The hottest Creativity Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Art & Illustration Topics

TITAA #48.5: Stone Tape on a Stone Island

Things I Think Are Awesome • 117 implied HN points • 15 Nov 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  1. The film 'Enys Men' by Mark Jenkin is a poetic visual experience featuring a mysterious radio and glimpses of the past.
  2. The concept of 'stone tape theory' in the film explores the idea of objects recording and playing back the past, contributing to the eerie and weird atmosphere.
  3. Mark Jenkin's film delves into the fear of time breaking down and uses film as a medium to convey a sense of time and space.

My People. Are You out There?

antoniomelonio • 199 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Many people feel like outsiders and struggle to express their true selves. It's common to be drawn to others who also feel different.
  2. Life can feel boring and tiring, especially when trying to fit into societal norms. Finding joy and connection with interesting people is important.
  3. Reading fiction and engaging with meaningful topics can bring happiness. It's better to focus on what truly matters rather than on unimportant daily drama.

How to not blow off your hobbies | #32

The Pole • 139 implied HN points • 20 Sep 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Creativity
  1. Having a hobby can offer joy and personal growth, even if it takes effort to stick with it
  2. Picking up hobbies can lead to self-improvement, inspiration, and unique experiences
  3. To stick with hobbies, it's important to address challenges like overwhelm, tediousness, and developing taste for inspiring projects

Making time for inspiration

Erifili • 199 implied HN points • 15 Feb 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Creativity
  1. Making time for inspiration is vital to feeling fulfilled and motivated in life.
  2. Engaging with inspiring content and pursuing it can lead to a sense of wonder and stimulation.
  3. Prioritizing passions and following where they lead can create a unique sense of fulfillment.
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Twice-Found Sounds

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 518 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  1. The author reflects on the pressure and influence of social media on their creative work, and the desire to distance themselves from mainstream trends and metrics.
  2. They find inspiration in their past work in sound collage and resolve to continue pursuing multimedia endeavors with a newfound creative freedom.
  3. The author emphasizes the importance of personal experience in creativity, encouraging individuals of any age to engage in creative pursuits without worrying about skill level or societal expectations.

The Art of the Brief

The Intersection • 138 implied HN points • 04 Oct 23
💼 Business Creativity
  1. Having a clear and concise brief is crucial for successful creative projects, as it helps guide and shape the final outcome.
  2. Sticking to the initial brief is important, as digital tools have made changes easier, sometimes leading to less decisive decision-making and more revisions.
  3. The best briefs are often concise and inspirational, distilling the project goal into a simple directive that guides and elevates the creative process.

Autonomous AIs

Addition • 137 implied HN points • 21 Feb 23
🕹 Technology Creativity
  1. Teaching AI to think its way through complex tasks can lead to more evolved AI systems.
  2. Agents in AI can iterate across tasks, enhancing their ability to handle imperfect data sets and tap into both analytical and creative sides.
  3. Autonomous AI can generate creative insights and personalize marketing, showcasing the potential for AI to be innovative and engaging.

What is Taste and how to have it?

Product Composition • 137 implied HN points • 12 Feb 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  1. Having good taste is a skill that can be developed by paying attention to craft, analyzing surroundings, seeking feedback, and surrounding yourself with tasteful things and people.
  2. Buying expensive items doesn't necessarily mean you have good taste; true taste is about appreciating quality and value, not just high price tags.
  3. Having good taste can be beneficial for business success, as it involves analyzing goods, spotting opportunities, and making valuable decisions efficiently.

Build your own lifeboat

lifeboat • 137 implied HN points • 04 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  1. Artist Jenny Pope discusses building a coracle as a metaphor for navigating uncertainty and climate anxiety.
  2. Creating buoyancy in community is important, as seen in the collaborative launch of the coracle.
  3. Exploring the sublime power of nature and reconnecting with the vastness of the sea is crucial in facing the impacts of climate change.

Research papers used to have style. What happened?

Secretum Secretorum • 555 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🔬 Science Creativity
  1. Scientists in the past were more open about uncertainties and used more expressive language in their research papers.
  2. Old scientific articles had a charming style with vivid descriptions and engaging narratives.
  3. The rigid structure and format of modern scientific writing may hinder creativity and the development of new ideas.

The hardest part (so far) of my plan | #49

The Pole • 59 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  1. Trying too hard can hinder progress. Sometimes overthinking and overcomplicating things can lead to procrastination.
  2. Focusing on the essence of a task, rather than its intricacies, can be more beneficial. This means understanding the core purpose and working smartly towards it.
  3. Balancing fun and profit in pursuits is a challenge. Finding the sweet spot between enjoyment and profitability requires introspection and strategic planning.

