The hottest Visual Arts Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Art & Illustration Topics

'Sand and a Source of Light'

Animation Obsessive • 13544 implied HN points • 16 Feb 26
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual Arts
  1. Animation isn’t only for elite studios or people who can draw like masters; many styles and low-tech approaches mean anyone can make animated work.
  2. Artists using humble materials — sand, paper cutouts, scratched film, a kitchen table — solved technical limits with creative problem-solving and produced deeply original, emotional films.
  3. Today phones and free software have removed many technical barriers, but AI-generated shortcuts risk bypassing the hands-on problem-solving that helps artists grow and make distinctive work.

How I Pieced Together a Personal Style in Photography

In the Flash • 2238 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual Arts
  1. Developing a personal style in photography can take time and experimentation. It's normal to feel anxious about finding your unique voice.
  2. Originality in art comes from mixing ideas from different sources, not from trying to be completely unique. It's about remixing influences to create something new.
  3. Learning from other artists and styles can help shape your own work. It's okay to borrow elements that resonate with you to build your signature style.

Magnum Square Print Sale Announcement

In the Flash • 679 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual Arts
  1. There's a special photo print sale happening called the Magnum Square Print Sale, featuring work from famous photographers. Prints start at $100 and there's a deadline coming up soon.
  2. One of the highlights is a photo of people enjoying time in NYC that captures the city's vibes after the pandemic. The photo reflects beauty and stillness amidst the busy city life.
  3. The sale's theme is 'Eden,' showcasing the beauty of our planet and the need to protect it. Diverse photography styles are represented, but the focus is mainly on documentary and portrait work.

Animating the World Around You

Animation Obsessive • 2242 implied HN points • 16 Jan 26
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual Arts
  1. Many young animators borrow Western character designs and tones, and that can make their work lose the distinct flavors of their own cultures.
  2. Local languages, rituals, colors and emotions are rich storytelling resources that can give animations a unique and authentic voice.
  3. Stop motion can put regional materials and traditions directly on screen, helping films feel rooted, tactile, and original.
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The Visual World of 'Samurai Jack'

Animation Obsessive • 30856 implied HN points • 26 May 25
🎭️ Culture Visual Arts
  1. Samurai Jack told stories through visuals instead of dialogue. The team focused on creating beautiful images that captured emotions and actions without needing words.
  2. The show's unique art style came from mixing different influences, like classic films and mid-century cartoons. This made the backgrounds and characters really stand out.
  3. Tartakovsky believed kids could understand complex stories, so he created a show that treated them with intelligence. This bold approach made Samurai Jack memorable and different from other cartoons at the time.

'The Silence of the Good People'

Animation Obsessive • 10315 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual Arts
  1. Not all animated films get proper recognition, but some like 'Hangman' from 1964 are powerful and carry important messages. This film adapts a haunting poem that critiques the silence of those who allow injustice to happen.
  2. Les Goldman, the creator of 'Hangman,' worked tirelessly to bring the project to life, showing how passion drives art. His efforts highlight the importance of standing against oppression in society.
  3. Today, 'Hangman' remains relevant, sparking discussions about how silence can enable evil. It's been used in classrooms to teach valuable lessons about morality and social responsibility.

Motaz, Our Beloved Brother from Gaza

Pen>Sword • 6210 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual Arts
  1. Motaz Aziaza from Gaza captured the world's attention through his humanitarian efforts during a siege.
  2. Motaz's portrayal shattered stereotypes and depicted Palestinian struggle with humanity and complexity.
  3. Motaz's resilience and dedication showcased a model of Arab and Muslim masculinity that challenged prevailing stereotypes.

The Look of 'Over the Garden Wall'

Animation Obsessive • 15786 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Visual Arts
  1. Over the Garden Wall is a special show that stands out for its unique visual style and storytelling. It mixes comedy, drama, and horror in a way that makes it feel like a timeless classic.
  2. The art team, led by Nick Cross, worked hard to create stunning backgrounds and designs using inspiration from old cartoons and paintings. This attention to detail made the show feel like an independent film on TV.
  3. Despite the challenges of making a short series, the team enjoyed a lot of creative freedom. This allowed them to take risks and try new ideas, which is something that’s rare in the animation industry today.

A Weekend of New Animation

Animation Obsessive • 8252 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual Arts
  1. The London International Animation Festival (LIAF) showcased many interesting animation films from around the world, featuring unique styles and stories.
  2. Some standout films included 'Adios', which explores a father-son relationship in a beautifully crafted stop-motion style, and 'The Girl with the Occupied Eyes', which creatively addresses modern issues using vibrant animation.
  3. There is a notable trend of children's films at festivals tackling serious themes, suggesting that animations for kids can also tell meaningful and thoughtful stories.

