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

The magic of the brush

1398 implied HN points • 26 Oct 21
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual Arts Illustration Drawing Comics Creative Tools
  1. The Pentel Pocket Brush Pen is a great tool for drawing and writing. It helps spark creativity and makes it fun to express yourself on paper.
  2. Using a brush pen can change how you think about writing. Drawing slowly with it can free your mind, allowing deeper thoughts and ideas to flow.
  3. You can refill the brush pen with your own ink, which saves money and is more personal. It's easy to use, and you can experiment with different colors and styles.

Only the questions

1039 implied HN points • 04 Mar 22
🎭️ Culture Music Literature Art Television Writing
  1. There's a cool online tool that shows you only the questions in a piece of writing. It's a fun way to focus on what really matters in the text.
  2. You can make music right in your browser using a tool called Roland50 Studio. It's a great way to have fun and be creative without needing special software.
  3. A new TV show called 'Somebody Somewhere' mixes comedy and heartwarming moments. It’s set in a unique location and deals with topics like grief in a relatable way.

Stolen plants always grow

919 implied HN points • 22 Apr 22
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Gardening Philosophy
  1. Plants taken from their original spot can still grow and thrive. This shows that sometimes, taking a chance can lead to something positive.
  2. Many myths exist around publishing and what it takes to succeed. It's important to separate fact from fiction in the industry.
  3. Life after fame can be challenging for pop stars. Some find that the attention they craved comes with heavy burdens and unexpected changes.

Read at Whim!

979 implied HN points • 22 Mar 22
📚 Literature Reading Books Authors Literary Criticism Writing
  1. Reading should be fun and spontaneous, like following your mood. Don't feel pressured to read what others think is good.
  2. Don't feel guilty about your reading choices. Enjoy what makes you happy, even if it's considered a 'guilty pleasure.'
  3. It's important to reflect on your reading habits and think about how to improve them for the future. Make your reading life more enjoyable.

Why Am I Talking?

959 implied HN points • 18 Mar 22
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Lifestyle Education
  1. Consider asking yourself, 'Why Am I Talking?' to focus on the purpose of your conversations. This can help make your words more meaningful.
  2. Riding a bike can bring joy and a sense of adventure. It's a great way to explore and stay active.
  3. Sharing stories can connect us to objects and memories. Writing about items we own or have lost can create deeper reflections.
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Intermissions

1179 implied HN points • 16 Nov 21
🎭️ Culture Film Zines Art Creative Media
  1. It's fun to watch movies in parts instead of all at once. Taking breaks can make the experience more enjoyable.
  2. You can create a zine, which is a small magazine, to share your thoughts or ideas easily. It's a fun way to express yourself.
  3. Watching old movies in black and white can give them a new twist. It can feel like you're seeing the film for the first time again.

Would I do it tomorrow?

859 implied HN points • 29 Apr 22
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Music Events Media
  1. Independent Bookstore Day is a great occasion to support local bookstores. It's also a chance to enjoy special events and new releases.
  2. A good question to ask before accepting invitations is, 'Would I do it tomorrow?' It helps you decide if the opportunity is worth your time.
  3. Exploring creative work and art discussions, like the new film about Brian Eno, can inspire and deepen your understanding of art and its impact.

26 books I picked up (and put down) this spring

719 implied HN points • 21 Jun 22
📚 Literature Books Reading Authors Memoirs Essays
  1. It's okay to start a book and not finish it; it's part of the reading journey. People often share books they've enjoyed, but sharing the ones they didn't finish can be just as valuable.
  2. Finding the right book at the right time can make all the difference. Sometimes a book resonates because of what's happening in life at that moment.
  3. Trying various books, even if they are put down, shows a willingness to explore new ideas and perspectives. Each book read (or not finished) adds to the overall reading experience.

10 good books I read this winter

859 implied HN points • 25 Mar 22
📚 Literature Book Reviews Reading Lists Author interviews Cultural Commentary
  1. Reading can be a fun adventure. Picking books based on your mood is a great way to enjoy them more.
  2. Exploring different topics, like biking, can provide useful and enjoyable insights. It's refreshing to dive into subjects that excite you.
  3. Talking about tough subjects, like death, is important. It helps us understand and cope with our feelings better.

A state of flow

1119 implied HN points • 22 Oct 21
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Media History
  1. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi is known for the concept of 'flow', which describes a state of being fully immersed in an activity. It’s important to recognize moments when we feel completely engaged and focused.
  2. Joy Williams is a talented short story writer whose work can be enjoyed through various podcasts. Listening to authors read their stories can provide a deeper appreciation for their writing.
  3. David Epstein’s book 'Range' discusses the benefits of being a generalist in a world that often rewards specialization. It’s a good reminder that having a diverse range of skills and interests can be very valuable.

