The hottest Craft Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Philosophy Topics

Not Unnatural

The American Peasant • 2295 implied HN points • 06 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Craft
  1. Using Auto-Tune in music can ruin the natural sound of a singer, making it feel fake. It's better to embrace human imperfections, like being slightly off-key, which can make music more relatable and emotional.
  2. In woodworking, some people use technology to create perfect shapes and designs, but this can take away the charm of natural, handmade pieces. Simplicity and imperfections often hold more beauty.
  3. Technology can help us do tasks more easily and still produce good results, but when it creates things that are too complex or unnatural, it loses its appeal. Authenticity and human touch are more valued.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 94

Why is this interesting? • 361 implied HN points • 28 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Craft
  1. A new Rilke-inspired collection called Letters to a Young Creator gathers short pieces of advice from leading designers, executives, and artists to help guide creative work.
  2. Rolex has opened an intensive watchmaking school in Texas to address a shortage of professional watchmakers, and entry to the program is extremely competitive, on par with elite universities.
  3. The roundup highlights striking science and culture stories — from a potential stem-cell therapy that eases frailty to archaeological evidence about Hannibal’s war elephants — showing broad, unexpected developments across fields.

Ink in the Stomach

The Map is Mostly Water • 1353 implied HN points • 03 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Craft
  1. When you study or work deeply on something it becomes a kind of sense—an "ink in the stomach" that builds intuition and changes how you see and respect the world.
  2. Chasing only novelty leads to shallow disappointment, but persistent attention and curiosity reveal endless layers of detail in people and places that repay long-term care.
  3. Collecting memories and practicing sustained attention—through photos, craft, or relationships—creates a reservoir of understanding and pleasure, and many things only make sense in hindsight.

Fold, crease, tear

Austin Kleon • 7094 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Craft
  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.

All Hail the Putter-Togetherers

The Ruffian • 522 implied HN points • 24 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Craft
  1. Some jobs rely on tacit, hands-on skills learned over years; those subtle, bespoke judgments can’t easily be written down or automated.
  2. Everyday objects often hide surprising complexity, and there’s a willing market for well-made, tangible products that justify slow, careful craft.
  3. Many roles are essentially 'putter-togetherers' who align people and moving parts—their judgment and coordination keep complex projects running and are hard to replace with machines.
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Handmind is heartwork

Austin Kleon • 2457 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Craft
  1. Creating by hand connects our thoughts with our hearts. It helps us slow down and be more mindful about our work.
  2. Working with crafts can be a powerful way to express ourselves. It combines our ideas with physical creation.
  3. Collaboration and conversation can inspire new ideas. Sharing thoughts with friends can lead to meaningful projects.

a close read of my MFA statement of purpose

sweater weather • 4166 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
📚 Literature Craft
  1. A statement of purpose for MFA programs is about explaining your reasons for pursuing the degree.
  2. In writing, the concept of 'purpose' can be elusive and complex, leading to a struggle in articulating one's creative goals.
  3. Regardless of the challenges faced during the MFA program application process, it's essential to stay true to your writing ambitions and seek to make those aspirations a reality.

The Answer to Editing

Agents and Books • 2712 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
📚 Literature Craft
  1. Write a reverse outline after finishing the first draft of your book to help with editing.
  2. What works for one book may not work for another, so be open to trying different techniques.
  3. Continuously learn and adapt your writing process to find what works best for each project.

When the Musicians Spoke

CRAFT TALK • 1886 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
📚 Literature Craft
  1. Remaining open to feedback is important at all stages of your work.
  2. Recognize what you don't know and seek help from more knowledgeable individuals.
  3. Knowing when to ask the right questions is key to completing your creative project.

maile meloy rules

sweater weather • 2397 implied HN points • 04 May 23
📚 Literature Craft
  1. In a fiction workshop, it's important to assign readings to help students develop discernment and critical thinking in storytelling.
  2. Maile Meloy's stories delve into the moral complexities and struggles of ordinary human relationships, offering comfort in unsettling truths.
  3. Meloy's story 'O Tannenbaum' intricately weaves tension through subtle details and character dynamics, culminating in a complex exploration of desire and danger.

Making the Sausage

Freddie deBoer • 11633 implied HN points • 22 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Craft
  1. The author received positive feedback for a piece about the 1990s and discusses the importance of conveying conflicting perspectives in writing.
  2. The author emphasizes the value of crafting well-written pieces that move and entertain readers.
  3. The author reflects on the challenges and rewards of maintaining individuality in writing while meeting reader expectations.

