Adam J. Kurtz is a joke. But he's also not. In his own words, he's "a designer-author-illustrator-creativedirector-writer-smallpress-brand???" His strength lies in his ability to not take himself too seriously. He's not serious enough to have one identifier, to limit himself to one discipline. He's not serious enough to think that he has it all figured out, which is what makes his advice so insightful and compelling. Speaking of which, the best way to describe Adam is probably through the title of his most recent advice book, Things Are What You Make of Them.
What's the worst piece of advice anyone's ever given you?
A long time ago someone told me that nobody would ever take me seriously if I made my brand "jk" or "just kidding." They were wrong… although maybe also a little bit right. It's hard to say if it matters now though. Do I even want to be taken that seriously?
How do you define creativity?
I don't think it's easy to define because it's kinda one of those words that's hard to define without the word itself. But you know it when you see it. Or feel it. It's making stuff and doing things that feel like they don't necessarily need to exist or happen but also you totally feel and need them to.
What work are you most proud of?
It's just really nice to even be someone that people look to for a mood boost or inspiration or a laugh. I'm just trying to have an OK life and so I'm proud that I've worked towards and created the space for myself to really just make things and let that be my contribution to society and how I can support myself for the time being.
If you were to compare your body of work to a shape, what shape would it be and why?
A big scribble because I don't know what I'm doing and it's not always pretty but when you step back and maybe squint you can sorta see that it has a start and an end point.
When did you know that you had found your voice?
I'm not 100% sure that I have yet. I don't know when it will happen or if it ever can because we are all constantly evolving as artists and people. :)