🗓️ cycle 2 begins?! learnings & changes!!

vrk loves paper • 139 implied HN points • 16 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Working on personal projects feels really good. Having control over what you're creating can bring happiness and motivation.
  2. Focusing on one project at a time can lead to better results. Trying to juggle too many tasks can often lead to getting nothing done.
  3. It's okay to take time to learn new skills instead of doing what you're already good at. Learning something new can be a great way to grow.

#118 (Un)certainty

Design Lobster • 359 implied HN points • 19 Sep 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  1. In a corporate setting, "certainty theatrics" can stifle creativity by creating a culture that demands absolute certainty in inherently uncertain situations
  2. Pachinko parlors use uncertainty to create excitement and engagement, showcasing the psychological effect of intermittent reinforcement
  3. Embracing experimentation and uncertainty is vital for personal growth and avoiding becoming static or repetitive in design and in life

How a talk begins

Austin Kleon • 739 implied HN points • 25 Jan 22
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Creating a talk often starts with small ideas that come together over time. It's okay to mix old and new material based on the audience and theme.
  2. Imagination and creativity are not the same thing. Imagination is about thinking of things beyond what's in front of you, while creativity is turning those thoughts into something new.
  3. Some people have a condition called aphantasia, meaning they can't visualize images in their minds. This doesn't stop them from being creative and can even help their thought processes.

Coder Subculture: An Exploration

The Digital Anthropologist • 19 implied HN points • 07 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Software coders form a unique subculture that plays a significant role in our digital world, with problem-solving at the core of their activities.
  2. Coders infuse cultural influences into their code, showcasing their problem-solving abilities and dedication to efficiency, sometimes shaping their lifestyle around coding.
  3. Understanding the values and mindset of coders is essential for society to harness their creativity for developing software products that benefit humanity.

Inspiration, Indolence, and the Torment of Toilet Texting

Litverse • 239 implied HN points • 26 Oct 22
📚 Literature Creativity
  1. Many people use their phones on the toilet, but this habit may be robbing us of valuable inspiration. Finding moments of boredom can actually lead to creative breakthroughs.
  2. In a culture obsessed with measuring every aspect of our lives, we often overlook the value of unquantifiable activities like relaxation and creativity. Embracing unmediated moments can bring joy and inspiration.
  3. Constant phone use can hinder our ability to relax and be creative. We need to find a balance between hustle and leisure to truly tap into our potential and avoid missing out on life's deeper experiences.

if you drink enough coffee you start peeing coffee

Both Are True • 155 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. It's okay to write about simple, everyday things, like kids or pets. Those topics can hold deep meaning, even if they seem easy.
  2. Children can remind us of the joy and love in life. They let us see the world differently and embrace our own innocence.
  3. Life doesn't have to be hard or complicated. Sometimes the best ideas come from a place of relaxation and simplicity.

#120 Hands-on design 🤲

Design Lobster • 319 implied HN points • 17 Oct 22
🪑 Design Creativity
  1. Sketching can help advance design thinking by bridging the gap between our minds and reality.
  2. Designs like the Mi.Mu gloves show how technology can enable more expressive ways of interaction.
  3. Consider infusing designs with elements that allow people to express themselves intuitively and creatively.

The Shame of Easy Work

David Spinks' Newsletter • 16 implied HN points • 02 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. It's okay to take the easy path sometimes. Writing or doing things doesn't always have to be hard for them to be valuable.
  2. People often feel proud of overcoming difficult challenges, but that doesn't mean hard work is the only way to achieve worth or happiness.
  3. Consider asking yourself how you can make things easier instead of forcing yourself to struggle. This can lead to more authentic and creative outcomes.

#123 Design fiction 📖

Design Lobster • 279 implied HN points • 28 Nov 22
🪑 Design Creativity
  1. Design fiction involves creating functional objects from potential futures to spark debate and engagement about those futures.
  2. Fictional artifacts can evoke deeper emotions and engagement compared to traditional concept videos, making them a powerful tool for future envisioning.
  3. Imaginative design can transport people into envisioned futures and help reveal truths that reality might obscure, fostering progress and innovation.

Peggy's Process

Ladyparts • 239 implied HN points • 24 Jan 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  1. Peggy Orenstein decided to change her life by shearing a sheep, which led her to confront new challenges and thoroughly enjoy the process.
  2. The story highlights the importance of embracing new experiences and finding joy in the journey rather than focusing solely on the outcome.
  3. The concept of 'the sandwich generation' refers to individuals with both elderly parents and young children, navigating the complexities and responsibilities of caregiving.

