On Looking

On Looking is a Substack that delves into visual culture, highlighting the complexities of the creative industry, the impact of visual literacy, and the influence of socio-economic factors on artists. It explores the intersections of art, labor, identity, and technology through the lens of illustration and visual storytelling.

Creative Industry Challenges Visual Literacy and Misinformation Art and Social Interactions Illustration as Personal Expression Labor Rights in Creativity Economics of Artistic Labor AI in Art and Illustration Visual Style and Identity Artistic Collaboration and Process Visual Culture and Anthropology

The hottest Substack posts of On Looking

And their main takeaways

I wrote an article for It's Nice That

299 implied HN points • 29 Apr 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Labor Creative industry Visual communication Solidarity
  1. The article is about labor and organizing in the creative industry, highlighting the importance of valuing creative work as labor worth fighting for.
  2. There is a call for better work conditions for creatives and a push for more solidarity among creative workers in different sectors of the industry.
  3. The need to recognize and address abusive practices in the industry and extend care and understanding to everyone involved in the supply chain of creative labor is emphasized.

Letters from the field #4 - Work

399 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Creative industry Labour Work ethic
  1. The creative industry isn't always as creatively fulfilling as it seems, with artists often facing challenges like competitiveness and commodification.
  2. Illustrators put in significant physical and mental labor, with long hours and the pressure to maintain quality in their work.
  3. The personal background and struggles of artists have a significant impact on how they navigate the professional demands of the creative industry.

Image-Event — Kate Middleton's photo

399 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration
  1. Image-events can bring to light hidden aspects of social and political processes through visual forms.
  2. Photographs have a complex relationship with truth, shaping our perception of reality and requiring critical visual literacy to navigate an image-saturated world.
  3. The rise of visual misinformation necessitates a culture of visual inquiry and the development of skeptical ways of seeing to resist deceitful content online.

The AI doppelgänger experiment – Part 1: The training

184 HN points • 15 May 24
🎨 Art & Illustration AI Style Ethics Identity Creativity
  1. Communication relies on shared language, and this is especially crucial when discussing visual concepts like style and art.
  2. Training generative AI models to transfer style involves complex processes of separating denotational and stylistic aspects of images.
  3. The AI doppelganger experiment explores the tension between human-created images and machine-generated ones, raising questions about personhood, identity, and creativity in the digital age.

Total Eclipse of the Heart

259 implied HN points • 08 Apr 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual Arts Photography Illustration Drawing Painting
  1. Eclipses provide a unique opportunity to witness the majestic beauty of cosmic events, reminding us of the intricate alignment of celestial bodies.
  2. The experience of observing an eclipse challenges our perception of reality, showcasing how our brain interprets electromagnetic waves and alters our vision.
  3. Looking directly at an eclipse can be harmful and cause solar retinopathy, emphasizing the importance of protective eyewear and caution during such rare events.
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Letter from the field #3 - The anthropology of illustration

339 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Anthropology Visual Culture
  1. The lives of NYC creatives in the illustration field are rich and complex, often intertwining personal identity with creative work.
  2. Illustrators create images that reflect their unique styles, which are not just for commercial purposes but also a form of personal expression.
  3. Art directors play a pivotal role in matching visuals with text, acting as 'image brokers' who translate language into visual art, influencing how people interact with images in everyday life.

PhD Journal #1

379 implied HN points • 21 Aug 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Images People Community Anthropology Artistic Process
  1. The author explores how people interact with images in various settings like art communities and social circles in New York City.
  2. Through shared drawing experiences, the author discovers the intimate and pressure-less nature of creating art together, breaking away from professional expectations.
  3. Modifying images in a social context can lead to relaxed and friendly interactions, highlighting the performative nature of our public personas.

A union for illustrators | An interview with Rebecca Blake

279 implied HN points • 18 Nov 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Creative industry
  1. Labor unions for freelance artists play a crucial role in advocating for fair pay and improving labor conditions in the creative industry, especially in the face of emerging challenges like generative AI.
  2. The Graphic Artists Guild transitioned from a labor union to a trade association to better adapt to the changing freelance landscape and address the needs of a predominantly freelance workforce.
  3. Strong organization and collective action among designers and illustrators are essential for protecting copyrights, negotiating fair contracts, and advocating for the economic interests of creative professionals in a rapidly evolving industry.

