The hottest Art Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Science Topics

Fold, crease, tear

Austin Kleon • 7094 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Making things with your hands, like creating zines, can boost your mood and happiness. It's good to stay connected to your creative side.
  2. Writing in a paper journal helps keep thoughts organized and can enhance creativity. Using paper is a simple yet powerful tool for self-expression.
  3. Exploring new forms of art and literature, like zines and unique book recommendations, opens up new ways to think and feel. There's always something new to discover.

Letters mingle souls

Austin Kleon • 4975 implied HN points • 29 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Letters can connect us deeply, allowing friends to communicate and share thoughts even when they're apart.
  2. Many scientists still prefer using chalk on blackboards because it offers a tactile and visual way to think and communicate ideas.
  3. Reading magazines from cover to cover can provide enriching conversations and unexpected insights, especially about creative relationships.

In 2025, Your Boss Will Launch a Podcast

The Honest Broker • 21776 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. In 2025, many companies will start their own podcasts, using them to promote themselves like infomercials. So get ready for your boss to ask you to help with that.
  2. The way businesses connect with clients is changing; some are now using podcasts as a sneaky way to hold meetings. It seems to work because people are curious when asked to join a podcast.
  3. Media companies that once tried to compete with independent platforms like Substack are now copying their model. This shows a huge shift in how content is being delivered and consumed.

A Note Of Gratitude And Appreciation

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1816 implied HN points • 25 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Packing and sending physical books was a joyful, hands-on way to connect with readers, and even the stressful mistakes felt meaningful.
  2. There is deep gratitude for the supporters whose financial and emotional backing made this crowdfunded creative life possible, and personal touches like handwritten notes made the relationship feel real.
  3. Creating and sharing tangible art with family felt vital in an increasingly digital and AI-driven world, showing how physical, human rituals help preserve connection and humanity.

Totoro Before Totoro

Animation Obsessive • 16952 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. In the late 1970s, Hayao Miyazaki began his career by working on the film 'Panda! Go, Panda!' which greatly influenced his future works.
  2. The film focused on everyday life, showing a young girl and her magical encounters, aiming to highlight the charm in simple moments.
  3. Many key staff members from 'Panda!' went on to shape Studio Ghibli, showing its lasting impact on animation and storytelling.
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The Saturday Selection, Vol. 89

Why is this interesting? • 361 implied HN points • 24 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The roundup highlights surprising, small facts and curiosities that stick with you. Examples include robot hands needing fingernails and blood products making up a measurable share of exports.
  2. It mixes cultural taste and design items—big-name art auctions, curated restaurant playlists, and advice on why lived-in rooms feel more appealing than showy ones.
  3. The links span human stories from shocking true-crime episodes to generational headaches about inheriting money and lots of unwanted stuff, showing both dramatic and everyday consequences.

When Bad People Make Good Art

The Honest Broker • 18551 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. It's tough to enjoy art when you know the artist has done bad things. People often wonder if listening to music or watching movies means they support those bad actions.
  2. There's a lot of gray area in cancel culture. Sometimes it's hard to decide if we should stop enjoying a particular artist because of their past, and it can feel overwhelming to investigate all the claims.
  3. The impact of one artist on a larger group, like a band or a film crew, complicates the issue further. Should everyone be punished if one person does something wrong?

An Almost Subversive Freedom

Animation Obsessive • 1704 implied HN points • 14 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Czechoslovak animation is diverse, using many materials and styles, which makes it unique and rich. There are popular shows like Pat and Mat that many might enjoy.
  2. The Velvet Revolution in 1989 was a peaceful change for Czechoslovakia, leading to a flourishing of its arts, including animation, during a time of transformation.
  3. An exhibition called 'Krátký Film: The Art of Czechoslovak Animation' helped introduce this art form to America, showing how charming and special these animations can be.

The objects we love and live with

Austin Kleon • 2517 implied HN points • 14 May 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The objects we own can reveal a lot about who we are and what we value. They reflect our interests and memories.
  2. Having meaningful items at home, like a piano, can enrich our lives and provide emotional outlets, especially for children.
  3. Commercials or ads that show destruction of beloved items can be shocking and evoke strong feelings, reminding us of our attachments to the things we cherish.

Making the Video That Made Gorillaz

Animation Obsessive • 15517 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Pete Candeland, the director behind the iconic Gorillaz video for 'Clint Eastwood,' used innovative animation techniques to blend 2D and CGI, creating a unique look that set the standard for animated music videos at the time.
  2. Candeland's animation style evolved from a limited budget, leading him to focus on the most important movements and actions, resulting in a distinctive, under-animated approach that became a signature for Gorillaz.
  3. The editing process was crucial for Candeland, allowing him to manipulate timing and create a dynamic flow with the music, making animation a more live and engaging experience.

