The hottest Creativity Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Art & Illustration Topics

I am an LLM and I am writing this a word at a time

70 Years Old. WTF! • 58 implied HN points • 19 Feb 23
🕹 Technology Creativity
  1. The author explains what an LLM, or Large Language Model, is - a system that predicts the next word in a sequence.
  2. The author discusses the process of writing and editing as an LLM, revealing similarities with ChatGPT and human writers.
  3. The author reflects on the collaboration between themselves and technology like ChatGPT in the writing process, highlighting the potential of human-machine partnerships in creativity.

Quick Ask Zoe

Thoughts on a Typewriter • 58 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  1. The author attributes their ability to write quickly to their fast typing speed of 60-70 words per minute.
  2. The author reflects on how learning to type in school significantly impacted their writing productivity and speed.
  3. The author recognizes the importance of slowing down in writing to enhance creativity, inspired by their English teacher's advice.

Crystallised Authenticity

the shimmering void • 69 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. The role of an artist is to express their feelings and engage with what they observe. It's important to stay true to oneself and reflect on the world honestly.
  2. Creativity isn't just about making flashy things; it takes effort and genuine emotion to create work that resonates with people. Shallow, trendy stuff often lacks real connection.
  3. Art helps people understand their feelings and the world around them better. Artists should aim for authenticity in their work, connecting deeply with their audience through meaningful expression.

My Moments

The Elbow • 58 implied HN points • 16 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. The experiment to replace compulsive social media use with creating 'Moments' was successful in curbing the urge to check Twitter on mobile devices.
  2. Creating 'Moments' helped in focusing and mindfulness, capturing observations and thoughts throughout the day, leading to increased awareness of internal and external experiences.
  3. Decoupling the genre of tweets from the Twitter platform through private 'Moments' allowed for more experimentation in content creation and a different form of creative expression.
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The unspoken secret to connecting to the "Global Idea Sharing" space (or maybe I’m just making excuses…)

Meaning-Making • 58 implied HN points • 19 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Connecting with people in the 'Global Idea Sharing' space is important for sharing ideas effectively.
  2. Authenticity is key in sharing ideas, even if it means not following traditional sales tactics.
  3. Finding a balance between emotional and intellectual connection in sharing ideas can lead to a unique perspective in the Dutch 'idea market.'

Write what you want

Nonlinear • 58 implied HN points • 21 Mar 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  1. Writing can be personal and authentic, even if not perfectly polished.
  2. Consistently sharing ideas and being open to feedback can lead to valuable work.
  3. Authentic conversations through writing can connect people even asynchronously.

AI as a tool vs. human obsolescence

Imagination Rabbit (Z) • 58 implied HN points • 27 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. AI can be a powerful tool for creatives to enhance their original ideas, not replace them.
  2. The rise of advanced AI tools may lead to the creation of fully automated 'content creators' without the need for human involvement.
  3. Individuals who prioritize genuine creativity and authenticity over following trends or chasing popularity will remain relevant in a world dominated by AI-generated content.

On the limits of utility theory

Sam’s Newsletter • 58 implied HN points • 05 Apr 23
🔬 Science Creativity
  1. Utility theory is a powerful tool in academic fields like decision theory and economics, explaining human behavior based on preferences and optimization.
  2. Utility theory, while universal in application, has limitations when it comes to conflicting preferences that require creativity to resolve.
  3. Applying utility theory to scenarios like AGIs, which involve conflicting desires and behaviors, may result in unrealistic models and outcomes.

Hi NYC, hang out with me Monday/Tuesday

Sasha's 'Newsletter' • 86 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. There's a free gifting workshop happening in NYC on Monday and Tuesday. You can join either one or both days.
  2. The workshop is designed for you to create a gift or come up with a cool gift idea. You'll leave with something special or a plan to make something.
  3. You'll have access to tools like a 3D printer and help with ideas and words to make your gift unique.

Curator

Castalia • 99 implied HN points • 09 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Substack and Twitter are in a conflict. Twitter is blocking links from Substack, causing tensions between the two platforms.
  2. Timothy Snyder, a historian, makes important connections between history and current politics, emphasizing Ukraine's significance. He argues that a historian can and should engage with today's issues.
  3. There is a creativity overflow in art today, but many artists feel lost and unable to compete. As more art is created, the challenge is standing out and being recognized in a crowded market.

