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Things Are What You Make of Them: Life Advice for Creatives Paperback – October 3, 2017
Adam J. Kurtz (Author) Find all the books, read about the author, and more. See search results for this author |
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Insights and inspiration for anyone who makes art (or anything else) from someone who's been there (and maybe still is).
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 in his signature tone: empathetic, vulnerable, inclusive, and conversational. 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.
The Ultimate BuzzFeed Books Gift Guide: "Pursuing art in all its forms, whether professionally or not, requires so much resilience and faith. Adam J. Kurtz's Things Are What You Make of Them is full of pick-me-ups and reminders that you are more than your self-doubt, and certainly you aren't alone in them."
- Print length144 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherTarcherPerigee
- Publication dateOctober 3, 2017
- Dimensions4.24 x 0.4 x 6.35 inches
- ISBN-100143131516
- ISBN-13978-0143131519
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From the Publisher


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1 Page at a Time | Pick Me Up | Things Are What You Make of Them | You Are Here (For Now) | |
365 prompts to help readers tap into their creativity by encouraging them to draw, write, list, reflect, and share. | An intimate and engaging journal for anyone who loves to explore ideas, record thoughts and feelings, and capture those fleeting but amazing moments of everyday life. | Insights and inspiration for anyone who makes art (or anything else). | A collection of essays and artwork that explores mental health, identity, handling setbacks, and more. |
Editorial Reviews
Review
"Pursuing art in all its forms, whether professionally or not, requires so much resilience and faith. Adam J. Kurtz's Things Are What You Make of Them is full of pick-me-ups and reminders that you are more than your self-doubt, and certainly you aren't alone in them. -BuzzFeed
"Serving up optimism and hope" -NYLON
"All of Adam J. Kurtz's words are filled with wit, warmth, wonder and wisdom." -Alanis Morissette
"Advice from someone who's been there" -Teen Vogue
"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 podcast
"Kind, generous and empowering" -Cool Hunting
"Highly relatable and will make you laugh, cry and feel less crazy than you think you are. You're actually fine!" -Man Repeller
"A colorful, encouraging companion" -Forbes
"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
"Delivers the big pep talks you need" -HelloGiggles
"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
"This life-affirming book has the feel of a personal diary, with hand-lettered text and heartfelt but practical advice. The perfect handbook for the creative soul in need of a gentle kick-start." -The Advocate
About the Author
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Product details
- Publisher : TarcherPerigee (October 3, 2017)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 144 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0143131516
- ISBN-13 : 978-0143131519
- Item Weight : 7.2 ounces
- Dimensions : 4.24 x 0.4 x 6.35 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #170,093 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #26 in Individual Artist Essays
- #31 in Business Health & Stress
- #51 in Business of Art Reference
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Adam J. Kurtz (aka "Adam JK") is a designer, artist, and speaker. His books have been published in more than a dozen languages, and his offbeat creative work has been featured in Nylon, Adweek, Vice, The New Yorker, and more.
Kurtz's new book, YOU ARE HERE *FOR NOW: A Guide to Finding Your Way, will be released October 2021. Follow @adamjk for art and updates.
Customer reviews
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Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2020
Top reviews from the United States
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This book has found a home in the bottom of my bag and I enjoy reading a page or two on my commute, it's a great way to start or end the day.
Would make a lovely gift. Bonus: the pages are perforated so you can easily tear them out, send one to a friend, or pin one in your office.
Top reviews from other countries




Bright and colourful, it’s a real boost to pick up when you’re struggling creatively.
