The hottest Creativity Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Art & Illustration Topics

From the outside in

City Quitters • 639 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Living in big cities can be really stressful and overwhelming. Many people are finding it harder to keep up with costs and expectations, leading to anxiety and burnout.
  2. Smaller towns and rural areas might offer a better chance for creativity and community. People are starting to move away from crowded cities to find space and balance in their lives.
  3. The idea of constant urban growth is being challenged. As cities struggle to provide basic living conditions, it's time to rethink how we value urban living and explore alternatives.

Morning ritual

Escaping Flatland • 353 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
📚 Literature Creativity
  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.

Writing Rhythm

So Here’s a Thing • 688 implied HN points • 30 Sep 23
📚 Literature Creativity
  1. In writing, weaving different elements together like characters, plot, and dialogue is essential for a compelling story.
  2. Just as a driving rhythm is crucial in music, a well-crafted prose needs texture and momentum to engage the reader.
  3. Find your unique 'Open G' in writing - discover your natural style and voice to make the writing process smoother and authentic.

Zinfandel

Soaring Twenties • 85 implied HN points • 01 Dec 25
📚 Literature Creativity
  1. The story blends imagination and reality, inviting readers into a unique and playful narrative with characters like Moriarty and Poe. It's all about fun and creativity in storytelling.
  2. The protagonist finds herself in a dusty, forgotten space, which symbolizes neglect and the need for refreshment in both the physical and mental sense. Dusting off her blog mirrors the need for revitalizing one's thoughts and ideas.
  3. There's a humorous twist around the absence of Zinfandel wine, leading to a comedic exchange about the characters having too much fun. It highlights how sometimes, the best plans can go awry in the most amusing ways.

Succeeding at Failing

RPG Design Theories • 687 implied HN points • 13 Jul 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  1. Desire can drive success or failure in games, not just decisions and die rolls.
  2. Players can want their characters to fail for the sake of the story, leading to deeper character development.
  3. RPGs can offer immersion where players experience the story or participation where they help create it, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.
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Audiences

polymathematics • 99 implied HN points • 07 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Growing your audience can help you make money, connect with like-minded people, and influence positive change. It’s worth considering what audience growth means to you personally.
  2. Prioritize improving your work and be consistent with your writing. The better your work, the more likely it is to attract readers over time.
  3. Engagement can come from different platforms, so it's good to be visible on both Substack and your own website. Find creative ways to connect with your audience across these platforms.

How Great Writers Become Great

Mind & Mythos • 219 implied HN points • 29 Mar 24
📚 Literature Creativity
  1. Great writers often have time and space to focus on their work. Many famous writers dedicated their time to thinking and writing without many distractions.
  2. Younger writers may have more time but lack experience. Older writers have knowledge but often struggle to find time to write.
  3. Finding balance between family, work, and writing is tough. It's important to prioritize what matters most in life, even if it means having limits on achievements.

I want to break free

In Bed With Social • 455 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
💼 Business Creativity
  1. Brands face challenges in gaining organic visibility on social media, leading to a shift towards pay-to-play advertising.
  2. High-quality advertising content in 2023 is characterized by surprise and the unexpected.
  3. Weird and thought-provoking content is gaining popularity in advertising, sparking curiosity and questions.

What my cooperative media ecosystem could look like

The Novelleist • 912 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. The idea is to create a network of independent writers who can work together while still keeping their own unique styles and incomes. This allows for more creativity and collaboration.
  2. By teaming up on projects like podcasts, films, or books, writers can reach a larger audience and make more money together than they could alone.
  3. There's a new platform called Metalabel that helps artists collaborate easily and split their earnings, making it possible for them to launch exciting media projects together.

The Benefits of Being Profoundly Bored

The Dose • 668 implied HN points • 31 May 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Creativity
  1. Many people are uncomfortable with the idea of being bored, seeking constant stimulation.
  2. Boredom can actually lead to increased creativity and meaningful activities.
  3. Embracing boredom and allowing the mind to wander can unlock creativity and lead to self-discovery.

