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

More thoughts on creative tension

1199 implied HN points • 08 Nov 22

Creative tension can help generate new ideas and push creativity forward. It's about balancing different opposing thoughts or feelings.
Negative capability means being okay with uncertainty and holding two opposing views at the same time. This can help people think more deeply and creatively.
The unity of opposites is an ancient idea that suggests conflicting concepts can work together. Embracing this can lead to a richer understanding of creativity.

Going wherever it leads

1398 implied HN points • 02 Sep 22

🎭️ Culture Literature Music Art Film Media

Redacted documents are becoming a major topic in the news, which led to some funny comments about blackout poetry. The creator finds humor in how this art form connects to current events.
Reading tough books can be a real challenge. Sometimes, you find a book that hooks you, but also drives you a bit crazy, making you wish it was shorter.
Interesting documentaries and profiles about musicians can offer new insights and perspectives. Watching these can be a great way to appreciate the history and creativity behind the music we love.

Starting from scraps

1238 implied HN points • 14 Oct 22

🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Media History

Starting from limited resources can inspire creativity and lead to new ideas.
The beauty of life is often found in our day-to-day experiences and connections, not just in grand adventures.
Art and copyright law can clash, raising important questions about creativity and ownership.

Off to see the wizard

1318 implied HN points • 13 Sep 22

🎭️ Culture Film Literature Art Music History

Re-watching movies like The Wizard of Oz can bring out strong emotions and memories we didn't realize we had. The experience can help us connect with our past selves.
The idea of 'there's no place like home' in the movie feels unrealistic for many, as it contrasts with the exciting world of Oz. This highlights the tension between wanting to leave and the comfort of staying.
Movies can teach us about self-authorization. The realization that we are the ones who give ourselves permission to pursue our dreams can be a powerful lesson.

A dozen summer reads

1258 implied HN points • 27 Sep 22

📚 Literature Book Reviews Reading Culture Author insights Personal Reflection

Reading can feel like a guilty pleasure, especially when it takes you away from work. It's nice to enjoy those moments of diving into a good book during the day.
Summer is a great time for reading because there's less guilt about taking a break. The hot weather makes it easier to relax with a book while others are on vacation.
Every book you read contributes to your personal story. The books shape who you are and reflect your interests and experiences.

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Transcribe yourself!

1578 implied HN points • 24 Jun 22

🎭️ Culture Literature Art Music Travel Education

If you're stuck on writing, try talking it out and recording yourself. It can help free up your thoughts.
Reading various books can be enlightening. Don't be afraid to share the ones you picked up and even put down.
Traveling can be more enjoyable if you explore local spots like libraries or grocery stores. It helps you connect with the culture better.

One! Hundred! Thousand!

1858 implied HN points • 08 Apr 22

🎭️ Culture Literature Art Music Poetry Media

It's important to create a newsletter that you enjoy and would want to read yourself. Having a clear format helps keep things organized.
Libraries can thrive without late fees or staff, as people often return items when given the chance. It's great to see how this positively impacts communities.
April is a month to celebrate poetry and autism awareness. There are fun ways to engage with both, like sharing poems or learning more about autism through recommended readings.

Possible verdicts

1358 implied HN points • 23 Aug 22

🎭️ Culture Art Literature Criticism Judgment Beauty

It's important to separate our feelings about beauty and personal taste when it comes to art. Just because we don't like something doesn't mean it's not beautiful.
Adults can develop a deeper understanding of art by recognizing multiple ways to respond to it, beyond just liking or disliking.
Being able to appreciate something as good, even if we don't like it right away, shows growth in our taste and judgment.

Dog days

1498 implied HN points • 08 Jul 22

🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Media Criticism

Reading shorter books can be enjoyable and worthwhile, even if they don’t blow you away. It's nice to find pieces that balance serious topics with a light touch.
Creative work often comes from balancing respect for the past with the desire to innovate. This tension can lead to interesting new ideas and artworks.
Podcasts and shows can be great for light entertainment; for example, 'The Offer' is a fun mini-series worth checking out.

A gratitude zine

2358 implied HN points • 23 Nov 21

🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Gratitude Self-care Mindfulness Personal Development

Gratitude can take time and practice to feel, especially during tough times. It's important to actively work on being thankful.
Keeping a gratitude diary can help by starting each sentence with 'I have...' to focus on positive experiences in life.
Thinking about gratitude as a gift rather than a debt fosters healthier relationships and helps us appreciate what we have.

