The hottest Art Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Science Topics

#134 Designed (not) to last

Design Lobster • 479 implied HN points • 12 Jun 23
🪑 Design Art
  1. Ephemeral user interfaces could enhance experiences by creating interactive elements within message threads.
  2. Designers can learn from Andy Goldsworthy's approach of transforming natural materials into symbolic compositions.
  3. Life is ephemeral, so make the most of your designs and creations to have a lasting impact.

Metaphysical caviar

quite useless • 412 implied HN points • 08 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The newsletter offers new paid options for subscribers
  2. Value is distinct from utility - caviar is valuable despite not being a necessity
  3. The paid subscription options range from $8 per month to $800 for an extravagant option

Faust

Trantor Publishing • 199 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
📚 Literature Art
  1. The story explores the consequences of making a deal with a demon and the feelings of regret and revulsion that can follow such a decision.
  2. It highlights the theme of moral choices, showcasing how small decisions can lead to significant impacts on one's life and sense of self.
  3. Ultimately, it emphasizes the importance of facing consequences, seeking redemption, and reflecting on personal values in times of moral turmoil.

Subscriber Writing, February 2024!

Freddie deBoer • 1763 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Promote lesser-known creators and explore a variety of content to find hidden gems.
  2. Consider implementing more efficient processes in your work to save time and reduce errors.
  3. Expand your interests and explore different topics to discover unique perspectives and valuable insights.

Happy Valentine's Day

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 219 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Valentine's Day is a time to celebrate love and joy with good friends and family. It's a chance to show appreciation for those we care about.
  2. A historical map of Seattle from 1907 shows how the city was envisioned to grow. It highlights how places change over time and the importance of urban development.
  3. The story of Denny Hill's removal and the city's growth reminds us that progress can be slow. Cities evolve in their own time, often influenced by economic factors.
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🟧 Is boutique a bad word?

One Thing • 217 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The concept of a boutique has evolved from locally-owned stores with unique goods to a term that is overused and often diluted in online advertising.
  2. Boutiques represent a curated taste experience, but their high prices can make them exclusive and inaccessible to many customers.
  3. The internet provides opportunities for boutique-style businesses to reach wider audiences, but it lacks the physical charm and surprise of an in-person boutique.

Oscars for Corporations

Opaque Hourglass • 139 implied HN points • 07 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Corporations often act like they prioritize health, environment, and justice, which can make us feel connected to something bigger than ourselves.
  2. Good corporate acting can allow us to engage with their products without feeling gullible or complicit in negative impacts.
  3. The idea of having 'Oscars for Corporations' is proposed to celebrate exceptional corporate behavior that positively impacts society, similar to how film performances are recognized.

Here was a magic

Austin Kleon • 1418 implied HN points • 28 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture Art
  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.

Man vs Machine

Sunday Letters • 59 implied HN points • 16 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Paying close attention to small details can help you understand the bigger picture. When you focus on one thing, you can see connections to the whole world.
  2. Creativity is in everything we do, whether it's making music, writing code, or having conversations. Each act of creation holds lessons and reflections of our lives.
  3. Failures are not just setbacks; they're opportunities to learn and grow. By examining our mistakes closely, we gain insights that can lead us to future success.

Jim Morrison's Religion of Recklessness

Litverse • 239 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
📚 Literature Art
  1. Jim Morrison's art and lifestyle reflected a religion of recklessness, showcasing a fine line between self-destructive behaviors and artistic genius.
  2. The myth of the 27 Club, including Jim Morrison, romanticizes addiction and early death, blurring the lines between virtues and vices.
  3. Morrison's approach to art creation, characterized by unconscious expression and channeling spirits, challenges the idea of conscious creativity and self-control in artistic processes.

⤴🎞 The 7 most Up Wing films of the 21st Century

Faster, Please! • 274 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. 'Up Wing' films focus on positivity and human progress. They show that we can solve problems and create a better future.
  2. Movies like 'Gravity' highlight resilience. Characters face tough challenges but keep moving forward and growing.
  3. 'Black Panther' and 'Interstellar' inspire innovation. They remind us that our success and dreams for the future depend on our choices and actions today.

Wicked King, Mozart: performance and posterity, Women detectives, Midwinter wood, Henry V, Venture Capital, Annihilation, Neverwhere, Enchanted Glass

The Common Reader • 602 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Wicked King is a well-written book that combines elements of horror and suspense. It has a unique and cult-classic feel, making it stand out in its genre.
  2. Reading about Mozart's life and work revealed that he improved his music by improvising during performances. This shows how creativity can blend with skill in art.
  3. Exploring different genres and topics, like women detectives and venture capital, can broaden your understanding of literature and culture.

Processing: How Mattie Lubchansky Wrote and Illustrated Simplicity

Counter Craft • 204 implied HN points • 29 Jul 25
📚 Literature Art
  1. The author prefers to complete each part of their book process in full before moving on, finding it easier to make changes in the script than in the illustrations later on.
  2. Simplicity explores real-world issues through a science fiction lens, using themes like political separatism and community living to address societal challenges.
  3. Queerness plays a vital role in the book, reflecting skepticism about current systems and emphasizing community care while connecting to the way the story is told.

