The hottest Creativity Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Art & Illustration Topics

Why (and how to) create attractive open source design

Bold & Open • 0 implied HN points • 25 Feb 24
🪑 Design Creativity
  1. Attractive branding is increasingly important for open source projects to reach and engage more people.
  2. Imitating successful brands and remixing their elements can help in creating appealing and trustworthy designs without the need for expensive graphic designers.
  3. To create your own attractive design, find inspiration from successful examples, break them down into key components, inject your twist, and then either create it yourself or hire someone to help implement it.

Short Thoughts on the Blank Page

Autoscriptorium • 0 implied HN points • 03 Aug 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  1. Automatic writing can help overcome writer's block by allowing unrestrained expression.
  2. Free association and morning pages aim to stimulate thoughts without inhibitions and engage the generative force of the mind.
  3. Writing is about shaping thoughts through construction, outlining, and allowing ideas to develop naturally.

Does playfulness belong at work? 🌠

PeopleStorming • 0 implied HN points • 01 Jun 21
💼 Business Creativity
  1. Play and games are not the same - they are distinct concepts and not interchangeable.
  2. Play is a mindset focused on the journey, not just the destination - it involves being connected to a curious and playful part of oneself.
  3. Embracing playfulness in leadership requires kindness, open-mindedness, and a supportive environment - it enhances creativity and innovation in the organization.

A co-creation effect you'll want to leverage at work

PeopleStorming • 0 implied HN points • 05 Jan 21
💼 Business Creativity
  1. The IKEA effect shows that people value products more when they've been involved in creating them.
  2. Facilitating discussions where groups actively contribute to creating something leads to higher investment in the outcome.
  3. Creating opportunities for co-creation within a team can lead to more positive outcomes and increased team buy-in.

Welcome! I'm Xavi

Xavi Benjamin • 0 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  1. Xavi Benjamin's new platform focuses on sharing thoughts on entrepreneurship, art, and building an empire.
  2. Xavi reintroduced himself after a break from writing online, expressing his rusty writing skills despite considering himself a writer.
  3. The publication is reader-supported, offering free posts and subscriptions with additional content available for paid subscribers.
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7 Simple Tips To Generate Unlimited Content Ideas While Working Full Time

Austin's Analects • 0 implied HN points • 24 Apr 23
💼 Business Creativity
  1. Lack of sleep can harm your creativity, mood, and thinking abilities, so prioritize sleep for better content ideas.
  2. Long walks can spark creativity and generate new ideas, just like Morgan Housel from Psychology of Money suggests.
  3. Eating healthy, curating content, and discussing ideas with others can all improve your ability to come up with engaging content ideas.

Dreaming in Infinite Rooms

Cybernetic Forests • 0 implied HN points • 18 Jul 21
🕹 Technology Creativity
  1. Finding relationships between data points can be achieved through poetry.
  2. AI systems can learn by navigating virtual spaces without physical movement.
  3. AI-generated art reflects what it has encountered and can spark thoughts about human-machine relationships.

What does the mouse see? (Day 1)

Cybernetic Forests • 0 implied HN points • 02 May 21
🕹 Technology Creativity
  1. Presentations at the Computer Mouse Conference 2021 embraced playfulness and earnestness, setting a unique tone for online events in 2021.
  2. The mouse serves as a tool to understand our relationships with computers, offering new ways to complicate and question our interactions with information machines.
  3. Explorations into the history and design of computer mice shed light on topics like the semiotics of clicks, the sensation of touch, and the metaphors embedded in technology.

The Art of Progress

Trantor Publishing • 0 implied HN points • 16 Sep 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  1. In the city of Progress, the protagonist finds it challenging to connect with his own identity and history, reflecting on his past as an artist.
  2. The protagonist explores various forms of art in Progress, including primitive depictions of humanity, grand civilizations, and abstract, boundary-pushing artworks that challenge conventional norms.
  3. Ultimately, the protagonist and his companion, Adonis, become disillusioned with the purpose and relevance of art in Progress, feeling that it no longer holds significance or value in their advanced world.

Friends don't let friends write with AI

Cosmos • 0 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Creativity
  1. Originality in writing is crucial for genuine connection and engagement with readers.
  2. AI-generated content lacks authenticity and can be easily detected for its lack of human touch.
  3. Good writing sets individuals apart and is an essential skill for effective communication, even when AI tools can assist with brainstorming ideas.

Abbey Pusz: DIGITAL LOCAL: The Post Internet Artists

Do Not Research • 0 implied HN points • 16 Oct 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  1. Artists now face a choice between producing work for galleries or becoming cultural producers in the online content creation landscape.
  2. Post Internet Artists navigate the challenge of maintaining creativity and intuition while adhering to the constraints of online platforms and market demands.
  3. Accelerationist theorists propose a radical positive project for the left, emphasizing a reinvigorated confidence in technology and a critical detachment from the disappointments of past social democratic politics.

