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Things Are What You Make of Them: Life Advice for Creatives Paperback – October 3, 2017

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 563 ratings

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"Adam J. Kurtz wants you to feel better. About yourself. About the world. About the creative process." -Adweek
 
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."
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From the Publisher

Things Are What You Make of Them by Adam Kurtz
Life advice for anyone who makes anything. From the Author of 1 Page at a time & Pick me Up
Things Are What You Make of Them by Adam Kurtz
Things Are What You Make of Them by Adam Kurtz
1 Page at a Time Pick Me Up Things are what you make of them You Are Here (For Now)
1 Page at a Time Pick Me Up Things Are What You Make of Them You Are Here (For Now)
Customer Reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars
808
4.6 out of 5 stars
408
4.6 out of 5 stars
563
4.7 out of 5 stars
246
Price $9.95 $4.00 $16.00 $14.10
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

"Funny, wry, straightforward advice" -Adweek

"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

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.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ TarcherPerigee (October 3, 2017)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 144 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0143131516
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0143131519
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 6.4 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 4.32 x 0.52 x 6.38 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 563 ratings

About the author

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Adam J. Kurtz
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Adam J. Kurtz (aka "Adam JK") is a designer, artist, and speaker. His books have sold over a million copies in twenty languages, and his offbeat creative work has been featured in Nylon, Adweek, Vice, The New Yorker, and more.

Follow @AdamJK for art and updates!

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
563 global ratings

Review this product

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Customers say

Customers find the book inspiring and encouraging. They describe it as delightful and meaningful. The color scheme is described as beautiful and simple. Readers praise the book's readability, describing it as concise, easy to understand, and a smart structure. The humor is described as witty and relatable, making it a good way to take things less seriously. The pages are perforated and tear-off into postcard-sized prints. Customers appreciate the author's honesty and straightforward advice.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

68 customers mention "Inspirational message"68 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's message inspiring and encouraging. They say it's a lighthearted, insightful guide that provides positive messages for all readers.

"...always been a fan of Adam's work because it is sarcastic, funny, inspiring but my favorite part is that it's relatable...." Read more

"...It's witty, honest, and insightful." Read more

"...It is full of wise and helpful advice, and makes me feel like a smart understanding person who is just a little bit further into their creative life..." Read more

"...my artist and entrepreneur friends, it is filled with simple and encouraging truth that I (and they) really resonated with...." Read more

44 customers mention "Book enjoyment"44 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book. They find it delightful, inspiring, and meaningful. Readers describe it as a fun, creative, and wise read that is not too long.

"Such a great book and a wonderful gift for all my artist friends (and really, those who are not artists too)...." Read more

"...It's more fun to flip through than my phone." Read more

"Reading was good. I like the turning ofpages." Read more

"This book is lovely, and I can’t review it highly enough...." Read more

24 customers mention "Color scheme"24 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's color scheme appealing. They describe it as a cute, colorful, and delightful little book that offers an introspective look at the artistic process. The content is described as sweet, sassy, and smart.

"...and given them to friends who now also reference this delightfully colorful little book whenever they are needing a pep talk or pick me up...." Read more

"...The colors are beautiful, and the message is one of self love and motivation...." Read more

"Short and sweet, content to keep in mind for all the creatives (be that the more “artsy” or more conceptualizing crowds)." Read more

"...It's a happy book, with happy colors and good, real and concise advise." Read more

20 customers mention "Readability"18 positive2 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and relatable. They appreciate the concise advice and simple yet complex structure. The colors and casual language are also appreciated.

"...It can be an easy read or a more deep one depending on how you feel at the moment, which is one of my favorite parts...." Read more

"...you're not alone in the creative struggle, but the structure of the book is really smart...." Read more

"...perfect gift for all my artist and entrepreneur friends, it is filled with simple and encouraging truth that I (and they) really resonated with...." Read more

"...Not organized in an easy to follow form,but a quick read for a"creative block" time escape." Read more

17 customers mention "Humor"17 positive0 negative

Customers find the humor in the book witty, honest, and relatable. They describe it as lighthearted and encouraging for creatives and artists. The words are meaningful and whimsical, making it worth the read.

"I have always been a fan of Adam's work because it is sarcastic, funny, inspiring but my favorite part is that it's relatable...." Read more

"...It's witty, honest, and insightful." Read more

"...Quirky and written by and for artists- it is motivating but not too serious. represents all creative minds and hands-not just field of fine art...." Read more

"...always comes from an honest, caring place, and always has a great splash of humor. This book is a great example of that...." Read more

13 customers mention "Page tearability"13 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the perforated pages that can be torn out. They find it fun to tear the pages and share thoughts, ideas, and inspiration.

