The hottest Creativity Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Art & Illustration Topics

Don't Just Solve. Build.

Insight Axis • 276 implied HN points • 29 Nov 23
📖 Philosophy Creativity
  1. Reframe problems as opportunities to build, not just to solve them, for a mindset shift
  2. Creativity and true human potential are unlocked when you view problems as chances to build
  3. Building for a cause greater than yourself leads to creating timeless, beautiful things

Story Ideas - The First Spark

Development Hell • 355 implied HN points • 29 Apr 23
📚 Literature Creativity
  1. Story ideas can come from simple notions like one-line situations or movie loglines.
  2. Initial sparks of ideas need to be developed into robust story concepts in order to create engaging content.
  3. There is no shortage of ideas; the challenge lies in shaping and fleshing out those ideas into compelling narratives.
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The creative path

Splattern • 59 implied HN points • 26 May 24
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Creatives often have non-traditional career paths that can be confusing to those in standard jobs. Success for a creative person can look very different than for someone in a typical career.
  2. Even those who seem successful in creative fields, like acting or music, often struggle financially. Many still have to work other jobs to support themselves, even if they are getting regular work.
  3. Having a supportive network, like family and friends, can be crucial for creatives. It's important to have people who believe in your dreams and help you navigate the ups and downs.

Chaos

Venture Prose • 359 implied HN points • 02 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Chaos can bring beauty, freedom, and risk, offering a different perspective and new ideas.
  2. Embrace chaos in action by allowing room for diversity, creativity, and rebellion in your organization.
  3. While chaos can be inspiring, be cautious of letting it cloud your thoughts - aim for clarity and coherence.

The standard in poetry is that you have to try to write poetry

Philosophy bear • 185 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
📚 Literature Creativity
  1. Writing poetry should be encouraged, even if it's not perfect. Everyone can express themselves, and that's important.
  2. There's a worry about what people enjoy in poetry. Not all poetry connects with deeper feelings, and some seems too simple.
  3. Good poetry should strive to break through ordinary language and create a fresh perspective. It's about making the reader see things in a new way.

Touch Grass

Soaring Twenties • 185 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. It's important for everyone to spend more time outdoors and connect with nature. This helps to balance our lives in a digital world.
  2. Talking about our struggles with the internet is necessary and helps create awareness of its negative impact on us.
  3. Creativity often thrives when we step outside the usual boundaries and explore fun and silly ideas. Enjoyment can come from unexpected places.

In conversation with Michael Marshall Smith.

Development Hell • 335 implied HN points • 08 Jul 23
📚 Literature Creativity
  1. The post discusses a conversation with Michael Marshall Smith on various topics like writing, television, and the creative life.
  2. The author shares a personal anecdote about discovering a book that caught their attention at a bookstore.
  3. To continue reading the post, there's an option for a 7-day free trial subscription to Development Hell.

The simplest cut

Austin Kleon • 1398 implied HN points • 07 Jun 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  1. Making collages can help spark creativity when you're feeling stuck. It's a fun way to combine different ideas and get inspired.
  2. The 'Simplest Cut' is about making minimal changes for a big impact in your art. Sometimes, just a little twist can create something new and interesting.
  3. You can apply this idea to words too by mixing up headlines or phrases. It can lead to funny or clever results that tell a story.

The Artist’s Work Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1206 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  1. Encountering artists that grant permission to be true to oneself is powerful.
  2. Redefining 'work' as a sense of purpose, like Rita Deanin Abbey did, can be a bold and pragmatic choice.
  3. Abbey's creation of her own museum challenges conventional gender roles and inspires self-trust and empowerment.

How to Flounder Mode with Brie Wolfson

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 156 implied HN points • 17 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Flounder Mode is about exploring your interests and curiosity rather than following a strict career path. It's a messy but rewarding way to build your career.
  2. It's important to differentiate between Flounder Mode and laziness. Flounder Mode involves creating and learning, while laziness is just consuming without producing.
  3. As AI takes over basic tasks, more people may find freedom to explore their curiosities. Embracing this less conventional path can lead to deeper satisfaction in one's work.

I Interviewed Tim Ferriss

polymathematics • 99 implied HN points • 03 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Balancing curiosity and focus is important for success. It's good to explore different interests while also being really good at one main thing.
  2. Harley Finkelstein shared the T Shape concept, which means being deep in one skill while having basic skills in other areas. This helps in doing good work overall.
  3. Tim Ferriss uses time blocks to manage his focus. He schedules time for both deep work and exploration, allowing space for both curiosity and productivity.

Radimir Koch & Anna Pederson, "Secrets to Graceful Living" at Alyssa Davis Gallery

Do Not Research • 159 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  1. The exhibition 'Secrets to Graceful Living' by Radimir Koch & Anna Pederson is hosted at Alyssa Davis Gallery from January 13 to February 25, 2024, showcasing unique aesthetic experiences.
  2. The exhibition involved a remote viewing session documenting raw intelligence about various aesthetic experiences using a specific protocol known as Distant Flame Protocol.
  3. Participants in the session provided detailed observations and interpretations of a mysterious gateway covered in moss, evoking feelings of being woven into something with elements of machinery and nature.

Discarded drafts, cleaning house, etc.

Data People Etc. • 124 implied HN points • 18 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Letting go of old ideas can free you to think more clearly. It's like cleaning out your closet; once it's done, you feel lighter.
  2. In today's world, our data and privacy are under constant scrutiny. We need to be aware of what's really happening online.
  3. Teamwork is essential, especially when dealing with data. Good coordination leads to better results and a smoother process.

