The hottest Creative Process Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Art & Illustration Topics

Out of office

Substack • 549 implied HN points • 22 May 24
🎭️ Culture Creative Process
  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.

Filmmaker Kelly Reichardt on her creative process and long-term collaborations

Chance Operations • 257 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Creative Process
  1. Kelly Reichardt emphasizes the importance of carving out space for creativity and avoiding distractions.
  2. She prefers a tactile approach to her writing process, using physical tools like note cards and legal pads.
  3. Collaboration and camaraderie are key to Reichardt's filmmaking, with a focus on refining work until the very end.

The Definitive Handbook For Spotting AI Art

The Algorithmic Bridge • 265 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🎨 Art & Illustration 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.

again & again & again

spencer's paradoxes • 157 implied HN points • 10 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Creative Process
  1. The author discusses the challenges of independent work and the pressure to constantly produce tangible results
  2. Feelings of discomfort and lack of focus can arise despite external achievements
  3. It's important to remember to prioritize personal well-being and daily enjoyment while pursuing long-term goals
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Resolve Now It’s Working

The False Consensus Effect • 78 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Creative Process
  1. The author shares personal reflections on their art, daily routines, and anti-government sentiments. This includes details on their creative process, struggles, and aspirations.
  2. The post emphasizes the power of imagination and the importance of taking action towards one's ideals. The author encourages readers to make a difference, even in small ways.
  3. Financial accountability and planning are highlighted, with the author detailing expenses, savings goals, and reflections on contemporary societal issues. Rose, the author's partner, also plays a role in household finances.

Artist Lucy Raven on her creative process

Chance Operations • 277 implied HN points • 13 May 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Creative Process
  1. Lucy Raven's work focuses on material transformation and technology, reflecting on globalization and the relationship between humans and the natural world.
  2. Her projects often stem from unanswered questions in previous works, leading to an organic progression in her creative process.
  3. Sustaining creative work involves a mix of exhibitions, commissions, residencies, teaching, and other opportunities, with grants playing a smaller role.

On Pace

Story Club with George Saunders • 70 implied HN points • 10 Jul 25
📚 Literature Creative Process
  1. It's important for characters to have their own goals and feelings, even if they're not clear about them right away. This helps the reader stay engaged and care about what happens next.
  2. Creating tension or intrigue in slow sections can keep readers from getting bored. Even if things seem slow, there should always be something happening to hold their interest.
  3. When writing a story, consider how each part connects to the overall plot. All sections, even slow ones, should build anticipation for what's coming next.

Aaron Moultan: Love Letter to the Secret Sleeper Cell

Do Not Research • 99 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Creative Process
  1. The author recounts their deep involvement and transformative experience within a secret online community called the 'Super Secret Sleeper Cell' on Discord, where they found a sense of belonging and creative inspiration.
  2. Through connections made in this online community, the author underwent a spiritual and artistic awakening, leading them to question the traditional art world and empower themselves to create new forms of expression.
  3. The narrative evokes themes of community, artistic resilience, the power of online connections, and the idea of embracing change and new beginnings through creative collaboration and self-discovery.

Why I Write (An Invitation)

Neckar’s Notes • 150 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
📚 Literature Creative Process
  1. Writing can be a way to understand ourselves better. It helps us process our thoughts and experiences by putting them on the page.
  2. Writing allows for a connection with others and can express feelings that are hard to communicate otherwise. It's a way to share our truths and experiences.
  3. Engaging in writing regularly can be transformative and fulfilling. It offers a method to explore our inner thoughts and feelings while keeping us present in our lives.

🦕 in pursuit of an angry-enough dinosaur

vrk loves paper • 119 implied HN points • 12 Jul 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Creative Process
  1. Working for yourself can be really enjoyable and fulfilling, even if it's only been a short time. The freedom to set your own schedule can lead to a lot of excitement.
  2. Balancing social time can be trickier than expected. Meeting friends and networking is fun, but too many meetings can drain your social energy.
  3. Working on creative projects, like printers or art pieces, can be a great way to explore new ideas and keep yourself engaged while enjoying the process.

The Art of Memory: An Interview with Becky Moon

The Memory Palace • 19 implied HN points • 14 May 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Creative Process
  1. Art and philosophy can work together to help people understand complex ideas better. By connecting these two fields, we can find new ways to teach and talk about philosophical concepts.
  2. Using art to explore memory can make abstract ideas more concrete. Artists can visualize philosophical thoughts, which helps both the artist and the philosophers communicate their ideas more clearly.
  3. Taking time to think deeply is essential in both art and philosophy. It’s important to pause and consider the reasons behind our actions, which leads to better art and richer philosophical insights.