Seeker of the interesting way

10x your mind • 79 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
🚌 Education Creativity
  1. Don't stick to boring ways of learning, seek the interesting way instead. For instance, find creative and fun tutorials on YouTube for activities like understanding gym equipment or cooking.
  2. Don't settle for the obvious or boring paths - explore new and interesting approaches. Whether it's learning a new language through cartoons or breaking down tasks like a heist movie, seek the engaging way to keep things exciting.
  3. In 2024, embrace being a seeker of the interesting ways to learn and experience things. Be an avid learner and choose curiosity over monotony.

Building a woman from scratch

Men Yell at Me • 490 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. The Pygmalion myth, where a man creates an ideal woman to replace real ones, is a common theme in stories and movies.
  2. Society often portrays women as needing to fit a certain perfect image, leading to pressure to meet unrealistic standards.
  3. Despite societal pressures and expectations, women are pushing back, embracing their messy, rebellious, and authentic selves.

Diary Entry #3: The Numbers 33 and 1,000

Shades of Greaves • 117 implied HN points • 25 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Being '33-people-in-a-theater-famous' can be incredibly fulfilling, showcasing the impact a small, dedicated audience can have.
  2. The concept of '1,000 True Fans' highlights the value of building a dedicated community to support and sustain creative work.
  3. Unexpected encounters like experiencing a flight delay due to a 'VIP' can lead to humorous yet reflective moments, appreciating the unique experiences in life.

Writing from the heart.

Neckar’s Notes • 57 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
📚 Literature Creativity
  1. Writing should come from your true self, not just what you think others want to hear. It's about being real and authentic.
  2. Sometimes, we wear masks to fit in or feel safe, but it's important to let go of those and embrace who we truly are.
  3. Finding your voice can be a journey, and it may connect to other forms of expression, like speaking or singing. Exploring different ways to express yourself can help you discover your authentic voice.

The Land of Confusion

Malt Liquidity • 10 implied HN points • 24 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Nostalgia and simple pattern recognition make formulaic TV and procedural stories pleasurable, and modern engagement-driven incentives are pushing shows toward easier, less nuanced writing.
  2. AI-generated text often produces plausible but flat patterns that tempt people to overinterpret and can trigger a referential, feedback-loop style of thinking.
  3. A practical defense is to treat beliefs like market positions: put stakes or predictions on them, balance conviction with measurable outcomes, and accept that many things are ultimately unknowable.

Why creativity matters

Cosmos • 59 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  1. Creativity is a skill that can be learned and improved through training.
  2. Persistence in generating ideas is key - embrace failure and keep pushing forward.
  3. Embracing failures and giving yourself the opportunity to fail can lead to personal growth and expanded creativity.

i interviewed a bunch of cool ppl and now it's a...print publication??!

Both Are True • 217 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. The author created a print and digital publication after interviewing inspiring people. It's called 'Whoa, Vol. 1' and includes deep conversations that aim to connect readers emotionally.
  2. Each interview tackles big questions about hope, authenticity, and making a living from art. These conversations helped the author find peace and understanding during tough times.
  3. Buying the publication comes with extra perks, like access to uncut interview content. The goal is to inspire readers and help them feel more human through shared stories.

A Roundup (February and March 2024)

polymathematics • 39 implied HN points • 29 Mar 24
🎙 Podcasts Creativity
  1. Podcasts can be a great source of inspiration and learning. Try listening to conversations on creativity, teamwork, and personal stories from interesting guests.
  2. Reading can fuel your creativity and help you grow. Books like 'Zen in the Art of Writing' can motivate writers and artists to express themselves.
  3. Sharing personal updates and projects can connect you with others and showcase your journey. It’s exciting to celebrate achievements and new beginnings together.

What is creativity?

Sunday Letters • 59 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Creativity involves mixing different ideas and using randomness, which everyone can try doing in their own way. It's fun to combine things, even if the results are silly.
  2. Iteration, or making improvements over time, is a key part of creativity. Trying something out, checking if it's good, and tweaking it again helps develop better ideas.
  3. As technology like LLMs improves, creativity might be redefined. What we see as creative today could change as machines get better at combining and generating ideas.

chaotic good

practiceprocesscraft • 117 implied HN points • 01 May 23
📚 Literature Creativity
  1. Embrace chaos in your writing process, it can help you find your unique voice and create with more enthusiasm.
  2. Don't be afraid of messy first drafts, let your thoughts flow freely on the page without self-judgment.
  3. Start with chaos to eventually reach a state of unity in your writing, as all creation stems from chaos and energy.