"...This book also allows you to tear up the pages and either give them away or display them on a wall, as you'd desire...." Read more

"...Every page is perforated and able to be torn out. In the future I plan on using my favorite pages around my room, as reminders and inspiration...." Read more

"...The size is so perfect, about that of a post card. The pages tear out, and I've already hung a few around my room...." Read more

"...Furthermore, the fact that each page can be torn out and hung up, given away, etc. is just a great little bonus...." Read more

12 customers mention "Honesty"12 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the author's honesty and thoughtfulness. They find the book honest and creative. The conversational tone makes it easy for readers to interact with the author.

"...It's witty, honest, and insightful." Read more

"...Adam for a while now and absolutely love how his honesty shows through every bit of his work...." Read more

"...That’s because his work always comes from an honest, caring place, and always has a great splash of humor. This book is a great example of that...." Read more

"I absolutely love Adam and his creativity...." Read more

11 customers mention "Gift value"11 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's gift value. They find it helpful and say it makes a great gift.

"Such a great book and a wonderful gift for all my artist friends (and really, those who are not artists too)...." Read more

"...This was the perfect gift for all my artist and entrepreneur friends, it is filled with simple and encouraging truth that I (and they) really..." Read more

"...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." Read more

"This small guide is the perfect gift for the friend who is trying to make it (or has already made it) in the creative industry...." Read more

Essential for creatives, but relatable for EVERYONE!
5 out of 5 stars
Essential for creatives, but relatable for EVERYONE!
I have always been a fan of Adam's work because it is sarcastic, funny, inspiring but my favorite part is that it's relatable. He does an excellent job at reaching to his audience and making us feel like we are friends without even personally knowing each other. I have read this book twice since I got it and it's by far, one of my favorite books (& I read A LOT). I believe it to be an essential for creatives, but anyone can relate to it too. I am a photographer & every single word touched home, but my best friend is nowhere near the art side of life (she's a chemist) & she liked it too. This book gives us answers to the typical questions like "How to be happy?" by telling us very straight forward that there is not such a thing as an 100% happy life, but instead happy moments. It can be an easy read or a more deep one depending on how you feel at the moment, which is one of my favorite parts. This book also allows you to tear up the pages and either give them away or display them on a wall, as you'd desire. Lastly, this book makes you want to share it with others (I have already bought a copy to give to all my friends for the holidays).
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2017
    I have always been a fan of Adam's work because it is sarcastic, funny, inspiring but my favorite part is that it's relatable. He does an excellent job at reaching to his audience and making us feel like we are friends without even personally knowing each other. I have read this book twice since I got it and it's by far, one of my favorite books (& I read A LOT). I believe it to be an essential for creatives, but anyone can relate to it too. I am a photographer & every single word touched home, but my best friend is nowhere near the art side of life (she's a chemist) & she liked it too. This book gives us answers to the typical questions like "How to be happy?" by telling us very straight forward that there is not such a thing as an 100% happy life, but instead happy moments. It can be an easy read or a more deep one depending on how you feel at the moment, which is one of my favorite parts. This book also allows you to tear up the pages and either give them away or display them on a wall, as you'd desire. Lastly, this book makes you want to share it with others (I have already bought a copy to give to all my friends for the holidays).
    Customer image
    5.0 out of 5 stars Essential for creatives, but relatable for EVERYONE!
    Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2017
    I have always been a fan of Adam's work because it is sarcastic, funny, inspiring but my favorite part is that it's relatable. He does an excellent job at reaching to his audience and making us feel like we are friends without even personally knowing each other. I have read this book twice since I got it and it's by far, one of my favorite books (& I read A LOT). I believe it to be an essential for creatives, but anyone can relate to it too. I am a photographer & every single word touched home, but my best friend is nowhere near the art side of life (she's a chemist) & she liked it too. This book gives us answers to the typical questions like "How to be happy?" by telling us very straight forward that there is not such a thing as an 100% happy life, but instead happy moments. It can be an easy read or a more deep one depending on how you feel at the moment, which is one of my favorite parts. This book also allows you to tear up the pages and either give them away or display them on a wall, as you'd desire. Lastly, this book makes you want to share it with others (I have already bought a copy to give to all my friends for the holidays).
    Images in this review
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    4 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2018
    Such a great book and a wonderful gift for all my artist friends (and really, those who are not artists too). Not only is it full of bite-size helpful advice that makes you feel that you're not alone in the creative struggle, but the structure of the book is really smart. Each section proceeds through the actual creative process including how to start over and how to manage success. It's witty, honest, and insightful.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 5, 2018
    I really enjoyed this book and refer to it often, but I just wanted to point out that it's *tiny*, about the size of a small greeting card. So if you are looking to purchase it as a gift or even as a book to include in your stack of art books, be aware of the size. The one great thing about this size, though, is that it's portable. I grab it and throw it in my bag a lot of the time when I know I might be waiting somewhere, just to get a hit of inspiration. It's more fun to flip through than my phone.
    11 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2018
    I carry this book with me in my bag every day (have actually thought about getting a second copy so I can keep one each in the two bags I switch back and forth between because when I forget to switch it I always reach for it and feel bereft). It is full of wise and helpful advice, and makes me feel like a smart understanding person who is just a little bit further into their creative life than me is giving me a big hug every time I open it up. I've actually purchased several more copies and given them to friends who now also reference this delightfully colorful little book whenever they are needing a pep talk or pick me up. I LOVE this book. Thank you Adam for sharing such absurdly wonderful advice with us all.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 19, 2019
    Fast seller communication, we worked it out thank you.
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2018
    This was the first book I purchased by this Author and once I got it, I went back and bought 5 more to give as gifts to friends! The ability to support a real-life artist, not a huge company is always amazing and totally worth it! This was the perfect gift for all my artist and entrepreneur friends, it is filled with simple and encouraging truth that I (and they) really resonated with. It's a good little pocket size, great for a coffee table or perfect to pop in your backpack to take on a trip. I definitely recommend! Buy as a gift or keep for yourself. This book might not change your life, but gosh, it will absolutely make it better.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 1, 2018
    Hello hi. I am writing from my mother's Amazon Prime account, because what millennial even has one??? Anyway, I purchased this book for my husband who is currently getting his MFA in painting and has clinical depression. The look on his face as I watched him read this book spoke volumes. Adam J. Kurtz not only is an incredible designer/artist/illustrator, but I actually feel like he is a close friend, cheering on me/my husband/anyone on the planet! I look forward to seeing anything he's done and his social media posts always brighten my day. This smol book is just that. It's a ray of sunshine and a daily reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always someone hoping, wishing, and praying that you're killing it!