Why is Rear Window so tense?

The Common Reader • 2268 implied HN points • 29 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Visual Arts
  1. _Rear Window_ shows a mix of different people's lives, creating a sense of tension and curiosity. Even before any crime happens, you feel like something important is unfolding.
  2. Instead of loud actions typical in murder stories, the film is quiet and uses visual cues to hint at danger. This makes the audience question what they truly see and understand.
  3. The film plays with genre expectations. It's not just about solving a crime; it also explores themes of voyeurism and our curiosity about others' lives, making you think about what you watch and why.

For my Subscribers

Patti Smith • 2299 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
📚 Literature Visual Arts
  1. The post titled 'The New Jerusalem' by Patti Smith is for paid subscribers only, indicating exclusive content for a specific audience.
  2. The post delves into deep philosophical or spiritual themes, referencing biblical verses and provoking thought on the nature of time and existence.
  3. The content presented appears to be rich in imagery and poetry, inviting readers to explore complex concepts within the author's perspective.

Animating Out of Spite

Animation Obsessive • 8700 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual Arts
  1. Fyodor Khitruk created a 50-second animated film called Othello-67 as a response to a contest requirement that frustrated him. It humorously condenses Shakespeare's play into a fast-paced experience.
  2. The film critiques the idea of simplifying complex art into quick bites, showing that lots of meaning can still fit into a short time frame.
  3. Despite being a small part of Khitruk's body of work, Othello-67 stands out for its creativity and humor, proving that even short animations can leave a lasting impact.

Hearing What You See

Animation Obsessive • 2421 implied HN points • 30 May 25
🎭️ Culture Visual Arts
  1. Mickey Mousing is when music matches the exact movements in animation. This technique started in early cartoons and was popularized by Mickey Mouse.
  2. Some famous artists and directors criticized Mickey Mousing as being too mechanical and limiting. They believed it took away from the original creativity of the film.
  3. Despite the criticism, syncing music closely with animation can still be powerful and effective when done well. Some animations have shown that this technique can enhance the experience.

What actually is Cosmography?

Cosmographia • 2056 implied HN points • 03 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual Arts
  1. Cosmography is the study of the universe and its features, and its roots trace back centuries through various works by different authors.
  2. The post discusses plans for the publication "Cosmographia" in 2024, indicating potential upcoming content and developments in the field.
  3. Access to the full post and its insights seems to be restricted to paid subscribers, implying exclusive content behind a paywall.

Snæfellsjökull

Cosmographia • 1537 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual Arts
  1. The post is part of a series called Atlas' Notes on Cosmographia, focusing on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography centered around a specific place.
  2. The post is for paid subscribers of the Cosmographia newsletter, showcasing a mix of creative content related to the location Snæfellsjökull.
  3. The post features images and links to subscribe or sign in for paid subscribers to access exclusive content related to Snæfellsjökull in the Atlas' Notes series.

Happy Birthday, Machine Shop

Colin Meloy's Machine Shop • 2614 implied HN points • 28 Mar 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual Arts
  1. The author reflects on the one year anniversary of their newsletter/blogsite, celebrating the community and support they have received.
  2. Throughout the year, the author engaged with their audience through various creative endeavors like podcasting, sharing demos, writing a book, and giving insights into their musical process.
  3. The author expresses excitement for the future of their platform, emphasizing a shift away from mainstream social media to focus on creating a meaningful body of work on The Machine Shop.

P.S. Leonard Bernstein's Daily Planner

Noted • 1415 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual Arts
  1. Leonard Bernstein's daily planners reflect his personality with energetic and artistic designs
  2. The shapes and patterns in the planners make one wonder if they represent the music in Bernstein's mind
  3. The post offers paid subscribers a deeper look at Bernstein's daily planner and other note-takers

art delivery : 01.20.24

The NO SUCH THING AS TOO MUCH ART Society • 1139 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual Arts
  1. British artist Sue Williams A'Court creates stunning landscape drawings in graphite on various surfaces.
  2. Sue Williams A'Court also incorporates some of her drawings into small collage pieces available in her shop.
  3. The 'Dear Arty' column in the ART DELIVERY newsletter allows subscribers to ask questions and receive advice and insights from the community.

Post to the Host

Garrison Keillor and Friends • 963 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual Arts
  1. Garrison Keillor shares responses to comments and interactions with fans on his Substack post.
  2. Fans share personal stories and experiences with Garrison Keillor, such as meeting him in person or discussing unique family histories.
  3. Keillor engages with fans in a humorous and down-to-earth manner, showcasing his wit and relatability.

