The hottest Illustration Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Art & Illustration Topics

We're at 50 Pages

OK Doomer • 106 implied HN points • 20 Dec 25
🎨 Art & Illustration Illustration
  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.

Monoganimals

Seven Senses • 519 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Illustration
  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 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.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

How I Painted This Book

Am I Doing This Right? • 1041 implied HN points • 24 May 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Illustration
  1. The book was painted traditionally with watercolor, gouache, and colored pencils.
  2. The painting process involved steps like sketches, painting large areas, adding textures with dry brush, and finishing details with colored pencils.
  3. The post details the process, challenges, and fun moments of painting a spread for the book.

We Need an Illustrated Survival Guide

OK Doomer • 109 implied HN points • 09 Dec 25
🎨 Art & Illustration Illustration
  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.

Questions From A Young Creator

Tales From the Farm • 943 implied HN points • 15 Feb 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Illustration
  1. Comics were not a mainstream career option in the past, but now young creators have more opportunities with social media.
  2. Starting out in comics required perseverance and self-promotion without the help of social media.
  3. Working with major comic companies gives more exposure and pay, but independent work offers greater creative freedom.

Creator Interview: Abel García

Pizza Party • 28 implied HN points • 21 Jan 26
💥 Comics Illustration
  1. Comics are a way to make imagined worlds feel real by combining art and storytelling, and that mix can turn curiosity into a need to create.
  2. Clarity is the most important thing in sequential art — guide the reader’s eye, control rhythm, and make every panel have a purpose so the story never feels confusing.
  3. Writers should think visually: don’t overload panels with dialogue, give artists space for beats, and use small visual or narrative links plus smart page turns to keep the story flowing and landing emotionally.

#145 Hidden colours

Design Lobster • 499 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🪑 Design Illustration
  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.

What Didn't Get In

Animation Obsessive • 1614 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Illustration
  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.

Total Eclipse of the Heart

On Looking • 259 implied HN points • 08 Apr 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Illustration
  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.

The Hits

slow motion multitasking • 495 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Illustration
  1. The post discusses animations like Muzzy in Gondoland and work by animator Fred Wolf.
  2. The writer shares about communicating with John Lennon via ouija board.
  3. There is mention of a favorite story by Daniel's Lavery and ongoing conversations about teaching phonics in schools.

Drawing at the skate park

Austin Kleon • 1698 implied HN points • 11 Nov 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Illustration
  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
  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.

Easter Eggs & Behind the Scenes of 100 Mighty Dragons

Am I Doing This Right? • 491 implied HN points • 04 Apr 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Illustration
  1. The book '100 Mighty Dragons All Named Broccoli' has detailed and fun illustrations, including epic title pages with dragons relaxing on sun chairs and rock & roll dragons in New York.
  2. The process of creating the book involved adjustments and decisions, like changing a dragon from two-headed to one-headed for clarity and making tweaks to keep the content appropriate for readers.
  3. The illustrations in the book include interesting Easter eggs like dragons eating tacos and a reference to Shrek, adding layers of fun and creativity to the overall story.

off to the printers!!

vrk loves paper • 139 implied HN points • 03 Apr 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Illustration
  1. The first issue of Pouch magazine is ready for printing. It has 50 pages packed with content for stationery lovers and journalers.
  2. A new cover design was created to better represent what Pouch is about. It now clearly targets a specific audience and reflects the magazine's fun vibe.
  3. The creator is taking time to develop Pouch carefully, treating the first issue as a pilot study to gauge interest and improve their skills in print design.

The Lone Toad Newsletter - March 2024

The Lone Toad - Croaker RPGs Newsletter • 159 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Illustration
  1. The Lone Toad newsletter is going bi-monthly, offering more content and free-flowing thoughts on Solo RPG development.
  2. Exciting new RPG called Substratum Protocol by Pandion Games launching on Backerkit March 26th, offering a unique solo survival mystery experience.
  3. 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.

Saul Steinberg at play

Austin Kleon • 1338 implied HN points • 12 Jul 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Illustration
  1. Saul Steinberg was a unique artist who described himself as a 'writer who draws'. He inspired others to see art in new ways.
  2. His famous work, 'View of the World from 9th Avenue', is well-known and a great introduction to his style and ideas.
  3. Steinberg had a long history with 'The New Yorker' magazine, which showcases his diverse range of artistic styles and contributions.

22. Character Development

404EVER • 157 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Illustration
  1. Lordess Foudre is working on developing characters for THE PHANTOM PLEASURE comic.
  2. The world-building and lore in the 404EVER universe is detailed and expansive.
  3. Halo, a character in the comic, has special abilities related to controlling other characters and dreaming.

Frog: Who drew it best?

Soaring Twenties • 177 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
🎨 Art & Illustration Illustration
  1. Art can express thoughts without words, like with frog illustrations in this case. Sometimes, we appreciate visuals more than the text itself.
  2. Different artists have unique styles and depictions of the same subject, which can spark debate about which is best. Everyone has their favorite!
  3. Art can be a fun and engaging way to connect with others, and sharing preferences can create meaningful conversations. Explore what you love!

Another AI Art Contest

Bet On It • 90 implied HN points • 12 Aug 25
🎨 Art & Illustration Illustration
  1. There's a contest for AI artists to create unique game chips. If you impress with your work, you could win up to $500.
  2. The challenge is to beat a specific set of art created by a human artist named Savane, who is known for high-quality work.
  3. Artists need to submit their artwork by September 15, and the winner will be decided by personal preference, so it's a tough competition.

5 books on images, the people who make them, and the people they make

On Looking • 159 implied HN points • 09 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Illustration
  1. Reading is an important skill for illustrators, helping them develop a deeper understanding of their work and the cultural systems in which it is embedded
  2. Books on creativity and image making provide insights into larger social narratives and systems, shifting the focus from individual success to broader contexts
  3. Exploring the history and processes behind image creation through books can enhance critical thinking and appreciation for the creative industry

Facing the Abyss

lettersonbeing • 216 implied HN points • 14 May 23
📚 Literature Illustration
  1. The author shares a poem about uncharted territory and exploration.
  2. Consider becoming a paying subscriber to support the Letters on Being publication.
  3. The post also features recommendations like Abigail Ervin Penner's illustrations and a tribute to mothers.

The magic of the brush

Austin Kleon • 1398 implied HN points • 26 Oct 21
🎨 Art & Illustration Illustration
  1. The Pentel Pocket Brush Pen is a great tool for drawing and writing. It helps spark creativity and makes it fun to express yourself on paper.
  2. Using a brush pen can change how you think about writing. Drawing slowly with it can free your mind, allowing deeper thoughts and ideas to flow.
  3. You can refill the brush pen with your own ink, which saves money and is more personal. It's easy to use, and you can experiment with different colors and styles.

the first one's the bad one!

vrk loves paper • 199 implied HN points • 05 Oct 23
🪑 Design Illustration
  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.