The hottest Graphic design Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Designing 'One Hundred and One Dalmatians'

Animation Obsessive • 42606 implied HN points • 19 Jan 26
🎨 Art & Illustration Graphic design
  1. One Hundred and One Dalmatians introduced a bold, modern graphic look for Disney, using angular shapes, scratchy lines and loose color so the drawings were meant to be seen.
  2. The film leaned on Xerox to put animators’ pencil lines directly on cels and to layer drawn layouts over painted backgrounds, which saved money and created a lively, hand-drawn texture but required much cleaner drawing.
  3. It was a big collaborative success and a commercial hit, yet its modern style clashed with Walt Disney’s taste and remained a rare experiment rather than a lasting studio direction.

The story of Sublime's logo

The Sublime Newsletter • 534 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🪑 Design Graphic design
  1. Logos represent more than their appearance. They carry deeper meanings that connect with feelings and ideas, like innovation or nostalgia.
  2. Choosing a designer that breaks the mold can lead to unique and creative outcomes. Sometimes the riskier choice is to step outside the norm.
  3. The journey of creating something, like a logo, is just as important as the final product. It's about collaboration, sharing ideas, and making something beautiful together.

Earlywood: Making Things Hard/Easy

The American Peasant • 1796 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
🪑 Design Graphic design
  1. The balance between making tasks hard or easy can impact productivity. If a task is too hard, people may give up, but if it's too easy, they might lose interest.
  2. Finding the right level of challenge can help improve skills and keep people engaged. It's important to push yourself just enough without overwhelming yourself.
  3. Understanding how to adjust difficulty levels can lead to better learning experiences. When tasks are balanced, it encourages growth and motivation.

The toil of (blog) art

lcamtuf’s thing • 11019 implied HN points • 18 Jan 26
🎨 Art & Illustration Graphic design
  1. Illustrations often take the most work in a technical blog and can require as much or more time than writing the text.
  2. Building a simple, consistent workflow and a reusable library of elements (scale, line thickness, fonts, colors) makes creating clear technical diagrams much faster and keeps a coherent style.
  3. Use the right tools for the job — photography, CAD, Excalidraw, Affinity — and apply deliberate visual tricks like shadows, outlines, and afterimages to imply depth, motion, or emphasis in 2D illustrations.

Visualizing Research: How I Use Gemini 3.0 to Turn Papers into Comics

Gonzo ML • 630 implied HN points • 24 Nov 25
🕹 Technology Graphic design
  1. The Gemini 3.0 Pro Image model, also known as Nano Banana Pro, is great for creating infographics and comics from academic papers. It can really change how we visualize research.
  2. Generating graphic novels from paper summaries is a fun way to review research. Using visuals can make complex ideas much easier to understand.
  3. For the best results with image generation, it's helpful to break tasks into steps and use precise prompts. This means creating a script first and then generating images based on that script.
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Beautiful ugly websites

Product Identity • 931 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🪑 Design Graphic design
  1. Function is often more important than form in design. A good example of this is Craigslist, which proves that a simple and effective website can succeed despite being visually plain.
  2. Some websites that are considered 'ugly' actually have a unique charm and authenticity. They focus on heavy text and straightforward layouts, showing that simplicity can be powerful.
  3. While aesthetics matter, there is a shift towards appreciating simple designs that prioritize usability over flashy elements. This challenges the trend of over-designed websites.

How The Sparkle Icon Became The Universal Symbol For AI

Teaching computers how to talk • 83 implied HN points • 15 Jan 26
🪑 Design Graphic design
  1. The sparkle icon has become the common visual shorthand for AI, borrowing the “magic” metaphor to make the technology instantly recognizable.
  2. That tiny sparkle helps companies sell a sense of wonder. It can also hide the heavy costs and human work behind AI, like data scraping, annotation, and massive data centers.
  3. The sparkle will likely fade as AI becomes ordinary, and that’s a good thing because normalizing the tech invites more scrutiny of its real impacts on politics, labor, and society.

