The hottest Craft Substack posts right now

Art, science, craft, and engineering are all beautiful human endeavors.
Art and science share a common drive for exploration and discovery.
Science requires creativity and openness, contrary to the misconception that it's rigid and lacking in creativity.

The Fall '22 Workshop Series is focused on the writing process and features special guest authors. It's a great opportunity for writers of all levels to learn and engage.
Each week, the workshops cover different topics, from starting a writing journey to drafting and revising work. Participants will read essays and discuss their insights.
The workshops are free and conducted on Zoom, making it accessible for everyone interested in improving their writing skills.

Craft is facing a crisis, with a shift towards individualism and commodification diminishing its original aesthetic and productive value.
Neoliberal market dynamics and platform capitalism have further degraded craft, leading to algorithmic outputs and a focus on short-term gains.
Craft has the potential to reclaim intellectual property, promote material engagement, and build a community-driven future with agency in a post-work world.

Copywriting is a craft of saying relevant, clear words at the right time and place.
Start with understanding the message before diving into writing.
Editing is key - cut out unnecessary words, ensure clarity, and read aloud for a better final copy.

The Writers Guild Awards should have unique categories to honor the craft of writing.
Writers need to navigate absurd requests from producers while retaining their creative integrity.
Storytelling challenges can be turned into opportunities for creativity and ingenuity.

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There's a workshop coming up that teaches how to use fiction writing techniques in memoirs. It's a great opportunity to learn and improve your writing skills.
A writing session is happening soon for people who want to write together. It’s a nice way to be productive in a group setting.
A new empathy handbook has been released, and it could make a thoughtful gift for family members, especially during the holidays.

Tutorials are just the start; real skills come from deep practice and experiences that you won't find in a guide.
Mentorship and hands-on experiences are essential for moving from beginner to expert, as the nuances of a craft are often learned through observation and practice.
AI could play a role in personalized learning by tracking individual journeys, but true mastery likely requires the guidance and insights of a real mentor.

Online publications for personal essays have decreased, leaving writers unsure of what to do.
To write mainstream literary fiction, consider getting an MFA for specific techniques.
To write for 'interesting' small presses, use white space, internet abbreviations, and explore niche themes.

Anni Albers viewed art as a source of happiness and connection with others
Anni Albers found creativity and meaning in using different materials like thread and weaving
Choosing the right material for communication is key and can be discovered accidentally, like how Anni Albers was introduced to weaving

Animation has gone through a transition with the dominance of digital techniques, leading to a reevaluation of aesthetics like CGI's representational realism.
Modern animated films like Klaus, Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse, and I Lost my Body are experimenting with merging 2D and 3D techniques to create innovative visuals.
There is a significant difference in approach between craft-focused animation education and concept-focused fine art education, impacting the way artists value their work.

Books about writing can deeply impact us based on where we are in life. Sometimes, we only understand their messages when we are ready to hear them.
Writing isn't just about having a clear plan or vision. Exploring unexpected ideas and emotions can lead to more meaningful stories.
Getting into the habit of writing just one sentence can help uncover hidden thoughts and feelings. It allows writers to explore their creativity without being tied to a specific plot.