Meet The Lipsdick: A Dick-Shaped Lipstick

The Unpublishable • 12421 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Art
  1. A lipstick shaped like a penis was launched, sparking discussions about beauty standards and feminism in the industry.
  2. The product's marketing as empowering and innovative is being questioned, as it may perpetuate stereotypes and lack depth.
  3. The controversy highlights issues with media coverage of such products, raising concerns about critical thinking and substance in journalism.

Friendly And Hostile Analogies For Taste

Astral Codex Ten • 19615 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Taste in art can feel very subjective, with many believing that what they like is good while critics might argue otherwise. It's confusing when different groups don't agree on what is 'good' art.
  2. Just like there are fashion rules that people follow, there are also rules for taste that might seem arbitrary. Sometimes, these rules change quickly, and what's considered 'good' or 'bad' can shift over time.
  3. People often feel a strong reaction to art or style they dislike, similar to how some think bad grammar is wrong. This suggests that our sense of taste might be more about learned reactions than fixed truths.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 594 implied HN points • 09 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. A weekly roundup lists 15 things consumed that week, offering a quick mix of media and personal favorites.
  2. AI-generated section titles for a podcast were singled out and laughed at. It shows how AI is already seeping into everyday media.
  3. The full content is behind a paywall, with prompts to subscribe or sign in to access the rest.

Pushing and pulling

Austin Kleon • 6754 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. There's a difference between the push internet, where things are thrown at you, and the pull internet, where you actively seek out information. It's good to engage more with the pull internet.
  2. To discover your taste, explore artists, read their biographies, and connect with their influences. Following the connections can deepen your understanding and appreciation of their work.
  3. Take time to reflect and be intentional about what you consume. The goal is to search for content that enriches your life rather than just passively scrolling through feeds.

Toward a shallower future

Noahpinion • 50353 implied HN points • 03 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Adversity is not worth the price of adversity.
  2. Progress involves conquering challenges and making the world better.
  3. The modern world may seem shallower, but it has gained more than lost.

What's in the cards

Austin Kleon • 5215 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Creating your own library checkout cards can be a fun project. You just need pockets, typewriters, and the right cards!
  2. New books by favorite cartoonists are now available. Check out Liana Finck's children's book and Kevin Huizenga's re-released work.
  3. Enjoying nature can be comforting, like watching baby eagles hatch on a live cam. It's a great way to connect with the world around us.

The Spirit of 'Horus'

Animation Obsessive • 1435 implied HN points • 21 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Isao Takahata started his career at Toei Doga and eventually got to direct his own projects, helping change Japanese animation with his film, Horus: Prince of the Sun.
  2. The project Taro the Dragon Boy was initially shelved because it didn't have the epic scale they wanted, leading Takahata and his team to create something different.
  3. Later, Taro was revived in the late '70s as Toei Doga's hope for a grand return, viewed by some as the studio's last great film.

A Canadian Tradition

Animation Obsessive • 1255 implied HN points • 28 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The National Film Board of Canada has created many beloved animated films since the 1940s. They have a great collection of these films available online, with many free to watch.
  2. One standout film is 'At Home with Mrs. Hen,' made by animator Tali Prevost, which offers a joyful experience based on her life as a mother.
  3. The Film Board's website is a treasure trove for animation lovers, featuring Oscar winners and unique cartoons, making it easy to spend hours exploring.

27 Notes On Growing Old(er)

The Ruffian • 6465 implied HN points • 05 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Aging can be tough and often feels psychologically challenging. Many people don’t openly talk about the struggles that come with getting older, but it’s a universal experience.
  2. There’s a disconnect between how old we feel inside and our actual age. Even when our bodies change, our minds might still feel young, making it confusing as we age.
  3. While we do gain wisdom as we get older, this can be complicated by self-deception and changing times. It's important to adapt and embrace aging rather than just conform to stereotypes about getting older.

The best of America

Disaffected Newsletter • 1079 implied HN points • 04 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. A song can capture deep feelings of home and nostalgia, even if it's not officially patriotic.
  2. Personal memories tied to music can evoke strong emotions and comforting moments.
  3. The power of music often brings back memories of loved ones and shared experiences, making it special.

Who is Elara Voss?

