The hottest Expression Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Art & Illustration Topics

Pourquoi l'art nul nous gêne ?

L'Atelier Galita • 99 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Expression
  1. People often feel uncomfortable about art that isn't amazing because they worry about what others might think. It's okay to enjoy art just for fun, just like playing sports.
  2. Not all artists want to become professionals. Many create art simply for their own enjoyment and happiness.
  3. The experience of making art, even if it's not technically good, can be one of the best parts of life. Finding something creative you love can really enrich your life.

Undead

ASK MOLLY • 6662 implied HN points • 05 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Expression
  1. The author reflects on societal expectations and challenges faced by unfamous women writers
  2. Exploring the pressure to conform to traditional roles and the struggle to be authentic and outspoken
  3. Discussing the importance of speaking out and sharing experiences, despite societal expectations

my variations

sweater weather • 4894 implied HN points • 28 Nov 23
📚 Literature Expression
  1. Repetition compulsion and variation are key elements discussed.
  2. Reflection on personal growth and understanding of past selves.
  3. Importance of staying true to one's unique perspective in creative work.

Why Write Anything

CRAFT TALK • 5070 implied HN points • 19 Sep 23
📚 Literature Expression
  1. Having a quiet space like a porch can impact your creative process positively.
  2. Social media can be a mixed bag for creativity and connection.
  3. Meaningful writing requires genuine intent and thoughtfulness.

Against Branding (and Sarah Fay)

Castalia • 4895 implied HN points • 01 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Expression
  1. Writing should be about exploration and self-discovery, not just about building a brand or following. Writers should feel free to express their thoughts without worrying about market trends.
  2. The idea of 'branding' can limit creativity and individual expression. People should resist pressure to conform to easy, recognizable formats in their writing.
  3. Substack was meant to be a platform for genuine writing, not just a marketplace for consumer-driven content. It's important to keep the spirit of originality and experimentation alive.
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What Is Substack For?

Castalia • 3017 implied HN points • 21 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Expression
  1. Substack can help writers make money from their work, encouraging them to think like entrepreneurs and market their writing effectively.
  2. Some argue that Substack is more about building a community of writers, emphasizing creativity and support over money.
  3. Another view is to see Substack as a base for writing, where authors can share their voice while also engaging with wider audiences through different platforms.

Why did clothing become boring?

Res Obscura • 5754 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Expression
  1. Clothing became more boring because it shifted from being handmade and unique to mass-produced and cheap. This change made individual items less valuable and less personal.
  2. The Industrial Revolution played a big role in making clothes more affordable, allowing people to own many outfits but reducing the distinctiveness of each piece.
  3. As social norms changed and people gained more freedom, they found other ways to express themselves that didn't rely on clothing, leading to a simpler style in fashion.

A New Comments Section Policy

Glenn Loury • 4146 implied HN points • 24 May 23
🎭️ Culture Expression
  1. Paying subscribers will be the only ones allowed to leave comments on future posts.
  2. The community's dynamic is shaped by those who are most invested in it.
  3. Implementing more flexible commenting policies is a goal for the near future.

Should this be a map or 500 maps?

escape the algorithm • 279 implied HN points • 11 Jun 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Expression
  1. A story about 500 priests tasked with map-making highlights the contrast between shared protocols and individual expressiveness.
  2. The experiment's failure underlines the idea that modularity can limit expressiveness in creative work and systems.
  3. Expressiveness in design often involves a trade-off between specificity and adaptability, seen in various aspects of our designed world.

A Kid Who Loved to Draw

Shades of Greaves • 727 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Expression
  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.

Almost everything I've written seems wrong now

Sasha's 'Newsletter' • 2302 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
📚 Literature Expression
  1. Many writers feel that their past work no longer reflects their current ideas. They might find their old writing overly simplistic or disagreeable.
  2. Personal growth and changing beliefs make it hard to reconcile old writing with new thoughts. It's challenging to explain complex ideas that now contradict previous statements.
  3. Instead of worrying about regrets or how future readers will judge them, writers find peace in seeing their work as an offering. They hope that readers will learn and grow from both the mistakes and successes in their writing.

Let The Espresso Martinis Speak!