Dare to dream

Soaring Twenties • 115 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🎨 Art & Illustration Creative Process
  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.

What I’ve Been Reading This Year

Cybernetic Forests • 139 implied HN points • 18 Dec 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Creative Process
  1. Reflection on the problems and implications of AI-based image generation in art
  2. Consideration of the origin and context of AI training data, highlighting issues like exploitation and biases
  3. Exploration of rethinking AI images as material for artistic expression, and the importance of artists reclaiming agency over these tools and the images they create

Introducing At The Door

At The Door • 78 implied HN points • 01 Jun 23
🎶 Music Creative Process
  1. In the competitive music industry, telling a unique story is crucial for standing out.
  2. Embracing ordinary aspects of creation can hold value and interest.
  3. Celebrate the small victories and connections rather than focusing solely on broad success.

Bringing Back Friday Exhibitions

The False Consensus Effect • 78 implied HN points • 25 Sep 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Creative Process
  1. The author is planning to host Friday exhibitions at their home, showcasing their work and welcoming visitors to enjoy art and music.
  2. They express frustration with societal issues like lack of fresh food and proper shelter, presenting a critical view of American consumerism.
  3. The post delves into personal reflections on art, life, and the desire for a simpler, more meaningful existence.

The Crazy-Eyed Wild Ambitions Phase

DruGroup • 119 implied HN points • 11 May 23
📚 Literature Creative Process
  1. In a mid-life crisis, someone tried working on a doctorate but lost passion early on. This taught them it’s okay to explore interests, even if they don’t pursue them long-term.
  2. They started writing a science-fiction novel and put a lot of effort into it, but eventually faced challenges and had to put the project on hold. It shows that creative endeavors can be complicated, and it’s normal to hit bumps along the way.
  3. The journey of self-discovery is ongoing and doesn't always bring clear answers. It's important to embrace change and reflect on personal growth, especially during challenging life phases.

The Unwritten Rules of AI-Generated Code & Prose

Code & Prose • 2 HN points • 19 Aug 24
🕹 Technology Creative Process
  1. Using AI for brainstorming and research is fine, but just copying AI text isn't right. It's important to create your own original work.
  2. In coding, using AI to help write code is accepted because it's seen as a tool for solving problems. Many startups even use AI to write a big chunk of their code.
  3. People still look down on using AI for creative writing because it feels less personal. Original human writing has a unique touch that AI cannot replicate.

Office Hours

Story Club with George Saunders • 92 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
📚 Literature Creative Process
  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 Hard Truths of Writing

Trantor Publishing • 119 implied HN points • 02 Nov 22
📚 Literature Creative Process
  1. Writing is hard work that requires consistency and dedication over time to improve and complete projects.
  2. It's important to finish your work and put it out to an audience for feedback and building a fanbase.
  3. World building is essential but should not overshadow the storytelling aspect; focus on story first and use world building to enhance it.

Graphophobia

radkat and other animals • 58 implied HN points • 08 Jul 23
📚 Literature Creative Process
  1. The author has a fear of writing but is addicted to it, struggling with the idea that what's inside may not translate well outside.
  2. Writing can distract from original ideas and create fear of judgment from others, leading to a sense of responsibility for the words' longevity and impact.
  3. Despite the challenges, the author finds joy in the act of writing and the creativity it brings.

Inside the process - New York Times Book Review

On Looking • 219 implied HN points • 15 Apr 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Creative Process
  1. The illustrator focused on rephrasing text in their own words to take more control and use visual cues effectively in creating the illustration.
  2. Having the freedom to choose between portrait or landscape format allowed the illustrator to experiment with different compositions and ideas.
  3. Collaboration with the art director and making small tweaks throughout the process significantly contributed to the final outcome of the illustration.

On Creative Process

Weekly Wisdom • 39 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Creative Process
  1. The creative process involves distinct phases, and creative friction arises when there is a mismatch between the phase and the task.
  2. There are at least four main phases in the creative process: collective, connective, creative, and critical, each playing a vital role in creating and refining work.
  3. To enhance creativity, it's beneficial to keep the phases of the creative process separate, allowing for more efficient and energizing workflow.

