The hottest Creativity Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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A letter from the guy asking all the questions

The Sublime Newsletter • 118 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Talking to inspiring people can help you feel hopeful and connected, especially when you're going through tough times. It's like having a support system that lifts your spirits.
  2. It's important to ask big questions in life, like how to stay positive or authentic. Engaging in these discussions can lead to personal growth and new insights.
  3. Being open to conversations can change your outlook on life. You may find that sharing experiences can lessen feelings of loneliness and cynicism.

The Ritual of Writing.

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 65 implied HN points • 15 Mar 26
📚 Literature Creativity
  1. Using short prompts to write regularly turns journaling into a simple ritual that beats writer's block and gives daily life more meaning.
  2. Paying close attention—like noting the ten images that defined your day—creates a pause between stimulus and response where you can choose how to act and grow.
  3. Writing lets you reframe problems, change inherited stories, and process deep emotions like grief, so it becomes a tool for personal agency and healing.

Introducing: Whoa, Vol. 1

The Sublime Newsletter • 257 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. In a world full of quick and superficial content, people crave deep conversations that feel real and meaningful.
  2. The project 'Whoa, Vol. 1' features a collection of interesting talks with various creatives and thinkers, focusing on human experiences and challenges.
  3. It highlights the importance of honesty and vulnerability in discussions, aiming to inspire and connect readers in a genuine way.

The One Thing I Use AI For That Actually Makes Me Smarter

The Algorithmic Bridge • 371 implied HN points • 23 Mar 26
🕹 Technology Creativity
  1. Using AI for one focused task can genuinely make you smarter by amplifying your thinking instead of replacing it.
  2. A personal, candid style—more "me" and real—can make a guide feel more useful and practical than typical how‑tos.
  3. There’s a free preview available, and a paid subscription unlocks extra weekly content like news commentary and additional how‑to guides.

"The Perfect Writing Space"

Unmapped Storylands with Elif Shafak • 10237 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
📚 Literature Creativity
  1. You don't need a fancy or big space to write. Even a small, cozy place can be inspiring and productive.
  2. What really matters for writing is having peace of mind and a sense of freedom. It's about your inner space more than your outer space.
  3. Everyone has their own way to get inspired. Music can be a powerful tool to help focus and create.
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Writing While Needed By Others

Writerly Things with Brooke Warner • 2400 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
📚 Literature Creativity
  1. It's hard to write when you feel like others need you all the time. Some writers find they need to physically separate themselves from distractions to focus.
  2. Writers, especially women and moms, often feel guilty for taking time for themselves to write. It's important to remind ourselves that our creative pursuits are valuable too.
  3. There are strategies to combat feelings of selfishness and guilt when prioritizing writing. Finding what works for you can help make writing a regular part of your life.

The Return of the Weirdo

The Honest Broker • 31949 implied HN points • 22 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Culture has grown bland and risk-averse, with design, fashion, and media favoring smooth sameness instead of boldness.
  2. Companies and algorithms push predictability because it’s profitable, so they keep recycling the past and often hide behind empty buzzwords like “diversity.”
  3. The sameness is temporary — weird, risk-taking people and movements tend to re-emerge and disrupt the monotony, bringing real change.

You Have To Be Human

After Babel • 11262 implied HN points • 04 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Be human: use your imperfect, personal voice and let your words stumble and surprise people so your messages feel alive.
  2. Think with conviction: form and defend your own opinions instead of defaulting to bland agreeableness or outsourcing your thinking.
  3. Act and experience: take risks, get out into the real world, and do things that AI can’t replicate so your life and work come from lived experience.

Places you have no reason to be

The Elif Life • 1834 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. It's okay to explore places without a specific reason; your curiosity itself is a reason to go. Sometimes, just following your feelings can lead to valuable experiences.
  2. Setting aside time for yourself, like an 'artist date,' is important for creativity. It helps you connect with your inner artist and can inspire new ideas.
  3. Taking detours in life can lead to unexpected insights and connections. Embracing spontaneity might open doors to experiences you never planned for.

