The hottest Creative Process Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Art & Illustration Topics

The Definitive Handbook For Spotting AI Art

The Algorithmic Bridge • 254 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Art history AI Art Visual Culture Art Critique Creative Process
  1. Art has two layers: a visible surface like colors and shapes, and a hidden layer that includes history and culture. AI art usually lacks this deeper meaning.
  2. People often struggle to tell AI art from human-made art because they focus only on the surface. They can learn to spot AI art by asking if it has that deeper history and consistency.
  3. Human creativity is stronger because it connects to real experiences and truths. AI can mimic but it doesn't understand the world or the meaning behind art.

Almost everything I've written seems wrong now

Sasha's 'Newsletter' • 2302 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
📚 Literature Writing Authors Personal Reflection Creative Process Expression
  1. Many writers feel that their past work no longer reflects their current ideas. They might find their old writing overly simplistic or disagreeable.
  2. Personal growth and changing beliefs make it hard to reconcile old writing with new thoughts. It's challenging to explain complex ideas that now contradict previous statements.
  3. Instead of worrying about regrets or how future readers will judge them, writers find peace in seeing their work as an offering. They hope that readers will learn and grow from both the mistakes and successes in their writing.

The story of Sublime's logo

The Sublime Newsletter • 534 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🪑 Design Graphic design Branding User Experience Creative Process
  1. Logos represent more than their appearance. They carry deeper meanings that connect with feelings and ideas, like innovation or nostalgia.
  2. Choosing a designer that breaks the mold can lead to unique and creative outcomes. Sometimes the riskier choice is to step outside the norm.
  3. The journey of creating something, like a logo, is just as important as the final product. It's about collaboration, sharing ideas, and making something beautiful together.

How I Pieced Together a Personal Style in Photography

In the Flash • 2238 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography Visual Arts Creative Process Art history Personal style
  1. Developing a personal style in photography can take time and experimentation. It's normal to feel anxious about finding your unique voice.
  2. Originality in art comes from mixing ideas from different sources, not from trying to be completely unique. It's about remixing influences to create something new.
  3. Learning from other artists and styles can help shape your own work. It's okay to borrow elements that resonate with you to build your signature style.

Ina Garten Portraits for the New Yorker

In the Flash • 1698 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography Portraits Lifestyle Visual art Creative Process
  1. A photographer was advised to keep the shoot with Ina Garten simple and natural, avoiding anything unusual. This means sticking to natural light and straightforward setups.
  2. The photographer brought various tools for creativity but had to focus on a more minimalist approach as per the instructions.
  3. It's important in photography to balance creativity with the preferences of the subject or their team, ensuring everyone is comfortable.
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Come See the Chair Show on Nov. 23

The American Peasant • 2036 implied HN points • 06 Oct 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Exhibitions Creative Process
  1. The Chair Show is happening on November 23, and it sounds like a fun event to see lots of interesting work.
  2. The person organizing the show prefers to sell their work directly rather than through a gallery, which often takes a large cut of the sales.
  3. They haven't shown their work in a gallery before, but they are excited about the opportunity and the social aspect of gallery shows.

You and I Meet in a Cosy Cafe

a constellation • 297 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🎶 Music Songwriting Music Production Creative Process Music Industry
  1. Writer's block can happen to anyone, and it's okay to not feel like writing sometimes. Sometimes life gets overwhelming, and we just need a break.
  2. It’s normal to want to keep certain creative projects private until they feel ready. Sometimes it feels special to keep things to ourselves.
  3. Feeling stuck on what to write about is common. It's important to remember that writing should be enjoyable, not just for others' expectations.

Listening is the whole deal

Austin Kleon • 6554 implied HN points • 26 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Art Music Film Literature Creative Process
  1. Listening is really important in music and art. It helps you connect deeply with what you're experiencing, whether it's a song or a piece of writing.
  2. Movies like _Perfect Days_ show us the beauty of simple life moments, like taking photos and enjoying music, reminding us to appreciate everyday experiences.
  3. When creating something, many artists say they listen to their work. It’s like the art guides them on what to do next—this shows how important it is to be open and receptive during the creative process.

