The hottest Creativity Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Art & Illustration Topics

Let me hand-write and mail you something. | #99

Castles in the Sky • 34 implied HN points • 22 Dec 25
📚 Literature Creativity
  1. A writer is offering to handwrite and mail a custom, postcard-sized "100th issue" if you fill a short form with your name, email, mailing address, and something on your mind; submissions are free, confidential, and open for about two weeks.
  2. The project is meant to repay readers' attention, try a new medium, and build closer connections by writing personalized notes; the writer will also resurface favorite old issues while mailing and later share photos and lessons from the process.
  3. The effort is time-limited and sized to what the writer can manage (about 1,800 subscribers and a ~30% open rate), so if too many people respond they may need to pick who to reply to; there is no cost or catch, and postage and cards are already provided.

In The Thick Of It

NOW IS GOOD • 432 implied HN points • 02 Mar 23
⚔ Fiction Creativity
  1. Embrace your different phases and transitions in life as strengths.
  2. Recognize and navigate through the inner battles and doubts that come with pursuing your passions.
  3. Choosing to commit and work through challenges can lead to growth and a deeper understanding of oneself.

Atrophy of the Writing Muscle

Atlas of Wonders and Monsters • 593 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
📚 Literature Creativity
  1. Taking a break from writing can feel refreshing and necessary, even for dedicated writers. It's okay to step back and focus on other things for a while.
  2. Writers can experience burnout, which can make it harder to get back into writing. It's important to recover and find a sustainable way to write again.
  3. Creativity may ebb and flow, and it's common for artists to pause after completing big projects. Slow and steady practice can help rebuild writing skills.

Adjusting the Levels in Revision

Counter Craft • 717 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
📚 Literature Creativity
  1. Revision is a critical part of writing where your draft transforms into a book. It's exciting because you see your ideas take shape, but it can also feel tough as you have to make tough choices about what stays and what goes.
  2. Writers typically fall into two categories: cutters and expanders. Cutters like to trim down their drafts, while expanders focus on building up their stories with more detail.
  3. It's important to maintain a balanced narrative throughout your story. This means looking at how much dialogue, description, and action you have in each chapter to ensure the pacing and flow of the book feels consistent.
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spines for a lifetime

spencer's paradoxes • 275 implied HN points • 28 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  1. Focus on cultivating a lifelong practice rather than short-term objectives.
  2. Building 'spines' means creating a foundation for long-term success in creative endeavors.
  3. Art and craft are a result of all experiences accumulated over a lifetime, shaping future work.

Who's afraid of the present?

Erifili • 179 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. The allure of romanticised stories has a real appeal to many, but it can sometimes lead us away from truly living in the present moment.
  2. The fear of the present stems from its fragility and imperfections, making us sometimes choose to lock beautiful experiences in a past moment.
  3. Balancing between living in the present and losing oneself in stories or fantasies can offer hope, a sense of control, and inspiration, each having its own merits and drawbacks.

#138 The power of patterns

Design Lobster • 419 implied HN points • 04 Sep 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  1. Toilet paper embossed with patterns is not just for aesthetics; it increases surface area for better grip and functionality.
  2. Patterns in design can convey stories and emotions without using words, adding depth and visual appeal.
  3. The right pattern can add value and uniqueness to a product, like the legal case involving a mathematician's copyrighted pattern on toilet paper.

A Question about The Question

Story Club with George Saunders • 55 implied HN points • 27 Nov 25
📚 Literature Creativity
  1. A good story often raises a question rather than providing a clear answer. This helps to create depth and complexity in the narrative.
  2. Writers should stay open to what their story is trying to express instead of forcing it to fit a predetermined question. This flexibility can lead to more organic and engaging storytelling.
  3. It's important not to get too caught up in finding the 'perfect' central question for a story. Focusing too much on this can hinder creativity and the natural evolution of the narrative.

What Humans Do Next

Working Theorys • 242 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Creativity
  1. In the future, jobs will shift from traditional roles to five main areas: trades, research, art, community, and stewardship. We will still work, but the nature of our work will change.
  2. Art won't just be about creating traditional pieces; it will involve everything that brings beauty and connection into our lives. The human touch in creativity will remain important, and art will become more personal and community-focused.
  3. Community building will become a vital job as more people seek local connections. It's about creating spaces where people can come together, and this type of work will be valued more than many tech-driven roles.

45. Pieces

The Line Between • 412 implied HN points • 15 Feb 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  1. Creativity can be affected by personal suffering, so a sense of ease is important for the flow of new ideas.
  2. In times of feeling stuck, try making pieces that you can rearrange and combine to inspire creativity.
  3. Finding a balance between sharing valuable content with members and catering to free subscribers is important for subscription-based services.