The Keepers of the Secret

Orbis Tertius • 230 implied HN points • 17 Mar 26
📖 Philosophy Creativity
  1. True freedom is a personal, lived state rather than a set of rules, and it’s usually hinted at indirectly in works of art or writing. Once you begin to sense that freedom, it changes how you live.
  2. The Keepers are elusive and non‑organizational, and many who claim the title are distractions; the secret can’t be passed intact, only glimpsed through careful study of many sources.
  3. Acting as if you’re ungoverned can itself reveal the secret more effectively than learning techniques; technique is just a personal style, not the essence of the freedom.

Not Unnatural

The American Peasant • 2295 implied HN points • 06 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Using Auto-Tune in music can ruin the natural sound of a singer, making it feel fake. It's better to embrace human imperfections, like being slightly off-key, which can make music more relatable and emotional.
  2. In woodworking, some people use technology to create perfect shapes and designs, but this can take away the charm of natural, handmade pieces. Simplicity and imperfections often hold more beauty.
  3. Technology can help us do tasks more easily and still produce good results, but when it creates things that are too complex or unnatural, it loses its appeal. Authenticity and human touch are more valued.

The Anticlimax of Becoming an Author

Writerly Things with Brooke Warner • 2261 implied HN points • 06 Oct 24
📚 Literature Creativity
  1. Becoming an author can feel like a big letdown after the excitement of publication. The rush of attention fades, and new authors often feel disappointed.
  2. It's normal to have mixed feelings after publishing. Authors may feel exposed, especially if they've shared personal stories, which can lead to vulnerability and sadness.
  3. After publication, it's helpful to focus on future projects and give yourself time to adjust. Good things can come later, like new readers or opportunities, so try to enjoy the journey.

I know your secret

Experimental History • 4997 implied HN points • 27 Jan 26
📚 Literature Creativity
  1. Many creators have a "secret" — a specific topic, perspective, or method they've found that reliably produces value and interest.
  2. Those secrets aren't scandalous; they're practical insights or angles you can lean into repeatedly instead of shocking or contrived hooks.
  3. There are concrete notes (eleven in this case) that show how to turn unknowns into knowns by discovering and communicating those useful insights.

Earlywood: ‘Experto Crede’

The American Peasant • 1876 implied HN points • 05 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. 'Experto Crede' means trust the expert. It's important to rely on knowledgeable people for guidance.
  2. Keeping up with your interests can bring joy. Exploring new ideas can help you grow and learn.
  3. Regularly sharing thoughts and experiences is valuable. Writing can connect you with others and sharpen your skills.

Donkey work

Austin Kleon • 6154 implied HN points • 09 Aug 24
📚 Literature Creativity
  1. Writing can feel like hard work, but it's satisfying when a piece takes on a life of its own. Those moments when creativity flows can make all the effort worth it.
  2. Many writers find joy in finishing something rather than the writing process itself. It can take a long time to feel that payoff, but it's really rewarding when you finally do.
  3. Being in between drafts can be a peaceful time for a writer. It's a chance to relax without worrying about the next steps until the next draft comes back.

On Turning Rejection into Motivation and Mastering the Art of the Pitch with Courtney Kocak

The Sub Club Newsletter • 59 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
📚 Literature Creativity
  1. Rejection can be a powerful motivator. It helps writers keep going and improves their pitching skills.
  2. Building good relationships with editors makes the publishing process easier and more successful.
  3. Having excitement and belief in your writing is key. If you love your work, others are more likely to get on board with it too.

Open Thread: What Would You Teach Everyone?

Everything Is Amazing • 705 implied HN points • 03 Mar 26
🚌 Education Creativity
  1. People from many different careers and life paths bring a huge range of expertise and perspective.
  2. That collective knowledge can surprise, delight, and teach others in ways a single person can't imagine.
  3. Asking everyone what they'd teach opens a simple, powerful way to share practical lessons and spread useful wisdom. It turns a community into a place where readers become teachers.