Collage problems

1518 implied HN points • 28 Jun 22

🎨 Art & Illustration Collage Visual Arts Creative Process Mixed Media

Collaging can be a fun and calming way to process thoughts. Just gluing random things together can help find new ideas.
Using technology like a photocopier can make collage work easier and more efficient. It's a simple way to create many copies of an image you like.
The most important aspect of collaging is to have fun and not take it too seriously. Sometimes, just playing around can lead to great creative outcomes.

Intentionally spiraling out

1958 implied HN points • 25 Feb 22

🎭️ Culture Art Literature Design Media Mental health

A simple notebook exercise can help reduce anxiety and make you feel a bit better. It's a small step to calm the mind.
Listening to Mel Brooks' memoir is not just funny; it feels sweet and comforting. It's like connecting with family through his stories.
Pre-ordering the special edition of 'Steal Like an Artist' is a great way to support and celebrate its 10th anniversary, plus you'll get a signed copy!

Deejaying on the hedonic treadmill

1358 implied HN points • 15 Jul 22

🎭️ Culture Literature Art Music Media Philosophy

Using DJ tricks like volume and sequencing can help us balance our feelings and experiences on the hedonic treadmill. It's all about finding the right mix in life.
Reading can sometimes be frustrating if a book is too long, but it can still be engaging. It's a journey of wanting to know more while feeling overwhelmed.
Recent shows and music can bring joy and surprise. It's fun to discover new artists or enjoy those earlier seasons of beloved TV shows.

Amusing Ourselves To Death

1258 implied HN points • 16 Aug 22

🎭️ Culture Literature Media Philosophy History Society

Neil Postman believed that our society, influenced by technology, is more about entertainment than meaningful communication. This shift can lead us to be less critical thinkers.
He compared the dangers of losing ourselves to a world full of distractions to the warnings in classic literature, arguing that we might love technology too much, which can hinder our growth.
Postman felt that we're living in a 'peek-a-boo world,' where information appears and disappears quickly, leaving us without a strong sense of coherence or connection to deeper ideas.

Saul Steinberg at play

1338 implied HN points • 12 Jul 22

🎨 Art & Illustration Illustration Cartoons Exhibitions Artists Art history

Saul Steinberg was a unique artist who described himself as a 'writer who draws'. He inspired others to see art in new ways.
His famous work, 'View of the World from 9th Avenue', is well-known and a great introduction to his style and ideas.
Steinberg had a long history with 'The New Yorker' magazine, which showcases his diverse range of artistic styles and contributions.

A ticket to the freak show

1458 implied HN points • 27 May 22

🎭️ Culture Books Music Comedy Art Film

Reading can be a great way to escape tough times. Enjoying books like 'Three Men in a Boat' can really lift your spirits.
Connecting with art and culture through activities like museum tours can be inspiring and help you appreciate history.
Taking care of your creative self is important. Good advice includes protecting your time, reading good books, and spending time alone.

The simplest cut

1398 implied HN points • 07 Jun 22

🎨 Art & Illustration Collage Creativity Visual art Mixed Media Art Techniques

Making collages can help spark creativity when you're feeling stuck. It's a fun way to combine different ideas and get inspired.
The 'Simplest Cut' is about making minimal changes for a big impact in your art. Sometimes, just a little twist can create something new and interesting.
You can apply this idea to words too by mixing up headlines or phrases. It can lead to funny or clever results that tell a story.

No thank you!

1358 implied HN points • 17 Jun 22

🎭️ Culture Literature Film Art Music Parenting

Sharing is valuable, whether it's insights, recommendations, or personal experiences. It's a way to connect with others.
Books about writing can really help improve your skills and understanding of the craft. Some classic titles are must-reads for any aspiring writer.
Watching great films or exploring new art can inspire creativity. There's always something to learn or enjoy in different forms of media.

A dozen books worth reading

1398 implied HN points • 24 May 22

📚 Literature Book Reviews Reading Lists Author interviews Creative Writing

The book club read a variety of 12 engaging books that encouraged thoughtful discussions. It was great for readers to explore different perspectives and genres together.
Some books, like 'How To Do Nothing' and 'Four Thousand Weeks', resonated deeply with readers, sparking interest in bigger themes like time and attention.
The author plans to focus more on writing and sharing book recommendations and author interviews in future newsletters, keeping the conversation about reading alive.

