The hottest Creativity Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Art & Illustration Topics

Against the Factory Farming of Creativity

Altered States of Monetary Consciousness • 1544 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. The rise of AI in creativity can make it hard to trust what's real. Many people now question if an artwork or a piece of writing is made by a human or a machine.
  2. Generative AI systems often simply copy styles instead of creating unique works. This can dilute the personal stories and emotions behind the art, making it feel less authentic.
  3. There’s a growing push for an 'AI-Free' label, similar to fair trade, to signify work that comes from genuine human creativity instead of machine-generated content.

On Wise Agency, Part 3 | #317

Boundless by Paul Millerd • 112 implied HN points • 09 Dec 25
💼 Business Creativity
  1. Figure out what to work on by running lots of small experiments: ship quickly, design an easy off-ramp to quit, and learn what each experiment tells you.
  2. Don't just copy a niche — find a mode you can sustain for years that fits how you like to work. That lets you evolve your own style and choose projects you actually enjoy.
  3. Be deliberate about how much and when you work by mixing small bets, sprints, and long-game projects, and accept the trade-offs between autonomy, methods, and income by rotating priorities across gigs and seasons.

What's Your Latest Discovery?

Everything Is Amazing • 665 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Everyone can make new discoveries, just like kids do. They find joy in discovering little things without feeling embarrassed.
  2. Adults often shy away from sharing their joys of discovery due to fear of looking silly or not cool. We should embrace our findings and share them.
  3. Personal discovery is exciting and can lead to immense feelings of happiness. It's great to share what we've learned with others.

Monoganimals

Seven Senses • 519 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  1. There's a new mini zine called 'Monoganimals' that features seven animals known for being monogamous. It's a fun way to learn about these unique animal relationships.
  2. The zine is hand-bound and illustrated, making it a special treat for subscribers. If you've provided your mailing address, you should receive it soon!
  3. There's also a creative workshop series happening, which you can join if interested. It's a chance to explore creativity with others, and recordings are available if you missed the previous sessions.
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Experiment 1: Daily earnest learning

Public Universal Friend • 19 implied HN points • 02 Sep 24
🚌 Education Creativity
  1. Focusing on learning without distractions can help you improve faster. It's important to set aside time just for practice, away from everyday interruptions.
  2. Having hope while learning makes it more exciting and keeps you motivated. Even if your goals seem unrealistic, believing you can improve is really valuable.
  3. Instead of just learning new things, aim for mastery in what you already know. Realizing that there's always more to learn helps keep your passion alive.

Yes, I'm going to wade into the subject of AI

So Here’s a Thing • 1101 implied HN points • 25 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Creativity
  1. AI is a significant topic in 2023, impacting various industries and raising concerns about job security and creative integrity.
  2. AI-generated art, like that from Midjourney, can produce unique and artistic images rapidly and affordably, though it currently lacks the finesse of human artists.
  3. The rise of AI presents challenges regarding authenticity and truth, as it can replicate artistic styles with accuracy, raising ethical concerns about misattribution and deception.

Busted: Substack Plagiarism and The Matthew Effect

OK Doomer • 506 implied HN points • 29 Jul 25
📚 Literature Creativity
  1. Plagiarism can lead to unfair advantages, allowing some to succeed without real effort. It's sad to see those who cheat go unpunished, while others work hard and struggle.
  2. Real writing takes a lot of effort and dedication, often under tough circumstances. It's frustrating when someone reaps the rewards without putting in the work.
  3. Mindfulness and personal growth should include facing tough issues in the world. Ignoring real problems while promoting self-improvement is misleading and can feel inauthentic.

The Creative Playground

Ralph Ammer • 825 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  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.

About the daily creative prompts 💌

#The100DayProject Newsletter • 511 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  1. The daily creative prompts offer practical tips, creative exercises, journaling prompts, and self-care practices to enhance your creative process and motivation.
  2. You do not need to be participating in the project to receive the prompts; they are like a daily creative love letter for anyone interested.
  3. Becoming a paid subscriber provides a daily prompt for all 100 days of the project, access to past prompts, and supports the project's sustainability.

The Hinternet Is Entering Phase 3

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 552 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. The Hinternet is setting up a new nonprofit called The Hinternet Foundation to promote creativity in a tech-driven world. They're seeking fresh faces to help guide this initiative.
  2. They are also running cultural programs like the Hinternet Summer Program, where participants can create projects combining art and scholarship. Plus, an essay contest is encouraging original ideas on technology and peace.
  3. Starting September, they are on the lookout for new columnists with unique voices who can cover different topics. Writers should be ready to engage readers and earn based on how well their work resonates.

Little Children Riding Dogs

Opaque Hourglass • 359 implied HN points • 24 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  1. The image of little children riding dogs is interesting to imagine - like a nostalgic and whimsical idea where kids bond with their pets in a unique way.
  2. The concept of 'Elementalism' in poetry is highlighted, showing how simple yet powerful imagery can leave a lasting impact on the reader.
  3. The poem captures a sense of innocence and beauty, portraying a lovely scene of children and dogs in a school setting, evoking a feeling of nostalgia and wonder.

