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Things Are What You Make of Them

Life Advice for Creatives

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Things Are What You Make of Them

By: Adam J. Kurtz, Grace Bonney - foreword
Narrated by: Adam J. Kurtz, Grace Bonney
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About this listen

Insights 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.

As wry and cheeky as it is empathic and empowering, this deceptively simple 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.

©2017 Adam J. Kurtz, Grace Bonney (P)2021 Penguin Audio
Creativity Personal Success Compassion Heartfelt

Critic Reviews

"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)

"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)

"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 toward creatives, but honestly, these nuggets of wisdom are valuable mood boosters for people in any career path." (Bustle)

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