The hottest Creativity Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Art & Illustration Topics

How to beat the resistance (in our head)

A Bit Gamey • 20 implied HN points • 22 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Resistance is an internal voice that negotiates to delay work, disguising avoidance as preparation or realism.
  2. Showing up regularly beats waiting for inspiration; small, concrete starts (one paragraph, one prototype, one screen) break the barrier and create momentum.
  3. Keep it simple and habitual: set a time, act, and measure behaviour instead of identity so work becomes routine and momentum follows.

So Here's a "thing"

So Here’s a Thing • 1592 implied HN points • 26 Feb 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  1. Engagement in posts should be a pleasure and not a chore, focusing on quality over quantity to prevent overwhelming the audience.
  2. Consider offering a paid subscription for those who want to support content and provide exclusive features for those subscribers.
  3. Etymology reveals the evolution of words like 'thing' over time, showcasing how meanings shift and adapt in language.

On mistakes and masterpieces

lifeboat • 825 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  1. Mistakes in creative work can lead to new ideas and directions.
  2. Frustration from mistakes can spark new energy and boldness in creativity.
  3. Mistakes remind us that the creative process is collaborative and not solely driven by our intentions.

Notes not from Cannes

Thoughts on Writing • 179 implied HN points • 24 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Purpose in marketing needs to be rigorously examined to ensure it genuinely makes a positive impact on society, beyond just emotional storytelling.
  2. Judges should be empowered to focus on creativity in awards, ensuring entries are judged based on creativity rather than personal criteria or biases.
  3. There is a concern that the focus on purpose and diversity in awards may be devaluing creativity and leading to work that is detached from what the public actually likes.
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Why Boredom Can Be Good (At Least for Writers)

Counter Craft • 723 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
📚 Literature Creativity
  1. Boredom can actually be good for creativity. Taking time to think without distractions helps ideas grow and develop better.
  2. Substack is helping fill the gap left by traditional media when it comes to book reviews and author interviews, providing a valuable space for deeper engagement with literature.
  3. To be more creative, it’s important to find moments of quiet where you can think freely, like during a walk or while waiting, instead of always being glued to screens.

New Years Eve

That Damn Optimist • 116 implied HN points • 01 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. There’s a strong urge to use the New Year as a time for strict planning and measurable self-improvement.
  2. Small, unproductive pleasures—dancing, writing a poem, taking a nap, calling a loved one—feel just as meaningful as optimizing life metrics.
  3. Choosing to celebrate a day’s plain unspecialness instead of treating it as sacred can free you from pressure and reshape how you approach the year.

A Kid Who Loved to Draw

Shades of Greaves • 727 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  1. The joy of drawing as a child can be rediscovered as an adult, allowing for creative expression and fun without a specific purpose.
  2. Taking time to engage in creative activities just for the sake of enjoyment can have positive effects on mental well-being, even if it doesn't directly contribute to professional goals.
  3. Embracing moments of creative 'fuckaroundery' can lead to a more enjoyable life, even if it challenges traditional ideas of productivity and goal achievement.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 767 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. It's okay to let go of things like old notes to stay focused on the present. Sometimes less is more when it comes to managing our thoughts.
  2. Human memory can be tricky, and relying too much on external tools might not always be the best idea. Trusting your mind can help you stay connected with what matters now.
  3. Reflecting on time can reveal surprising insights, like realizing just how close certain months are. It makes you think about how quickly time flies.

The art of forgery

Austin Kleon • 1438 implied HN points • 17 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  1. Forging art means giving credit to someone else for work you create, while plagiarism is taking credit for someone else's work. It's about the effort you put into creating something.
  2. Art forgery requires a lot of skill, and sometimes forgers become as famous as the original artists. For example, Han van Meegeren became well-known for his skill in copying famous painters.
  3. Forgers often have their own reasons for their work, sometimes even out of frustration with the art world. This can lead them to excel in their craft, creating impressive forgeries that fetch high prices.

the writer's week ahead 2.4.24-2.10.24

astrology for writers • 746 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Creativity
  1. Replies to newsletters via email have been turned off by the writer due to unnecessary content in their inbox.
  2. Paid subscribers can't get refunds for previous months, but the writer is offering the week ahead content for free as a gesture of gratitude.
  3. The writer shares astrological insights for the week regarding creativity, relationships, and personal development.

you don't know what's gonna happen

Both Are True • 195 implied HN points • 20 Nov 25
📚 Literature Creativity
  1. You don't know what will happen when you start writing; ideas often change and new things emerge as you go.
  2. If you judge your idea too early you'll stop writing and miss the surprising material that comes out in the process.
  3. The messy, unexpected parts of writing often contain the best stuff—comedy, joy, and even darkness—so it's worth letting the process reveal things and sharing them.