What is the colour of water?

lifeboat • 786 implied HN points • 06 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  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.

The purpose of art is to play in various obsessions

Public Universal Friend • 19 implied HN points • 01 Sep 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  1. Art allows people to explore and express their obsessions, which helps them tap into creativity. Finding something you're really interested in can lead to personal fulfillment.
  2. Boredom is actually important for creativity. Embracing boredom can unlock your imagination and allow you to come up with new ideas.
  3. Staying focused on a specific interest over time is key to developing expertise. This consistency can help you feel more accomplished and balanced in your life.

A Different Way To Think About Ideas on the Internet

Culture Study • 1615 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Fan fiction is often misunderstood but is a significant part of modern culture, reflecting deeper themes of sexuality, identity, and societal norms. It provides a way for people to explore these ideas in creative ways.
  2. Data analysis of fan fiction can reveal interesting trends, such as why certain characters or relationships are more popular. This helps audiences see the connections between fan fiction and broader cultural discussions.
  3. The process of creating visual essays on topics like fan fiction involves collaboration and creative problem-solving. It's about making complex subjects engaging and accessible, encouraging more people to think about cultural issues differently.

Paper Pixels

Seven Senses • 1039 implied HN points • 29 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. The author celebrates a year of creatively expressing themselves through their project, Seven Senses. They found a way to combine various aspects of their artistic identity without feeling restricted.
  2. They emphasize the importance of community and connection, expressing gratitude towards their readers and supporters. This support has motivated them to keep creating and exploring new themes.
  3. To mark the one-year milestone, the author is launching a zine that highlights their work and experiences over the past year, showing a desire for a deeper connection through tangible art.

Year in Review, 2023

In the Flash • 799 implied HN points • 20 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  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.

Processing: Why Benjamin Percy Is Writing a Novel as a Newspaper with Stephen King

Counter Craft • 427 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
📚 Literature Creativity
  1. Writing a novel as a newspaper is a unique and fun approach that mixes storytelling with a physical format. This idea helps the author connect with readers in a new way.
  2. The author values physical media because it creates a connection to memories and experiences. In today’s digital age, people may start to appreciate real, tangible things more.
  3. Collaborating with famous authors like Stephen King can be exciting and rewarding. Sharing ideas and creativity with established writers can inspire and enrich a project.

👑 5+ resources with the TOP creative ads

Business & Marketing with Nika • 39 implied HN points • 11 Aug 24
💼 Business Creativity
  1. You can find inspiring ads and creative work at places like Ad Creative Bank or the Ads of the World website. These resources showcase some of the best in advertising.
  2. The Cannes Lions Festival is a big deal for marketers, similar to the Oscars for movies. It's a great place to see top creative work and get inspired.
  3. If you're running online ads, check out the Meta Ads Library or Google's Ads Transparency Center to find creative examples in real-time.

A spring bouquet

Austin Kleon • 1978 implied HN points • 21 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Spring is a time of new beginnings and growth. It's a great season to reflect on how we can create and blossom in our own lives.
  2. The interplay of light and darkness is crucial for both plants and personal growth. Sometimes, it takes more than just light to flourish; we need time to thrive too.
  3. Understand which season you're in, whether it's creatively or in life. Recognizing your current phase can help you grow and move forward.

Do you have a nemesis?

Austin Kleon • 1438 implied HN points • 13 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Having a nemesis can help us understand ourselves better. By comparing ourselves with someone else, we can see what makes our work unique.
  2. It's okay to feel envy towards others; it can actually be useful. This feeling can help us figure out what we want to achieve in our own work.
  3. Instead of letting envy pull us down, we can use it to motivate us. It's about turning those feelings into something positive that drives our creativity.

Thinking outside of your head

Austin Kleon • 1858 implied HN points • 04 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. We don't just think in our heads; our bodies and surroundings also help us think better. Moving around and being in nature can really boost our creativity.
  2. Social interactions play a big role in our thinking. Learning from others and sharing ideas helps us understand what we really know.
  3. Writing things down or mapping out our thoughts helps clear our minds. It's like giving our ideas a space to grow and connect with each other.

The shirt of the year

Blackbird Spyplane • 1598 implied HN points • 13 Jul 23
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Creativity
  1. The shirt of the year is a roomy, vertical-stripe button-up that is currently on trend and in high demand.
  2. Keith Henry, a self-taught designer, creates clothes entirely by himself under the name Henry's, known for high-craft jumbo jeans and small-run pieces.
  3. Keith Henry sells his clothes through limited drops, values creative control, and finds inspiration in old army clothing to create unique, well-crafted designs.

The Fragile Beauty of Trying, with Isabella Goldman

Trying In Public • 79 implied HN points • 12 Jul 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Creativity
  1. Creativity is a mysterious process that often results in something beyond capture, whether creating life or art.
  2. Loss and failure are parts of the creative process, and handling them can vary based on the medium one works in.
  3. Being vulnerable and sharing the journey of trying, even if it leads to painful outcomes, can create stronger connections and provide valuable lessons in forgiveness and self-discovery.

