Feelings I Can't Hold On To Anymore

Somewhere along the way my emotional release "personal projects" became a whole collection of art, books, and stationery... and a career.

Tweets and status updates move so fast that there's almost no time to think before they're gone, but keeping things in your head doesn't usually help. In 2008 I started putting my feelings into my zines and gift products so I could hold onto them a little longer, and then actually put them out into the world. Then I started making books and my feelings continued to do their own thing.

I'm literally just one guy doing his best to make something from nothing, and so far it's going pretty okay.

Things Are What You Make of Them: Life Advice for Creatives

Adam J. Kurtz / Via books.adamjk.com

Life can be hard, and life as a creative person? Even harder. We're so full of energy, hope, and potential, but we're also full of self-doubt, procrastination, and that all too familiar fear of failure. I've learned so much of this the hard way, and after a few years of writing monthly guides, I put the best lessons into a pocket sized book. This is the kind of book you didn't know you need, but you'll immediately want to share. All of us are creative, whether we realize it or not, and we're all just trying to do our best.

1 Page at a Time: A Daily Creative Companion

Adam J. Kurtz / Via books.adamjk.com

There’s always so much going on, a million things to get done or worry about, ten emails and six new comments. Slow down. Take a minute every day to make 1 real, tangible thing, and who knows what we’ll have at the end of a year. This 365 page activity book will get us both through a year together.

SORRY I AM SUCH AN ASSHOLE

Adam J. Kurtz / Via shop.adamjk.com

We’ve all been there, right? I needed to blow this one up really big, look at it, then let it go. Apparently I wasn't the only one...

EVERYTHING WILL BE SO GOOD SO SOON, JUST HANG IN THERE & DON’T WORRY ABOUT IT TOO MUCH

Adam J. Kurtz / Via Instagram: @adamjk

When my friend was in the hospital, I didn't know what to do with myself. This is just paper, but it cheered us both up a little. Since then it's been art prints and spread all over the internet, proving that a little bit of pure optimism can go a long way.

Pick Me Up: A Pep Talk For Now & Later

Adam J. Kurtz / Via books.adamjk.com

Our brains don't always operate on a linear path. Our thoughts get tangled, our minds race, and we forget all the best advice we already know. This journal collects all your own advice now so you can find it when you need it later. Plus it's full of my own tough love and inspiration. Hang in there, I love you.

You Tried

Adam J. Kurtz / Via shop.adamjk.com

When an "A" for effort isn't enough... there's this pin. It's also available as a keychain in case you literally need to see it every single day.

What I Am TRYING To Say To You: 30 Cards To Post & Share

Adam J. Kurtz / Via books.adamjk.com

Sometimes it's hard to find the right words for the occasion, whether it's a "card-giving holiday" like Mother's Day, or the exact right sentiment for someone who makes the everyday hardship of being alive worthwhile. These 30 postcards have you covered no matter what you're trying to communicate. Also, stickers.

Bottled Up FEEL-INGS

Adam J. Kurtz / Via fishseddy.com

For anyone who's ever kept scary feelings bottled up, or wanted to preserve some good memories for colder months, here's a perfect little ceramic jar just for you. Good luck!

Okay that's it goodbye TTYL!!!