No expectations

Austin Kleon • 3137 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
📚 Literature Creativity
  1. Embrace what you have instead of wishing it were different. Focus on what's in front of you rather than dreaming about an imaginary version.
  2. When reading or writing, ask better questions like 'What is this?' instead of thinking about how to fix it. This helps you appreciate the work instead of getting distracted.
  3. Using old notebooks or diaries to inspire new ideas can be helpful. Often, there are gems in past writings that can spark fresh thoughts today.

New dreams?

Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky • 46 implied HN points • 29 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. There’s a strong sense of questioning and standing at a confusing crossroads, with many zig-zagging paths and no clear next step.
  2. Career dreams shifted a lot over time—from childhood ideas like dentistry, to writing or law, to chasing big entrepreneurial goals—showing ongoing exploration.
  3. Big ambitions and others’ expectations shaped choices but often faded or didn’t pan out, prompting reflection and a need to rethink what to pursue next.

I made you some poems

Austin Kleon • 2318 implied HN points • 02 May 23
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Creating art can be a source of comfort and inspiration. Making blackout poems is one way to express creativity and find joy in the process.
  2. It's important for teachers and artists to keep practicing their craft. Staying engaged in making things helps them grow and inspire others.
  3. Feedback from others can motivate artists to create more. Positive comments can encourage experimentation and exploration in their artistic journey.

Prompts for the New Year

Austin Kleon • 3337 implied HN points • 03 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Think about what you want to learn this year. Making a list can help guide your choices and goals.
  2. Reflect on the past year with a set of questions. This can help you understand your experiences and shape your future.
  3. Consider starting a 30-day challenge to build a new habit. Doing something small every day can keep you motivated and accountable.

GUT Visiting Artist: Gretchen Rubin

DrawTogether with WendyMac • 1257 implied HN points • 22 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  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.

Genius vs. Expertise

The Biblioracle Recommends • 668 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Genius and expertise are different - expertise is achieved through practice, while genius is often seen as innate.
  2. Expertise can be just as valuable as genius - like the skillful drum tech behind a famous drummer.
  3. Dedication to a hobby or skill can enhance confidence and ability in other areas, showcasing the value of practice and expertise.

Revenge of the Dilettantes

Breaking Smart • 98 implied HN points • 20 Dec 25
🕹 Technology Creativity
  1. AI makes bespoke, one-off publishing and media workflows cheap and practical, so creators can publish essays, books, and artworks in custom formats instead of forcing them into standard platforms.
  2. AI tools empower dilettantes to be full‑stack creators, letting casual generalists produce art, code, and even robotics projects without needing deep craft mastery.
  3. AI transforms reading and learning by supercharging book clubs and study groups, enabling faster, deeper exploration, translation, and research that turns casual reading into sustained study.

On this date...

Austin Kleon • 2497 implied HN points • 31 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Curiosity is important, but sometimes we miss things we should be curious about. It's good to reflect on what interests us.
  2. Sharing art can be a fun and engaging experience. It's great to connect with others and see various creative works.
  3. Keeping a journal can be a magical space for thoughts and ideas. It's a good way to explore your feelings and creativity.

5 Reasons To Keep Trying

Trying In Public • 399 implied HN points • 04 Apr 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  1. Someone out there is waiting for you to show them that it's possible, be the example they need.
  2. Every time you try, you learn and gather data, even if the outcome isn't what you expected.
  3. Practice doing what you say you're going to do, start small to build self-trust and confidence.