Letters from the field #5 - Season 2 announcement + Call for participation

79 implied HN points • 19 Apr 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Research Industry Creativity Visual Culture Design
  1. Season 2 of the research will focus on exploring the perspectives of designers, art directors, editors, and production managers in the creative industry.
  2. The research involves conducting in-person interviews as well as observations within magazines, design studios, and advertising agencies in New York to understand how creative professionals work and make decisions.
  3. The researcher is seeking New York-based creatives to participate in the study, emphasizing the importance of observations in workspaces to gather insights for the research.

Plagiarism: The philosophy, psychology and biology of why we don’t see eye to eye.

259 implied HN points • 14 Sep 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Philosophy Psychology Biology
  1. Plagiarism is a significant issue in the creative industry, often going unnoticed or unpunished due to various factors like power imbalances and technological complexities.
  2. Our perception of images is influenced by a dynamic interplay of similarity and difference, with both forces being essential for creativity and artistic identity.
  3. Understanding plagiarism requires a multidisciplinary approach, considering philosophical, psychological, and biological perspectives on how people perceive and categorize similarities in creative works.

How to do things with style

199 implied HN points • 11 Nov 23
🎨 Art & Illustration History Legal issues Creativity Education Style
  1. Style has always been a critical aspect of the creative industry, influencing how artists are perceived, hired, and valued.
  2. Historically, debates around copyright, art, and market trends have shaped the concept of style and its significance in creative work.
  3. In today's context, the value of style is shifting towards more internal, unique concepts like vision and voice, as illustrators adapt to technological advancements and changing market dynamics.

5 books on images, the people who make them, and the people they make

159 implied HN points • 09 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Books Creativity Art history Illustration
  1. Reading is an important skill for illustrators, helping them develop a deeper understanding of their work and the cultural systems in which it is embedded
  2. Books on creativity and image making provide insights into larger social narratives and systems, shifting the focus from individual success to broader contexts
  3. Exploring the history and processes behind image creation through books can enhance critical thinking and appreciation for the creative industry

And we're back...

279 implied HN points • 05 Nov 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Creative industry Visual Culture
  1. Julien Posture is exploring the relationship between language, perception, value, and styles in the creative industry through his PhD research.
  2. Aesthetic judgments in the creative industry have social, economic, and moral impacts on individuals, shaping identities and relationships.
  3. The research aims to understand how visual styles are associated with different values and how these evaluations impact the creative industry and its stakeholders.

A moodboard for AI

119 implied HN points • 20 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration AI Representation Visual Arts Creative industry
  1. Illustrators have the power to shape how AI is visually represented, moving beyond typical futuristic robot imagery to include aspects like human labor and material resources.
  2. The use of moodboards can offer a tool of resistance within the creative industry, helping artists challenge existing representations of AI and create new paradigms.
  3. Exploring different visual representations of AI, such as using colors from lithium mines or personifying AI as global workers, can lead to more critical engagement with AI and its impact.

1 year of visual culture, and a new name !

139 implied HN points • 05 Apr 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual Culture Creative industry Anthropology
  1. Julien Posture's newsletter 'The (Im)posture' is rebranding and broadening its focus to discuss visual culture matters beyond just the creative industry.
  2. The newsletter reflects Julien's transition from being an anthropologist doing illustration to an illustrator engaging with anthropology, exploring a wide range of topics from AI in illustration to language perception in VFX.
  3. The aim of the newsletter is to deepen visual literacy, encouraging readers to think profoundly about living in an image-saturated world as both creators and viewers.

Do illustrators still need advice ?

259 implied HN points • 18 Aug 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Advice Community Industry Guidance Education
  1. Think about the context of the advice you give - ensure it is relevant and considerate of the economic reality of individuals.
  2. Consider who needs the advice - it's crucial to question why advice is often directed at illustrators rather than at those with more power in the industry.
  3. Instead of just seeking advice, illustrators need strong communities and proper training to claim their voice and give advice to others.

Illustration without illustrators

199 implied HN points • 24 Jun 22
🎨 Art & Illustration AI Semiotics Style Human connection
  1. Consider changing clients if you fear being replaced by AI, instead of worrying about AI overtaking your profession.
  2. Illustration involves more than just translating text into images; it's about creating a unique relation and dynamic between the two.
  3. AI and art are not natural forces in conflict but human creations that require understanding and responsibility. AI's ability to replicate styles does not diminish the importance of individuality and style in art.

