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Start giftingThings Are What You Make of Them
This audiobook uses AI narration.
We’re taking steps to make sure AI narration is transparent.
Learn moreInsights and inspiration for anyone who makes art (or anything else)
The Ultimate BuzzFeed Books Gift Guide - Official Selection
From the creative mind and heart of designer Adam J. Kurtz comes this upbeat rallying cry for creators of all stripes. Expanding on a series of popular essays, this handwritten and heartfelt book shares wisdom and empathy from one working artist to others. Perforated tear-and-share pages make it easy to display the most crucial reminders or to pass a bit of advice on to someone who needs it.
As wry and cheeky as it is empathic and empowering, this deceptively simple, vibrantly full-color book will be a touchstone for writers, artists, entrepreneurs, and anyone else who wants to be more creative--even when it would be easier to give up and act normal.
* This audiobook edition includes new commentary and anecdotes from the author.
Adam J. Kurtz is a designer, artist and author of 1 Page at a Time and Pick Me Up, which have been published in over a dozen languages each. His “very personal” work for clients like Strand Bookstore and Urban Outfitters has been featured in NYLON, PRINT, VICE, BuzzFeed and more.
Adam J. Kurtz is a designer, artist and author of 1 Page at a Time and Pick Me Up, which have been published in over a dozen languages each. His “very personal” work for clients like Strand Bookstore and Urban Outfitters has been featured in NYLON, PRINT, VICE, BuzzFeed and more.
Reviews
"Funny, wry, straightforward advice" --Adweek"Serving up optimism and hope" --NYLON
"Advice from someone who's been there" --Teen Vogue
"Kind, generous and empowering" --Cool Hunting
"Delivers the big pep talks you need" --HelloGiggles
"This brilliant, life-affirming book is chock full of audacious advice to help creative people make sense of rejection, failure, false starts, fame, happiness and collaborations." --Debbie Millman, host of Design Matters
"All of Adam J. Kurtz's words are filled with wit, warmth, wonder and wisdom." --Alanis Morissette
"Artist and author Adam J. Kurtz does a great job of expressing the unique anxiety that often comes with being a creative person. Things Are What You Make Of Them is page after page of notes that serve as little nudges out of creative slumps and the negative self-talk that often accompanies them." --BuzzFeed
"In Things Are What You Make of Them, Kurtz shares mini-essays of how he deals with the intangibles that can keep people stuck, overwhelmed, or afraid to move forward. He also confronts the idea of what concepts like happiness and success look like to people in creative or more traditional industries." --Refinery29
"The book is divided into 12 color-coded sections, which run the gamut from the practical -- How to Stay Sane When You Work from Home and Working with Friends and Family -- to the existential -- How to Begin Again and How to be Happier. The advice is geared towards creatives, but honestly, these nuggets of wisdom are valuable mood boosters for people in any career path." --Bustle Expand reviews