At the edge of my map

1418 implied HN points • 17 May 22

🎭️ Culture Relationships Personal Growth Artistic expression Gaming Life Changes

Sometimes, we reach a point in life where we feel lost or unsure, like being at the edge of a map. It's okay to acknowledge that feeling without fear.
Being a good friend means listening and asking questions, especially when someone is going through tough changes. Support is crucial during uncertain times.
In life, just like in video games, we might hit invisible walls that stop our progress. Understanding this can help us be patient as we navigate through unfamiliar territories.

Fossil records and paper trails

1159 implied HN points • 12 Aug 22

🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Education History Design

Museums can go paperless, which makes us think about the importance of both fossil records and how we document our lives.
Trilobites are fascinating creatures, and there's a lot we can learn from their history and the work of scientists like Richard Fortey.
Sometimes, dreaming of a simple life, like living on an island, can inspire us to appreciate art and literature more deeply.

We find what we look for

1358 implied HN points • 31 May 22

📚 Literature Fiction Non-fiction Memoir Essays Philosophy

We notice things based on what we are looking for. If we're not paying attention to something, we might miss it even if it's right in front of us.
Our experiences are shaped by what we choose to focus on. What we find in the world depends on where we direct our attention.
Different perspectives can lead to different interpretations of the same event. How we see things can change based on our interests and experiences.

A vacation diary

1678 implied HN points • 15 Feb 22

🎭️ Culture Travel Parenting Literature Music Arts

Deciding to go on a trip can be tough, especially after staying home for a long time, but exploring new places usually helps you grow. It's important to ask yourself if the experience will make you feel bigger or smaller.
Traveling to new cities can be magical, especially when you get lost in the beauty of the surroundings and the stories found in books that match the setting.
When traveling with kids, it's smart to wake up early and find fun outdoor activities to wear them out before starting the day's adventures. It keeps everyone happy and makes the trip more enjoyable.

Look away from the pit

1678 implied HN points • 21 Jan 22

🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Media Fashion

It's important to avoid doomscrolling and focus on positive aspects of life instead. Looking away from the negativity can help you maintain a better mindset.
Starting a mailing list can be a great way to connect with others and share your thoughts. It's a simple but effective way to keep in touch and build a community.
Showing your kids who you are is valuable. Sharing your experiences and passions with them helps strengthen your bond and teaches them about your life.

Embrace bewilderment

1258 implied HN points • 10 Jun 22

🎭️ Culture Art Comics Literature Parenting Philosophy Media

It's important to embrace confusion and not just rely on cleverness. Being bewildered can lead to new discoveries.
Reading graphic novels can be a fun way to learn about complex topics. They can explain important ideas in an engaging way.
Using features on social media, like Instagram, can make the experience less overwhelming. Choosing what you see can help you enjoy it more.

My COVID diaries

1159 implied HN points • 05 Jul 22

🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Comics Health

Sharing when you're sick can feel a bit attention-seeking, similar to announcing a birthday. It’s like waiting for others to acknowledge your situation.
During recovery, prioritizing what not to do is just as important as what to do. It’s okay to take a break from daily tasks and responsibilities.
Finding comfort in simple pleasures like comic books and familiar music can be a helpful way to cope when you're feeling unwell.

Adventures on two wheels

1418 implied HN points • 08 Mar 22

🎭️ Culture Lifestyle Leisure Hobbies Health Art

Biking can become an all-consuming passion. Once you start riding, you might just want to do it all the time.
Cycling requires full attention. It's a great way to be in the moment and really connect with your surroundings.
Riding a bike can boost your mood and mental health. If you're feeling down, a bike ride might be just what you need.

Let me eat and not be eaten

1179 implied HN points • 03 Jun 22

🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Creativity Comics

Bicycles can inspire creativity and bring joy to life. Riding a bike is not just exercise; it can be a fun way to explore new ideas.
Reading comics can be both entertaining and educational. They offer a unique way to learn about complex topics.
Graduation is a big milestone, and it comes with new opportunities. It's important to embrace change and stay open to new experiences.

Watering the garden

1238 implied HN points • 06 May 22

🎭️ Culture Literature Media Art Interviews Philosophy

It's important to take time to appreciate nature and nurture creativity. Just like watering a garden helps plants thrive, engaging with ideas can help us grow mentally.
Reading various books and articles can offer new perspectives on money and culture. Exploring different viewpoints is a great way to expand your understanding.
Connecting with others through interviews and shared experiences can inspire and motivate us. Listening to creative people share their journeys can spark new ideas for our own lives.