Welcome to The (Im)Posture

239 implied HN points • 05 Apr 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Illustration Creativity Capitalism Newsletter Community
  1. The newsletter 'The (Im)Posture' aims to offer a critical space for illustrators to engage beyond common industry narratives and delve into the complexities of the field.
  2. The author emphasizes illustration as an expertise and a critical practice, encouraging questioning and reflection on topics like creativity, capitalism, and ethics.
  3. Unlike most newsletters, there is no extra content for paid subscribers; the focus is on creating valuable work without monetary barriers, with an option for readers to support if they find the content adds value.

ON EXPOSURE 2/3 - Labour

179 implied HN points • 23 Jul 22
🎭️ Culture Labour Creative industry Visibility Neoliberalism Success
  1. Workers in creative fields often engage in 'hope labour' by working for exposure in hopes of future paid opportunities.
  2. The concept of visibility as a measure of success in the creative industries can be detrimental, leading to a focus on being seen rather than making a decent living.
  3. Exposure and hope labour create a system that benefits those already in comfortable positions, while often excluding or alienating marginalized individuals.

Illustrating AI

79 implied HN points • 22 Mar 23
🎨 Art & Illustration AI Creativity Representation Labor Tech industry
  1. Illustrators have the power to shape public opinion on AI by leveraging their expertise in visual storytelling.
  2. There are ongoing efforts, like lawsuits and digital tools, to protect artists' work in the face of AI-generated art and copyright infringement.
  3. The representation of AI in illustrations can be reimagined to reflect the real-world impact of AI technologies, moving away from the typical futuristic and idealistic portrayals.

How much of our disbelief can we suspend in augmented reality?

59 implied HN points • 27 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Augmented reality Virtual reality Social Interactions AI Cognitive Science
  1. Technologies like augmented reality challenge our perception and reshape our senses, training us to suspend disbelief and engaging us in a new form of visual literacy.
  2. The labor of making things look real involves an intricate mix of technology, cultural references, and societal norms, often blurring the lines between what is real and what is constructed.
  3. The desire for connection in an increasingly technological world raises questions about the authenticity of human interactions and challenges us to navigate the fine line between presence and absence, between virtual and physical realms.

Inside the process - New York Times Book Review

219 implied HN points • 15 Apr 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Creative Process Collaboration
  1. The illustrator focused on rephrasing text in their own words to take more control and use visual cues effectively in creating the illustration.
  2. Having the freedom to choose between portrait or landscape format allowed the illustrator to experiment with different compositions and ideas.
  3. Collaboration with the art director and making small tweaks throughout the process significantly contributed to the final outcome of the illustration.

Some news about The (Im)Posture

139 implied HN points • 25 Aug 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Community Career Creativity Visual Culture Academia
  1. The newsletter will continue with an anthropological focus as the author starts a PhD in anthropology at the University of Cambridge, providing insights into research and discussions.
  2. Paying subscribers will have more interactive and experimental content, while the core essays will remain free for everyone.
  3. There will be a hiatus in the newsletter from mid-September to mid-October due to the author's relocation and academic commitments.

Can we trust aesthetics to be fair ?

119 implied HN points • 20 May 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Aesthetics Creative industry Identity Meritocracy Fairness
  1. Aesthetics in the creative industry raises questions about what defines 'good work' and who gets to decide, challenging the idea of universal beauty standards.
  2. Meritocracy and economic value in the creative industry are closely linked, but meritocracy may not always lead to fair opportunities due to structural inequalities.
  3. The association between artists and their work, as well as the concept of aesthetic meritocracy, may influence how we perceive art and artists, raising questions about fairness and identity in the industry.

Inside the process - The Philanthropist

99 implied HN points • 27 May 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Process Collaboration Concept Creativity Communication
  1. Collaborating early with illustrators can lead to discussions about the best use of illustrations for a project, sparking creative ideas.
  2. During the creation process, challenges and hesitations can arise, but sometimes, exploring different visual approaches can bring clarity and align with the content.
  3. Drawing and illustrating can often convey ideas and concepts that are challenging to put into words, relying on patience and trust to communicate effectively.

It takes a village to be a solitary genius

99 implied HN points • 13 May 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Sociology Collaboration Creativity Aesthetics
  1. Artistic work involves the joint activity of many people, contrary to the idea of a solitary genius navigating the art world alone.
  2. All art, including illustration, relies on conventions and collaborative efforts involving various actors like developers, engineers, illustrators, editors, and more.
  3. Aesthetics in art are tied to moral judgments, impacting the reception of artwork; illustrators also navigate aesthetic choices that can influence their commercial success.