Trying In Public

Trying In Public • 439 implied HN points • 22 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Trying in public can lead to feelings of shame and embarrassment, impacting behavior and self-expression.
  2. Feeling safe and finding a supportive public space can make trying in public easier and less daunting.
  3. Acknowledging and owning one's desire to be seen, despite the fear of judgment, can be a brave and empowering choice.

"Great features, not products," leveraging found productivity, and the era where we can no longer believe our eyes.

Implications, by Scott Belsky • 648 implied HN points • 06 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Creativity
  1. Focus on creating great features, not just products, in the startup ecosystem.
  2. Consider how excess productivity from AI can be used in entertainment, philosophy, and creative projects.
  3. The rise of AI will shift jobs to industries less impacted by AI, emphasizing qualitative skills and the importance of imagination and creativity.

Mental Health, and Jimmy Buffett

So Here’s a Thing • 648 implied HN points • 12 Sep 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Creativity
  1. Jimmy Buffett was not just about fun; he had depth as a singer and songwriter, starting with wry and touching songs before becoming the Ambassador of Good Times.
  2. Music and creativity can play a significant role in mental health, with organizations like PoetsIN using creative writing to help those struggling with mental illness.
  3. Simple words and creativity can be powerful tools in navigating the complexities of life and supporting mental health struggles.

64. Time

The Line Between • 353 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  1. Making time for important tasks can be challenging, so it's valuable to find your most productive hours.
  2. Engaging with new subjects or perspectives can be stimulating and expand your knowledge.
  3. Having a reliable, hearty meal option can provide sustenance for long working days.

You Can't Win Them All

Between a Rock and a Card Place • 358 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  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.

community > conflict

if not, Paris • 353 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Focus on building a diverse and respectful community when discussing disagreements.
  2. Setting thoughtful intentions can guide personal growth and reflection throughout the year.
  3. Creating connections and sharing authentic experiences can lead to personal fulfillment and growth.

How I Write

Democratizing Automation • 395 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Creativity
  1. Writing improves with practice and prioritization. The more you write, the better you get at it.
  2. Finding your passion and voice is key to writing well. When you write about what you love, it becomes easier and more enjoyable.
  3. AI tools can support writing, but they also make it harder for new writers to learn. With auto-complete options, it takes more effort to become a good writer.

Miscellany and mental bric-a-brac

Disaffected Newsletter • 799 implied HN points • 03 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Try using half and half instead of milk for a creamier taste in your recipes. It’s a small change that can make things taste better.
  2. You don’t need a lot of different cleaners at home. You can make your own laundry detergent with simple ingredients you probably already have, saving money and reducing clutter.
  3. When you're bored, sing 'Crimson and Clover' but change the words to make it fun. It’s a silly way to lift your spirits!

There's nothing wrong with doing things because you want to look good

Sasha's 'Newsletter' • 2150 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. It's okay to strive to look good while pursuing your goals. Enjoying vanity-focused efforts alongside practical training can lead to better results and enjoyment in the process.
  2. Balancing aesthetics with functionality is important; looking good can have practical advantages, such as increased social opportunities.
  3. Engaging in the game of appearances doesn't make you vain; it can be a way to navigate social dynamics effectively and enhance your creative work with audience capture.

The Big Yard: Notes from a Pajama Birdwatcher

The Big Yard • 353 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  1. The author shares their experience with birdwatching from their home, especially during icy weather.
  2. Despite freezing temperatures, the author marvels at the resilience and survival strategies of the Anna's Hummingbirds.
  3. The narrative includes personal reflections on marriage and baking, intertwined with observations of bird species in the yard.

The Age of Noise

Cybernetic Forests • 239 implied HN points • 03 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  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.