Three Years Mimicking Eric Carle for a Parody Nobody Asked For

Pryor Questions • 186 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Creative Process
  1. The author embarked on a challenging, multi-year journey to create a parody children's book mimicking a classic, venturing into a realm of satirical humor.
  2. Drawing from inspiration and striving for humor, the author faced hurdles in advertising due to the political nature of their content, highlighting the complexities of self-publishing.
  3. The process of creating a book presented unexpected challenges, from mimicking a famous art style to learning new tools like Photoshop, illustrating the perseverance and creative struggles involved in bringing art to life.

An interview in 'Significance' magazine

Alberto Cairo's The Art of Insight • 19 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Creative Process
  1. Learning basic rules of data visualization helps you make better choices but it's also important to know that there aren't hard and fast rules. Understanding conventions allows you to decide how to present data effectively.
  2. Using a bar graph is often better than a pie chart for comparing numbers, but beyond that, your choices matter more than following strict rules.
  3. The key is to use the knowledge you've gained about perception and cognition to guide your decisions, creating a unique approach to data visualization.

This is not an About page.

Castles in the Sky • 31 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
📚 Literature Creative Process
  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.

I made my (first) movie

The Next Chapter • 3 implied HN points • 29 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Creative Process
  1. Filmmaking is an emotional and spiritual journey that can move grief and create deep creative fulfillment.
  2. Directing is physically and mentally demanding — it requires stamina, constant presence, and the ability to multitask through long, tiring shoot days.
  3. Building intuition is a process. Know your story and tone early, learn technical filmmaking vocabulary, and use visual prototypes (storyboards, reference images, rough cuts) to communicate and refine ideas.

Manifesto

Castalia • 139 implied HN points • 13 Sep 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Creative Process
  1. Productivity in art can be surprisingly high, as shown by Paul Klee who sometimes created 500 works a year. This suggests that making art can be more about the enjoyment and flow of the process rather than just the final product.
  2. There’s a common belief that art needs to be carefully crafted and special, but prolific artists often create works continuously for their own satisfaction rather than for external validation.
  3. Instead of viewing work and leisure as separate, finding joy in continuous creation like Klee did can lead to a more fulfilling life, where making art feels more like living fully rather than just a job.

Changing Directions at Midlife

The Reclamation Era • 79 implied HN points • 11 Apr 23
📚 Literature Creative Process
  1. It's okay to change your path in life, especially during big transitions like midlife. Making changes can bring peace and excitement.
  2. Taking care of your health is really important. Prioritizing well-being can lead to new opportunities and passions.
  3. Writing a book can be a fulfilling goal, and sharing the journey can inspire others. Embrace the ups and downs along the way.

Critical Making Reflections, 2D Packing, and Grids in R

Generative Arts Collective • 65 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Creative Process
  1. Creativity is about balancing rules and imagination. Understanding the rules helps you know when to break them and innovate.
  2. Making art is a journey that involves exploration. It's important to try new things and take steps, even if you don't know where they will lead.
  3. Looking deeper into things can reveal their true complexity. Just like knowing more about birds goes beyond their colors, understanding art involves seeing beyond the surface.

The Zero Has Traces of the One

Cybernetic Forests • 39 implied HN points • 30 Jul 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Creative Process
  1. The process of creating art can be just as significant as the final product, with each step informing the meaning and depth of the work.
  2. Art can contain multiple layers of meaning simultaneously, reflecting complexities like trauma and grief that are typically not straightforward.
  3. There is a challenge in balancing authenticity and polish in creative work, as well as in navigating the pressures of social media and algorithms.

branching dialogue

button mash • 39 implied HN points • 21 Mar 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Creative Process
  1. Learning to make games involves reimagining the creative process.
  2. Making games is different from writing or knitting but allows room for experimentation.
  3. Coding games is like knitting with data bits, offering a puzzle-like experience.

8 Lessons from "Curb Your Enthusiasm"

SatPost by Trung Phan • 132 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Creative Process
  1. Develop your own taste and stick to it, like Larry David did with his unique sense of humor.
  2. Non-obvious ideas may take longer to succeed, but they present less competition and more potential for success.
  3. Structure and constraints can foster creativity, as seen in the improv-based process behind 'Curb Your Enthusiasm'.

On Titles

Story Club with George Saunders • 57 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
📚 Literature 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.

Am I cheating?

Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky • 37 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Creative Process
  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.