Castalia • 619 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
📚 Literature Expression
  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.

Paper Pixels

Seven Senses • 1039 implied HN points • 29 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Expression
  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.

All good things must begin (again)

Austin Kleon • 2178 implied HN points • 10 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Expression
  1. Starting fresh can be tough, but it's okay to take your time. Sometimes it helps to focus on the little things that motivate you every day.
  2. Writing isn’t always about creating new ideas; it's also about rediscovering old ones and sharing them again. What you say can still be valuable even if others have said it before.
  3. Using notebook affirmations can uplift your spirit and give you the push you need to create. Remind yourself of your goals and why you love writing to stay inspired.

Why aren’t there more websites about love?

escape the algorithm • 679 implied HN points • 27 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Expression
  1. Love can be expressed through creating websites as love letters, capturing emotions and longing in digital spaces.
  2. Personal websites allow for intimate expressions of love and the reclaiming of digital space for genuine connection.
  3. The internet's potential for expressions of love is hindered by platform constraints, detaching communication from genuine emotions.

The Doc Web

escape the algorithm • 718 implied HN points • 15 May 23
🎭️ Culture Expression
  1. A doc created can easily transition from a private space to a public domain with a simple click of a share button.
  2. Google Docs is more than just a word processor; it forms a unique, vast network known as the 'Doc Web' with subtle yet powerful publishing capabilities.
  3. The widespread accessibility and simplicity of Google Docs as a publishing tool can challenge traditional power dynamics and lead to unconventional forms of expression and shared knowledge.

Anniversary

Castalia • 699 implied HN points • 24 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Expression
  1. Writing is a personal journey, and it's important to express yourself authentically without worrying about pleasing others. This way, you can share your true thoughts and experiences here.
  2. There’s a shift happening in writing that values individual voices over traditional publishing authority. People want to hear from real individuals rather than just big organizations.
  3. Writing can be an ongoing process where you learn and grow while sharing. It's possible to merge your work and personal interests, making writing something you love to do all the time.

Hidden Open Thread 365.5

Astral Codex Ten • 688 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Expression
  1. This post is meant for paid subscribers only. If you want to read it, you need to subscribe.
  2. There is a discussion happening in the comments section that you can join if you are a subscriber.
  3. The post seems to be a way for subscribers to engage and share thoughts on various topics.

Keep

ASK MOLLY • 511 implied HN points • 07 Sep 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Expression
  1. The post discusses self-reflection and paying attention to one's emotions.
  2. It emphasizes the importance of believing in what you feel and not dismissing your emotions.
  3. The content is geared towards paid subscribers.

All the Internet's a Stage

Trying In Public • 159 implied HN points • 28 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Expression
  1. Content creation is a form of public speaking, online platforms offer a stage for sharing expertise.
  2. Fear of judgment and visibility online is common, leading to digital stage fright and reluctance to share.
  3. Despite challenges, seeking common ground with others attempting similar feats can provide comfort and remind us that we are not alone in the online space.

Writing and living, and living and writing.

The Mind Nodes • 216 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
📚 Literature Expression
  1. Writer's block can cause doubts and challenges when trying to write coherently and creatively.
  2. Accessing feelings and imagination are key components to creating meaningful and engaging writing.
  3. Overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome can be part of the journey to finding one's voice as a writer.

That Time of Year Again

The Commonplace • 529 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Expression
  1. The author has decided to only ask for support from readers once a year to avoid annoying them. This is meant to strike a balance between needing support and not bombarding people with requests.
  2. Despite a drop in paid subscribers because of infrequent posts, the author feels freer and continues to write for enjoyment rather than just for income. They've adjusted their subscription price to make it more accessible.
  3. The author believes in sticking to their artistic principles, even if it leads to less income. They value the community of long-term supporters and continue writing regardless of financial pressures.

How to protect your voice in the age of outrage

Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky • 210 implied HN points • 08 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Expression
  1. Build a supportive community to encourage open discussions. It helps if your friends can handle different opinions without turning against you.
  2. Aim for financial independence to speak your mind without fear of losing your job. Having multiple income sources can give you more freedom and security.
  3. Know what you're willing to risk when standing up for your beliefs. Some battles are worth fighting, while others can be let go without regret.