The Joy Of Craftsmanship

Daily Dreher • 1375 implied HN points • 25 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Graphic design
  1. Consider investing in higher quality, handmade products to have fewer, but more valuable possessions.
  2. Finding well-made, bespoke items that fit perfectly can bring a lot of joy and convenience.
  3. Supporting small, local craftsmen can lead to owning beautiful, unique pieces that hold special meaning.

We're at 50 Pages

OK Doomer • 106 implied HN points • 20 Dec 25
🎨 Art & Illustration Graphic design
  1. The illustrated survival guide has reached 50 pages and is now a real, tangible project tackling practical topics to prepare for a changing world.
  2. The work is drawing excitement and support, with more positive updates promised soon.
  3. An overview and project link are available for people to read, share, and send ideas, and the team is pausing for a short trip before the next update.

We Need an Illustrated Survival Guide

OK Doomer • 109 implied HN points • 09 Dec 25
🎨 Art & Illustration Graphic design
  1. Someone is building an illustrated survival guide that aims to cover everything it possibly can.
  2. The guide will rely heavily on detailed images and illustrations to explain skills and concepts visually.
  3. The project is asking for reader support through subscriptions or contributions to help fund and finish it.

#141 Very superstitious

Design Lobster • 619 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
🪑 Design Graphic design
  1. Designers are superstitious about alignment because it signals care and attention to detail in the design process.
  2. Small design choices, like the shape of an iron fish, can have a big impact on user behavior and address practical issues, like iron deficiency.
  3. Designing for human beings is not a formula - the most effective designs often emerge from understanding human behavior, even if it seems irrational.

Nathan Yau's friendly voice

Alberto Cairo's The Art of Insight • 99 implied HN points • 29 May 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Graphic design
  1. Nathan Yau is known for making data visualization fun and approachable, both in his blog and his book, 'Visualize This'.
  2. The second edition of 'Visualize This' offers updated examples and tools, making it more cohesive than the first edition.
  3. Reading Yau's work feels like getting hands-on help from an experienced designer, which makes learning enjoyable.

#148 Music to my eyes

Design Lobster • 179 implied HN points • 01 Apr 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Graphic design
  1. Music visualisation dates back to as early as the 18th century with instruments like the Ocular Harpsichord by Lousi Bertrand Castel in 1725.
  2. The iconic album cover for Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon teaches the power of condensing design into a single, impactful image.
  3. Designers can blend different senses creatively in their designs, like how music visualisation fuses sound and visuals in surprising ways.

The Face of Nazi Propaganda

The Forgotten Files • 275 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
💾 History Graphic design
  1. Nazi propaganda in WWII was used to demoralize and discredit the Allies
  2. Propaganda posters often depicted grotesque images of Churchill and Britain as an octopus
  3. The propaganda aimed to highlight defeats and setbacks of the British naval and military forces

#143 Chop and Awe

Design Lobster • 379 implied HN points • 18 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Graphic design
  1. Bold graphic design can involve cutting up logos for a fresh look.
  2. Designers can have fun with typography to transform familiar symbols into something unique.
  3. Good typography choice can bring life and emotion to text, going beyond mere functionality.

How to Create Your Own Stunning Ebook Effortlessly With Canva

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 539 implied HN points • 12 Aug 23
🪑 Design Graphic design
  1. You can easily create an eBook without being a graphic design expert. Canva provides user-friendly tools to help you design stunning eBooks.
  2. There are many resources available that guide you through the eBook creation process. This makes it approachable for anyone, even beginners.
  3. Offering free eBooks can be a great way to share your knowledge and connect with others. It’s a good strategy to engage your audience.

Niche product design

Product Identity • 257 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🪑 Design Graphic design
  1. Niche product design is becoming more popular as people seek unique and authentic designs that stand out from the mainstream. Designers are finding inspiration in smaller, lesser-known projects rather than big tech companies.
  2. As companies grow and aim for larger audiences, they often lose their originality and creativity. Instead of focusing on growth, some businesses are exploring their identities and making products that connect with specific communities.
  3. The internet still offers a lot of space for new and exciting designs. By looking beyond the usual sources, designers can find innovative ideas and embrace a new wave of creativity.

