The hottest Creative Process Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Art & Illustration Topics
Caitlin’s Newsletter β€’ 1178 implied HN points β€’ 03 Jul 25
  1. There's a new painting video about Benjamin Netanyahu, where the creator discusses his recent comments on war crimes. It’s a creative way to engage in political commentary.
  2. The artist encourages viewers to watch the video on YouTube and offers various ways to support their work. They emphasize that all work is freely available for sharing and reuse.
  3. This newsletter is reader-supported, highlighting the importance of community backing for independent creators. It's a reminder that we can help keep such voices active.
The Common Reader β€’ 2764 implied HN points β€’ 05 Jun 25
  1. Writers today should focus on asking deeper questions instead of just discussing surface-level political issues. This can help bring more relevance back to literature.
  2. There is an ongoing debate about how different forms of writing can be explored beyond novels and personal essays. Writers should think about how new platforms like Substack can influence this.
  3. The literary community should work on encouraging and promoting new talent, especially those who can connect with modern themes and technologies like AI.
The Sublime Newsletter β€’ 534 implied HN points β€’ 26 Oct 24
  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.
In the Flash β€’ 2238 implied HN points β€’ 16 Oct 24
  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.
In the Flash β€’ 1698 implied HN points β€’ 11 Oct 24
  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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The American Peasant β€’ 2036 implied HN points β€’ 06 Oct 24
  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.
a constellation β€’ 297 implied HN points β€’ 23 Oct 24
  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.
Austin Kleon β€’ 6554 implied HN points β€’ 26 Jul 24
  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 nextβ€”this shows how important it is to be open and receptive during the creative process.
In the Flash β€’ 1039 implied HN points β€’ 03 Oct 24
  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.
psychotechnology β€’ 186 implied HN points β€’ 13 Jun 25
  1. Starting to write can be the hardest part; don't overthink it, just begin with what comes to mind. Writing like you're talking to a friend can make your words flow more naturally.
  2. Honesty in writing is key; sharing your feelings, doubts, and experiences helps create more engaging and relatable content. Don't be afraid to show your vulnerabilities.
  3. Practice makes perfect; the more you allow yourself to write openly and quickly, the easier it becomes. Embrace your thoughts and let them shape your writing.
Counter Craft β€’ 632 implied HN points β€’ 03 Jun 25
  1. Being a writer today often means you need to juggle multiple roles, like teaching, freelancing, or using platforms like Substack to support your literary career.
  2. Substack is changing the way writers connect with readers, but it may not completely replace traditional publishing methods. It's a more supportive environment where readers appreciate the creative process.
  3. Writers should look to integrate their various roles and projects, because what you do in one area can help boost another, like turning Substack work into a book deal.
Counter Craft β€’ 421 implied HN points β€’ 08 Jun 25
  1. Using AI in art can be great if it's done thoughtfully. It's important to be open about how AI is used and ensure it enhances rather than replaces creativity.
  2. There are successful examples of authors using AI to help craft dialogue or ideas, but they are intentional and clear about their AI use. This distinction separates meaningful art from low-quality outputs.
  3. For artistic integrity, it's best to be honest about your use of AI, especially if it generates a lot of the work. Just like with plagiarism, taking someone else's work, including AI-generated text, without credit is not acceptable.
Jeff Giesea β€’ 279 implied HN points β€’ 17 Oct 24
  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.
Artificial Corner β€’ 238 implied HN points β€’ 18 Oct 24
  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.
The Sub Club Newsletter β€’ 495 implied HN points β€’ 05 Oct 24
  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.
Working Theorys β€’ 174 implied HN points β€’ 12 Jun 25
  1. Many creative people hide in jobs that don't let them express their art, sometimes called 'shadow artists.' It takes courage to pursue your true passion and make that leap into the arts.
  2. Art isn't just about skill; it's about sharing your unique human experience. What makes art special is that it reflects personal truths and emotions.
  3. Transitioning to a full-time creative career is challenging but rewarding. It's important to find joy in art and not let financial pressures ruin your passion.
Soaring Twenties β€’ 115 implied HN points β€’ 10 Feb 25
  1. Dreaming big is important. Imagining what you could do with the right support can spark new ideas and goals.
  2. Having a structured schedule can help balance creative work and business tasks. This way, you can focus on your art without feeling overwhelmed.
  3. It's vital to build a community around your work. Sharing your journey can connect you with like-minded people and open up opportunities.