How To Build Your Own Tower

The Ruffian • 460 implied HN points • 07 Mar 26
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Build a personal "tower"—regular, intentional solitude or focused time—to get distance and perspective from the nonstop news and information feed. Without those retreats you can get anxious and lose control over what you think about.
  2. Keep a disciplined daily habit like freeform writing or journaling; short, consistent sessions help ideas germinate and feed larger creative projects. This practice captures stray thoughts and turns them into usable material.
  3. Stay open to the world but choose when to engage with it, not the other way around. Controlling your information diet and stepping back sometimes leads to clearer judgment and better work.

The comfort of drawing Batman

Austin Kleon • 2018 implied HN points • 20 Aug 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  1. Drawing can be a comforting activity, especially during times of boredom or stress. For some, like the author, drawing familiar characters like Batman brings joy.
  2. Airplane mode can enhance productivity because it eliminates distractions. This can turn a flight into a great opportunity to focus and create.
  3. Comfort work is any creative task you do when you don't know what else to tackle. It's nice to have simple activities, like drawing, to fall back on.

We Are Winning!

The Honest Broker • 29123 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. People are fed up with low-quality AI content and are starting to push back against it. Companies like YouTube are realizing that they need to change how they handle AI-created videos.
  2. Recent events, like the fake AI band Velvet Sundown, have made people question how streaming platforms promote such content. This has led to a public outcry and companies like Spotify are beginning to impose restrictions on AI-generated music.
  3. Many AI projects are failing to deliver good results, leading companies to reconsider their reliance on AI. This might mean more jobs for humans as businesses recognize that AI isn't the answer they thought it would be.

33 Things I Heard At Foo Camp 2026

The Ruffian • 436 implied HN points • 28 Feb 26
🕹 Technology Creativity
  1. Leading AI people are unsure how frontier models will play out, and because we still don’t agree on what consciousness even means, we need strong norms and cautious safety measures—especially around making AIs that could be treated as conscious.
  2. Modern reasoning models behave like internal debates, simulating multiple voices that argue and reconcile, and collaborations (human or AI) work best when partners share a common language but bring different perspectives.
  3. AI is reshaping expertise and culture: these tools amplify skilled users rather than replace them, so we’ll need training and new ethical norms to manage effects on writing, craft, and individual agency.

Q & A edition: on volatility in publishing (and candles)

How to Glow in the Dark • 439 implied HN points • 04 Oct 24
📚 Literature Creativity
  1. When querying agents about a new book, it's fine to directly email them if they previously showed interest. Just make sure to update the subject line and include your new manuscript.
  2. Publishing is a partnership, so approach agents with respect and mutual understanding. Both sides need to feel heard and valued for a successful collaboration.
  3. If you get a book deal, don't stress about tight deadlines for sequels. It's more likely that your publisher will not pursue a sequel if your first book doesn't sell well.

When you get confused

Austin Kleon • 6454 implied HN points • 31 May 24
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. It's okay if your writing isn't perfect at first. The important thing is to just get it out there.
  2. Taking time to relax and enjoy lighter activities can help balance out harder work, making you more creative.
  3. When you feel confused or stuck, sometimes just getting on your bike and listening to music can clear your mind.

Learning the Real Lessons from Ghibli

Animation Obsessive • 14172 implied HN points • 11 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. The film 'The Glassworker' tells a powerful story about art, love, and the impact of war on people's lives. It's a journey of two children from opposing worlds who discover their paths are not so different despite their backgrounds.
  2. Inspired by Studio Ghibli, the director aimed to capture deep emotions and realism rather than just mimic the animation style. The goal was to share feelings that resonate with viewers, similar to what Ghibli films evoke.
  3. Persistence plays a huge role in filmmaking. The director emphasizes that pursuing your passion despite obstacles can lead to success, and that it's important to hold on to your creative enthusiasm even during tough times.