The creative seasons

959 implied HN points • 11 Jan 22
🎭️ Culture Art Creativity Literature Philosophy
  1. Creativity goes through seasons, just like nature, and it's important to recognize this cycle. Sometimes, we feel dormant or stagnant, but that doesn't mean we're not growing.
  2. Winter can feel long and challenging, especially in January, but it's also a time for reflection and rest. This downtime can prepare us for new ideas and growth in the future.
  3. Spring always arrives, and with it comes new energy and opportunities. Patience is key, as the hard times often lead to beautiful new beginnings.

No yelling!

879 implied HN points • 11 Feb 22
🎭️ Culture Literature Music Art History Media
  1. Reading and re-reading thoughtful works can deepen your understanding, like Rebecca Solnit's writings about Virginia Woolf.
  2. Exploring archives and profiles of creative figures, such as the woman behind 'Goodnight Moon,' can be really inspiring.
  3. Finding new music and podcasts can enhance your listening experience, like discovering Cate Le Bon's albums or Annie Murphy Paul's ideas on thinking.

What are your questions?

919 implied HN points • 04 Jan 22
🎭️ Culture Art Inquiry Creativity Communication Expression
  1. Asking questions can help you work through problems and spark new ideas. It’s a great way to get started on any project.
  2. Sometimes the right question can lead you directly to the answer you need. A simple question can clarify your thoughts.
  3. Using questions to reflect on your experiences can push you to think deeper about your art and life. It helps you discover what really matters to you.

Fridge poems

739 implied HN points • 05 Apr 22
📚 Literature Poetry Essays Creative Writing Arts Cultural Commentary
  1. Fridge poems are special poems that we feel connected to and want to display in our homes. They represent what matters to us and can remind us of important thoughts or feelings.
  2. The refrigerator holds a unique place in our homes as a space to celebrate memories and creativity, often decorated with personal items like drawings and photos. It’s like a public gallery for our family's stories.
  3. Steel refrigerators that aren’t magnetic can take away this personal touch, making it harder to showcase meaningful things. Choosing a magnetic fridge allows us to keep that tradition alive and foster connections through art and words.

A road trip Q&A

739 implied HN points • 18 Feb 22
🎭️ Culture Literature Travel Music Art Film
  1. A road trip can bring a refreshing change and spark interesting conversations and reflections.
  2. Reading diverse books can broaden your horizons and offer new perspectives on life.
  3. Sharing experiences, like school lunches, can create deeper connections and memories with others.

Pizza night blockbusters (and Meg’s recipe)

819 implied HN points • 21 Dec 21
🍲 Food & Drink Cooking Recipes Family Entertainment Dining
  1. Family pizza night is a fun tradition that everyone can look forward to each week. It makes for a great time to bond over food and movies.
  2. Finding movies that everyone in the family can enjoy can be challenging but is rewarding. There are many great options out there suitable for kids and parents alike.
  3. Making pizza at home is easy and can be done ahead of time. You can use a simple dough recipe, allowing for a fresh and delicious meal during movie night.

100 things that made my year

799 implied HN points • 31 Dec 21
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Media Social Traditions
  1. Making a list of 100 things that made your year can help reflect on the good moments. It's a nice way to appreciate the little things in life.
  2. Sharing favorite quotes can be a fun way to connect with others and find more inspiration. It shows how words can impact us differently.
  3. Setting resolutions doesn't have to be stressful. You can choose simple challenges, or even opt to take a break and just be for a while.

Spread cheer!

799 implied HN points • 24 Dec 21
🎭️ Culture Literature Music Film Art Media
  1. Reading good books is important. Some favorites this year included 'Matrix' by Lauren Groff and 'The Master and his Emissary' by Iain McGilchrist.
  2. Celebrating the lives and works of great writers is valuable. Remembering Eve Babitz and Joan Didion highlights the impact of their writing.
  3. Finding joy and comfort in art, like playing video games or listening to music, can really help us relax and feel better.

How a talk begins

739 implied HN points • 25 Jan 22
🎭️ Culture Art Imagination Creativity Communication Performance
  1. Creating a talk often starts with small ideas that come together over time. It's okay to mix old and new material based on the audience and theme.
  2. Imagination and creativity are not the same thing. Imagination is about thinking of things beyond what's in front of you, while creativity is turning those thoughts into something new.
  3. Some people have a condition called aphantasia, meaning they can't visualize images in their minds. This doesn't stop them from being creative and can even help their thought processes.

One thing leads to another

739 implied HN points • 07 Jan 22
🎭️ Culture Books Art Music Film Writing
  1. Books and year-end lists can inspire creativity. Sharing your favorites might encourage others to reflect on their own experiences.
  2. Creating playlists or lists is a great way to track what you love over time. It's fun to see how tastes evolve year by year.
  3. Using ideas from past projects can spark new creations. It's like a 'chain smoking' method where one thought leads to another.

