The hottest Expression Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Art & Illustration Topics

dancing with the brain demons: what artists really need (spoiler: each other)

Both Are True • 65 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Art Creativity Community Expression Identity
  1. Artists often struggle with inner doubts and negative thoughts, which can be seen as 'demonic messages' that hinder creativity. It's important to recognize these feelings and understand they are part of the creative process.
  2. Balancing being an artist with helping other artists is a challenge, but creating supportive spaces for collaboration and interaction can be rewarding and impactful.
  3. Community is essential for artists; connecting with others can provide motivation, inspiration, and a sense of belonging that enhances the creative experience.

Pourquoi l'art nul nous gêne ?

L'Atelier Galita • 99 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Art Music Hobbies Expression Leisure
  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.

poetry as the current state of American media

Tumbleweed Words • 7 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Media Poetry Expression
  1. American media is chaotic and full of contradictions. It reflects a world where many things are happening at once.
  2. There are deep issues with governance and leadership. People feel unheard and question the decisions being made.
  3. Despite the turmoil, life goes on for many. People engage in everyday activities and seek entertainment amid the chaos.

Disorderly Creativity

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 170 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity Expression Inspiration Art Theory Literature
  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.

Why did clothing become boring?

Res Obscura • 5754 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Fashion History Art Society 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.
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prompts for human beings

Both Are True • 71 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
📚 Literature Writing Creativity Expression Inspiration Workshops
  1. Prompts are meant for humans, not for AI. It's important to reflect on them personally and explore what's blocking your creativity.
  2. When you face a writing block, consider writing about the block itself. This can lead to discovering deeper insights and surprising outcomes in your writing.
  3. The element of surprise is crucial in good writing. Explore unexpected paths in your ideas to keep your writing fresh and engaging.

Undead

ASK MOLLY • 6662 implied HN points • 05 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Gender Writing Expression Identity Opinion
  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

Almost everything I've written seems wrong now

Sasha's 'Newsletter' • 2302 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
📚 Literature Writing Authors Personal Reflection Creative Process 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.

Against Branding (and Sarah Fay)

Castalia • 4895 implied HN points • 01 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Writing Branding Identity Expression Media
  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.

What Is Substack For?

Castalia • 3017 implied HN points • 21 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Writing Community Publishing Art 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.

Writing Wrapped

Working Theorys • 148 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
📚 Literature Writing Essays Philosophy Creativity Expression
  1. Writing regularly can help you find your voice and improve your skills over time. Even when life gets busy, making writing a priority can yield great results.
  2. Experimenting with different forms of expression and creativity is important. It's good to refresh your approach and try new things to keep your work interesting.
  3. Sharing personal reflections and insights can connect you with others. Writing about your journey and experiences makes your work relatable and engaging.

That Time of Year Again

The Commonplace • 529 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art Writing Literature Community 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.

Should this be a map or 500 maps?

escape the algorithm • 279 implied HN points • 11 Jun 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Design Maps Creative work Expression Internet Art
  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.

I really need your help

Tumbleweed Words • 21 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Poetry Art Literature Expression Community
  1. Poets on Substack feel overlooked and want more visibility. They believe their voices deserve to be heard on this platform.
  2. The writer asks readers to help featured poems get recognized by liking a specific post. Simple actions from readers can make a big difference.
  3. There's a desire for a special edition focused on poetry in Substack Reads. This would celebrate poetic contributions and help poets gain the attention they seek.

A Kid Who Loved to Draw

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

This isn't what I wanted to write

Both Are True • 282 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
📚 Literature Writing Personal Creativity Expression Anecdotes
  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.

Freedom of enquiry in academia is dead, murdered by Professor Plum in the library with the lead piping of identity politics.

Heterodox STEM • 206 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🚌 Education Academia Freedom Expression Politics Censorship
  1. Academic freedom is under threat, with many professors feeling censored by current identity politics. This makes it hard for them to express differing views openly.
  2. Modern universities are focusing more on adhering to policies rather than encouraging innovation and critical thinking. This shift is harming the quality of education.
  3. There is a call for a return to objective truth and open discussions in academia. Without diverse opinions and debates, intellectual growth is stunted.

Bored in an exam

Obvious Bicycle • 526 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
📚 Literature Poetry Writing Education Creativity 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.

Let The Espresso Martinis Speak!

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

Paper Pixels

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

All good things must begin (again)

Austin Kleon • 2178 implied HN points • 10 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Writing Expression Creativity
  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.

Exhumations and Resolutions

The Lifeboat • 149 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
📚 Literature Poetry Writing Prose Music Art Expression
  1. Art is a way to express our feelings and ideas, even if it feels abstract or confusing. It's important to keep creating, no matter the medium.
  2. Writing music and poetry can be a fun challenge. It’s good to learn the skills needed to improve and enjoy the process.
  3. Setting resolutions helps to focus on creative goals, like finishing a project or getting others to read your work. Sharing those goals can motivate you and others.

Why aren’t there more websites about love?

escape the algorithm • 679 implied HN points • 27 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Love Art Internet Expression Community
  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 Internet culture Self-Publishing Digital Platforms Community Building 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 Writing Community Expression Creativity Art
  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.

All the Internet's a Stage

Trying In Public • 159 implied HN points • 28 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Digital Presence Self-doubt 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.

Why I Write (An Invitation)

Neckar’s Notes • 150 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
📚 Literature Writing Reading Creative Process Expression Literary Criticism
  1. Writing can be a way to understand ourselves better. It helps us process our thoughts and experiences by putting them on the page.
  2. Writing allows for a connection with others and can express feelings that are hard to communicate otherwise. It's a way to share our truths and experiences.
  3. Engaging in writing regularly can be transformative and fulfilling. It offers a method to explore our inner thoughts and feelings while keeping us present in our lives.