Top 20 Substack Influencers in Art & Illustration in 2025

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Here’s the list of the Top 20 Substack Influencers in Art & Illustration in 2025:

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20. Sky Fusco

‍Sky Fusco is an artist and writer based in California, known for her introspective and heartfelt content. She shares her journey through art, love letters, and reflections on life, often addressing themes of vulnerability, creativity, and societal roles. Her work includes prints, ceramics, and a popular Substack newsletter where she discusses personal experiences and artistic insights. Sky's social media presence is characterized by a blend of humor, honesty, and a deep connection to her audience.

Substack Subscribers: 25K

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19. Peter Galbert

Peter Galbert is a chair maker, tool maker, and educator specializing in woodworking. He shares insights on chairmaking techniques, tool usage, and woodworking classes through his social media platforms and Substack. His content focuses on practical skills, including drill bit grinding and chair design, appealing to woodworking enthusiasts and students. Galbert actively engages with his community, promoting workshops and sharing instructional videos on platforms like YouTube and Substack.

Substack Subscribers: 7.7K

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18. ‍Danielle Krysa

‍Danielle Krysa is an author, curator, and artist known for her work that transforms jealousy into inspiration for creativity. Since 2009, she has been motivating others to return to their artistic practices through her engaging content. Her social media presence reflects her commitment to fostering creativity and supporting fellow artists.

Substack Subscribers: 27K

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17. ‍Jules and John | Animation Obsessive

‍Jules and John are the co-founders of Animation Obsessive, a Substack publication dedicated to sharing unique and underappreciated animation content from around the world. The platform highlights rare films, directors, and artistic techniques, providing insights into the history and impact of animation. Their posts often feature classic and contemporary works, exploring the artistry behind them and their cultural significance. Through concept art showcases from studios like Studio Ghibli and Pixar, and deep dives into films like "Ratatouille" and "Song of the Sea," Jules and John make Animation Obsessive an essential resource for discovering the hidden gems of animation history.

Substack Subscribers: 51K

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16. Lindsay Jean Thomson

‍Lindsay Jean Thomson is a creative coach and writer known for her involvement in #The100DayProject, where she encourages artistic expression through daily painting. She shares insights on creativity, community, and personal growth through her social media and podcast, engaging a supportive audience. Her content often highlights the importance of connection and collaboration in the creative process, making her a prominent figure in the art and creative coaching space.

Substack Subscribers: 61K

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15. Nobi

‍Nobi is a Japanese muscle photographer specializing in capturing the beauty of muscular men. His work showcases the art of muscle photography, focusing on bodybuilders and fitness competitors. He shares exclusive content through his newsletter, where he publishes uncensored artwork. Nobi's social media presence highlights his expertise in lighting and composition, appealing to fans of fitness and artistic photography.

Substack Subscribers: 4.2K

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14. Katie Chappell

‍Katie Chappell is a live event illustrator and co-founder of The Good Ship Illustration, dedicated to helping illustrators navigate their careers. With over a decade of experience, she shares insights on illustration, business strategies, and transparency in the industry. Her content focuses on job opportunities, creative processes, and personal growth, often engaging her audience through humor and relatable anecdotes. Katie actively promotes a jobs board for illustrators and offers courses to enhance their skills and visibility.

Substack Subscribers: 7.1K

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13. Jenny Lawson

‍Jenny Lawson is a bestselling author and the proprietress of Nowhere Bookshop, known for her humorous and candid writing about mental health and personal experiences. She engages her audience with a mix of personal anecdotes, quirky observations, and advocacy for mental health awareness. Her social media presence reflects her unique personality as a 'professional weirdo,' often sharing updates about her life, health, and love for books, while fostering a supportive community around her work.

Substack Subscribers: 15K

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12. Aidan Avery

‍Aidan Avery is a photographer and writer based in Tucson, AZ, dedicated to building a photographic community and enhancing accessibility in the photo arts industry. He runs a weekly newsletter, The Open Call List, which provides photographers with opportunities for exhibitions, grants, and residencies. His social media presence focuses on sharing calls for entry and resources that connect photographers with artist-friendly opportunities, emphasizing inclusivity and support for diverse talents in the field.

Substack Subscribers: 14K

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11. Anna Brones

‍Anna Brones is a writer and artist based in the Pacific Northwest, known for her papercut illustrations and books, including 'Fika: The Art of the Swedish Coffee Break'. She actively engages her audience through creative workshops, a podcast, and a newsletter, focusing on themes of creativity, nature, and mindfulness. Her social media presence showcases her artistic process, promotes her products, and encourages community engagement, particularly in the realms of art and literature.

