The hottest Illustration Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways

Substack Reads: Resurrecting Villanelle, join the funtervention, and rogue passengers

read • 15409 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24

British author brings back his iconic character, Villanelle, in a serialized novel
Daughter of Patti Smith shares insights from being in her mother's band
Cartoonist humorously recaps the craziest airplane incidents

Day 21. Visual Storytelling: Self-Portraits

DrawTogether with WendyMac • 2476 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24

🎨 Art & Illustration Visual storytelling Drawing Comics Illustration Creativity

Visual storytelling involves using drawing to communicate stories.
Every image tells a story, and visual cues can shape that story for the viewer.
Drawing can be used in various forms like comics, diagrams, data visualization, and more to tell stories.

Day 11. Delight: OUR CLOTHES!

DrawTogether with WendyMac • 2849 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24

🎨 Art & Illustration Drawing Fashion Illustration Artists Clothing

Our clothing holds stories and memories that we often overlook.
Drawing meaningful articles of clothing can help us experience and let go of sentimental objects.
Artists like Van Gogh, Kate Bingaman-Burt, and Andy Warhol find inspiration in clothing and accessories.

Squeezing Hundreds of Pigs on a Book Cover

Am I Doing This Right? • 1533 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24

🎨 Art & Illustration Illustration Character design Creative Process

The book cover design process involved sketching out ideas with specific goals in mind
Despite initial doubts, revisiting the original idea led to a successful and pleasing cover design
Pre-order incentives and book launch plans were mentioned, along with a special discount on subscriptions

NEW ROYAL CITY TEASER

Tales From the Farm • 1552 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24

🎨 Art & Illustration Illustration

Jeff Lemire shared the first 5 pages of the new ROYAL CITY.
More content related to the teaser will be coming soon.
Fans can follow Jeff Lemire on Substack for updates.

Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

WELCOME BACK TO ROYAL CITY

Tales From the Farm • 1592 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24

🎨 Art & Illustration Illustration

New series of Royal City by Jeff Lemire is in production with over 60 pages drawn
Substack will be used regularly to share updates and process material of the new story
First completed preview pages will be shared next week along with developmental sketches and drawings

Coming Friday: How Ruthie Ended the War

Colin Meloy's Machine Shop • 1552 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24

🎨 Art & Illustration Storytelling Illustration Writing

The author is planning to serialize a story titled 'How Ruthie Ended the War' starting this Friday.
The story originated from a collaboration between the author and an illustrator back in 2001.
Ideas from 'How Ruthie Ended the War' were adapted for the successful 'Wildwood Chronicles' book series.

Hello From Taiwan!

Am I Doing This Right? • 1081 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24

🎨 Art & Illustration Illustration Author Books Subscribers Publishing

The author is in Taiwan working on their third book and finalizing edits on the second book.
The second book's official announcement occurred a few weeks ago, with more details to come in upcoming months.
Paid subscriptions to the author's work will resume soon, providing access to exclusive content and updates on their upcoming projects.

Size Matters

The Audacity. • 11340 implied HN points • 27 Apr 23

🎨 Art & Illustration Writing Illustration Creatives

The post is about the challenges of finding the right fit.
It discusses how size matters in different contexts.
The author, Aubrey Hirsch, is a writer and illustrator from New York.

ANATOMY OF A FISHFLIES COVER

Tales From the Farm • 1277 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24

🎨 Art & Illustration Illustration Process

The post explores the step-by-step process of creating a cover image from initial sketch to final painted piece
Different stages of the cover creation process are shown, including sketching, inking, and water-color painting
The post also includes a bonus variant cover by a guest artist for the same issue

Substack Reads: My godfather the king, why people strike, and the time-travel paradox

read • 7291 implied HN points • 06 May 23

🎭️ Culture Memoir Art War Technology Food Philosophy Music Relationships Illustration

Reflections on personal memories with a godfather who becomes King Charles III
Exploration of time-travel paradoxes in popular culture
Discussion on requesting privacy and withdrawing consent for photos

The Hits

slow motion multitasking • 491 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24

🎨 Art & Illustration Animation Illustration Short Story

The post discusses animations like Muzzy in Gondoland and work by animator Fred Wolf.
The writer shares about communicating with John Lennon via ouija board.
There is mention of a favorite story by Daniel's Lavery and ongoing conversations about teaching phonics in schools.

The Lone Toad Newsletter - March 2024

The Lone Toad - Croaker RPGs Newsletter • 159 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24

🎨 Art & Illustration Solo RPGs Games Illustration Newsletter

The Lone Toad newsletter is going bi-monthly, offering more content and free-flowing thoughts on Solo RPG development.
Exciting new RPG called Substratum Protocol by Pandion Games launching on Backerkit March 26th, offering a unique solo survival mystery experience.
Croaker RPGs is continuously releasing new games like Night Terror and An Antique Land, with more to come like the Lost City of Cargoth, showcasing their dedication to creating engaging RPG content.