Culture Study Classifieds! (Winter Edition)

Culture Study • 2308 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Share your services or store to reach a wider audience by posting in a classifieds section like this.
  2. Offer your skills for free or a low fee to help others, whether it's proofreading, grant writing tips, or providing other specific services.
  3. Showcase your creative work like photography, writing, music, or design in platforms that allow you to share with interested audiences.

Encore Anxiety

Working Theorys • 299 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Encore anxiety is the fear of letting down people who expect great work from you after you've impressed them before. It can be more stressful than simply worrying about not impressing anyone at all.
  2. Success can create pressure that makes it harder to create freely. When you have an audience, you start to worry more about their expectations than your own creative ideas.
  3. To combat encore anxiety, focus on making work that feels true to you, rather than trying to please others. When you prioritize your own creative honesty, you’ll find more joy in the work.

Captain Obvious: a personal essay

Design Lobster • 579 implied HN points • 21 Aug 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  1. Obviousness in writing can be seen negatively for lacking depth but celebrated in design for clarity and ease of use.
  2. Good writing avoids clichés and offers fresh perspectives, while good design balances between obviousness and experience for effective outcomes.
  3. Finding the right level of obviousness in design is crucial based on the project's focus on creating an experience or an outcome.

Needs more Flair

Austin Kleon • 1358 implied HN points • 24 Jan 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity
  1. The Paper Mate Flair pen is great for writing, especially in notebooks. Many people love how it writes smoothly and that it doesn't bleed through the pages.
  2. Using the Flair pen can be a bit tricky as it's water-based ink, which can fade if washed. Some people prefer more permanent inks after experiencing this.
  3. Despite past issues, the Flair pen is making a comeback in some people's writing routines because of its unique feel and style. It's fun to use and can bring creativity to note-taking.

The Value of a Gift

Seven Senses • 419 implied HN points • 09 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Gifts should not just be about money; they represent our care, attention, and creativity. The true value of a gift comes from the thoughtfulness behind it.
  2. Making gifts yourself can be more meaningful and enjoyable. It helps to reduce the pressure and consumerism often associated with gift-giving.
  3. Connecting with loved ones through gifting creates special moments and can deepen relationships. The happiness in giving comes from sharing experiences rather than the price of the gift.

When the Mask Drops: Trying, Failing, and Re-Finding Myself

Caravanserai with Samantha Childress • 569 implied HN points • 17 Feb 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Creativity
  1. The author struggled with finding time and headspace to write due to working full-time, but decided to post twice a month to make the newsletter more sustainable.
  2. The author felt like a failure for not keeping up with their original writing goals, but realized that quality is more important than quantity.
  3. By being more sincere at work and letting the 'mask' drop, the author found more freedom to be themselves and write more authentically.

How to avoid being legible (and why it's good)

Defender’s corner • 119 implied HN points • 10 May 24
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Explaining why "being legible" can be a challenge leads to a new perspective on creative work and self-expression.
  2. Embracing uncertainty and allowing oneself to follow instincts can lead to more productivity and a sense of fulfillment.
  3. Being comfortable with saying "I don't know" as a valid answer can alleviate anxiety and promote a healthier approach to creativity.

The Collapse of Hollywood

Development Hell • 276 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. The entertainment industry may seem like it's collapsing with big companies acquiring smaller ones and existing companies facing challenges, but it's not as dramatic as it sounds.
  2. The entertainment industry is driven by profit and existing intellectual property, not creative integrity or risky original ideas.
  3. Despite the challenges in the industry, it's important to stay focused on your work, be resilient, and not be overly concerned with the overall industry difficulties.

⬜ Notes on format

One Thing • 395 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Creativity
  1. Neighborhood restaurants like Tail Up Goat focus on a coherent vision, care, and unexpected surprises, qualities desired in media publications.
  2. One Thing newsletter aims for reliability with interest, focusing on quality, specificity, and texture in the content.
  3. The project explores a new form of 'corner-store microblogging' to move away from formulaic content creation, prioritizing authenticity, creativity, and discussions among cultural friends.