The Colorful Fever Dream of Djeneba Aduayom

In the Flash • 1039 implied HN points • 03 Oct 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography Contemporary Art Creative Process
  1. Djeneba Aduayom mixes color and black and white in her photography, choosing based on the story she wants to tell. This flexible approach helps her capture different feelings and interpretations.
  2. When dealing with creative burnout, she takes time to pause and reflect, engages in unrelated activities, and practices self-compassion. This process helps her recharge and reconnect with her creativity.
  3. Djeneba believes staying true to herself is the most important part of her art. Rather than following trends or fitting into categories, she focuses on creating work that reflects her unique experiences.

This is NOT my essay

Jeff Giesea • 279 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🕹 Technology AI Ethics Creative Process Digital Tools Content creation Intellectual Property
  1. Using AI tools can change how we think about writing and creation. When we use apps to help us, it makes the process different from traditional writing.
  2. The idea of an original creation is becoming less clear. With many voices and influences in AI, it’s hard to say who truly owns the work.
  3. Collaboration with technology might be the new way to create. Instead of being solo artists, we are now partners with our tools, reshaping what creating really means.

I Used ChatGPT Vision and DALL-E 3 to Bring My Drawings to Life

Artificial Corner • 238 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🕹 Technology AI Tools Digital Art Creative Process Human-AI Interaction
  1. You can use ChatGPT Vision and DALL-E 3 to turn your drawings into beautiful digital images. Just upload your drawing and get a detailed description to recreate it.
  2. Even simple sketches can be transformed into stunning visuals using these tools. They can enhance not only complex art but also quick doodles.
  3. You can also use ChatGPT to convert math formulas from screenshots into LaTeX code, making it easier to create professional-looking documents for school or research.

Sub Club Weekly Digest #2 (ish)

The Sub Club Newsletter • 495 implied HN points • 05 Oct 24
📚 Literature Writing Publishing Editing Creative Process
  1. There are new features on Chill Subs that show popular and competitive literary magazines. This helps writers find where to submit their work.
  2. The Submitter's Club offers help in getting work submitted to magazines. Members can submit their pieces and receive personalized recommendations.
  3. A new column called Story Doctors will answer craft questions about writing. Writers can submit their work for feedback and tips on improving their pieces.

The Infinite Almanac of Writing Wisdom

Tigerfeathers! • 16 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
📚 Literature Writing Tips Creative Process Storytelling Audience Building
  1. Collect and organize writing tips and techniques to create a valuable resource. This helps writers find inspiration in one easy place.
  2. Writing is an experimental process where you learn by doing. It’s okay to have rough drafts as they can lead to better ideas during revisions.
  3. Engage your audience by being specific and personal in your writing. Sharing your own experiences makes your work relatable and engaging.

The work of art

Austin Kleon • 2417 implied HN points • 30 Apr 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual art Collage Creative Process Editing
  1. Not being concerned about being liked can free up your creativity. It allows you to express yourself more freely without the pressure of pleasing others.
  2. Having a clear sense of taste is important in creative work. Knowing what you like helps you to articulate your preferences and make better choices.
  3. Editing is more than just correcting mistakes; it's about improving and refining your work. Great editors help you see what's missing and guide you to enhance your creation.

The Power of Second Acts in an Artist’s Life

Science of Art • 99 implied HN points • 03 Oct 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Creative Process Art history Cultural impact
  1. Second acts in an artist's life are opportunities for reinvention and growth. They often come after personal changes and challenge artists to evolve their work.
  2. Many artists find renewed success or new directions after facing hardships. Experiences like illness or life transitions can inspire powerful and transformative art.
  3. It's never too late for artists to achieve recognition. Some artists create their best work later in life, showing that creativity can flourish at any age.

On Titles

Story Club with George Saunders • 57 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
📚 Literature Writing Storytelling Authors Literary Analysis Creative Process
  1. Titles should be simple and not give too much away about the story. A good title can grab the reader’s attention without being too clever or obvious.
  2. Many titles come to the writer naturally while working on the story. They might pop into the writer's head without much effort.
  3. It's important for a title to resonate with the story after it's read, adding extra meaning while still not being overly complicated or distracting.

