When you are doing what you love, and it just so happens that thing you love is also your career, now THAT is what it’s all about. Adam J. Kurtz, 27, is an Artist and Author based in Brooklyn, New York. His first book, 1 Page at a Time speaks to me because of how much I love journaling, and his second book Pick Me Up I can’t wait to get my hands on when it comes out next month. This guy has collaborated on products for big time retailers, such as Urban Outfitters, and it’s clear as to why; his products are unique, funny, and just downright cool. I certainly know where I’ll be shopping for gifts moving forward (hint: AdamJK Gift Shop). Keep on reading for what Adam’s personal favorite product is, how he got started, where he loves to go in Brooklyn, and more.
Have you always known you wanted to be an artist and author? If not, when did you realize this is what you were going to do?
I’ve always had a creative streak, though I think most kids do. As a teen I was online building websites and teaching myself graphic design, then studied it in college. The books have come as a surprise, as my personal projects grew into a career of their own!
Your book 1 Page at a Time: A Daily Creative Companion is simply awesome. In a world full of texting, social media, and the Internet, it’s nice to put pen to paper and write down daily thoughts (I’m a big fan of journaling!), and your book inspires one to do just that. How did you come up with this idea? What inspired you to do so?
I was self-publishing an annual weekly planner called Unsolicited Advice (2017 edition coming soon!) that was full of prompts and a tiny voice that pushes you along. It was an editor at Penguin who spotted me on Kickstarter and saw the potential for an undated book that could be picked up whenever. She and I worked together to hone in on my own voice and make it honest and fun for anyone whether they had already been following my work online or not.
And your next book Pick Me Up comes out next month! How exciting. Can you tell us a little bit about it?
PICK ME UP is all about how real life is full of surprises. You pick it up at random, opening to any page you like and leaving your mark, then come back later and add a little more. Over time it becomes this pep talk that you’ve written to yourself.
What inspires you on a daily basis?
I don’t know! Everything? Life? Feelings? This is a cop-out answer, but honestly.
Walk us thru a typical day in your life.
Wake up, pack mail, hit the post office, grab a coffee, then come back to whatever tasks I have; usually email, an Instagram post of some sort, then a balance of client and personal projects. Most of my projects are personal but for someone, like books for Penguin or a new line of paper goods coming soon from ABRAMS. So, it’s fun and totally me, but there are still deadlines.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to become a well-known artist like yourself?
I don’t think I’m a well-known artist! I have always just done fun stuff on the side. There was never any plan to “be an artist” or “publish a book” or anything else. Just have fun and make things because you feel like you have to. If the goal is just to create, then you’re in control of your own happiness about it all.
Your products are so unique (and damn funny, too!) – I love all the enamel pins!! What is your favorite product you’ve ever created and why?
The SORRY I AM SUCH AN ASSHOLE balloons were the first gift item, and came from a really real place. They were reproductions of a balloon I had customized for a photo in a zine… they just came from my early projects and then became the big hit that pushed me to keep making my work in these tangible, giftable forms.
I always say if I ever move back to the New York area, I’d 100% move to Brooklyn. From a current ‘Brooklynite’- can you tell us a few of your favorite spots there?
I hang out at Otha’s Coffee and Kichin, a Korean restaurant. They’re next door to each other and I’m friends with the owners. I’m there almost every day. The city is huge and crazy, so it’s up to you to find your quiet spots and build your family of neighbors and friendly faces.
What motto/quote do you always try to live by?
THINGS ARE WHAT YOU MAKE OF THEM.
Thanks, Adam!
Be sure to follow Adam on Twitter and Instagram.
See past interview here.
If you or someone you know might be a good fit for this series, reach out to me. I’d love to hear from you.
Photography: David Brookton