DJ Meisner: Burning Houses and How to Paint Them

Do Not Research • 0 implied HN points • 15 Feb 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  1. Discussion on various topics like supply chain issues affecting medication availability, AI in drone strikes, therapy for mental health, and personal experiences.
  2. Reflections on art, vulnerability, and how creative expressions can capture intense emotions and loneliness.
  3. Exploration of complex societal issues like surveillance, mental health, climate change, and capitalism, leading to introspection and unanswered questions.

Attila Haraszti: The Dire, Bullshit Economics of Twitch Creators

Do Not Research • 0 implied HN points • 15 Feb 22
🕹 Technology Creativity
  1. The majority of Twitch creators do not earn enough to reach the Euro-American minimum wage, relying on additional sources like patrons and sponsorships to make a living.
  2. There is a small percentage of creators on Twitch, approximately 0.117%, who are on track to earn the minimum wage in 2021, highlighting the challenges many creators face in achieving sustainable incomes.
  3. The creator economy includes around 50-60 million 'aspiring' content creators worldwide, but only a fraction of them, about 1 million, are considered 'professionals' who can make at least the minimum wage from social platforms.

The "spark" in Rik's Sparky Little Substack Space

Rik’s Sparky Little Substack Space • 0 implied HN points • 17 May 24
📚 Literature Creativity
  1. Poetry is essentially a form of deception, with every poem being a crafted machine that triggers specific responses in its readers.
  2. Engaging in new endeavors often brings a mix of excitement and fear, a balance many people can relate to.
  3. Writing poetry can be a personal journey of self-discovery and growth, leading to insights through sharing and feedback from others.

Finding Meaning with Imagination

Homo Ludens • 0 implied HN points • 04 May 24
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Finding meaning can come from unexpected sources like the imagination, not necessarily from traditional avenues like religion or career.
  2. Engaging in imagination activities like world-building, fan fiction, and gaming can lead to personal connections, lasting impacts, and a sense of purpose.
  3. In a world that may feel devoid of meaning due to economic systems and societal pressures, retreating into the imagination can provide a sense of fulfillment and belonging that other pursuits may not offer.

The Why of World-Building

Homo Ludens • 0 implied HN points • 04 May 24
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Imagining and reimagining worlds and universes satisfies our human need for stories.
  2. World-building is integral to storytelling throughout history, establishing rules and frameworks for characters and situations.
  3. Engaging in world-building, whether as a hobby or for creative work, hones our imagination and is essential for exploring complex concepts and potential solutions.

Notebooks: A Writer’s (and an Imagination’s) Truest Friends

Homo Ludens • 0 implied HN points • 15 Dec 19
📚 Literature Creativity
  1. Notebooks are non-judgmental and affordable companions, especially in a harsh world.
  2. Keeping a notebook or journal can be a powerful tool for creativity and mental health, offering a safe space for thoughts and ideas.
  3. Notebooks can hold the key to self-expression, exploration of experiences, and nurturing the imagination, regardless of whether you are a writer or not.

Immersive Storytelling’s Future

Homo Ludens • 0 implied HN points • 12 Jul 19
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. The future of storytelling is all about immersion, building living, breathing worlds that engage the audience.
  2. Immersive storytelling has always been a fundamental aspect of human culture, from passing down knowledge to sparking the imagination.
  3. Future storytelling will surpass current levels of immersion, creating rich, interactive worlds that challenge the boundaries between reality and fiction.

Notes from the Week - Week 24

Notes in the Margins • 0 implied HN points • 18 Jun 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Creativity
  1. Engaging in creative activities can boost mood, reduce anxiety and depression.
  2. Creativity has been linked to improved cognitive function, memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.
  3. Creativity can help develop resilience, adaptability, and social connections, leading to improved well-being.

15-day TedXTalks challenge .

Better Engineers • 0 implied HN points • 24 May 24
🚌 Education Creativity
  1. The 15-day TED Talk challenge can help you learn and grow. Completing it might make you feel like a better version of yourself.
  2. Each day features a different TED Talk with valuable lessons on topics like learning, communication, and self-mastery.
  3. Participating in this challenge can inspire you to think differently and improve various aspects of your life.

Performance and Effort

Splattern • 0 implied HN points • 04 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Performance doesn't have to feel like hard work. Sometimes, it can be more about living in the moment and enjoying the experience.
  2. In dance and life, it's possible to let go of unnecessary tension and just flow with the energy around you.
  3. Being fully present might not mean putting in more effort; it could actually be about inhibiting certain thoughts or actions to find a more relaxed state.

The Bender Ends and New Chapter Begins

Splattern • 0 implied HN points • 21 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Life is about finding what you love and doing it without worrying about losing anything. Sometimes, it's good to take a step back and work on what truly makes you happy.
  2. It's important to be original and explore new paths instead of following what everyone else does. Creating your own adventure can inspire changes in how we all live.
  3. Sharing experiences with friends and family can enhance the journey. It's nice to include loved ones rather than going on adventures alone.