In Defence of Beauty

Mind & Mythos • 419 implied HN points • 29 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Beauty matters in our lives. It's not just about looking pretty; it's about how things make us feel emotionally and spiritually.
  2. There are some rules of Beauty that many people agree on across cultures. This suggests that Beauty isn't just personal preference, but something more universal.
  3. When we ignore Beauty in our society, we lose touch with important values like kindness and hope. Reconnecting with Beauty could help uplift our culture.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 676 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. A recent article discusses how Spotify is using fake stock music to fill popular playlists and save on royalty costs for musicians. It's a surprising practice that reflects larger issues in the music industry.
  2. A sugar cookie recipe from the New York Times was shared, and the cookies turned out really well. This shows that sometimes simple recipes can lead to delicious results.
  3. The post marks the last installment of the year for sharing consumed media, highlighting the importance of reflecting on what we've experienced throughout the year.

#135 Think like a designer 🧠

Design Lobster • 459 implied HN points • 26 Jun 23
🪑 Design Art
  1. Slow hunches are vague ideas that over time can lead to important insights or innovations
  2. Infospaces, like messy studios or book-strewn studies, can facilitate creativity by physically activating more of our brain
  3. Thinking about new tools and interfaces can lead to discovering easier ways to tackle difficult concepts

You're not the only one who sees it

Disaffected Newsletter • 739 implied HN points • 09 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Many people feel that something is wrong in society, leading to a sense of disconnection and confusion. It's not just you who notices this feeling; others share similar concerns.
  2. There's a lack of basic respect and attention in everyday interactions, like cashiers not making eye contact or delivery people rushing away. This reflects a bigger issue in how society communicates.
  3. The problems we see today are rooted in deeper spiritual and physical issues that have built up over time. This can make it hard to feel connected and understood, but knowing others feel the same can provide some comfort.

Insufficient postage

INDIGNITY • 255 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The United States Postal Service is facing issues with postage labels not sticking, highlighting challenges in mail delivery
  2. Louis DeJoy's tenure as postmaster general under Donald Trump raised concerns and issues with mail service
  3. The importance of functioning postal service and the impact of inefficiencies on everyday tasks can be significant

first days of summer

bookbear express • 264 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Making connections can be romantic and challenging. It takes patience and understanding to nurture relationships.
  2. Love and writing can feel very similar; both require dedication and can lead to frustration.
  3. Sometimes, different values between partners can cause tension, but it's important to recognize and appreciate their intentions.

3 MEMORIES OF MELVIN VAN PEEBLES

The Nelson George Mixtape • 452 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Melvin Van Peebles was a unique and iconic figure in the world of black cinema and music.
  2. Nelson George had meaningful interactions with Melvin Van Peebles that influenced his career and artistic endeavors.
  3. Melvin Van Peebles had a bold personality, unconventional lifestyle, and a lasting impact on those around him.

The Audacity of Ambition

The Ruffian • 503 implied HN points • 01 Mar 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Timothée Chalamet is openly striving for greatness in his career, which is unusual in today's culture. Most people don't talk about wanting to be the best, but he is bold enough to express that ambition.
  2. Chalamet has devoted a huge amount of time and effort to his craft, even going as far as shutting off his phone for months to fully immerse himself in his roles. This shows how dedicated he is to his work.
  3. His speech about ambition was met with mixed reactions, highlighting a cultural tension where many people are hesitant to celebrate individual success. Chalamet's honesty about his goals challenges that idea.

Warm Holiday Greetings from The Hinternet

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 639 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The author feels a strong connection to their work and has embraced writing authentically without worrying about others' opinions. This has helped them tap into deep creative ideas.
  2. In 2024, the publication grew significantly and became more like a magazine, bringing on staff and accepting guest pieces. This has created a sense of community among younger writers.
  3. The author hopes to increase paid subscriptions to support future projects and plans for 2025. They welcome all kinds of support, whether it's through subscriptions or simply sharing their work with others.

Hidden Open Thread 356.5

Astral Codex Ten • 757 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. This post is only for paid subscribers, so you need to subscribe to access it.
  2. It seems like a platform for sharing thoughts and discussions among subscribers.
  3. There are visual elements indicating community engagement, like images and comment options.

Dear New York

Splattern • 79 implied HN points • 23 May 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. New York can feel very lonely, even with so many people around. Many people struggle with this feeling of isolation in the city.
  2. The strong desires for things, like food, relationships, and success, can feel overwhelming. This intense wanting can sometimes hurt but also feels very alive.
  3. Embracing the desire for more can be energizing. It pushes people to chase their goals and opens up endless possibilities in life.

One of the best 'true-crime' books I've read in years, a gorgeous movie about sketchy archeologists, and four songs I like

Read Max • 658 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. There is a remarkable true-crime book that explores the history of Los Angeles. It's not just a story; it dives deep into the culture and background of the city.
  2. A stunning movie featuring archeologists is recommended, highlighting their complex and sometimes shady lives. It has a beautiful and reflective style.
  3. Four songs have been highlighted that the writer enjoys. These songs are worth a listen for those looking for new music to explore.