Archival Selves

Breaking Smart • 114 implied HN points • 28 Feb 26
🕹 Technology Creativity
  1. Powerful AI tools are letting people rapidly finish long-stalled, legacy projects — paying off “intention debt” and creating a new experience of being unstuck.
  2. As people turn past work into websites, books, and personalized models they are building ‘archival selves’ — curated, partly fixed versions of their past that can be therapeutic or painfully exposing, and that trade off the ability to rewrite history for a clearer orientation.
  3. Once backlogs are cleared many will face blank canvases, and what follows depends on how archives are framed: poorly done archiving will produce bland, mimetic projects, while creative editorial choices can make archives a generative springboard for diverse futures.

Words words words

The Fry Corner • 9052 implied HN points • 12 Apr 24
📚 Literature Creativity
  1. Writing is often a slow process, with ideas developing over time, even when you're not actively writing. A lot of groundwork happens in your mind before the words hit the page.
  2. Sometimes, the inspiration for writing can feel mysterious and out of your control. It can be helpful to think of it as a collaboration with a muse or some creative force.
  3. Writers might find solutions to their problems by simply writing about them. Getting thoughts down on paper can help unlock new ideas and ways to move forward.

Education Links, 2/18/2026

In My Tribe • 227 implied HN points • 18 Feb 26
🚌 Education Creativity
  1. Blurring high school, college, and career can give students real work experience, college courses, and employer-valued credentials before they graduate, making schooling more directly relevant to careers.
  2. Using metrics like cost per graduate or return on investment lets policymakers compare programs and see which models produce more graduates for the money, guiding funding and design decisions.
  3. Dollar-focused metrics miss important non-monetary benefits—like lifelong enrichment from arts—and overlook the value of creativity and combining skills, so education should also cultivate personal growth and skill-stacking.

On Mediocrity

Overthinking Everything • 349 implied HN points • 24 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Mediocre means something is merely adequate but locked into that level — it can’t become much better without changing its basic nature, and that makes it worse than just being bad.
  2. The real test is process: if a thing lets you easily scale quality by putting in a little more effort, it isn’t mediocre, but if the chosen method locks you into ‘good enough’ and you’d need a totally different plan to improve, that’s mediocre.
  3. Mediocrity can be a conscious choice and that’s okay sometimes, but it’s a problem when you drift into it unconsciously or when others depend on you to be competent; shortcuts and incentives often push people toward mediocre outcomes unless they develop their own standards.

Drawing Eno

Austin Kleon • 1778 implied HN points • 23 Jul 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  1. The documentary about Brian Eno is exciting and unique because it creates a different version every time it's shown. This encourages viewers to watch it in theaters for a fresh experience.
  2. It uses a special system called Brain One to generate the film. This system combines new interviews and personal clips from Eno’s archive, making each showing feel like a new story.
  3. The movie has interesting marketing advantages. Since every version is different, it gives people a reason to see it on the big screen instead of waiting for it to stream.

Head, heart, hands

Austin Kleon • 2537 implied HN points • 02 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Our work should connect with our mind, heart, and hands. This balance helps us find fulfillment in what we do.
  2. The original idea of head, heart, and hands is powerful and reminds us of simplicity in our commitments.
  3. Health is seen as a result of taking care of our head, heart, and hands, emphasizing the importance of holistic well-being.

How Not To Get Away From It All

Everything Is Amazing • 610 implied HN points • 07 Feb 26
🎙 Podcasts Creativity
  1. Finding wonder in ordinary, everyday things helps you feel more connected and less worn out, because small moments can be deeply meaningful.
  2. Enthusiasm and curiosity are powerful ways to reconnect with life and others, and being able to tolerate small, temporary discomforts lets you pursue things that matter.
  3. Short immersive experiences and sincere conversations can clarify what you want from life and inspire real change, and feeling grateful for those moments keeps perspective and momentum.