Grand Spaces ~ Spanned Graces

Opaque Hourglass • 219 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
📚 Literature Expression
  1. Spoonerisms, like rhyming transpositions, are considered a low form of literary art, creating an illusion of meaning through coincidental sounds.
  2. The poem consists of numerous spoonerisms arranged in a creative manner, showcasing the fun and playful aspect of wordplay.
  3. The text explores various themes and concepts through the use of spoonerisms, demonstrating the versatility of this linguistic technique.

On Fluidity...

Development Hell • 375 implied HN points • 26 Aug 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Expression
  1. The post discusses the concept of fluidity and the importance of not limiting oneself.
  2. Screenwriters are facing challenges due to strikes in entertainment industry guilds, impacting their ability to work and get paid.
  3. The post invites readers to subscribe to Development Hell for access to full post archives with a 7-day free trial.

Bored in an exam

Obvious Bicycle • 526 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
📚 Literature Expression
  1. Students often feel bored during exams and sometimes struggle to stay focused. It's common for thoughts to wander and distractions to creep in.
  2. There's a mutual understanding between teachers and students about the exam stress, but it can feel awkward when everyone knows it.
  3. Many students wish they had studied more before the exam, realizing too late that they haven't prepared properly. This leads to a cycle of regret during the test.

The Harmony of Opposites: A Creative Workshop Series

Seven Senses • 179 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Expression
  1. The workshop focuses on combining two opposing themes: Light & Shadow, and Movement & Stillness. Participants will explore how these dualities can enhance their creativity.
  2. Activities will include writing and drawing prompts, meditation, and visual contemplations. These exercises aim to help participants understand their creative habits and try new approaches.
  3. The sessions are held live on Zoom, but recordings will be available for those who register. It's a great opportunity for paid subscribers to engage in creative exploration.

Disorderly Creativity

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 170 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🎨 Art & Illustration Expression
  1. Creativity often feels chaotic and unpredictable. It's important to embrace that disorder rather than trying to control it with logic.
  2. Art is more about emotions than just ideas. Creating purely from thoughts can lead to dull and flat outcomes.
  3. To spark true creativity, step away from your usual patterns and allow yourself to engage with the mysterious and unknown parts of your mind.

some honest words about the batcave wherein i try hard to make less jokes than normal

Both Are True • 130 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Expression
  1. It's normal to struggle with sharing ideas and being open about what you want to do. Everyone finds it hard sometimes.
  2. Building a community where people can write and connect is important, and it can be really special when done together.
  3. Even if asking for help feels tough, it shows that what you're doing has value and can lead to a rewarding experience for everyone.

Fresh

ASK MOLLY • 255 implied HN points • 08 Apr 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Expression
  1. Spring is a time for new beginnings and growth.
  2. Don't let others bring you down, stay resilient and strong.
  3. Embrace your uniqueness and shine bright like a prime number.

writing my way home

Both Are True • 111 implied HN points • 22 Jul 25
📚 Literature Expression
  1. Writing can feel tough and confusing, almost like being stuck in jello. But pushing through those hard feelings is important.
  2. Finding the right form for your writing is a big deal. It can change everything and help reveal what you really want to say.
  3. Writing can be a way to feel at home again. When you find your rhythm, it feels like you've come back to yourself.

sunday memepool

bad cattitude • 97 implied HN points • 03 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Expression
  1. People often deceive themselves and ignore the truth about their situation. It's important to recognize when this is happening.
  2. We live in a society where it feels like there is a lot of persecution for different beliefs and opinions. This can create a tense atmosphere where people are afraid to speak up.
  3. Finding humor and lightness in difficult topics can help us cope with serious issues. Memes and jokes are a way for people to express themselves and connect.

This isn't what I wanted to write

Both Are True • 282 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
📚 Literature Expression
  1. It's okay to feel unsure and doubt your writing. Everyone goes through that, and it's part of the creative process.
  2. There isn't a perfect way to express your thoughts. What matters is that you share your feelings and ideas, even if they aren't flawless.
  3. Taking action, like writing something, is better than doing nothing. Every piece of writing contributes to your growth.