The Creative Playground

Ralph Ammer • 825 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Craft
  1. The secret to jumpstarting creativity is having fun and being immersed in a game with clear goals and rules.
  2. Drawing exercises are like structured games that set creative limitations to free up our creativity.
  3. To build a creative playground, make variations, limit your time, pick a format, and focus on improving a skill.

The Changing Role of Design

The Intersection • 732 implied HN points • 19 Nov 23
🪑 Design Craft
  1. The design industry is evolving, with a shift from traditional design agencies to transformation consultancies.
  2. Design thinking has democratized design, making it more accessible but may have overemphasized thinking over the act of making.
  3. The role of designers in digital products like Threads may not always be obvious, as factors like timing and innovation can play a key role in success.

The Profile Dossier: Stephen King, the Master of Suspense

The Profile • 1308 implied HN points • 26 Jul 23
📚 Literature Craft
  1. Stephen King's success story is a testament to perseverance and the support of loved ones.
  2. King's writing tips emphasize simplicity, perseverance, and the importance of enriching readers' lives.
  3. Key lessons from King include focusing on active idea generation, avoiding adverbs, and taking care of personal well-being.

on tedium

visa's voltaic verses ⚡️ • 24 implied HN points • 23 Jan 26
📚 Literature Craft
  1. Use simple scaffolding—like lists or checklists—to stop meandering and make your work predictable and easier to do when you're busy or tired.
  2. Tedium is thoughtless repetition caused by the wrong mental frame, so instead of waiting for inspiration or clinging to identity-based approaches, try changing your process and act differently now.
  3. Keep things playful by working within time‑bounded, flexible containers (rough plans plus open time), and deliberately press feel‑good buttons like reading and exercise by challenging beliefs that they don't work, are too hard, or are undeserved.

The Medium Edition

Why is this interesting? • 2171 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Craft
  1. Watercolors are unforgiving; mistakes with watercolors are hard to fix because once you put them down, you can't really change them.
  2. Mastering a craft takes practice; just like with watercolors, it's crucial to first understand and excel in the medium before focusing on the message or artistry.
  3. Using technology like drawing apps can help with the challenges of traditional mediums like watercolors; these tools offer the convenience of undo and redo functions that are not available in physical art.

spines for a lifetime

spencer's paradoxes • 275 implied HN points • 28 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Craft
  1. Focus on cultivating a lifelong practice rather than short-term objectives.
  2. Building 'spines' means creating a foundation for long-term success in creative endeavors.
  3. Art and craft are a result of all experiences accumulated over a lifetime, shaping future work.

How I wrote "Looking for Alice"

Escaping Flatland • 412 implied HN points • 30 May 23
📚 Literature Craft
  1. Detailed accounts of a writer's decision-making process can be valuable for others.
  2. Writing advice often lacks specificity and can be frustrating for learners.
  3. Allowing ideas to flow naturally while writing can help maintain energy and coherence in a piece.

The Infusion (#92)

Campfire Notebook • 216 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Craft
  1. Tea has potential health benefits, although studies are inconclusive in humans
  2. Tea can be used as pigment by artists in creative ways
  3. Collaborations between artists and scientists can lead to unique projects, like using tea bags for art and analysis

What I Learned From Mike Esser

As Ever • 5 implied HN points • 08 Feb 26
📚 Literature Craft
  1. Real skill comes from repetition and hard work. You don't really know how to do something until you can do it twice, and talent often needs to be chiseled by constant practice and disciplined habits.
  2. Treat art seriously and hold yourself to the highest standards. A kind of elitism or hierarchy lets you reach people more deeply and gives your work the structure it needs.
  3. Make room for beauty and vulnerability by taking risks and learning to let go. Letting go is itself a discipline born of steady effort, and you must use your gifts despite wounds or privilege.

The Colin Field's Hemingway Bar Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1689 implied HN points • 29 Jun 23
🍲 Food & Drink Craft
  1. Colin Field was a legendary bartender at the Hemingway Bar in the Ritz Paris for 30 years.
  2. Field's approach focused on impeccable service, personal touch, and customer-centricity in crafting cocktails.
  3. Persistence was a key characteristic of Field, who worked hard to establish himself at the Ritz and create a lasting legacy.

The Saddle Stitch Edition

Why is this interesting? • 904 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Craft
  1. Saddle stitching with two needles creates strong and elegant seams on thick leather like saddles, emphasizing craftsmanship and durability.
  2. The saddle stitch process is a symbol of true luxury, centered on effort, rarity, and longevity, contrasting with mass-produced items.
  3. Hermès still values traditional saddle stitching in their leatherwork for its quality, despite openness to technological advancements if they can improve quality.