Polymathic Aspirations

Polymathic Being • 95 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🚌 Education Creativity
  1. Embrace your white belt attitude. This means being curious, humble, and open to learning new things without thinking you know it all.
  2. Understand the complexity of problems around you. Instead of simplifying them, try to appreciate their depth to find better solutions.
  3. Connect with others to learn together. Sharing insights and challenges in a community can help strengthen your polymathic mindset.

Pursuits that can’t scale

Working Theorys • 211 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Chasing things that scale may lead to burnout, and pursuing things that can't scale can be therapeutic.
  2. After achieving success in large-scale ventures, many people turn to pursuing activities that have clear limits, like hobbies or local businesses.
  3. Dreams of scaling often give way to the satisfaction of pursuing things at a smaller, more human scale, which can provide a sense of completion and fulfillment.

Catching a wave

Austin Kleon • 339 implied HN points • 30 Nov 21
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. The creative process can be like catching a wave, where timing and intuition are key to success. Just like surfers need to know when to catch a wave, creators have to find the right moment to begin their work.
  2. Watching documentaries about creative people can inspire new ways of thinking about artistry. For example, comparing The Beatles' creative process to surfing helped spark new ideas.
  3. Understanding creativity might come from different experiences, like surfing. It helps to remember that creativity requires patience and knowing how to ride the waves of inspiration.

Criticize by Creating

Polymathic Being • 66 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🚌 Education Creativity
  1. Instead of criticizing ideas, try to build on them. Use 'Yes, and...' instead of 'Yes, but...' to create a more positive and innovative environment.
  2. Critiquing should focus on improving ideas, not tearing them down. A true critic aims to develop ideas into something better.
  3. Collaboration and combining ideas lead to greater innovation. Working together allows us to see new possibilities that we might miss when thinking alone.

Making myself uncomfortable again

awesomekling • 379 implied HN points • 07 Apr 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  1. After overcoming drug addiction, the author started documenting his progress through YouTube videos, which led to a supportive community.
  2. The author successfully transitioned from video content creation to writing as a new challenge, aiming to improve his skills in English and thinking.
  3. By facing discomfort and embracing new challenges, the author continues to grow and evolve personally and professionally.

Writing is transformation.

Neckar’s Notes • 63 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
📚 Literature Creativity
  1. Writing can help you transform your life. It allows you to explore deeper emotions and thoughts, leading to personal growth and healing.
  2. Using pen and paper for journaling can unlock creativity. Setting aside time to write helps you get in touch with your feelings and inspires new ideas.
  3. Creating a personal writing practice requires discipline and a clear mindset. Finding a quiet space and dedicating time daily can enhance your writing experience.

What makes the perfect creative brief?

The Ruffian • 264 implied HN points • 07 Oct 23
💼 Business Creativity
  1. A good creative brief is short, inspiring, and provides direction while allowing freedom.
  2. A successful brief balances constraints and freedom, guiding without stifling creativity.
  3. Writing a creative brief to yourself can help focus your objectives and unleash creative thinking.

Some news about The (Im)Posture

On Looking • 139 implied HN points • 25 Aug 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  1. The newsletter will continue with an anthropological focus as the author starts a PhD in anthropology at the University of Cambridge, providing insights into research and discussions.
  2. Paying subscribers will have more interactive and experimental content, while the core essays will remain free for everyone.
  3. There will be a hiatus in the newsletter from mid-September to mid-October due to the author's relocation and academic commitments.

The Gamification of Creativity: Unlocking Potential in the Workplace

UX Psychology • 39 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
💼 Business Creativity
  1. Consider implementing gamification with elements like points, badges, and leaderboards to boost creativity more effectively than relying solely on monetary rewards.
  2. When motivating for creativity, excess monetary rewards may not yield better results. Focus on fostering meaning, autonomy, and purpose in tasks instead.
  3. Applying moderate pressure through aspects like performance penalties or time constraints can increase focus, effort, and creative output when used thoughtfully.

Len vs Glenn

The Ruffian • 270 implied HN points • 09 Sep 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  1. Leonard Bernstein and Glenn Gould were unique artists who embraced new ideas and media.
  2. Bernstein and Gould had a productive disagreement over the interpretation of Brahms' first Piano Concerto.
  3. Bernstein's handling of the crisis with Gould shows the value of open discussions and learning from disagreements.