What’s the matter?

Austin Kleon • 2058 implied HN points • 01 Aug 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual Arts
  1. Asking 'What’s the matter?' helps us understand what's bothering us and can lead to artistic ideas. It's a question that sparks creativity.
  2. The discomfort or irritation we feel can be the starting point for new work. Those feelings can inspire us to create something meaningful.
  3. We can also think about 'matter' in terms of the physical materials we use, like paint or paper. Getting hands-on might help when we're unsure of what to create.

3 poems from the sports section

Austin Kleon • 1498 implied HN points • 24 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual Arts
  1. The sports section of newspapers is great for crafting blackouts because of the simple and expressive language used by athletes and coaches.
  2. Even though the New York Times recently disbanded its sports department, this section continues to inspire creative writing.
  3. Using nouns and verbs from sports articles can help create interesting and relatable poetry, highlighting themes like time and idleness.

Bordeaux

Cosmographia • 1517 implied HN points • 27 Sep 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual Arts
  1. The post is part of the Atlas' Notes series, focusing on art, poetry, and cartography centered on Bordeaux.
  2. The post is for paid subscribers only, requiring a subscription to access the full content.
  3. The author, M. E. Rothwell, shares content related to Bordeaux through the Cosmographia platform.

Owned

ASK MOLLY • 1257 implied HN points • 14 Sep 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual Arts
  1. The post is about 'Owned' and what you didn't know you wanted.
  2. The content is for paid subscribers only.
  3. Includes a piece of writing by Leonora Carrington on farming.

Masks Full of Feeling

Animation Obsessive • 448 implied HN points • 15 Aug 25
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual Arts
  1. Kihachiro Kawamoto was a brilliant Japanese animator known for his incredible films. His works, like 'The Demon' and 'House of Flame', offer a stunning visual experience.
  2. The newsletter focuses on the art of masks in animation. Masks are not just for looks; they also convey deep emotions and feelings.
  3. Stop-motion animation is a significant theme of the discussion. It shows a unique and older technique that brings characters to life in a special way.

Pyrotechnics and Play

Animation Obsessive • 1704 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual Arts
  1. Atsuko Fukushima is a talented Japanese animator known for her unique and playful style in various anime projects, including well-known films like Akira. Her work shines with energetic and whimsical animation.
  2. Fukushima's notable projects include the opening sequence of Robot Carnival and the short film Genius Party, showcasing her dynamic approach to animation. Both works, while different in tone, represent her signature style of bright visuals and lively motion.
  3. Throughout her career, Fukushima has contributed to both mainstream and independent anime, illustrating her versatility and creative spirit in the animation industry.

Spring cleaning continues...

Microanimism • 179 implied HN points • 25 May 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual Arts
  1. The author is shifting regular communications to Substack for updates on podcasts, courses, events, and more. No action needed if already subscribed.
  2. New longer form writing will be on a paid subscription basis. Those with existing access will maintain it.
  3. The author plans to set up a system for online courses and ensure fair paid access for subscribers.

Being Unrealistic

Animation Obsessive • 1524 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual Arts
  1. Cinema Fantasma, a stop-motion studio in Mexico, started with a big dream and little money. The founders had to get creative, making their own animation tools and props from scratch.
  2. The studio began on a rooftop in Mexico City, showing the dedication of the Ambriz brothers and their family. They transformed their home into a workspace to achieve their goal of creating a top-quality animated film.
  3. The making of 'Revoltoso' was a learning experience for everyone involved. The animators were new to the craft but worked hard to develop their skills for this project.

Inside my studio

Austin Kleon • 2378 implied HN points • 13 Dec 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual Arts
  1. Having a neat workspace can be overwhelming. It's important to remember that creating in a clean space is not the ultimate goal.
  2. Sometimes, you need permission to get messy and be creative. It's okay to make a bit of a mess while working on your projects.
  3. A well-organized studio setup can make it easier to switch between tasks. Having both digital and analog spaces allows for more creativity.

I am righting a book

LOL (lots of links) • 884 implied HN points • 03 May 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual Arts
  1. The author is writing a book about Wikipedia's cultural history with goofy content.
  2. The author shares cool things they like, such as trademarked exclamation points, Zoom hangouts, and Jeopardy audio as a podcast.
  3. The author also talks about fake reviews in history, events at libraries, and their experience of feeling like they're getting away with writing a book.

Total Eclipse of the Heart

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