The hottest Creativity Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Art & Illustration Topics
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Cybernetic Forests β€’ 119 implied HN points β€’ 31 Mar 24
  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.
Subtle Maneuvers β€’ 4206 implied HN points β€’ 17 Apr 23
  1. Asking for money for writing can be challenging for writers due to internal conflicts and complexities.
  2. Writers may struggle to ask readers for payment because of feelings of guilt and the fear of burdening others.
  3. One possible explanation for the difficulty in asking for money is the internal conflict arising from seeking compensation for creative work.
Escaping Flatland β€’ 2889 implied HN points β€’ 26 Jul 23
  1. Great ideas are fragile and can be easily killed by external influences like coworking spaces or groupthink.
  2. Solitude is crucial for creativity, allowing for the development of unique perspectives and groundbreaking work.
  3. Creative individuals are willing to linger in confusion, surfacing new questions rather than rushing to answers.
Cybernetic Forests β€’ 239 implied HN points β€’ 03 Mar 24
  1. The information age has transitioned into the age of noise, where data overload and automated systems shape our digital landscape.
  2. Artificial intelligence, while powerful, operates on abstractions of past data and predictions, emphasizing the need for human oversight and consciousness in decision-making.
  3. As artists and creators, it's essential to uphold meaning and context in the face of technological advancements, facilitating a collective understanding of our history and culture.
In the Flash β€’ 786 implied HN points β€’ 20 Dec 23
  1. The author is thankful for the support and growth of their newsletter in 2023, especially from paid subscribers.
  2. Some of the most popular posts in 2023 focused on topics like viral fashion images, AI photography, and photography do's and don'ts.
  3. Personal stories and reflections on topics like vulnerability in photography and feminist representation also resonated with readers.
Between a Rock and a Card Place β€’ 353 implied HN points β€’ 11 Feb 24
  1. Success is not always about winning or creating hits, but about the quality and impact of the work you do.
  2. Don't let pressure hinder your creativity; approach tasks with curiosity and a beginner's mindset.
  3. Embrace that not every project will be a success, as outcomes are often beyond your control, so focus on creating meaningful work instead.
In the Flash β€’ 3695 implied HN points β€’ 25 Apr 23
  1. The problem with AI photography is not the technology itself but the lack of creativity in the message
  2. The photography industry is facing challenges with AI technology affecting artistic integrity and empathy
  3. Artificial intelligence in photography raises concerns about originality, ethics, and the future of creative expression
Secretum Secretorum β€’ 555 implied HN points β€’ 09 Jan 24
  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.
DrawTogether with WendyMac β€’ 1257 implied HN points β€’ 22 Oct 23
  1. Gretchen Rubin highlights the link between creativity and happiness, showing how it boosts mood, energy, and social connections.
  2. She shares about her sources of creative inspiration, like reading and visiting the Met museum, and how those experiences lead to new projects.
  3. Gretchen suggests a creative exercise of keeping a Five-Senses Journal to spark memories, ideas, and gratitude through daily sensory experiences.
The Commonplace β€’ 393 implied HN points β€’ 30 Jan 24
  1. Twin vocations can complement each other well, benefiting both the individual and their families.
  2. Building connections with others is crucial, especially in solitary work, as digital connections can't replace in-person friendships.
  3. Progress in work is made through daily consistency, even if the results may seem unimpressive at first.
lifeboat β€’ 786 implied HN points β€’ 06 Dec 23
  1. The color of water can be a blend of various colors like bronze, blue, umber, pink, gold, and silver.
  2. Different cultures and languages may perceive and name colors differently, affecting how we see and describe the world.
  3. Words and language can both reveal and limit our understanding of the world, especially when it comes to describing the ever-changing colors of water.
Ralph Ammer β€’ 825 implied HN points β€’ 01 Dec 23
  1. The secret to jumpstarting creativity is having fun and being immersed in a game with clear goals and rules.
  2. Drawing exercises are like structured games that set creative limitations to free up our creativity.
  3. To build a creative playground, make variations, limit your time, pick a format, and focus on improving a skill.
Escaping Flatland β€’ 353 implied HN points β€’ 01 Feb 24
  1. The author emphasizes the importance of dedicating pre-dawn hours to focus on core work like writing essays.
  2. Having a routine helps maintain focus, especially when balancing work, chores, and parenting.
  3. Essay writing requires deep, patient focus and can show erratic progress, making it a unique and challenging task.
Implications, by Scott Belsky β€’ 1159 implied HN points β€’ 21 Oct 23
  1. AI will cause major disruptions to traditional business models by optimizing processes in real-time.
  2. Time-based billing for services like lawyers and designers may become outdated as AI improves workflow efficiencies.
  3. AI will reduce the influence of brand and marketing on purchase decisions by providing more personalized guidance to consumers.
Range Widely β€’ 1926 implied HN points β€’ 03 Aug 23
  1. Christopher Nolan reads 'without any purpose' to find stimulation in unexpected places.
  2. Balancing focusing on immediate tasks with staying open to new possibilities is a key challenge of work and life.
  3. Embrace practices, like reading broadly without clear purpose, to invite new ideas and inspiration into your life.
In the Flash β€’ 2004 implied HN points β€’ 20 Jul 23
  1. Photography can serve as a shield to hide personal fears and insecurities, but writing can bring out vulnerability more easily.
  2. Starting a newsletter allowed the author to express intimate thoughts and emotions that were hard to convey through photography.
  3. Transitioning from amateur to professional photography can lead to a loss of personal storytelling and a shift towards voyeuristic work.