The hottest Creative Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Art & Illustration Topics

Chapter 28: Kent investigates Koa

PASSAGES • 1418 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
📚 Literature Creative
  1. Kent is getting to know Koa better, and he's impressed by her excitement for everyday things like food and driving.
  2. He's trying to learn more about Koa's background but is hitting dead ends, which raises questions about her family.
  3. Kent feels the weight of their serious situation and knows he must be cautious in how he interacts with Koa.

Indie Culture Is Great—But What's Coming Next is Better

The Honest Broker • 24169 implied HN points • 12 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Creative
  1. Indie culture started strong by emphasizing freedom and independence, but over time, it has become less influential as major platforms promote conformity.
  2. There's a need for a new movement that goes beyond indie, focusing on collaboration among artists, protecting their rights, and encouraging creative risk-taking.
  3. We can build a better artistic future by creating supportive communities, developing new platforms, and advocating for artists' ownership of their work.

Deleted scenes from Leave Society

Tao Lin • 539 implied HN points • 25 Jun 24
📚 Literature Creative
  1. There are many scenes and sentences that didn't make it into the final version of 'Leave Society.'
  2. The author is considering using some of this deleted content in upcoming essays.
  3. They are thinking about naming the essay collection either 'Reasons to Live' or 'Life in Wartime.'

Summer Roundup (2024)

polymathematics • 99 implied HN points • 16 Aug 24
🎙 Podcasts Creative
  1. Each month, a roundup is shared featuring the best podcasts, readings, and creative projects discovered recently. It's a great way to find new interests.
  2. The summer roundup focuses on personal updates and some engaging new projects, like a physical internet phone book and a digital sidekick prototype.
  3. The author enjoys curating content and interacting with creative individuals, and there's an invitation for readers to recommend their own favorite finds.
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Spores

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 362 implied HN points • 02 Aug 25
📚 Literature Creative
  1. The narrator has decided to use a Gro-Pad to try and start a family, even though they initially didn't believe they would need one. It shows how life can take unexpected turns.
  2. There is a debate about whether the beings created from these Gro-Pads are truly human. The narrator believes that if they can walk and talk like humans, then they deserve to be regarded as such.
  3. The narrator describes a challenging experience with the process, including finding something troubling while using the Gro-Pad. This led to a private moment of mourning for what they lost.

two questions

spencer's paradoxes • 334 implied HN points • 05 Sep 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Creative
  1. Success can be evaluated by answering 'who am I?' and 'what do I want?'
  2. Constantly questioning purpose and deepening self-awareness is a journey
  3. Desire to make the world better, help people, and surround oneself with loved ones

Playing dead

slow motion multitasking • 753 implied HN points • 26 Mar 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Creative
  1. The first 40 episodes of Summer Camp Island are back on Cartoon Network app
  2. To beat artist's block: Try self portraits, blind drawing, or deeply dramatic visual poetry.
  3. Creator suggests techniques from college art practices to inspire creativity

The Sovereign Artist Within

Clinsights • 314 implied HN points • 17 May 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Creative
  1. Connect with your true artistic self to find joy and creativity
  2. Reconnecting with 'The Sovereign Artist Within' involves tapping into a universal energy source
  3. Uncover your uniqueness, stay open to serendipity, and let go of societal programming to reconnect with your creativity

Why not to shy away from your mediocre work?

10x your mind • 119 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
📚 Literature Creative
  1. Putting yourself out there before you feel ready is key for growth and improvement.
  2. Creating mediocre work is part of the journey towards producing great work.
  3. Don't be afraid to share your work, even if it's not perfect - it's better to put it out there and learn from feedback.

Say yes and never do it

Austin Kleon • 1258 implied HN points • 11 Mar 22
🎭️ Culture Creative
  1. Mel Brooks suggests that sometimes it's better to just agree to a boss's idea, even if you don’t plan to actually do it. It can save you from unnecessary conflict.
  2. Reading different perspectives, like a close analysis of poetry or an oral history of music, can refresh your thinking and inspire creativity.
  3. Creating silly or fun projects, like making drawing games with kids, can be a great way to bond and enjoy creativity together.

writing my way home

Both Are True • 111 implied HN points • 22 Jul 25
📚 Literature Creative
  1. Writing can feel tough and confusing, almost like being stuck in jello. But pushing through those hard feelings is important.
  2. Finding the right form for your writing is a big deal. It can change everything and help reveal what you really want to say.
  3. Writing can be a way to feel at home again. When you find your rhythm, it feels like you've come back to yourself.