Big Challenges

slow motion multitasking • 294 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24

🎨 Art & Illustration Character design Illustration

The author discusses big challenges and introduces new discoveries in a playful manner.
The post includes visuals and links to engage the audience.
Readers can access more content with a 7-day free trial after reading the post.

Show your Work

slow motion multitasking • 334 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24

🎨 Art & Illustration Illustration Drawings

Julia Pott's work got nominated for a GLAAD award for Outstanding Children's Programming
Julia Pott shares her still life illustrations, her favorite type of drawings
You can subscribe to see more of Julia Pott's work and get a 7-day free trial

The Cat in the HatGPT

Data People Etc. • 124 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24

🎨 Art & Illustration Children's literature Digital Art Visual storytelling Character design Illustration

The Cat in the HatGPT offers a unique perspective on the balance between excitement and responsibility.
It highlights the clash between hype beasts who thrive on trends and cynics who resist change.
Ultimately, the story prompts reflection on the influence of external pressures and the role of love in navigating the hype cycle.

Owned

ASK MOLLY • 1257 implied HN points • 14 Sep 23

🎨 Art & Illustration Visual Arts Painting Drawing Illustration Artists

The post is about 'Owned' and what you didn't know you wanted.
The content is for paid subscribers only.
Includes a piece of writing by Leonora Carrington on farming.

Finishing My Novel and Submitting My Application To Become A Wealthy Peasant In An Old Painting

The Chatner • 1159 implied HN points • 18 Sep 23

🎨 Art & Illustration Painting Medieval Wealth Illustration

Desire to be a wealthy pre-industrial peasant in a sweet spot of land and money.
Avoid extremes in wealth to maintain a comfortable and peaceful rural lifestyle.
Embrace a simple, rustic life in harmony with nature and seasonal cycles.

The poop on mortality: a talk with Gene Weingarten

INDIGNITY • 275 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24

🎨 Art & Illustration Illustration Comics Literature Design History

The article discusses the concept of mortality and bodily decay in a humorous way
The text delves into the idea of denial and self-deception as coping mechanisms for the fear of death
The piece reflects on the vulnerability of the human condition and the fragility of everyday life

Plovers get dragged into rat hole

This Week in Birding • 157 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24

🎨 Art & Illustration Illustration

The post discusses plovers getting dragged into a rat hole.
There's a mention of a sidewalk feature that can't be compared to anything else.
The post is for paid subscribers only, with an illustration by Bill Fogarty.

One Year of Attempting to Do It Right

Am I Doing This Right? • 1395 implied HN points • 26 Jun 23

🎨 Art & Illustration Comics Illustration

The author is celebrating one year of their newsletter.
They feel they have improved over the year, making 70 posts.
The author designed a cute poster and shared it for sale.

Une image vaut mille mots #16

L'Atelier Galita • 137 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24

🎨 Art & Illustration Illustration Drawings Artwork Images Visuals

A seemingly innocent image can have a hidden strong emotion.
Be cautious of how you link unrelated things, as it may have unintended consequences.
Creativity can be applied in unexpected ways, like in job interviews.

Maybe They'll Ban This Book Too

Am I Doing This Right? • 1592 implied HN points • 18 May 23

🎨 Art & Illustration Book Illustration Design Comics

The author may have a book that could be banned soon.
The author is excited about the upcoming book release and appreciates positive reviews.
Readers can meet the author at an upcoming book reading and signing event.

22. Character Development

404EVER • 157 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24

🎨 Art & Illustration Character development Illustration

Lordess Foudre is working on developing characters for THE PHANTOM PLEASURE comic.
The world-building and lore in the 404EVER universe is detailed and expansive.
Halo, a character in the comic, has special abilities related to controlling other characters and dreaming.

Letter From Home: March '23

Colin Meloy's Machine Shop • 1533 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23

🎨 Art & Illustration Illustration Music Memories Reflections Photography

Carson is working on a book based on a journal she wrote in 2001 about memory and youth
The author reminisces about his past as a 25-year-old immersed in art and music
Dealing with pest issues in the Machine Shop and finding solace in revisiting old favorite music

Essex County

Tales From the Farm • 1513 implied HN points • 17 Feb 23

🎨 Art & Illustration Illustration

Essex County coming on March 19
Jeff Lemire is sharing updates on his Substack profile
Post includes images and social media sharing options

A Glowworm and a Witchwolf

slow motion multitasking • 1061 implied HN points • 26 Jun 23

🎨 Art & Illustration Animation Character design Visual art Illustration Cartoons

The importance of platonic friendships and celebrating friend love
Viewing friendships as tiny romances and valuing the depth and vulnerability they bring
Exploring emotional dynamics in friendships through animated storytelling

Would You Rather: Publishing Edition

Am I Doing This Right? • 943 implied HN points • 10 Jul 23

🎨 Art & Illustration Publishing Illustration Book launch Marketing Comedy

The author is promoting a book preorder with freebies for readers who send a copy of their receipt
The author visited HarperCollins and filmed segments for social media, including illustrated portions
The author incorporated a game of 'Would You Rather?' into a meet and greet with their marketing team

CIGARETTES, COMICS AND FISHFLIES...