Beginnings

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 1956 implied HN points • 01 Jan 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Creativity
  1. 2022 was a difficult year for the author, but through hardships, she found a deeper connection to her calling and purpose.
  2. Being aligned with one's unique gift can bring a sense of purpose and detachment from outcomes, allowing focus on meaningful work.
  3. Community and collaboration are essential in working towards a common goal, even for solitary pursuits like writing.

A Search for Vulnerability in Photography

In the Flash • 2038 implied HN points • 20 Jul 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  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.

How To Get Internet Feedback Without Going Insane

The Bottom Feeder • 484 implied HN points • 14 Aug 25
🕹 Technology Creativity
  1. Too much online feedback can be overwhelming and confusing. It's important to filter out negative comments to protect your mental health.
  2. Building a private community of trusted beta testers can help you get useful feedback without the noise of public opinions. These testers should be honest but respectful.
  3. Make sure your testers understand and appreciate the kind of work you do. Feedback is most helpful when it comes from people who are genuinely interested in your specific type of creation.

On Writing

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 4886 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
📚 Literature Creativity
  1. The key to writing is having a point of view and putting in the effort consistently, regardless of any specific method or process.
  2. Creativity involves both insight and persistence; don't underestimate the value of persistent effort in generating creative ideas.
  3. Writing regularly may involve accepting that initial drafts may not be perfect, embracing bad writing as part of the process, and persisting through writer's block.

The thing that sticks out

Austin Kleon • 2098 implied HN points • 09 May 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  1. It's important to know what to keep in your work and what to remove. Sometimes, cutting out parts you love can help your overall project grow better.
  2. You can take pieces from your creative work, like plant cuttings, and use them in new ways. This allows you to explore fresh ideas or directions.
  3. Giving things time to settle before you repurpose them can make a big difference. Just like letting cuttings dry before replanting, patience is key in creating something new.

Fail again. Fail Better.

Seven Senses • 1778 implied HN points • 03 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Failures can lead to new opportunities and personal growth. They often force us to rethink our priorities and can bring us closer to the people we truly connect with.
  2. Caring too much about outside approval can hold us back. It’s important to focus on what we love to do rather than what others expect from us.
  3. Facing failure is a part of the creative process. Embracing it can lead to genuine self-expression and a stronger sense of community.

Writing in solitude

The Stoic Journal • 40 implied HN points • 23 Jan 26
📚 Literature Creativity
  1. Your best thinking happens when you stop performing and just relax into yourself.
  2. Writing for no one often reveals your most honest and important ideas.
  3. Everyday private moments — showers, walks, late nights — create the space where unguarded thoughts arise.

Strange Ways AI Disrupts Business Models, What’s Next For Creativity & Marketing, Some Provocative Data

Implications, by Scott Belsky • 1159 implied HN points • 21 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Creativity
  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.

The Personalization Wave, A Surge of Wildly Human-Intensive Non-Scalable Experiences, & Ideas Of The Month

Implications, by Scott Belsky • 1198 implied HN points • 07 May 23
🕹 Technology Creativity
  1. The future will be hyper-personalized, catering to individual preferences and controlled data sharing.
  2. AI will shape new roles for humans, allowing for more human-intensive, unscalable experiences.
  3. Increased demand for crafted non-scalable experiences will drive the rise of the experience economy.

The book that changed my life

Austin Kleon • 6074 implied HN points • 15 Mar 22
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. The book 'Steal Like an Artist' encourages creativity by showing that it's okay to borrow ideas from others. It teaches that creating something new often comes from remixing existing concepts.
  2. The author had a significant life change after writing this book, leading him to quit his job and pursue his passion full-time. This shows how following your creative journey can lead to unexpected opportunities.
  3. The book's unique style and design were influenced by personal limitations and a desire to create something that felt handmade and authentic. It reminds us that constraints can sometimes spark the most creativity.

Let The Espresso Martinis Speak!

Castalia • 619 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
📚 Literature Creativity
  1. Writing is about taking risks and pushing your limits. It's more meaningful when you explore ideas outside your comfort zone, even if it feels hard and messy.
  2. Every piece of writing starts with an initial idea or feeling. It's important to stay connected to that idea, as it shapes the entire work.
  3. Writing should come from intuition rather than overthinking. It helps to let your subconscious guide you, similar to how a performer relies on instinct during a show.