Rules

Splattern • 0 implied HN points • 01 Aug 21
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Rules can create freedom by providing structure in life. They allow people to focus on what matters and enjoy life more fully.
  2. Understanding that knowledge is always evolving can help us grow. We shouldn't rely on authority but be open to changing our ideas as we learn more.
  3. The key to making decisions is being able to explain your reasoning. It's more important to consider your choices and share your thoughts than to follow strict rules.

I just met Bob Dylan 🎨

Tranquil Thoughts • 0 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Meeting your heroes can be surprising and sometimes not meet your expectations. It's okay because they are just people too, like you.
  2. Finding art you connect with can be meaningful and help you feel at home in new places. It can also lead to curiosity about the person behind that art.
  3. We all have the power to change the world around us. If we have ideas or dreams, we should go out and make them a reality, just like the artist 'Blob Dylan' did.

Three principles to overcome clouded judgment

do clouds feel vertigo? • 0 implied HN points • 16 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Creativity
  1. It's important to avoid rushing to judgment, especially about art. Taking time to understand and appreciate ambiguity can lead to deeper insights.
  2. Letting go of the need for control helps in gaining better understanding. Being open to different outcomes can lead to new ideas and creativity.
  3. We should treat knowledge like stock options that expire. Our understanding can change over time, so we need to remain flexible and ready to adapt our views.

Newsletters should be letters!

Austin Kleon • 0 implied HN points • 03 Sep 24
📚 Literature Creativity
  1. Newsletters should feel personal and informal, like letters rather than formal reports. This makes them more engaging and relatable for readers.
  2. Consistency is key, so setting specific days to write helps maintain a routine. Regularly sharing updates creates an anticipation for your audience.
  3. Writing as if you are addressing a friend can improve your writing across the board. It makes the process more enjoyable and the content more authentic.

Do What You Love.

Design is Love • 0 implied HN points • 05 Apr 24
💼 Business Creativity
  1. Being an entrepreneur is messy and unstructured. It's about exploring your interests and letting your creativity flow, even if it feels chaotic.
  2. There are no guaranteed outcomes in creation. You must start from inspiration and be open to changing your ideas as you go along.
  3. Doing what you love should also connect to helping others. Sharing your passion can bring joy to both you and those around you.

Entrepreneurship is in many ways a state of mind.

Design is Love • 0 implied HN points • 29 Aug 22
💼 Business Creativity
  1. Your daily thoughts shape your ability to create something amazing. Focus on positive thinking to unlock your potential.
  2. Your worth is not based on your achievements or money. It's about embracing your creativity and believing in your own value.
  3. Fear can hold you back from building and exploring your limits. Don't let it stop you; take risks and keep moving forward in life.

Everything All The Time

polymathematics • 0 implied HN points • 02 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. It's really easy to get overwhelmed when you have a lot of interests and projects at once. You can't do everything at the same time, and that's okay.
  2. Focusing deeply on one thing for a while can help you finish projects faster and with less stress. It can be freeing to have clear priorities.
  3. You can still keep some flexibility in your creative process. Setting aside days for exploration or jotting down ideas can help you stay inspired while focusing on one main project.

The Anxiety of "Competition"

polymathematics • 0 implied HN points • 11 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Feeling anxious about competition is common when you're passionate about your work. It's normal to worry when others show interest in similar ideas.
  2. Seeing others discuss your project in public can make you feel like they are taking your ideas. It might help to remember that everyone's approach is unique.
  3. Instead of letting competition stress you out, try to focus on your own strengths and what makes your project special. Everyone has something different to bring to the table.

Weekender

polymathematics • 0 implied HN points • 01 Sep 23
📚 Literature Creativity
  1. Every Friday, there's a new Weekender post with thoughts and recommendations for the weekend. It's a casual way to share ideas and suggestions.
  2. The writer encourages feedback from readers to improve and test new concepts in their projects.
  3. Most of the content is free for everyone, but there are special posts available for paid subscribers, including unique recommendations and insights.

What is Unusual About You?

polymathematics • 0 implied HN points • 30 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Unusual qualities in people can lead to interesting discussions and product ideas. It's valuable to explore what makes someone unique.
  2. Many people might find it difficult to articulate what is unusual about them. The broadness of the question can make it hard to provide a clear answer.
  3. Reflecting on your unusual traits can help you understand yourself better and connect with others. Embracing what makes you different can be empowering.

The Joy of Making Things

polymathematics • 0 implied HN points • 17 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Making things can bring joy and fulfillment to our lives. It allows us to express ourselves and see our ideas come to life.
  2. Having a personal project gives us a sense of ownership and purpose. It's important to explore our creativity through different kinds of projects.
  3. Constraining our ideas can help us focus and turn them into reality. Limits can actually encourage us to be more innovative and productive.

Notes on Notes

polymathematics • 0 implied HN points • 18 Mar 22
📚 Literature Creativity
  1. Ideas can either fade away or be captured in a notebook. It's important to write them down when they come to you.
  2. Once you catch an idea, think about how to develop and grow it further. Don't let it just sit there.
  3. The journey of ideas involves figuring out how to nurture them instead of just wondering where they came from. Focus on the next steps.