I said no to $20,000 because writers must take a moral stand on AI

The Intrinsic Perspective • 40255 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Writers should think carefully about the use of AI in their work. Making money is tempting, but authenticity and moral choices matter more.
  2. AI-generated content can create false connections. It's not the same as having a real conversation with a human being.
  3. Supporting human writers and creators is important to maintain authenticity in culture. Subscriptions to real human content can help keep that alive.

How to Be Human

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 496 implied HN points • 08 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. It’s natural to feel hopeless when AI looks like it will automate creative and skilled work, making learning or improving feel pointless.
  2. That shift can also be an opportunity — when fewer people choose to be fully human, deliberately being one becomes more valuable.
  3. Being human means doing what AI can’t: get out into the world, say yes to experiences, and allow yourself to feel fear, excitement, discomfort, and physical life.

Title matters

Austin Kleon • 2038 implied HN points • 09 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Titles are important for any piece of work. They can set the tone and attract interest.
  2. Using randomness can spark creativity in titling. Techniques like flipping through books or pulling titles from a drawer can yield great ideas.
  3. Keeping a running list of potential titles helps you have options ready when you need to name something.

'Life Is Too Short to Make Remakes'

Animation Obsessive • 13813 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. The Annecy Festival is a huge event for animation, attracting around 18,000 visitors and showcasing unique and powerful art from around the world.
  2. Michel Gondry emphasizes the importance of originality and creativity in art, believing that life is too short to spend making remakes of existing works.
  3. New films like 'The Mourning Children' highlight the dedication of animators to produce authentic and impactful stories by deeply researching historical contexts.

The Film and Studio That 'Should Not Exist'

Animation Obsessive • 13095 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  1. Cinema Fantasma, a unique stop-motion studio in Mexico, created the first Mexican stop-motion feature film called 'I Am Frankelda.' Their work shows how creativity can thrive even with tight budgets.
  2. The film has a fun, imaginative storyline with memorable characters and songs that resonate with audiences. Its premiere at the Annecy Festival was met with excitement and applause.
  3. The Ambriz brothers, who run Cinema Fantasma, faced many challenges but remained determined to bring their vision to life. They hope their success inspires more stop-motion projects in Mexico in the future.

Dangerous! This Is the Reason Most Writers Quit (Before They Can Be Successful)

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 1558 implied HN points • 16 Jul 24
📚 Literature Creativity
  1. Writers often struggle due to negative mindsets that hold them back. It's important to change how you think before seeking more skills or knowledge.
  2. Taking risks can lead to significant growth. Stepping out of comfort zones can help overcome insecurities and open new opportunities.
  3. Most writers give up when they face challenges, thinking their work is not good enough. It's crucial to push through these feelings to achieve success.

The Progress Monster

the shimmering void • 46 implied HN points • 08 Mar 26
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Measurable output isn’t the same as real creative progress — finishing tasks or shipping prototypes can feel like forward motion, but true growth often can’t be tracked on a dashboard.
  2. Deep work comes from folding your life into what you make — returning to and changing ideas as you change builds density and meaning, while purely procedural practice stays shallow.
  3. You can’t predict the future, so chasing constant proof of progress breeds anxiety; accepting uncertainty and staying open to surprise lets you grow without prototyping every idea.

Wrapping Up Half a Year

Animation Obsessive • 8880 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. The animation industry is facing tough times, with many artists struggling due to job shortages and business challenges.
  2. The newsletter has been highlighting valuable stories from the animation world, sharing insights and celebrating the work of dedicated artists.
  3. Despite challenges, the newsletter has gained popularity this year, showcasing diverse topics and engaging content that resonates with its growing audience.

Tell Us What You're Doing

The Honest Broker • 9940 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. People in the community are engaged in interesting projects. It's great to see that many are still creating and doing things rather than just consuming entertainment.
  2. The open mic format encourages sharing personal projects, which can inspire others to be active and creative too.
  3. Reading about these projects can spark new ideas and motivate those who may have stopped doing things recently.