everyone else. Supporting established organizations can really help with this big issue.
  2. Experiencing live music, like a Kraftwerk concert, can be a fantastic family outing and create lasting memories.
  3. Enjoying a good book or watching lighthearted shows can be comforting when you're feeling unwell; it's a nice way to relax and escape.

Here was a magic

1418 implied HN points • 28 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Film Education
  1. Celebrating milestones, like a child's birthday, can create special memories and moments of joy. Sharing experiences with others can be fulfilling, such as speaking to a class about something you love.
  2. There are valuable lessons in both historical and modern ideas, like exploring Darwin's diagrams or discussing how technology impacts creativity. These discussions can inspire new thoughts and perspectives.
  3. Art and creativity are personal journeys worth sharing, whether it’s showing how a book cover was designed or reflecting on the value of literature. Engaging with different forms of art can enrich our lives.

How I make color brush pens

2218 implied HN points • 19 Apr 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Drawing Painting Techniques Creative Process
  1. You can make your own colored brush pens by refilling exhausted cartridges with different ink colors. It's cheaper and creates less waste than buying new pens.
  2. Mixing inks in the cartridges allows for unique colors and adds fun to the creative process. This can help you explore and discover new ideas through play.
  3. Using colored tape to identify different ink colors is a simple hack that makes the creative process easier and more organized.

How to judge a book by its cover

1358 implied HN points • 25 Oct 22
📚 Literature Publishing Writing Education Zines Self-Publishing
  1. Books can be seen as special kinds of zines, which makes them more relatable and less intimidating to create.
  2. Understanding how traditional publishing has evolved helps people realize there are many ways to share their stories.
  3. Making zines can be a fun way to learn about publishing and creativity, plus it's easy to do with kids.

Trashy mementos

1678 implied HN points • 29 Jul 22
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Media Creativity Photography
  1. A trashy memento journal is a fun way to keep little things that you might not want to throw away. It helps capture special but not overly significant memories.
  2. Two book recommendations include one about autism that offers a fresh perspective and another by an author known for her creative storytelling.
  3. Playing chess can be great for quality time and learning. A clever chess book design can also make the learning process more engaging and fun.

Songs for Drella

1318 implied HN points • 04 Oct 22
🎶 Music Albums Artists History Reviews
  1. The album 'Songs for Drella' is a tribute to Andy Warhol, created by Lou Reed and John Cale, who were once estranged.
  2. The nickname 'Drella' combines 'Dracula' and 'Cinderella,' reflecting the complex nature of Warhol's personality.
  3. The songs on the album present Warhol's life from different perspectives, including his own and those of Reed and Cale.