Hope this finds you well

799 implied HN points • 19 Nov 21
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Poetry Collage
  1. Creating collages from magazine type can be a fun and creative activity. It's a great way to express yourself using found text.
  2. Reading is a wonderful escape, and a novel about medieval nuns can be a perfect choice for late-night adventures. It’s engaging and might resonate with anyone who’s ever struggled with sleepless nights.
  3. There’s always interesting news in music, from unexpected collaborations to quirky music platforms. Keeping up with music can be a fun way to discover new sounds and artists.

The principles of patience

759 implied HN points • 05 Nov 21
🎭️ Culture Philosophy Art Music Parenting Media
  1. Patience is important and can help us deal with challenges in life. Taking the time to be patient can lead to better outcomes.
  2. The spirit of punk goes beyond just music; it's about having a mindset of rebellion and creativity. It's a way of living that values authenticity.
  3. Engaging in philosophical experiments can help us reflect on everyday life. These exercises encourage us to think deeply and expand our perspectives.

I’m still here

719 implied HN points • 03 Dec 21
🎭️ Culture Arts Music Literature Film Social Commentary
  1. Stephen Sondheim was an influential composer, and many people are sharing his great works after his passing. Watching the documentary 'Six by Sondheim' is a good way to appreciate his talent.
  2. Using soft lead pencils, like the Blackwing, makes writing more fun because they need regular sharpening. Sondheim loved using them for this reason.
  3. Books like Louise Erdrich's 'The Sentence' are enjoyable and worth reading, along with new releases like 'The Art of Activism' that provide fresh perspectives.

Anyone can be Batman

699 implied HN points • 17 Dec 21
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Media Poetry Writing
  1. Anyone can embrace their inner superhero, just like Batman. It means believing in yourself and taking action.
  2. The writings of bell hooks deeply influenced many people. Her ideas on love and creativity inspire us to think differently.
  3. Joining a book club or a poetry newsletter is a great way to discover new literature and find what you enjoy. It can spark your creativity!

How I prepare for an interview

599 implied HN points • 01 Mar 22
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Interviews Writing Media
  1. Making mind maps helps organize thoughts and ideas before an interview. It's a great way to see connections between different topics.
  2. Instead of preparing a strict list of questions, focus on topic areas. This way, you can listen better and have a more natural conversation.
  3. Listening is key in interviews. If you're busy thinking about your next question, you might miss what the person is saying.

My year in 101 quotes

659 implied HN points • 28 Dec 21
📚 Literature Quotes Writing Reading Creativity Reflections
  1. Writing down one good line every day can help capture meaningful thoughts and moments from your life.
  2. Embracing quiet moments and allowing yourself to step back can lead to clearer insights and creativity.
  3. It's important to give yourself permission to create and express yourself without needing external validation.

Reading with a blade and a glue stick

679 implied HN points • 10 Dec 21
🎭️ Culture Books Music Art Film Creativity
  1. Reading can be a creative process. Instead of just reading, you can use tools like a blade and glue stick to interact with the content.
  2. Being popular on social media doesn't guarantee book sales. It's important to have good marketing strategies to sell books.
  3. Exploring cultural topics, like why people have mixed feelings about certain music, can be really interesting and shows how taste varies.

Songs are shelters in time

619 implied HN points • 14 Jan 22
🎶 Music Music theory Songwriting Performing Arts Music history Music Reviews
  1. Music can be a great source of comfort, helping us feel safe and supported during tough times.
  2. Practicing skills consistently can lead to improvement, and taking part in activities like '100 days of practice' can be a great way to commit to personal growth.
  3. Reading books about grief can help us understand and cope with loss, and sometimes it's good to explore these topics before we face them ourselves.

Old ways to do new things

479 implied HN points • 29 Mar 22
🎭️ Culture Art History Literature Creativity Inspiration
  1. Looking into the past can spark new ideas for the present. It helps you see creative possibilities that you might not notice otherwise.
  2. Combining old concepts with new works can create unique pieces. It's about mixing the familiar with the fresh to inspire more creativity.
  3. There are many ways to approach creativity, like 'old ways to do new things' and 'new ways to do old things.' Each approach can be valuable depending on what you want to achieve.

Exploit or explore?

619 implied HN points • 12 Nov 21
🎭️ Culture Art Philosophy Music Literature Education
  1. It's important to balance what you already know with discovering new things. Finding the right time to use your skills and explore new ideas is key to growth.
  2. The idea of harmony in tension shows that opposites can coexist and lead to new insights. Embracing conflicting ideas can help us understand life better.
  3. Taking time to appreciate art and creativity is a valuable exercise. It's a good reminder to look at our surroundings and declare things as art in our lives.