Tales From the Farm • 1041 implied HN points • 14 Jun 23

🎨 Art & Illustration Comic Books Storytelling Illustration Creativity Graphic novels

Fishflies inspired Jeff Lemire's new comic book series.
The book is serialized through a Substack newsletter and has gone through revisions.
The story is published in extra-length 64-page issues, resembling _Elseworlds_ books, and bi-monthly volumes are the trades.

How I Painted This Book

Am I Doing This Right? • 1041 implied HN points • 24 May 23

🎨 Art & Illustration Painting Illustration Process Techniques Publication

The book was painted traditionally with watercolor, gouache, and colored pencils.
The painting process involved steps like sketches, painting large areas, adding textures with dry brush, and finishing details with colored pencils.
The post details the process, challenges, and fun moments of painting a spread for the book.

UPDATES FROM THE FARM! JUNE '23

Tales From the Farm • 982 implied HN points • 01 Jun 23

🎨 Art & Illustration Comic Books Illustration Artwork Design

Jeff Lemire is working on new projects with Dustin Nguyen and Andrea Sorrentino.
A new Black Hammer series is in the works, marking a new direction for the universe.
The Bone Orchard Mythos continues with a new series called TENEMENT.

Title Cards

slow motion multitasking • 687 implied HN points • 24 Jul 23

🎨 Art & Illustration Illustration Visual art Design

The post features season one title cards
Various artists are credited in the post
There is a link to new Summer Camp Merch

COMICON SCHEDULE AND EXCLUSIVES

Tales From the Farm • 746 implied HN points • 10 Jul 23

🎨 Art & Illustration Comics Events Illustration Comic Books

Jeff Lemire will be at San Diego Comicon with a busy schedule of panels and signings
There will be an SDCC exclusive cover of Fishflies #1 with a limited print run
The first issue of Fishflies will be released in comic book stores this week

Sunday Strip: What Universe Are We In?

Who is Robert Malone • 36 implied HN points • 03 Mar 24

🎨 Art & Illustration Visual art Comics Illustration

The post discusses the concept of being in a certain universe and dealing with differing opinions.
The content questions who Robert Malone is and his impact, urging support through subscriptions.
There is a mention of Robert Malone addressing assisted suicide and government influence in a person's death on Epoch Times TV.

Ouvert Sur - Fleur Nacrée

Newsletter Artistique • 314 implied HN points • 22 Oct 23

🎨 Art & Illustration Art Illustration

The post is about art and poetry in your inbox.
The author describes discovering unique pearly flowers in the early autumn.
The delicate balance of snails perched on fragile stems is highlighted.

The Title Cards

slow motion multitasking • 589 implied HN points • 30 Jul 23

🎨 Art & Illustration Illustration Design

The final season of Summer Camp Island premieres on July 21st at 12PM on Cartoon Network.
There are title cards created by various artists showcased in the post.
The post features a collection of title card illustrations by different artists.

Questions From A Young Creator

Tales From the Farm • 943 implied HN points • 15 Feb 23

🎨 Art & Illustration Comics Illustration Interview

Comics were not a mainstream career option in the past, but now young creators have more opportunities with social media.
Starting out in comics required perseverance and self-promotion without the help of social media.
Working with major comic companies gives more exposure and pay, but independent work offers greater creative freedom.

The beginning of the world

slow motion multitasking • 589 implied HN points • 17 Jul 23

🎨 Art & Illustration Animation Illustration

Final season of Summer Camp Island airs on Cartoon Network on July 31st.
The show's writing started during lockdown and ended the day Biden was elected.
Exploration of time, grief, and friendship in the new season.

Reviews

The Lifeboat • 91 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24

🎨 Art & Illustration Illustration

The story features Illarion Illarionovich, a filmmaker facing criticism for his work.
The conversation between Illarion and Vitya revolves around the essence of their film and the criticism they receive.
The dialogue explores the contrast between artistic truth and audience preferences.

It's Kadigan Weather

Timeless & Timely • 176 implied HN points • 14 Oct 23

🎨 Art & Illustration Comics Illustration Techniques Book

The world of comics has its own unique rules and language.
Cartoonist Mort Walker's book 'The Lexicon of Comicana' explores this special language.
Walker's book not only names common items in comics but also reveals universal illustration techniques.