Canva's New AI-Magic for Writers🪄 — Here's What You Need To Know (With Video)

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 419 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Graphic design
  1. Canva has launched new AI tools that help writers create and manage content more easily. They offer features like text-to-image and text-to-video generators, making creative tasks simpler.
  2. The tutorial includes a step-by-step guide to using these new features, which can help improve online writing and design skills. It’s a great resource for anyone looking to elevate their creative projects.
  3. There's an opportunity to win a coaching session by commenting on the YouTube video, adding an interactive element for users to engage with the content. It's a fun way to connect and learn more.

Usability Testing Process Explained in Comic Strips

Jakob Nielsen on UX • 52 implied HN points • 04 Dec 25
🪑 Design Graphic design
  1. Usability testing has a 12-step process that applies to different types of products like apps, websites, and appliances. Following all the steps is usually best for teams new to user research.
  2. Using comic strips can make the usability testing process easier to understand. Different styles can be used to show various details and keep it fun.
  3. Incorporating character reference sheets helps maintain consistency in drawing characters when telling a story. This is crucial for clear storytelling in comics.

WILD, WILD WOMEN: FLORA AND FAUNA (PART 2)

Secretum Secretorum • 505 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🎨 Art & Illustration Graphic design
  1. Women have a strong connection to nature and can embody wildness in their spirit. Embracing this can lead to a deeper appreciation for the environment.
  2. The characteristics of flora and fauna can be seen as reflections of feminine energy. Understanding these connections can enrich our perception of both women and nature.
  3. Celebrating wild women means recognizing their power and resilience. It's essential to honor and uplift these qualities in ourselves and others.

Elegant Solutions

David Friedman’s Substack • 404 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🪑 Design Graphic design
  1. Using both words and numbers when writing a check helps reduce mistakes, making it much harder to misread the amount. It's a clever way to prevent errors and fraud.
  2. The design of everyday items, like rubber spatulas and manhole covers, often has simple solutions to practical problems. These designs make them more useful in various situations.
  3. When faced with a decision or a problem, looking for the simplest and most practical solution is key. Sometimes, the best way to find a solution is to observe how things are naturally done.

how are those design studies going?

vrk loves paper • 219 implied HN points • 06 Sep 23
🪑 Design Graphic design
  1. Recognizing a fear of judgment is important when learning something new, like fashion or design. It's okay to need time to learn and grow without worrying about how you look to others.
  2. Instead of focusing solely on perfection in design, aim to create joyfully and embrace mistakes. It's about the process, not just the final product.
  3. Learning takes time and comes with feelings of being behind, but having supportive friends and a clear vision of your goals can help you stay motivated.

the first one's the bad one!

vrk loves paper • 199 implied HN points • 05 Oct 23
🪑 Design Graphic design
  1. When working on goals, it's better to focus on whether the problems that come with them are interesting and fulfilling for you. Every goal has challenges, so choose the ones you want to tackle.
  2. In design, it's important to sketch many different ideas, even if they seem odd or wrong at first. Your first attempt is usually not your best, so keep exploring different options.
  3. Using references that resonate with you can make the design process easier and more enjoyable. It's fine to start with things you're familiar with before branching out to more complex inspirations.

I HAVE IMPROVED AT DESIGN 😤

vrk loves paper • 159 implied HN points • 08 Nov 23
🪑 Design Graphic design
  1. Design skills can improve over time with practice. The recent work showed noticeable growth compared to earlier projects.
  2. A recent event, the Receipt Printer Meetup, was a success with many attendees enjoying the chaos and fun of printing stickers together.
  3. New creative projects, like the 'Dogs of Fate,' are exciting and can be made quickly, inspiring continued exploration and development of ideas.