The intimate commodity of the commercial artist.

99 implied HN points • 29 Apr 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Style Capitalism Identity Creative work
  1. In a capitalist system, style becomes a way for individuals to shape their identity through the consumption of stylized goods.
  2. As a commercial artist, the balance between originality and predictability is crucial in capitalizing on style.
  3. The concept of 'style' in art blurs the lines between personal expression, market demands, and artistic authenticity.

Illustrator's heartbreak BINGO

79 implied HN points • 06 May 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Illustration Art
  1. Illustrators often face repetitive and heartbreaking interactions with clients, captured humorously in 'Illustrator's heartbreak BINGO'.
  2. The BINGO game showcases common messages sent to illustrators and encourages sharing experiences through social media.
  3. The initiative serves as a lighthearted way to address systemic issues in the illustration industry and connect with fellow professionals.

To own a colour

59 implied HN points • 10 Jun 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Color History Philosophy Ownership Creativity
  1. The concept of owning colors through NFTs has sparked controversy and raised questions about the value and ownership of colors in art and society.
  2. Colors are a complex interplay of history, scarcity, and cultural significance, dating back to the Middle Ages and continuing through to modern controversies like Vantablack and International Klein Blue.
  3. The discussion extends to the philosophical and cognitive realms, where the idea of selling colors as NFTs challenges the immaterial nature of colors and the relationships between types and tokens.

The Grand Tour - Holiday Break

59 implied HN points • 03 Jun 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Artists Networking Essays Book Reviews Process
  1. The Grand Tour was a historical educational journey undertaken by young men from wealthy families to acquire cultural knowledge through firsthand experiences of classical artworks in Europe.
  2. The author's modern version of the Grand Tour involves networking with fellow artists in New York to create shared experiences and a sense of union beyond online interactions.
  3. The author is considering switching this newsletter to a bi-monthly schedule to dedicate more time to research and writing better essays, focusing on topics like colors, illustration AI, and exposure.

P.S. The Likeness - Gizem Vural : Edweard Muybridge

39 implied HN points • 02 Sep 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Analysis Technique Time Visual Culture Medium
  1. The illustration 'The Likeness' by Gizem Vural is paired with a series of photographs by Eadweard Muybridge, showing the interconnectedness of different art forms and their exploration of perception.
  2. Both Vural's illustration and Muybridge's photographs capture moments that challenge our perception of time, demonstrating how visual art can manipulate time and space in unique ways.
  3. The juxtaposition of a static butterfly in Vural's illustration against the dynamic grid conveys the impact of human development on nature, showcasing how artists can push the limits of medium to convey powerful messages.

ON EXPOSURE 3/3 - Why not.

39 implied HN points • 05 Aug 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Community
  1. Working for exposure erodes the chain of solidarity among creatives and perpetuates a culture of free labor, affecting marginalized populations in accessing the creative industry.
  2. Exposure logic mirrors capitalism by alienating creatives from their work, undervaluing it initially, then profiting from it later, highlighting the need for collective care and solidarity.
  3. Exposure lacks the foundational structures necessary for converting visibility into economic capital, making it a risky and incalculable gamble rather than a reliable form of compensation.

ON EXPOSURE 1/3 - Being seen

39 implied HN points • 11 Jul 22
🎭️ Culture Art Media Society Economics Social media
  1. Exposure in the attention economy can lead to a one-way mirror effect where the conditions and consequences of visibility are often opaque, emphasizing the need to understand the systemic failures at play.
  2. In the media-rich society we live in, visibility has transformed into a form of capital, with the potential to be converted into economic value under certain conditions, notably through the conversion of visibility into other forms of capital like social or cultural capital.
  3. While exposure is always presented as valuable, especially quantitatively, its true worth lies in qualitative aspects such as relevance, credit, and audience quality, showcasing the need for a nuanced understanding of visibility and exposure in the creative industry.

The economic birth of style

39 implied HN points • 09 Apr 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Style Market Economy Copyright Authorship
  1. Discourses of style and copyright emerged around the same time, intertwining romantic ideas of creativity with economic and legal rights for authors.
  2. Style interacts with the market through constraints like deadlines and budgets, impacting the types of illustrations that are in demand.
  3. Understanding the economic aspects of style can empower artists in a commercial world, providing agency and prompting critical reflection on their practice.