How I Write So Much as an Overthinker

The Algorithmic Bridge • 244 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
📚 Literature Creativity
  1. Sticking to a writing routine can help you publish more often. Even if you start slow, increasing your output over time can make a big difference.
  2. Having a niche helps focus your writing and connect with a specific audience. It makes it easier to create content that resonates with readers.
  3. Finding time to write can be easier without other big commitments like kids or a full-time job. But it's still possible to write regularly while balancing other responsibilities.

Today, Satan

Message from the Underworld • 412 implied HN points • 04 Oct 23
📚 Literature Creativity
  1. Don't get distracted by celebrating too soon, stay focused till the end.
  2. Recognize when inspiration might be just another form of distraction.
  3. Balance work with other activities to avoid feeling overwhelmed or unproductive.

Surfing without waves

Trying In Public • 159 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Creativity
  1. Feeling uninspired is normal; don't be too hard on yourself.
  2. Discipline is crucial for creative work; sometimes you need to push through even when it's tough.
  3. Sometimes, unexpected challenges arise, and it's essential to find alternative ways to stay productive.

On Finding Time for Creativity

The Analog Family • 259 implied HN points • 29 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Finding time for creativity is tough, especially when juggling work and family. It's important to prioritize personal projects and make space for them each day.
  2. Having a structured routine can help carve out time for creative work. Methods like time blocking can make it easier to stay focused and productive.
  3. You have to choose between work, family, and social life; you can't have all three. It's key to defend your creative time against distractions and busy schedules.

I heart creativity

Thoughts on Writing • 639 implied HN points • 24 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Purpose-driven initiatives sometimes overshadow creativity in marketing and may not always lead to impactful social change.
  2. The beauty of opt-in participation in branding creates a sense of community without imposing ideologies.
  3. Cognitive empathy and humility are important in creativity, contrasting with the closed mindset often associated with purpose-driven approaches.

How Steve Jobs Got It Wrong

Litverse • 399 implied HN points • 25 May 23
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Writing by hand triggers more brain activity and memory recall than digital writing. Paper is more efficient for note-taking, being 25% faster than tablets or smartphones.
  2. Physical writing on paper makes it easier to remember and learn things, as it gives a spatial awareness that aids memory recall.
  3. Writing by hand fosters creativity, empathy, and deeper thinking compared to typing, as it engages distinct neural pathways linked to learning and memory.

The Art Of Ignoring Career Advice

Mindful Modeler • 399 implied HN points • 15 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Consider advice that resonates with you and ignore what doesn't align with your values.
  2. Question general advice that may not be specific to your unique situation and priorities.
  3. Understand that advice is often based on the experiences and biases of the person giving it, so weigh it against your own goals.

On writing audio - Action sequences

Development Hell • 394 implied HN points • 21 Mar 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  1. Writing for audio engages the listener actively, sparking imagination and partnership, similar to a novelist-reader relationship.
  2. In audio, the audience is called to conjure visuals in their mind's eye based on the sound cues provided, making it a participative experience.
  3. Subscribing to Development Hell offers a 7-day free trial to access full post archives, encouraging readers to continue exploring audio storytelling insights.

Embrace your creative clutter

Hot Takes • 393 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  1. Don't be afraid to have creative clutter - it can be really useful and satisfying.
  2. Keeping a collection of draft ideas and concepts can lead to unexpected and novel results.
  3. Digital storage offers a limitless space for creative clutter organization and exploration.

the feedback fallacy of writing on the internet

Both Are True • 152 implied HN points • 12 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. There are three types of feedback: appreciation, coaching, and evaluation. Knowing the difference helps you understand how to use feedback effectively.
  2. Many people confuse appreciation for evaluation, especially when they lack clear evaluations of their work. This can lead to unnecessary anxiety about others' opinions.
  3. Creating a list of personal guidelines for evaluating work can help you focus on what matters and improve your writing process.

How to fight creative blocks? 🤜🥴

Business & Marketing with Nika • 39 implied HN points • 30 Jun 24
💼 Business Creativity
  1. Look for inspiration in different places like books, museums, and online resources. These can spark your creativity when you're feeling stuck.
  2. Brainstorming with others can bring new ideas and perspectives, so don't hesitate to ask for help or feedback.
  3. Sometimes, reusing or repackaging old content can be a smart way to overcome creative blocks and still provide value.

Grand Spaces ~ Spanned Graces

Opaque Hourglass • 219 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
📚 Literature Creativity
  1. Spoonerisms, like rhyming transpositions, are considered a low form of literary art, creating an illusion of meaning through coincidental sounds.
  2. The poem consists of numerous spoonerisms arranged in a creative manner, showcasing the fun and playful aspect of wordplay.
  3. The text explores various themes and concepts through the use of spoonerisms, demonstrating the versatility of this linguistic technique.