They can’t all be winners

599 implied HN points • 26 Nov 21
🎭️ Culture Art Writing Literature Music Film
  1. Street art is a cool way to find art in everyday life and it can really brighten up a city. It's all around us if we just take the time to look.
  2. Typewriters are becoming popular again, especially during the pandemic. People find joy in using these old machines for writing.
  3. There are many creative projects and interesting artists to explore, like documentaries and podcasts. They can inspire us and offer new ways to appreciate art and storytelling.

A walkthrough of my diary

539 implied HN points • 18 Jan 22
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Diary Creativity Personal Reflection
  1. Keeping a diary can help you capture your daily thoughts and creativity. It's a good way to reflect and see how your ideas develop over time.
  2. One person's diaries can take on a unique style, like adding drawings or creative layouts. This can make the process more fun and personal.
  3. Starting a diary might feel tricky at first, but tools like journals or prompts can help get you going. It's all about finding what works for you.

Inside the mask

599 implied HN points • 29 Oct 21
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Philosophy Media
  1. Photographs of people wearing masks can be fascinating and revealing. They capture complex emotions and stories behind the masks.
  2. In storytelling, 'The Heroine's Journey' focuses on connecting with others and finding strength through cooperation. This approach is different from the traditional hero's journey and emphasizes community.
  3. Music is often seen as the highest form of art. Schopenhauer believed it expresses deep truths that other art forms can't, making it unique and powerful.

The Abyss and The Gulp

399 implied HN points • 14 Dec 21
📚 Literature Writing Research Publishing Creativity Journalism
  1. There is a big gap between doing research and actually writing. Many people find it easier to keep researching instead of starting the writing process.
  2. Once you finish writing, there is another challenge in getting it published or shared. The transition from writing to publishing can feel overwhelming.
  3. Creativity often involves facing these gaps and challenges. Understanding them can help people overcome obstacles in their creative work.

Catching a wave

339 implied HN points • 30 Nov 21
🎭️ Culture Music Art Creativity Literature
  1. The creative process can be like catching a wave, where timing and intuition are key to success. Just like surfers need to know when to catch a wave, creators have to find the right moment to begin their work.
  2. Watching documentaries about creative people can inspire new ways of thinking about artistry. For example, comparing The Beatles' creative process to surfing helped spark new ideas.
  3. Understanding creativity might come from different experiences, like surfing. It helps to remember that creativity requires patience and knowing how to ride the waves of inspiration.

Typewriter interview with Elisa Gabbert

1 HN point • 27 Aug 24
📚 Literature Interviews Writing Books Essays Poetry Reading
  1. Reading can be more enjoyable if you have different books around you. If a book isn't capturing your attention, it's okay to set it down and choose something else.
  2. Elisa Gabbert enjoys singing and finds karaoke a fun way to express herself. She feels connected to music and has a lot of favorite songs that always lift her mood.
  3. Elisa suggests that instead of seeing reading and writing as chores, we should turn our interests into enjoyable activities. She believes in following fleeting obsessions as they can enrich your knowledge and creativity.

Are you helping?

239 implied HN points • 28 Jan 22
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Writing Comics
  1. Artists should focus on helping others in their work, even if it's not always cheerful. It's about the impact you make.
  2. Reading novels in relaxing settings, like the bathtub, can enhance your reading experience and enjoyment.
  3. Listening deeply to music can help you connect more with the artist. It’s a great way to appreciate something you love even more.

10 great music movies I saw this year

239 implied HN points • 07 Dec 21
🎶 Music Music culture Songwriting Music genres
  1. There are many great movies centered around music that offer insights for creative people. They can be entertaining and educational, no matter your interest in music.
  2. Movies like 'The Sparks Brothers' and 'Summer of Soul' explore the history and influence of bands and music festivals, showcasing both the music and the culture around it.
  3. Even if you don’t like musical theater, documentaries about composers like Stephen Sondheim can change your perspective and inspire writers in any field.

I am a compost heap

199 implied HN points • 15 Oct 21
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Media Music Technology
  1. Idea composting is about mixing and combining thoughts to create new ideas.
  2. Exploring creative content, like podcasts and books, can inspire and refresh your perspective.
  3. Writing about topics like artificial intelligence can spark unexpected interests and insights.

Doing what gives you goosebumps

99 implied HN points • 08 Oct 21
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Film Media
  1. Doing what excites you can lead to great experiences. It's important to pursue things that give you goosebumps.
  2. Stay open to your creative urges. Sometimes, you don’t even have to believe in yourself; just follow where your interests take you.
  3. Creating freely requires a safe space. You can't truly express yourself if you feel watched or judged.