The Battle of Phoebe & Monica in My Head

The Reclamation Era • 99 implied HN points • 01 Apr 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Creativity
  1. Understanding your brain's two modes, creative and task-focused, can help manage ADHD better. It's like needing both the fun and relaxed side and the organized side to get things done.
  2. Being aware of how much time is spent in a relaxed, creative state can help push you into more productive tasks. It’s important to find a balance between daydreaming and doing chores.
  3. Teaching or engaging in hands-on activities can ground you and pull you back into focus when you find yourself lost in thoughts. This balance keeps both parts of your brain working well together.

vrk the marketer

vrk loves paper • 139 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. The main goal is to create a magazine called Pouch, but the bigger dream is to develop software called Pouch Studio for paper lovers. This software will help people easily make both paper and digital crafts.
  2. Marketing Pouch is challenging, and the author is trying different methods like Instagram, featuring creators, and attending fairs to spread the word and build a community around paper crafting.
  3. The author wants to make a fun, engaging magazine to support paper enthusiasts while learning more about design and marketing. Feedback from readers is important to know if Pouch is succeeding.

Happy Mother's Day, Dear Writing Moms

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 439 implied HN points • 14 May 23
📚 Literature Creativity
  1. Writing mothers balance many responsibilities, often finding time to write in between their daily tasks and caring for their children. They use whatever tools are available to express their creativity, showing great dedication.
  2. The experiences of motherhood deeply influence their writing, adding emotion and authenticity to their stories. Their children’s lives and milestones inspire the narratives they create.
  3. Despite the challenges of balancing writing and motherhood, these women find strength and fulfillment in both roles. Their struggles shape their writing, making it more relatable and impactful for readers.

Bored in an exam

Obvious Bicycle • 526 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
📚 Literature Creativity
  1. Students often feel bored during exams and sometimes struggle to stay focused. It's common for thoughts to wander and distractions to creep in.
  2. There's a mutual understanding between teachers and students about the exam stress, but it can feel awkward when everyone knows it.
  3. Many students wish they had studied more before the exam, realizing too late that they haven't prepared properly. This leads to a cycle of regret during the test.

The Harmony of Opposites: A Creative Workshop Series

Seven Senses • 179 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. The workshop focuses on combining two opposing themes: Light & Shadow, and Movement & Stillness. Participants will explore how these dualities can enhance their creativity.
  2. Activities will include writing and drawing prompts, meditation, and visual contemplations. These exercises aim to help participants understand their creative habits and try new approaches.
  3. The sessions are held live on Zoom, but recordings will be available for those who register. It's a great opportunity for paid subscribers to engage in creative exploration.

Welcome aboard The Life Boat

lifeboat • 216 implied HN points • 13 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  1. Art and writing can help us find balance and resilience during turbulent times.
  2. Engaging with art and writing requires concentration and attention.
  3. Creating and sharing art and writing connects us with ourselves and the world around us.

How I Use Notion To Organize My 102,394 Good Ideas

Trying In Public • 139 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Creativity
  1. Every idea has a place in my Notion setup, allowing me to easily find and revisit notes.
  2. My Notion is organized using databases like To Do List, Abstract Goals Journal, Second Brain, Sales Planner, and Recipe Book.
  3. I use various systems like PARA system, Top 3 method, and Pomodoro timers to manage tasks and projects effectively in Notion.

Letters from the field #5 - Season 2 announcement + Call for participation

On Looking • 79 implied HN points • 19 Apr 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  1. Season 2 of the research will focus on exploring the perspectives of designers, art directors, editors, and production managers in the creative industry.
  2. The research involves conducting in-person interviews as well as observations within magazines, design studios, and advertising agencies in New York to understand how creative professionals work and make decisions.
  3. The researcher is seeking New York-based creatives to participate in the study, emphasizing the importance of observations in workspaces to gather insights for the research.

Loving amidst loss

Cozy Philosophy • 79 implied HN points • 19 Apr 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Creativity
  1. The author shares a heartfelt reflection on navigating loss and grief, finding a balance between supporting loved ones and self-care.
  2. Art and writing can aid in processing emotions during difficult times, serving as a means of expression and release.
  3. Community support and therapeutic help are highlighted as valuable resources for coping with heavy emotions and embracing different perspectives.

The rise of AI nihilism

Hot Takes • 294 implied HN points • 01 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Debate between man vs machine and the future of creative work
  2. Efficiency and automation in creative fields may impact the essence of art
  3. Striking a balance between technology and preserving the craft behind art is essential

Kindling | 3.28.23

Signal Fire • 294 implied HN points • 28 Mar 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  1. The post encourages self-promotion and sharing accomplishments without judgment.
  2. The post uses humor by playing with the word 'toot.'
  3. Readers are invited to subscribe for a 7-day free trial to continue reading the content.

Disorderly Creativity

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 170 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  1. Creativity often feels chaotic and unpredictable. It's important to embrace that disorder rather than trying to control it with logic.
  2. Art is more about emotions than just ideas. Creating purely from thoughts can lead to dull and flat outcomes.
  3. To spark true creativity, step away from your usual patterns and allow yourself to engage with the mysterious and unknown parts of your mind.

Publication Is Not the Point of Writing

The Fairest Writer • 2 HN points • 17 Sep 24
📚 Literature Creativity
  1. Writing should be about improving your skills, not just getting published. Focusing on growth makes you a better writer.
  2. Publication is just an indicator of your writing ability, like a chess rating. It’s not the main goal; getting better is.
  3. It's important to write for yourself and learn, rather than stress about where you’ll get published. The right opportunities will come when you improve.