Substack Subscribers: 19K

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10. Lita

‍Lita is a passionate needlepoint designer and educator based in Nashville, sharing her expertise in needlepoint finishing through engaging tutorials and classes. She aims to make needlepoint more accessible, offering tips and tricks for enthusiasts. Her social media presence showcases her projects, classes, and community interactions, emphasizing creativity and skill development in needlepoint.

Substack Subscribers: 2.9K

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9. Amanda M

‍Amanda M, known as the Needlepoint Finishing Fairy, specializes in needlepoint finishing techniques and offers workshops, tutorials, and community support through her Needlepoint Finishing Club. She shares creative insights, tips, and personal experiences related to needlepoint, fostering a supportive environment for learners. Her content emphasizes the joy of crafting, learning from mistakes, and building a community around needlepoint finishing.

Substack Subscribers: Hidden

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8. ‍Mac Barnett

‍Mac Barnett is the ninth U.S. National Ambassador for Young People's Literature and a bestselling author known for his children's books. His works have been translated into over 30 languages and have sold more than 5 million copies globally. He actively engages with young readers and promotes the importance of children's literature through various platforms, including social media and newsletters. His content often highlights collaborations with other authors and initiatives to support literacy and reading among children.

Substack Subscribers: 36K

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7. ‍Eko

‍Eko, also known as Eko Loves You, is a Christian storyteller and illustrator who creates modern parables through anime-inspired digital art. With over 24,000 Substack subscribers, Eko explores faith themes in "The Young Jesus Chronicles" and tackles complex theological topics through warm, golden-toned illustrations. His social media posts encompass a wide range of topics, from spiritual reflections on gifted children and divine encounters to contemporary Christian perspectives on cultural issues, often featuring personal anecdotes about faith, family interactions, and unexpected spiritual moments.

Substack Subscribers: 24K

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6. Rick Rubin 

‍Rick Rubin is a renowned music producer and record executive known for his influential work across various genres, including hip-hop, rock, and country. He co-founded Def Jam Recordings and has collaborated with iconic artists such as Johnny Cash, Beastie Boys, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Rubin's unique approach to music production emphasizes creativity and authenticity, making him a pivotal figure in the music industry. His podcast, 'Tetragrammaton,' features in-depth interviews with artists, exploring their creative processes and insights.

Substack Subscribers: 125K

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5. ‍Austin Kleon

‍Austin Kleon is a bestselling author known for his books like 'Steal Like an Artist.' His social media presence focuses on creativity, writing, and art, often sharing insights on the creative process, notebook practices, and blackout poetry. He engages with his audience through visual content, including videos and posts about his artistic rituals and projects. His expertise lies in encouraging creativity and sharing practical advice for artists and writers, fostering a community around artistic expression.

Substack Subscribers: 299K

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4. ‍Wendy MacNaughton 

‍Wendy MacNaughton is a renowned illustrator and social worker, known for her interactive drawing classes aimed at children through her platform DrawTogether. She emphasizes the importance of art in emotional learning and community building. Wendy has authored several books, including 'How to Say Goodbye,' and actively engages her audience with art lessons that promote creativity and connection. Her work often intersects with social issues, making art accessible and enjoyable for all ages.

Substack Subscribers: 104K

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3. ‍Hidden RSRCH

‍Hidden RSRCH is an anonymous Substack by "HIDDEN®" that blends forum culture with deep dives into quality products, informed by past, present, and future perspectives. The platform extends the creator's influential Instagram presence into long-form content exploring streetwear culture, emerging talent, and micro-trends that challenge traditional fashion media. Rather than just reposting, HIDDEN® curates cultural moments and builds community through design competitions and collaborations that support emerging artists.

Substack Subscribers: 148K

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2. ‍Ann Telnaes 

‍Ann Telnaes is a Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonist for The Washington Post, known for her sharp political commentary through various mediums including animation and visual essays. Her work often critiques political figures and societal issues, particularly focusing on the Trump administration and its impact on democracy. With a strong presence on social media, she engages audiences with her thought-provoking cartoons that challenge the status quo.

Substack Subscribers: 103K

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1. Paul Freeman, Bob Mizer, and Ashton Jay | Gayety

‍Paul Freeman, Bob Mizer, and Ashton Jay are the featured photographers of Gayety, a gay-owned Substack that celebrates LGBTQ+ culture, art, and photography without censorship. They show how male photography has changed over time, from Mizer's groundbreaking 1940s work that started the genre, to Freeman's modern photos of tough masculinity, to Jay's personal LA portraits that help people feel safe and explore themselves. The platform features artist spotlights, interviews with photographers, and bold visual content that embraces queer identity without limits.

Substack Subscribers: 197K

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