Todd Rundgren as a songwriter and performer: The Creator Series #5

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 279 implied HN points • 02 Aug 24
🎶 Music Songwriting Performing Music Industry Creative Process
  1. Todd Rundgren believes there are different levels of musicians: entertainers, performers, and artists, with artists being the rarest who create unpredictable and unique expressions. He thinks being a performer is the best way to make a stable living in music.
  2. He values artistic freedom over chasing fame, using his success as a producer to create music that reflects his true self without worrying about commercial success. He sees the process of creating something from nothing as a key motivation for his work.
  3. Todd emphasizes the importance of practical help for artists, sharing how his manager supported him in both personal and professional matters, allowing him to focus on his music. He also finds inspiration from the music ecosystem around him and the collaborations he engages in.

Mike Leigh’s gloriously inefficient filmmaking process

Subtle Maneuvers • 2220 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Film Creative Process Character development Improvisation Storytelling
  1. Mike Leigh's filmmaking process starts with no script or story idea, just actors talking to create characters.
  2. Leigh's method involves months of rehearsals where actors improvise to bring characters to life before scripting.
  3. Leigh's unique and time-consuming approach to filmmaking results in fully realized, human characters and unforgettable movies.

Building my dream studio

Austin Kleon • 6734 implied HN points • 06 Dec 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Creative Process Personal Projects
  1. Creating a dedicated workspace can boost your creativity, especially if it reflects your personal style and needs. Building a space designed just for you can help keep things organized and focused.
  2. It's important to stay flexible and open-minded when designing your workspace. Things can change during the process, and being adaptable can help you make the most of any situation.
  3. Natural light and a good view are crucial for a productive environment. A well-lit space can make working feel enjoyable, transforming how you approach your projects.

straight outta tartarus

visa's voltaic verses ⚡️ • 17 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Games Creative Process Philosophy Literature Narrative
  1. Losing is a natural part of the learning process. It's important to keep trying and learn from our experiences, just like in the game Hades where you often die but keep getting better.
  2. Your focus should be on the journey and process, not just the outcome. Celebrating small improvements, like getting better at a game or mastering a new skill, is key to building persistence.
  3. Finding deeper meaning in your creative efforts can lead to better results. Just like in a game, you have to be open to discovering hidden insights and emotions in your writing or projects.

Out of office

Substack • 549 implied HN points • 22 May 24
🎭️ Culture Writers Creative Process Community Engagement Work-life balance
  1. Taking breaks is important for creativity. Many writers find that the best ideas come when they're relaxed and not working.
  2. Readers often support writers in taking time off. When writers communicate their need for a break, subscribers usually understand and appreciate the honesty.
  3. Some writers plan ahead by scheduling guest posts or using past content during their time off. This helps maintain a connection with their audience while they recharge.

What’s the matter?

Austin Kleon • 2058 implied HN points • 01 Aug 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual Arts Creative Process Artistic expression Cultural Commentary
  1. Asking 'What’s the matter?' helps us understand what's bothering us and can lead to artistic ideas. It's a question that sparks creativity.
  2. The discomfort or irritation we feel can be the starting point for new work. Those feelings can inspire us to create something meaningful.
  3. We can also think about 'matter' in terms of the physical materials we use, like paint or paper. Getting hands-on might help when we're unsure of what to create.

It's hard to make art with AI, but it's not impossible

ART⋂CODE • 13 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🎨 Art & Illustration AI Art Creative Process Digital Art
  1. Making art with AI can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. The key is finding a way to express your personal vision through the tools.
  2. Using AI might streamline the creative process, but it can also make it harder to put your unique voice into the work. You need to find a way to infuse your style into what AI generates.
  3. Art is not just about making choices; it's about a deeper connection between the artist and their medium. Embracing this relationship can lead to more meaningful creations.