Austin Kleon β€’ 2417 implied HN points β€’ 30 Apr 24
  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.
Castles in the Sky β€’ 31 implied HN points β€’ 12 Jun 25
  1. Writing is about taking action, not just thinking. It's important to dive into the work instead of getting stuck in planning.
  2. Reading inspiring essays can spark creativity and help us understand complex feelings. They can make us feel less alone and give us new perspectives.
  3. It's okay to let go of perfection and focus on being curious. The best way to create meaningful work is to experiment and share it with others.
Science of Art β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 03 Oct 24
  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.
Subtle Maneuvers β€’ 3144 implied HN points β€’ 22 Jan 24
  1. CΓ©line Sciamma's screenwriting process involves merging desired and needed elements for a unique approach
  2. Sciamma believes in animating 'needed' scenes with desire to create a more compelling narrative
  3. Choosing unsatisfaction temporarily can lead to departing from conventional solutions in creative work
Rock 'n' Roll with Me β€’ 279 implied HN points β€’ 02 Aug 24
  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.
Sasha's 'Newsletter' β€’ 2302 implied HN points β€’ 03 Nov 24
  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.
Animation Obsessive β€’ 1704 implied HN points β€’ 29 Nov 24
  1. Atsuko Fukushima is a talented Japanese animator known for her unique and playful style in various anime projects, including well-known films like Akira. Her work shines with energetic and whimsical animation.
  2. Fukushima's notable projects include the opening sequence of Robot Carnival and the short film Genius Party, showcasing her dynamic approach to animation. Both works, while different in tone, represent her signature style of bright visuals and lively motion.
  3. Throughout her career, Fukushima has contributed to both mainstream and independent anime, illustrating her versatility and creative spirit in the animation industry.
DrawTogether with WendyMac β€’ 2417 implied HN points β€’ 24 Jan 24
  1. Visual storytelling can be based on chance, creating unexpected and fun stories.
  2. Constraints in art, like using chance, can help spark creativity and collaboration with the universe.
  3. Examples like Ellsworth Kelly and Carson Ellis show how limitations and chance can lead to unique and captivating art.
Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky β€’ 37 implied HN points β€’ 05 Feb 25
  1. Using AI to improve writing can feel like cheating for some people. It's normal to wonder where to draw the line with technology helping us.
  2. Finding a better word in a dictionary or getting feedback from a friend seems more acceptable than using an AI. It raises questions about our ideas of authorship and creativity.
  3. If AI makes suggestions that improve writing, should it get some credit? We need to think about what makes using AI different from asking a friend for help.
The Algorithmic Bridge β€’ 265 implied HN points β€’ 27 Nov 24
  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.
Story Club with George Saunders β€’ 92 implied HN points β€’ 09 Jan 25
  1. It's important to notice areas in your writing that feel off or unsatisfying. These areas can guide you to make better changes and improve your story.
  2. Polishing your writing helps you see new possibilities. Once everything looks clean, you might realize something about the overall structure or flow that needs adjusting.
  3. Practicing writing through revision is key. Focus on small sections of your work and ask yourself how they can be improved, which can reveal new ideas for your storytelling.
The Library of Alexandria Ultima β€’ 8 implied HN points β€’ 19 Feb 25
  1. The illustrations created by Maksud Alikhanov-Avarsky help bring to life his book, 'The Expedition to Khiva'. They provide a visual glimpse of the journey and the locations he experienced.
  2. These images were not included in the book itself, showcasing the unique nature of the collection of drawings.
  3. The book and the illustrations capture the historical journey from the Caspian Sea to Khiva, highlighting important sites and experiences along the way.
Subtle Maneuvers β€’ 2220 implied HN points β€’ 13 Nov 23
  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.
Austin Kleon β€’ 6734 implied HN points β€’ 06 Dec 22
  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.
Austin Kleon β€’ 2058 implied HN points β€’ 01 Aug 23
  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.
Top Carbon Chauvinist β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 08 Sep 24
  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.
DrawTogether with WendyMac β€’ 1395 implied HN points β€’ 02 Apr 23
  1. Decision fatigue can affect us when we have too many choices and are exhausted from making decisions.
  2. Constraints can be helpful in art as they force us to make decisions and narrow our path forward.
  3. Artists have used chance as a way to embrace randomness and leave creative outcomes up to fate or the universe.
Seven Senses β€’ 1258 implied HN points β€’ 28 Oct 23
  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.