Z & Walker Behl: Storm the Capitol

Do Not Research • 39 implied HN points • 29 Apr 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Graphic design
  1. The 'Insurrection in a Box - The Big Edition' game by Z & Walker Behl transforms the hit game 'Storm the Capitol' into a life size sculptural installation.
  2. The game involves moving avatars around the Capitol Building to find items like senator hostages and AOC's shoes, with the objective of reaching Trump's helicopter first.
  3. Using art to explore image power and its impact on politics, social media, and global capitalism challenges us to envision a new future, united in questioning established institutions.

☞ Creating a Typeface: Humanist Computer

Cabinet of Wonders • 231 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🪑 Design Graphic design
  1. Designing your own typeface can be a fun and creative hobby. It's a way to express yourself and combine art with practical use.
  2. Creating a monospaced typeface for coding can make programming feel more magical, like working with ancient texts.
  3. Working on a typeface is an ongoing process. Even if it's not perfect, seeing your progress can be really rewarding and inspiring.

#117 It's a blow out

Design Lobster • 399 implied HN points • 05 Sep 22
🪑 Design Graphic design
  1. Designing with air can lead to innovative products like the Dyson Airwrap that uses the Coanda Effect to create curls without excessive heat, showcasing the importance of understanding and utilizing physics in design.
  2. Consider emotional and symbolic factors in design, as seen in the case of the IKEA inflatable furniture series from the 1990s that faced practical issues and failed to provide a comfortable user experience.
  3. Whitespace, like air, is essential for design to breathe. Remember the significance of negative space in layouts and compositions when things feel cluttered.

Super Sundry, Vol. 1

Chartography • 117 implied HN points • 13 Jun 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Graphic design
  1. Mathematician discovered a shape that can be tiled without repeating pattern, shown in a data map.
  2. Retired professor highlighted alarming anomalies in ocean temperature and sea ice extent through powerful graphics.
  3. Exploring robotic arts and geometric designs from the 1950s, showcasing artistic QR codes and industrial perfection.

Apple Saket

Tabletops • 117 implied HN points • 24 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Graphic design
  1. Apple opened its first store in New Delhi, Apple Saket, just 2 days after its first store in Mumbai.
  2. Apple Saket's unique store design makes it look open and almost freestanding in the mall.
  3. Despite the size difference, both Apple BKC and Apple Saket in India have been consistently packed with customers.

Discussing the present and future of visualization with Jon Schwabish

Alberto Cairo's The Art of Insight • 39 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🪑 Design Graphic design
  1. Visualization is changing fast, and it's important to keep up with new ideas and methods. This evolution makes it exciting to learn and grow in the field.
  2. There isn't a main online place where designers can share their work and chat about it yet. Having a common space could help everyone connect and improve together.
  3. The approach to design should focus on flexibility rather than strict rules. This mindset can benefit not just design work but also how we teach others about it.

Bayer's World

Chartography • 58 implied HN points • 25 Aug 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Graphic design
  1. Benjamin Benus's new book about Herbert Bayer's iconic work redefines past and future data graphics.
  2. Herbert Bayer was a Bauhaus designer whose talents were appreciated in advertising, art, and architecture in America.
  3. There is a growing collection of beautiful books about visionary information designers, such as W. E. B. Du Bois, Charles-Joseph Minard, and others.

Ten principles of good design

A Bit Gamey • 33 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🪑 Design Graphic design
  1. Good design should be simple and focus on what's really important. Less is more when it comes to creating functional products.
  2. A product must be useful, attractive, and easy to understand. If a product fails to meet these needs, it won't be successful.
  3. Sustainable design is vital, as it helps protect the environment and creates lasting products that avoid trends and fads.

An interview in 'Significance' magazine

Alberto Cairo's The Art of Insight • 19 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Graphic design
  1. Learning basic rules of data visualization helps you make better choices but it's also important to know that there aren't hard and fast rules. Understanding conventions allows you to decide how to present data effectively.
  2. Using a bar graph is often better than a pie chart for comparing numbers, but beyond that, your choices matter more than following strict rules.
  3. The key is to use the knowledge you've gained about perception and cognition to guide your decisions, creating a unique approach to data visualization.