#139 In the know 😉

Design Lobster • 379 implied HN points • 18 Sep 23
🪑 Design Creativity
  1. Designers can fall into the 'curse of knowledge' where they become so familiar with their designs that they can't see them objectively. Getting fresh perspectives and taking breaks can help overcome this.
  2. The Marshall Islands Stick Charts showcase how innovative visualizations were used for navigation. Finding creative ways to bring abstract information to life in design is crucial.
  3. Preconceived ideas can hinder learning and problem-solving. Staying self-aware and open-minded is key for designers to create original solutions.

what I learned this year about love and work

bookbear express • 588 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Writing brings joy and a sense of fulfillment, and it's important to keep exploring what works best for you in this creative space.
  2. Building connections and helping others find love enriches life and can create a strong sense of community.
  3. Navigating conflicts in relationships gets easier with practice, and focusing on reducing tension can lead to more peaceful interactions.

The Absentees

Cybernetic Forests • 119 implied HN points • 31 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  1. Generative AI can inspire artists by showing them glimpses of new possibilities and creative combinations.
  2. Using AI in music creation can raise complex ethical concerns, such as issues of cultural appropriation and the impact on marginalized communities.
  3. Engaging with generative AI tools like Suno can lead to a disorienting yet intriguing creative process, challenging traditional notions of music-making and expression.

Reinventing / Getting Unstuck On A Pathless Path | #302

Boundless by Paul Millerd • 182 implied HN points • 17 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. It's important to let go of strict labels like 'writer' or 'CEO'. Seeing yourself as a 'curious human' can free your imagination and allow for more creative exploration.
  2. Trying random and new things, especially as you approach major life milestones, can help you feel less stuck. Embracing uncertainty can lead to exciting opportunities.
  3. Having open conversations and connections with others can be vital for personal growth and creativity. These interactions often spark new ideas and energize your work.

On Fluidity...

Development Hell • 375 implied HN points • 26 Aug 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  1. The post discusses the concept of fluidity and the importance of not limiting oneself.
  2. Screenwriters are facing challenges due to strikes in entertainment industry guilds, impacting their ability to work and get paid.
  3. The post invites readers to subscribe to Development Hell for access to full post archives with a 7-day free trial.

Not The Future

Fragmentary • 373 implied HN points • 17 Feb 23
🕹 Technology Creativity
  1. AI will disrupt our lives, but its impact is yet to be fully understood.
  2. Using AI writing assistants can help with speed and efficiency but may lack the uniqueness of human creativity.
  3. The real threat is corporate greed, not AI technology.

Transforming Meetings & Management, The New Bit Set By Apple For The Immersive Era, & The Great Refactor Of Creativity

Implications, by Scott Belsky • 373 implied HN points • 06 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Creativity
  1. Meetings and management will be reimagined with AI-driven efficiency and productivity, creating 'intelligent organizations'.
  2. Apple's VisionOS sets a new standard for immersive experiences with gestures, virtual representation, and advanced technology.
  3. Generative AI technology will revolutionize creativity by reducing mundane tasks, shifting processes, increasing possibilities, and making tools more accessible for all.

Science in a World Built for Alchemy

Variations on a Theme • 139 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  1. Embrace the power of art and creativity, even if you face initial failures. It can lead to unexpected and touching moments that resonate with others.
  2. Music and art have the ability to evoke deep emotions and connect people across time and space. They have a transformative power that can touch the soul.
  3. In a world where scientific reasoning often prevails, don't forget the infectious nature of positivity - a simple smile can make a significant impact, spreading joy and connection.

Welcome to the age of the late bloomer

The Common Reader • 1346 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Older individuals are demonstrating remarkable capabilities and contributing significantly in various fields like politics and work, highlighting the value of skills and experience brought by older people.
  2. Late bloomers are becoming more common, with individuals achieving success and recognition later in life, showcasing that age is not a limiting factor for pursuing passions or making significant contributions.
  3. Embracing and celebrating both young talent and older individuals can enrich and diversify achievements and contributions in society, demonstrating the importance of recognizing and nurturing talent across various age groups.

Oops, I optimized my bath again

Trying In Public • 259 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
📚 Literature Creativity
  1. Reflect on your writing style and embrace both your strengths and weaknesses
  2. Utilize tangible tools like index cards to organize and connect your thoughts
  3. Flow in writing comes from showing up, focusing, and consistently practicing your craft

"What if I annoy everyone?"

Trying In Public • 79 implied HN points • 07 May 24
💼 Business Creativity
  1. Sending regular emails can help clarify thoughts and develop your body of work over time.
  2. Don't be afraid to share your ideas and message; they are worth exploring and worth sharing.
  3. Email marketing is a powerful tool that allows direct communication without relying on algorithms, making it essential for engaging with your audience.

This November, You’ve Got 30 Days to Write Your Novel - Short on Time? Tiger Time Is the Answer!

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 339 implied HN points • 24 Oct 23
📚 Literature Creativity
  1. NaNoWriMo is a fun chance to write a novel in November, with support from a community. You don't have to write perfectly, just get the words down.
  2. Set aside 'tiger time' to focus on writing. Treat this time as very important, just like a meeting you can't miss.
  3. Planning ahead is key! Talk to your family, meal prep, and find ways to carve out time for writing during November.