Another clueless person attempts to defend generative AI "art"

Top Carbon Chauvinist • 19 implied HN points • 08 Sep 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Generative Art Art Criticism Contemporary Art Visual Culture Creative Process
  1. Generative AI art lacks true artistic intent because it does not involve a person making conscious creative decisions.
  2. Many famous art movements involved randomness, but they still required an artist's direction and vision.
  3. Using AI to create art can lead to results that are very different from what the person intended, making it hard to consider those results as true art.

Phantom Muse

Seven Senses • 1258 implied HN points • 28 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual art Creative Process Art history Inspiration
  1. Creative inspiration often feels like it's not from the artist, but rather comes through them. Many artists think of themselves as channels for a mysterious creative energy.
  2. Some artists, like Barbara Kingsolver and Hilma Af Klint, have connected with the spirits of past creators to gather inspiration. These experiences highlight the idea that creativity can link us to something greater.
  3. Our five senses, plus intuition, can help us connect with creative muses and the memories of loved ones. We can use rituals, art, and even food to honor these connections and explore our creativity.

In pursuit of a masterpiece

The Novelleist • 901 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
📚 Literature Writing Novels Art Creative Process Inspiration
  1. The author values creating a masterpiece in their writing, taking time to explore and research different elements.
  2. The author emphasizes the importance of incorporating personal experiences and uniqueness into artistic work to differentiate it from others.
  3. The author recognizes the need to slow down the creative process to pursue a masterpiece, allowing for deeper exploration and refinement.

Drawing his way to 100k

Kenny’s Sub • 199 implied HN points • 27 May 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Drawing Creative Process Business Strategies Freelancing Content creation
  1. Experimenting is essential. Janis Ozolins tried many different ideas before he found success with drawing. He learned a lot through mistakes and kept exploring until he found what worked for him.
  2. The grind is part of the job. Even if you love what you do, there are always some tasks that can feel tedious, like answering emails or bookkeeping. It’s important to find a balance between fun work and those less enjoyable tasks.
  3. Building an audience matters. Janis didn't rely heavily on freelance work at first. Instead, he focused on creating valuable content and engaging with his audience, which naturally led to opportunities without having to chase them.

Bodies Bodies [A Primer]

The Author Is Dumb • 6 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
📚 Literature Writing Authorship Books Creative Process Personal narrative
  1. The author is working on a new book that will be written in real time and is focused on themes of faith.
  2. Unlike previous works, this book will not have a paywall, promoting access to everyone, while still appreciating paid subscribers.
  3. The style of this book might be different, potentially being more autobiographical and experimental compared to the author's other writings.

Sawdust and aluminum shavings

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 79 implied HN points • 26 Jun 24
🪑 Design Product Design Interior design Design Philosophy Creative Process
  1. Thinking about tradeoffs helps us deal with uncertainty better. It's like understanding that we have to choose between different options when faced with unknowns.
  2. Clarifying tradeoffs allows us to adapt more easily. When we know what we're giving up or gaining, we can make better choices in changing situations.
  3. Expressing tradeoffs can lead to better shared goals. It helps everyone understand what matters most, leading to more effective teamwork.

Write Every Day... Or Don't!

The Fairest Writer • 259 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
📚 Literature Writing Tips Creative Process Literary Analysis Productivity Author insights
  1. Writing every day can help you stay connected to your projects, but it's not always practical for everyone. Finding a balance that works for you is key.
  2. It's important to listen to your own creative energy and not force yourself to write when you don't feel inspired. Taking breaks can actually help renew your motivation.
  3. Setting rigid goals like daily word counts can hurt your creativity. It's better to focus on nurturing your ideas rather than feeling pressured by deadlines.

Maturity and enthusiasm

Alberto Cairo's The Art of Insight • 239 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🪑 Design Information Design Data Visualization Teaching Methods Creative Process Professional development
  1. Maturity in a profession can bring new insights and clarity. It's a journey that includes both personal growth and the evolution of skills and knowledge.
  2. Learning how to design information helps us communicate and think better. It's a valuable skill that can benefit anyone, not just designers.
  3. This newsletter will share personal experiences, analysis, and recommendations about data visualization. It's an exploration of the craft and the joy of learning together.