Paper time capsules

759 implied HN points • 15 Nov 22

📚 Literature Books Reading Writing Literary Events Authors

Finding old clippings in books can be a fun surprise. It shows how books can hold memories from different times.
Storing clippings in books makes them special little time capsules. Each time you open the book, you can discover something new inside.
Preserving these memories in books adds a touch of joy. It's like giving your future self a little gift whenever you read.

Winning time

1278 implied HN points • 01 Apr 22

🎭️ Culture Art Media Literature Entertainment Philosophy

Spring is here, and it's a great time for outdoor activities like biking and reading. Enjoying the season can really boost your mood.
Algorithms on social media can harm small businesses and affect how we communicate. It's good to own your own content and not rely too much on platforms.
There are interesting discussions happening around the impact of games and how they influence our experiences. It's worth exploring different viewpoints on this topic.

Study something you love in depth!

1418 implied HN points • 01 Feb 22

🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Film Comics

Focus on what you love and study it deeply. Spending time on something you enjoy can reveal new insights and spark creativity.
When exploring an artist's work, you can go in order or pick and choose pieces that interest you. Both approaches can bring value to your understanding.
Share your learning journey with others. It helps you connect with similar fans and encourages you to keep going, all while enjoying the process.

Homework every night for the rest of your life

1139 implied HN points • 13 May 22

🎭️ Culture Literature Art Creativity Parenting Education

Being a writer means doing homework every night, but that's not always a bad thing. It keeps you engaged and always learning.
Reading and recommending books isn't just about single titles; it's more about seeing how they connect. Understanding these connections can enhance your reading experience.
Having hobbies, like gardening or walking, can bring joy and creativity to your life. They can also inspire your work in surprising ways.

Say yes and never do it

1258 implied HN points • 11 Mar 22

🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Media Creative

Mel Brooks suggests that sometimes it's better to just agree to a boss's idea, even if you don’t plan to actually do it. It can save you from unnecessary conflict.
Reading different perspectives, like a close analysis of poetry or an oral history of music, can refresh your thinking and inspire creativity.
Creating silly or fun projects, like making drawing games with kids, can be a great way to bond and enjoy creativity together.

Date stamps

1578 implied HN points • 09 Nov 21

🎭️ Culture Art Lifestyle Tradition Creativity Education

Date stamps are still useful in many jobs today, even if they seem old-fashioned. You can find them easily at office supply stores.
Kids enjoy using date stamps on their drawings. It's a fun way to encourage them to write or keep track of their work.
If you get a date stamp that's running out of years, you can sometimes fix it. Cutting off some numbers with a knife can help you get more use out of it.

The map is not the territory

1059 implied HN points • 20 May 22

🎭️ Culture Literature Art Music Travel Comics

Maps are not the same as reality. They can only represent parts of a complex world we live in.
You don't need to visualize things in your mind to create great art. Many artists, including those with aphantasia, can still draw well without mental images.
The impact of creative works, like books and music, can influence and inspire us. Exploring new recommendations can enrich our lives.

A cluster map of books

1079 implied HN points • 10 May 22

📚 Literature Books Reading Influence Cultural impact

Books influence us more as a group than as individual titles. Reading a cluster of related books can amplify their impact on our lives.
The connection between books can create a deeper understanding and shape our perspectives. Sometimes one book leads to others that enhance its message.
When we reflect on our favorite books, it's often the combination of them that defines our experiences. This web of influences guides our creativity and thoughts.

Thinking on the page

1278 implied HN points • 08 Feb 22

🎭️ Culture Art Writing Creativity Design Philosophy

Writing and drawing help to develop ideas, rather than just expressing them. Sometimes you need to start making marks to discover what you really think.
Thinking is a back-and-forth process between your mind and your materials. What you draw or write can lead to new thoughts and connections.
It's important to externalize your ideas on paper. By getting them out of your head, you can see patterns and create new insights more easily.

Self-expression

1059 implied HN points • 15 Apr 22

🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Self-Expression Photography

Art is about self-expression, and sharing your work can help you connect with others.
Finding inspiration can come from unexpected places, like visiting a library or exploring your town.
Music and movies can lift your spirits and provide great entertainment for family time.

Trying not to spiral out

1199 implied HN points • 04 Feb 22

🎭️ Culture Arts Literature Music Media Family

Finding beauty in tough situations can help us grow. It's important to look for the silver lining during difficult times like storms.
Reading a variety of books can expand our understanding and inspire creativity. Mixing different genres like essays and novels can keep our minds engaged.
Sharing enjoyable activities with family strengthens bonds. Playing games, baking, and watching shows together can create lasting memories.