NYTimes - Crochet Coral Reef

SCIENCE GODDESS • 137 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Craft
  1. The Crochet Coral Reef project combines math, art, and climate change in a unique way.
  2. It is the world's largest art+science project with participants globally.
  3. The project involves a blend of art, craft, math, science, community practice, and feminism.

New Exhibition: The People's Cathedral

Labor Intensive Art • 216 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Craft
  1. Tabitha Arnold's first solo exhibition titled 'The People's Cathedral' is opening at the Workers Art and Heritage Centre in Hamilton, Ontario.
  2. The exhibition focuses on labor history as portrayed in art and craft objects, aligning with Arnold's textile practice that gained popularity during the 2020 lockdown.
  3. Arnold will be engaging with diverse worker's rights movements in Hamilton, including leading workshops and discussions with various groups.

Making Math

SCIENCE GODDESS • 98 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Craft
  1. Crochet Coral Reef project combines art, craft, and STEM to engage people in science communication
  2. Bias against material play and embodied cognition can hinder funding for alternative STEM engagement methods
  3. Using hands-on activities like crocheting can help make math and science more accessible and engaging for a wider audience

“Accent the point of a story”

Chartography • 98 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Craft
  1. Bob Chapin revolutionized cartographic storytelling by prioritizing images over words.
  2. Chapin's process of creating self-sufficient graphics quickly influenced public understanding during pivotal moments in history.
  3. Chapin's innovative map-making techniques at TIME magazine set the stage for modern data visualization and storytelling.

Do papercuts matter?

Register Spill • 157 implied HN points • 30 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Craft
  1. Papercuts in software are small annoyances that don't necessarily affect functionality but can be fixed.
  2. Even though papercuts may be annoying, they often don't prevent users from achieving their goals when using software.
  3. Having papercuts in software may not always directly relate to a negative user experience or impact the success of the software.

What is Taste and how to have it?

Product Composition • 137 implied HN points • 12 Feb 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Craft
  1. Having good taste is a skill that can be developed by paying attention to craft, analyzing surroundings, seeking feedback, and surrounding yourself with tasteful things and people.
  2. Buying expensive items doesn't necessarily mean you have good taste; true taste is about appreciating quality and value, not just high price tags.
  3. Having good taste can be beneficial for business success, as it involves analyzing goods, spotting opportunities, and making valuable decisions efficiently.

Creativity for the sake of creativity

Erifili • 99 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Craft
  1. Creativity for the sake of creativity can lead to personal fulfillment and deeper exploration of one's craft.
  2. Being creative privately, without the pressure of public validation, allows for more genuine and authentic artistic expression.
  3. Engaging in creative activities solely for personal enjoyment is valuable and does not require public recognition to validate one's identity as an artist.

What writing in a second language has taught me (about writing in general)

The Leftovers • 59 implied HN points • 31 Jan 23
📚 Literature Craft
  1. The author started writing seriously at seventeen, focusing on projects like short stories and essays, rather than just random writing. Eventually shifted to writing mainly in English, leaving their mother tongue behind.
  2. Writing in a second language led the author to discover five things that changed their perspective on writing as a whole, showing a deeper connection beyond just a desire for readers.
  3. Through writing in a second language, the author experienced defamiliarization and realized the impact it had on their craft, highlighting the importance of exploring different writing styles and languages in personal development.

#61 How to sabotage a Zoom call

Design Lobster • 239 implied HN points • 29 Mar 21
🪑 Design Craft
  1. A browser tool called Zoom Escaper allows users to self-sabotage Zoom calls with bizarre sound effects, addressing the need for disconnection in our highly connected age.
  2. Anni Albers, a celebrated artist and weaver, innovated by weaving a fabric using chenille and cellophane threads to solve practical design problems with sound absorption and reflective qualities.
  3. The quality of design often depends on the client, highlighting the importance of collaboration and communication between designers and clients for successful outcomes.

Office Hours

Story Club with George Saunders • 105 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
📚 Literature Craft
  1. Differentiate between being 'sentimental' and being 'emotion-rich' in writing. Strive for genuine emotion in your work while avoiding unearned sentimentality.
  2. Your upbringing doesn't dictate the quality of your writing. Use your life experiences, no matter how 'normal,' to create impactful and powerful storytelling.
  3. Great writing comes from finding the sacred in everyday moments. Embrace the idea that every detail matters and has the potential for literary significance.