Read Max • 4847 implied HN points • 07 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Elara Voss is a fictional name used frequently in AI-generated writing, emerging as a popular character name for science fiction and fantasy tales.
  2. The name doesn't reference a real person, and its popularity reflects trends in AI and language models that generate similar names.
  3. The term 'stomp clap hey' describes a type of folk music that rose to fame, with debates about its origins linking it to various bands and cultural movements.

Understanding perfectionism

Austin Kleon • 2837 implied HN points • 23 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Perfectionism isn't just about wanting everything to be perfect. It's more about noticing the gap between what's ideal and what's real, which can hold people back from creating.
  2. Many people may not realize they are perfectionists until they understand the signs. Recognizing this can help in overcoming blocks to doing what you want.
  3. Embracing imperfections can actually be a more freeing approach to creativity. It allows for mistakes and messiness, which can lead to more genuine art and expression.

Sick of spelling February

Austin Kleon • 4596 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. March is here, which many people find refreshing after spelling February for so long. It's funny how small things like that can affect our mood.
  2. Keeping a blog can help you track your thoughts and creative journey over time. It’s a great way to share your interests and projects with others.
  3. Owls can be found on every continent except Antarctica. They’re fascinating creatures, and we can help them by creating safe habitats and being mindful of outdoor lighting.

The Key Art Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1266 implied HN points • 25 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Key art on streaming services is important because it quickly tells viewers about the show. Good key art attracts attention and invites viewers to explore.
  2. Streaming platforms like Netflix use different key art for each user based on their preferences. This can cause confusion and disagreement about what to watch since each person sees a different version.
  3. There's a worry that Netflix's approach to choosing key art through algorithms leads to less creative and interesting images. Instead of unique artwork, we might just end up with bland thumbnails.

😀😱 Of 'Pluribus' and progress

Faster, Please! • 1188 implied HN points • 10 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Prioritizing peace and sameness can wipe out individuality and creativity, leaving a society stuck and unable to imagine a different future.
  2. Real innovation needs private space for ideas, the freedom to be wrong or strange, and competition or friction that challenges the status quo.
  3. A collective that removes disruption may seem peaceful but can lose the ability to reproduce, create, or even sustain itself, turning stability into civilizational decline.

Sometimes it sounds like this

Austin Kleon • 5275 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Françoise Gilot's memoir about her life with Picasso is a great read. It shares interesting stories and gives insights into her artistic journey.
  2. Writing books can be really helpful for all kinds of writers. Many people shared their favorites, showing there's a wide range of useful resources out there.
  3. Listening to curated music mixes can spark creativity. Exploring different artists and themed playlists can be a delightful way to enjoy music and find inspiration.

The Culture Scene Is Total Madness

The Honest Broker • 13298 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The culture scene is changing in odd ways, like Madonna trying stand-up comedy and a Van Gogh being sold for just $50 at a garage sale. It's making people question what is really important in art and entertainment.
  2. Vinyl record sales are confusing right now. Different reports say sales are either dropping significantly or growing, leaving many unsure about the future of the music industry.
  3. Some writers on Substack are starting to sell ads, which is surprising. This could change how independent authors make money and could lead to more big brands wanting to advertise in newsletters.

ANOTHER WORLD EXISTS

The Unpublishable • 10849 implied HN points • 21 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Kim Kardashian's alien-themed campaign for SKIMS reflects a cultural beauty ideal
  2. The poem highlights societal focus on skincare technology and beauty standards
  3. It comments on humanity's superficial pursuit of perfection while longing for connection

Is the artist crying?

Austin Kleon • 5775 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Citrus plants do not grow true from seeds, which means planting an orange seed could result in a grapefruit tree instead. This shows how surprising and diverse nature can be.
  2. Some slugs and snails can sleep for a very long time, which is a reminder that patience and slowing down can be important, especially during tough times like winter.
  3. Finding inspiration in conversations and interviews, like those with artists or comedians, can help renew our creative energies and give us new perspectives on our own work.

This is How We Fall Out of Love with the World

Culture Study • 12118 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Art and essential services matter, but they often lack sufficient public funding in America. Many believe value only comes from profit, which overlooks the importance of community support.
  2. Cuts to public services mean that everyday Americans are forced to shoulder more costs. This creates a fragile system that risks collapse during tough times, like the pandemic.
  3. Passion jobs, where people work for love rather than money, are at risk as public funding declines. This leads to burnout and instability for those who dedicate themselves to these important roles in society.

It’s Groundhog Day... again.

Austin Kleon • 5415 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. February is a great time to start fresh with resolutions since it's short and has an extra day this year. There’s a special 29-day challenge you can try to improve daily habits.
  2. Groundhog Day marks a change in seasons, showing that spring is on its way. It's a good reminder that every day is a chance to begin anew.
  3. Flaco the Owl's story is fun to follow, reminding us of the joy in nature and the excitement of unexpected events in our everyday lives.

