The hottest Illustration Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Art & Illustration Topics

A Burning City

Animation Obsessive • 8521 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation Film Illustration
  1. Katsuhiro Otomo's short film 'Combustible' showcases his unique storytelling style, featuring a deep emotional core and a focus on the Edo period in Japan. It's a departure from his earlier work like 'Akira', emphasizing a personal and experimental approach.
  2. The animation in 'Combustible' combines traditional art styles with modern technology, allowing for intricate designs and details that highlight the beauty of the Edo era. Otomo aimed for a blend of history and contemporary techniques.
  3. Despite its compelling qualities, 'Combustible' remains relatively obscure compared to Otomo's more famous works. Nonetheless, it proves that he is a versatile director with a wide range of creative capabilities beyond just 'Akira'.

Classics Corner: Corduroy

Readable Moments Book Club • 396 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
📚 Literature Children's Books Illustration Classic literature Storytelling
  1. Corduroy is a story about a bear who wants to find a home and a child, Lisa, who sees his worth despite his missing button. It shows the importance of loving something for its uniqueness.
  2. The illustrations in Corduroy are charming and convey deep emotions, making the story more special. They help readers connect with Corduroy’s longing to be loved.
  3. Corduroy’s journey reflects a common human experience of wanting to belong, reminding readers about the deep desire for acceptance and a place to call home.

What Didn't Get In

Animation Obsessive • 1614 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation Illustration Art history Film
  1. Katsuhiro Otomo is well known for his detailed storyboards, and many of his early works are now available to view online for the first time.
  2. Mary Blair's seldom-seen artwork related to Disney films has been shared, showcasing her unique style and contribution.
  3. An interview with animator Tony White reveals more insights and stories from his work in animation, adding depth to understanding his projects.
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Drawing an unlikeness

Austin Kleon • 1738 implied HN points • 07 May 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Illustration Drawing Culture History Literature
  1. Ralph Steadman and Hunter S. Thompson had a unique partnership that started with the Kentucky Derby. Their first collaboration was more about their friendship than the actual event.
  2. Steadman's drawings of people sometimes upset them, which confused him because people in England usually accept caricatures lightly.
  3. Trying blind contour drawing helped explore the idea of not needing to create a perfect likeness. It's okay to let loose and embrace the 'unlikeness' in your art.

The Great (im)Balance

Endless Explorations • 79 implied HN points • 27 Sep 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Design Creativity Illustration Self-Expression Art Theory
  1. Everyone has a logical side and an intuitive side. The logical side helps us stay on track, while the intuitive side can inspire creativity and lead to new ideas.
  2. Balancing logic and intuition is important for personal growth. We often suppress our creative side, but letting it express itself can lead to amazing results.
  3. Everyone has an inner voice that deserves to be heard. Listening to this voice and nurturing our creativity can unlock opportunities for more fulfilling experiences.

Introducing Vittles Prints

Vittles • 84 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art Illustration Design Photography Food
  1. Vittles is launching six new art prints in a collaboration with two artists, Sing Yun Lee and Michaël Protin.
  2. The prints feature vibrant illustrations and photos related to food and culture, adding a unique visual element to the Vittles brand.
  3. These prints are available for purchase, and the team plans to expand their selection in the future.

Processing: How David Small Illustrated and Wrote The Werewolf at Dusk

Counter Craft • 168 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Graphic novels Fiction Illustration Storytelling Visual Arts
  1. David Small creates art that shows big feelings and fears, often inspired by monster movies he loved as a kid. He relates to the giant creatures and uses them to express those feelings in his work.
  2. When deciding on colors and styles for his illustrations, he chooses what fits the mood of each story. For example, he picked bright colors for one story to match its lively vibe, while another used darker colors to create a more serious tone.
  3. Small emphasizes that in graphic novels, visuals are very important. Writers need to trust artists to bring their stories to life without over-directing them.

Monoganimals

Seven Senses • 519 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Illustration Zines Visual art Creativity Workshops
  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.

#149 "Fidgetability"

Design Lobster • 219 implied HN points • 13 May 24
🪑 Design Interaction Objects Quotes Illustration
  1. Designing interactions that compel people to play with them can enhance user experience and create emotional connections.
  2. Considering touch-inviting elements in design, like objects with fidgetable properties, can improve engagement.
  3. Incorporating pleasurable and playful elements into design can have a significant impact on user perception and enjoyment.

#145 Hidden colours

Design Lobster • 499 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🪑 Design Color Theory Creativity Illustration Art
  1. The HSB color model provides an intuitive way to choose colors, focusing on hue, saturation, and brightness, which can help create cohesive color palettes.
  2. Disney uses colors like 'Go-Away Green' to de-emphasize necessary yet unsightly elements in their parks, demonstrating how color can direct attention and create specific atmospheres.
  3. Color in design is a powerful tool for communication, allowing designers to convey messages and emotions without using words.

Total Eclipse of the Heart

On Looking • 259 implied HN points • 08 Apr 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual Arts Photography Illustration Drawing Painting
  1. Eclipses provide a unique opportunity to witness the majestic beauty of cosmic events, reminding us of the intricate alignment of celestial bodies.
  2. The experience of observing an eclipse challenges our perception of reality, showcasing how our brain interprets electromagnetic waves and alters our vision.
  3. Looking directly at an eclipse can be harmful and cause solar retinopathy, emphasizing the importance of protective eyewear and caution during such rare events.

Drawing at the skate park

Austin Kleon • 1698 implied HN points • 11 Nov 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Illustration Drawing Art events Creative Process
  1. Spending one-on-one time with kids is really important. It helps you create special memories and strengthen your bond with them.
  2. Reading can offer unique insights into relationships and creativity. Books like Ada Calhoun’s memoir can inspire thought about family dynamics and artistry.
  3. Music and art have a lasting impact. Remembering and exploring the work of musicians and artists who have passed can help keep their legacy alive.

Needs more Flair

Austin Kleon • 1358 implied HN points • 24 Jan 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Illustration Design Creativity Writing Tools
  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.