Substack Tenets (and viva Sarah Fay!)

Castalia • 979 implied HN points • 03 Sep 23
📚 Literature Creativity
  1. Writing helps us deal with the feeling of being alone. It's surprising that more people don't use writing to fill their time instead of playing games on their phones.
  2. Writing allows people to express themselves without any restrictions from publishers or institutions. It gives a sense of freedom and responsibility in what you say.
  3. Writing can be a personal journey for self-discovery. It lets you explore who you are and find a purpose beyond just making money.

Culture of Criticism

thestoa • 471 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Creativity
  1. Creating publicly online may lead to facing criticism, insults, and negative judgments.
  2. Having protocols to handle online criticism is important for emotional well-being and response strategies.
  3. Engaging with constructive criticism and developing a taxonomy of judgmental feedback can aid in intellectual and moral growth.

News & Views: July

The Abbey of Misrule • 473 implied HN points • 12 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. The author recently returned from a long family road trip in the USA, which helped him feel rejuvenated after some health issues. It was a refreshing change from his usual routine.
  2. There's a new campaign called 'Writers Against AI' aimed at artists resisting the rise of AI in creative work. The author believes AI dims the true essence of human creativity.
  3. The author will soon share a mini-series and essays about his book and the implications of AI. He invites other writers to participate in a logo design contest for the campaign.

Souvenirs that outlive us

Austin Kleon • 1978 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  1. Creating art is often messy and unpredictable. It's not always as straightforward as the end result might suggest.
  2. Inspiration can come from the most mundane things, like everyday objects. Even clothespins can spark creativity and lead to new artistic ideas.
  3. Blackout poetry doesn't have to come from traditional sources like books. Using unusual materials can make the process fun and unique.

How to Edit Your Own Work

In the Flash • 579 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  1. Editing in photography involves choosing images, while processing is post-work.
  2. Photography doesn't end after the shoot; editing is a crucial step that requires different skills.
  3. Editing requires focus and intent, contrasting with the more instinctive act of taking photos.

#147 Makers vs. machines

Design Lobster • 339 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🪑 Design Creativity
  1. Designers are exploring the blend of machine-made and hand-crafted designs, questioning if designers should also code to bridge the gap between design and engineering.
  2. The concept of 'Design Engineers' is gaining popularity, where individuals contribute to design with wireframes, mockups, and front-end code, streamlining the development process.
  3. The 'Cesca' chair, inspired by a designer's bicycle ride home, embodies the merging of machine aspects with handcrafted elements, prompting a reflection on designs that combine both.

The AI doppelgänger experiment – Part 1: The training

On Looking • 184 HN points • 15 May 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  1. Communication relies on shared language, and this is especially crucial when discussing visual concepts like style and art.
  2. Training generative AI models to transfer style involves complex processes of separating denotational and stylistic aspects of images.
  3. The AI doppelganger experiment explores the tension between human-created images and machine-generated ones, raising questions about personhood, identity, and creativity in the digital age.

Riding or writing

Austin Kleon • 2537 implied HN points • 02 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Reflecting on the past year is important, like making a list of 100 things that made it special. It's a good way to remember goals and accomplishments.
  2. We lost several influential artists recently, reminding us of their impact on culture and art. Their work continues to inspire many people.
  3. It’s a good season for reading, with many 'best of' book lists coming out. People share their favorites, which is a great way to find new reads.

slowly, but shipping! ⛵️

vrk loves paper • 179 implied HN points • 16 May 24
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Launching a project can take time, and it can be exciting to sell out before it's officially launched. Planning and adjusting orders based on demand is important.
  2. Attending events like zine fairs can create a great sense of community, allowing for connections and support among creators. It's important to focus on making friends rather than just selling.
  3. Learning about running a small business can be very rewarding, especially when the classes emphasize sustainability and community focus. Practical skills, like printing, can improve over time too.

The One Who Knows

The Reclamation Era • 19 implied HN points • 29 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. A new Substack newsletter, 'Word to Your Mother,' is being created to support local women in the arts, offering opportunities for storytelling and performances.
  2. There’s a call for auditions for a local show and a writing workshop for those interested in sharing their stories.
  3. The author reflects on her feelings as her child goes to college, sharing a personal lullaby that holds special meaning during this transition.

Being Unrealistic

Animation Obsessive • 1524 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  1. Cinema Fantasma, a stop-motion studio in Mexico, started with a big dream and little money. The founders had to get creative, making their own animation tools and props from scratch.
  2. The studio began on a rooftop in Mexico City, showing the dedication of the Ambriz brothers and their family. They transformed their home into a workspace to achieve their goal of creating a top-quality animated film.
  3. The making of 'Revoltoso' was a learning experience for everyone involved. The animators were new to the craft but worked hard to develop their skills for this project.