I talked to the creator behind my favourite Are.na board

The Social Juice • 66 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
💼 Business Creativity
  1. The author interviews creators and marketers regularly. This gives insights into the world of marketing and helps readers learn from the experiences of others.
  2. There's a community aspect where subscribers can join a Discord group and WhatsApp chat. This allows for interaction and sharing among like-minded individuals.
  3. The newsletter offers a mix of marketing resources and news updates. This helps keep readers informed about the latest trends and strategies in the marketing field.

Creativity in an Age of AI.

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 27 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. AI can empower creativity by allowing everyone to be more involved in the creative process. It's not just a tool; it's a partner that helps unlock new ideas.
  2. Brands need to focus on storytelling and connection rather than just data-driven promotion. Many brands are failing because they're not nurturing their long-term identity and culture.
  3. Creativity comes in two types: pure and applied. Pure creativity is about self-expression and groundbreaking ideas, while applied creativity is improving existing creations. Both are important for innovation and growth.

The Romantic Myth of the Tortured Alcoholic Artist

Anxiety Addiction & Ascension • 79 implied HN points • 25 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Creativity should not be romanticized as dependent on alcohol and drugs. They can hinder rather than enhance one's work.
  2. The idea of the tortured artist using substances as part of their identity is a harmful myth that can lead to self-deception and hinder creativity.
  3. Using alcohol and drugs excessively can have long-term negative impacts, and moderation and awareness are key to prevent a downward spiral.

Escape Shouldlandia | #255

Boundless by Paul Millerd • 182 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Creativity
  1. Many people get stuck in a place called Shouldlandia, where they talk about what they should do but don't actually do it.
  2. It's important to pay attention to what you actually do rather than what you think you should be doing.
  3. To escape Shouldlandia, focus on taking bold actions, experimenting, and testing your 'shoulds' in reality.

GRANTED: My new podcast

Granted • 99 implied HN points • 14 Sep 22
🎙 Podcasts Creativity
  1. Adam Grant's new podcast "Re:Thinking" features guests discussing new thoughts and ways of thinking.
  2. Upcoming episodes will explore topics like fear, goals, leadership, and reinvention with a diverse range of guests including Mark Cuban, Atul Gawande, and Reese Witherspoon.
  3. Past episodes of the podcast include conversations with thought leaders, creators, and leaders like Brené Brown, Dolly Parton, and Indra Nooyi.

Human in an AI Age: Voice

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 22 implied HN points • 13 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Creativity
  1. The future is all about how we combine our unique human qualities with AI. It's not enough to just use AI; we have to get creative and think differently.
  2. Finding and developing your 'voice' is very important. This means expressing your thoughts and feelings in a unique way that stands out.
  3. To thrive in an AI-driven world, we need to keep learning and exposing ourselves to new ideas. Explore different experiences to grow your perspective and taste.

Post-MacDowell Blues

The Fairest Writer • 79 implied HN points • 17 May 23
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Going to MacDowell was a big deal and helped kick-start the writing process. The quiet environment allowed for focused work, especially since the author was isolated due to COVID restrictions.
  2. A snowstorm disrupted work but ended up being a bonding experience with other artists. The community aspect became more important, leading to fun events and valuable discussions.
  3. The author not only made progress on their book but also learned a lot from other artists. Conversations and interactions inspired new ideas and reflections on their creative journey.

Let's Celebrate National Author's Day Together!

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 119 implied HN points • 01 Nov 22
📚 Literature Creativity
  1. November 1 is National Author's Day, a special time to celebrate all writers, whether they're published or not. If you've written something original, you're an author too!
  2. It's National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), where writers aim to create 50,000 words in 30 days. It's a great chance to start that story you've been thinking about!
  3. No need to worry about making it perfect; just get your ideas down on the page. The goal is to write freely and enjoy the process without fear of judgment.

I am a writer

People Who Like Things • 39 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  1. Being a writer doesn't always have a clear answer to 'what do you write?'
  2. As a writer, it's important to give yourself space and time for creativity.
  3. To be a writer, show up for your ideas, put in the time, and create without needing validation.