Solstice Journeys

Seven Senses • 319 implied HN points • 17 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Creative
  1. The author shares creative explorations for the senses every full moon through their publication, _Seven Senses_. It's a way for them to connect with a community and dive deeply into various topics.
  2. The publication is ad-free and offers a reader-supported model similar to public radio, where readers can choose to support the author financially.
  3. Paid subscribers will receive exclusive benefits, like seasonal travel guides, discounts on collectibles, and occasional creative gifts in the mail.

WILL's 2025 Year End Recap

The Carousel • 16 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
💼 Business Creative
  1. WILL capped 2025 with a bold new website and a string of creative client projects across defense, cybersecurity, healthcare, conservation, and publishing.
  2. They pushed beyond digital work into real-world events and collaborations to build relationships and cultural influence, including workshops and partnerships with groups like the Delphica Society.
  3. The agency is focused on scaling in 2026 and is actively seeking new clients, partners, and ambitious projects at any stage of development.

Intermissions

Austin Kleon • 1179 implied HN points • 16 Nov 21
🎭️ Culture Creative
  1. It's fun to watch movies in parts instead of all at once. Taking breaks can make the experience more enjoyable.
  2. You can create a zine, which is a small magazine, to share your thoughts or ideas easily. It's a fun way to express yourself.
  3. Watching old movies in black and white can give them a new twist. It can feel like you're seeing the film for the first time again.

Poetry Writing and Me

Soaring Twenties • 170 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
📚 Literature Creative
  1. Poetry writing can feel strange and uncertain, especially without clear feedback. It's common to question if one is really a poet after vague responses to their work.
  2. Enjoying poetry as a reader can inspire someone to try writing it. Taking a class can help improve skills, but a supportive environment is crucial.
  3. Listening to talented poets can spark motivation to create. Sometimes, personal artistic pursuits like music or poetry can fill a gap and connect with others.

CannesGPT

Addition • 98 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Creative
  1. AI system 'CannesGPT' generates creative ideas using case studies from Cannes Lions winners
  2. In-context learning aligns AI outputs with creative objectives for more original ideas
  3. Using foundation models like Claude and GPT-4 for different stages in AI idea generation pipeline

Coming soon

Development Hell • 78 implied HN points • 19 Feb 23
🎙 Podcasts Creative
  1. Julian Simpson is launching a project called Development Hell focusing on his work in TV, film, and audio production.
  2. The project offers a 7-day free trial to access full post archives and subscriber benefits.
  3. For those interested in Julian Simpson's work, Development Hell provides a platform to engage with his content and projects.

due to sick, today's batwrite is cancelled

Both Are True • 24 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Creative
  1. Today's BATWRITE event is canceled because the organizer is sick. It's important to take care of health.
  2. You can register for the next two BATWRITE events happening on Wednesday and Thursday. This way, you'll get reminders and a link to join.
  3. By registering, it’s a good deal for everyone because it helps you remember and connects you to upcoming events.

#65 Details that tell a story

Design Lobster • 159 implied HN points • 26 Apr 21
🪑 Design Creative
  1. Design details can tell a story by revealing historical eras in architecture and showcasing craftsmanship as seen in skeleton clocks
  2. Consider allowing elements of your design to reveal inner workings for a more transparent user experience
  3. Design has the power to renew perception and make us more alert to our surroundings

January 2023 Update

Mind & Mythos • 39 implied HN points • 03 Jan 23
📚 Literature Creative
  1. The author started their writing project in 2022 and is pleased with the work done so far.
  2. They want to improve their productivity in 2023 by sharing monthly updates to stay accountable.
  3. The updates will be posted on the first Friday of each month to track progress and keep engaged with readers.

batwrite is write now !! link within

Both Are True • 6 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
📚 Literature Creative
  1. The phrase 'batwrite is write now' plays with words in a fun way. It's a catchy phrase that combines humor and creativity.
  2. This post seems to be focused on being entertaining for its audience. It emphasizes engaging writing and playful language.
  3. The content is meant specifically for paid subscribers, suggesting a special connection with the audience. It creates a sense of exclusivity and value.

Start the week #96

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 5 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
📚 Literature Creative
  1. Thinking about all the jobs you've had can spark creativity. It’s a good way to reflect on your experiences and tell your story.
  2. Running a course can be tough if not enough people sign up. But it can also be a fun learning experience for those who attend.
  3. Removing paywalls can help increase access to your work and attract more readers. It's a nice way to share knowledge with others.