South by southwest

Austin Kleon • 3816 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Exploring nature is refreshing. Hiking in places like Joshua Tree and driving along Malibu can make for an exciting day trip.
  2. Austin is gearing up for SXSW, a big event where people enjoy music, film, and culture. If you're in town, try to eat some great tacos and BBQ.
  3. There are lots of interesting things to see and do in Austin, from visiting unique libraries to enjoying local radio stations and watching films.

The 25 Best Online Articles of 2024

The Honest Broker • 13863 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The list features 25 of the best longform articles from the past year. These articles cover a variety of topics, showing that good writing can be found in many different subjects.
  2. Supporting quality journalism is important. The writers highlighted in the list often rely on the support of their readers, so consider helping them as a new year's resolution.
  3. Many pieces explore unique personal stories and experiences. From a former Goldman Sachs trader to a psychic, these articles are interesting and reflect a wide range of human experiences.

The Fog

Sarah Kendzior’s Newsletter • 5092 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Fog can obscure realities, making it challenging to navigate through the world and see clearly.
  2. The artist Andrew Wyeth's work reflected deep emotions and hidden stories, capturing the essence of loneliness and loss.
  3. Winter symbolizes difficult times, from Covid challenges to political uncertainty, creating a fog of bad information, regret, and grief.

Why Being Weird Is Your Superpower

The Algorithmic Bridge • 1019 implied HN points • 09 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Modern systems reward a narrow set of traits and punish deviance, which flattens culture and makes many people feel below average.
  2. AI amplifies that median by learning and reproducing the safest, most common patterns, which speeds cultural sameness—but by occupying those safe spaces it also forces humans to find value off the center.
  3. Being weird is now a strategic advantage: embrace your unique quirks and authentic voice so you stand out in ways machines can’t easily copy, and everyone can be weird relative to the new AI-shaped baseline.

The Animation Trove That Keeps Growing

Animation Obsessive • 10494 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The Zagreb School of Animation has restored many classic cartoons from the 50s, 60s, and 70s, making them available in high quality on YouTube. These cartoons are unique for their adult themes and artistic styles, breaking away from traditional children's animation.
  2. The success of the animated film _Nezha 2_ has set new box office records in China, surpassing $1 billion in just ten days. Its unprecedented popularity showcases a growing trend in animated films capturing massive audiences and financial success.
  3. Animation production in places like Yugoslavia and China reflects a strong spirit of creativity and boundary-pushing, with artists working together and exploring unconventional ideas, even in challenging circumstances.

I Played NYC Adventure Roulette and I Won!

CAFÉ ANNE • 4717 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🏝 Travel Art
  1. The author went on a spontaneous NYC adventure funded by reader donations.
  2. She divided the adventure budget among different activities based on reader polling.
  3. The day included unexpected encounters, exploring a sound installation, and burning money for fun.

Kendrick Lamar: Talented Musician, Provocative Figure, Emperor of the Whites

Freddie deBoer • 10612 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Kendrick Lamar has achieved great success and is highly praised, but his status as an 'underdog' feels ironic given his fame and accolades. It shows how people love to label even the most successful artists as outsiders.
  2. The way people view music is changing; taste is now tied to moral values and public opinions. It's hard for individuals to just enjoy music without it being linked to their identity or politics.
  3. Many white people embrace Kendrick Lamar's art to appear morally good, which can overshadow the true appreciation of his talent. This dynamic is complex and reflects a broader issue in how we celebrate Black artists.

Spend it all every time

Austin Kleon • 7593 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. It's important to share all your good ideas right now and not hold back for later. You might find that more inspiration comes your way when you give your best work now.
  2. Writing should be approached with the mindset that each piece is your last chance. Don’t be afraid to put everything you have into it because new ideas will always come.
  3. Everything in life can inspire your work, so be open to stealing ideas from your experiences. This can lead to richer creativity and storytelling.

Links For December 2024

Astral Codex Ten • 13627 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Steven Seagal has led a colorful life after Hollywood, converting to Buddhism, supporting Russia, and marrying multiple women. He's even been called the reincarnation of a famous saint.
  2. An outrageous fine of $20 trillion was imposed on Google by Russia for blocking certain YouTube channels. This amount is far more than the total worth of the world's economy!
  3. There's a belief that taller candidates tend to win U.S. elections. While some studies suggest a slight trend, it's not enough to say it's a reliable rule.