Trashy mementos

Austin Kleon • 1678 implied HN points • 29 Jul 22
🎭️ Culture Art
  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.

The American Book Tour

The Abbey of Misrule • 180 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The author is going on a book tour in the US to promote their new book. They received a lot of invitations from fans, which was surprisingly nice for them.
  2. Due to the size of the US, they can't visit everyone who invited them, but they will share their tour dates on their website.
  3. The author also plans to announce events in Britain and Ireland soon, and they've participated in some interesting discussions and interviews recently.

A Substack Sabbatical

Atlas of Wonders and Monsters • 746 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Taking a break, or a sabbatical, can help refresh your creativity. Just like nature needs rest, people often need time away from their usual work to recharge.
  2. Publishing consistently can be tough, and it's okay to change the schedule. Writing less often can lead to better quality pieces that you're prouder of.
  3. A sabbatical is a great time to explore new ideas and bring fresh energy to your projects. It can lead to exciting changes, like a new name or focus for your work.

What's got my attention this week #21

The Shift With Sam Baker • 439 implied HN points • 06 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Isabella Rossellini, at 71, is defying age norms on the cover of Italian Vogue after being replaced by Lancome at 43.
  2. Actor Julia Ormond is taking legal action against Harvey Weinstein for sexual battery, shedding light on the dark facets of the entertainment industry.
  3. Women are exploring anger openly, redefining success on their terms, and sharing personal stories in a bold and empowering way.

The Monday Media Diet with Dylan Neuhaus

Why is this interesting? • 663 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Balance is key when it comes to consuming media. It's good to mix serious content with lighter, entertaining pieces.
  2. Reading deep stories about creativity and production processes can be more interesting than just the finished product, like a popular TV show.
  3. Exploring local grocery stores is a great way to learn about new places, offering a glimpse into the culture and community.

Iris Murdoch, a novelist for now.

The Common Reader • 1630 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
📚 Literature Art
  1. Iris Murdoch's novels focus on shocking readers out of themselves rather than offering consolation.
  2. Murdoch's works cover a wide range of themes like adultery, repression, homosexuality, and existential struggles.
  3. She believed art should entertain while also delving into the battle between good and evil, urging readers to escape the 'fat relentless ego.'

The Sun-Dropper’s Saga

Deep Fix • 432 implied HN points • 24 Feb 23
📚 Literature Art
  1. The poem describes a morning routine before surfing
  2. The writer expresses appreciation for the beauty of dawn in Oakland
  3. Reflections on bridges as symbolic in the poem

MR WRONG: Personality crisis.

INDIGNITY • 255 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The article discusses the author's experience with a unique job application process involving a quiz.
  2. The author reflects on the results of the quiz and the personality label assigned to them.
  3. There's a teaser at the end for readers to guess the type of job the quiz was for, adding an interactive element to the article.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 65

Why is this interesting? • 180 implied HN points • 02 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The new digital Library of Alexandria aims to preserve knowledge for future generations. It's a fascinating effort to rebuild what was lost in history.
  2. Helsinki has achieved something impressive by going a whole year without a single traffic death. Smarter city design and lower speed limits played a big role.
  3. The search for the real author of 'The Dice Man' reveals unexpected twists in the story of this influential cult novel. It's a journey into unexpected authorship.

The 20 Greatest Lesbian Films of All Time

Paging Dr. Lesbian • 432 implied HN points • 11 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Different lesbian films showcase a variety of styles and storytelling approaches.
  2. Lesbian cinema explores themes of love, identity, and societal norms in unique ways.
  3. Historical context and cultural significance play a significant role in the impact of lesbian films.

The Monday Media Diet with Harper Reed

Why is this interesting? • 784 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Harper Reed enjoys a media diet that mixes TikTok for wild recommendations and pen pals for deeper connections. This way, he finds smart content while avoiding too much noise online.
  2. He values meaningful books that reflect his life experiences, like Olga Ravn's work, which helped him think about balance as a new parent and entrepreneur.
  3. Reed is all about exploring new interests and has recently been curious about vintage cameras, old speakers, and quirky fashion like platform shoes. He enjoys diving deep into these rabbit holes when the urge strikes.

Review: 'Craft Across Continents' will get you thinking — and smiling

The Charlotte Ledger • 235 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Art
  1. An exhibit called 'Craft Across Continents' at the Mint Museum showcases whimsical art pieces that evoke fun and creativity.
  2. Mecklenburg County experienced a 20% decrease in home sales in 2023, possibly due to high mortgage rates.
  3. A new daily podcast called CLT1st has launched in Charlotte, offering a quick way to stay informed about local news and events.

Looking Back

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 656 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Reading is a personal experience that often happens privately, yet how we represent it through visual art can tell deeper stories about attention and focus.
  2. The way we read has changed over time, from quiet bookish moments to distractions from our phones, altering how we connect with text.
  3. Photographs of readers can show the tension between our personal, private experiences and the external pressures of a surveillance-driven world, reminding us of our inner lives.