    Jewelya
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 27, 2020
    this book is in likeness to a torn out page from a"an idea notebook"compiled on card stock thick pages in a very small book. Quirky and written by and for artists- it is motivating but not too serious. represents all creative minds and hands-not just field of fine art.I am using it as a gift for a rejected hard working creative soul. Not organized in an easy to follow form,but a quick read for a"creative block" time escape.

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • Cliente de Amazon
    5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiración creativa
    Reviewed in Mexico on December 24, 2018
    Soy diseñadora gráfica y fan de Adam, tengo dos de sus libros y me encantan! Creatividad pura!
  • Danka
    5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely
    Reviewed in Brazil on January 26, 2018
    Ótimo livro para motivar (principalmente, mas não unicamente) artistas e criativos de todas as áreas. Não tema essa jóia com um pé na categoria auto-ajuda. Divertido e muito dinâmico, adorei o fato que posso destacar qualquer página e usar como quiser (colar na parede, marca-página, lembrete etc) para me inspirar.
  • Giselle
    5.0 out of 5 stars Definitely Recommeded
    Reviewed in India on February 14, 2020
    A beautiful and perfect read for designers. The tearable pages are the cutest, that can be pinned on a pin board. Definitely recommend.
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars One of My Favorites!
    Reviewed in Canada on February 19, 2018
    As someone who often runs into periods of creative block, self doubt and overall negativity when it comes to either myself or my work.. this book has been a great tool in fixing that issue or pushing me to find a solution. As someone who is familiar with Kurtz work, the whole book is bang on, definitely some of his best work. I really appreciate the hand written aspects, they allow for a form of relatability to happen between the reader and author, has more of a conversational tone. Its a great book for reminding yourself that you arent the only one who has these moments of self doubt but also a great motivational tool to get that project you've been thinking about started. Kurtz's voice is very distinctive with his use of hand writing and I think its a nice touch to the book as well as the colorful pages. The fact that the pages are perforated so that the reader can pull out their favorite pages is perfect if you find something that really resonates with you and want to see it every day. Overall a very beneficial purchase. If you are looking for a solution to your specific issues and want life handed to you without putting in work, maybe this isnt for you. But if you're genuinely trying to better yourself and your work by putting in the effort, some great tips and motivation to get you started and keep you going!
  • Kristina S
    2.0 out of 5 stars Disappointed
    Reviewed in Germany on November 11, 2019
    Very cool book, appreciate the author so much. But the quality of book is soooo bad