Kim & Jason News

Woot! A Chance of Awesome: How Changing the Way You See Changes Everything is now available to pre-order! (It'll be released on August 8, 2109.) All pre-orders will be signed by me and you’ll be automatically entered to win this sharp 20″ x 20″ framed canvas reproduction of the art on the cover! But that's not all!  We also have limited edition Baker's Dozen and Fab Four Dozen packages available for people interested in buying a bunch of books to share with friends, employees, donors, clients, and sworn enemies. They come with some pretty sweet bonuses, like mini canvases featuring art from the book and even original oil paintings! Perhaps you're wondering: What in the world would I possibly do with all those books? Well, you could give them out to strangers on a random street corner or build a little fort for your Lego minifigs, but here are some more practical suggestions: Use them as client gifts.Give them to people you’d like to become …

[Read more...] about Why you’ll definitely want to buy at least 13 copies of A Chance of Awesome

I recently had a chance to give a TEDx talk in McHenry, Illinois, which is just outside Chicago. I probably prepared more for this speech than any other I've given, and it was one of the shortest I've ever delivered. I'm excited to finally be able to share the video here. What was the talk about? Here's the description: Face it, adulting is hard. There are deadlines to meet, bills to pay, and rules aplenty we have to follow. Most of these rules keep order in what would otherwise be a chaotic world. But are all “rules” equally important? Maybe there are some rules we’d be better off not following.  In his talk, Jason Kotecki, will challenge us to escape adulthood and break the rules we only think we have to follow. …

[Read more...] about My TED Talk About Rules That Don’t Exist

Wondernite is an exclusive art collecting event where I premiere never-before-seen originals and limited edition artwork. This year, guests got all gussied up and joined us at the beautiful Park Hotel, Madison’s only Capitol Square hotel, for an unforgettable evening. And it sure was. Here are a few notes (and a bunch of photos!) from the second annual Wondernite... "Thank you! I took a chance on a night not knowing what to expect and attended solo. I really had a blast and would absolutely attend more events! Thanks so much ❤️❤️" –Carrie Ouradnik My brother Doug served as emcee for the night, and delighted people with his jokes and semi-true stories. After dinner, as I revealed my new pieces, I told the stories behind the work. All of the originals were made available by silent auction, although some people lamented the loss of the live auction and the witty banter of Doug. (We already have plans to remedy …

[Read more...] about Wondernite 2018 Recap

We were thrilled to help Goodwill with a fundraising event they dubbed "Escape Adulthood Recess." Designed to be a break from the workday, we worked with the fabulous folks at Hayes Marketing Services and the Goodwill Northern Illinois team to create a successful networking luncheon that raised a lot of money and created a lot of positive buzz. We were so impressed by the work that Donna Hayes and her team did to create such a magical event. Kim decided to follow up with her to get more information on all that went into it, how she was able to pack the room, and to glean some tips that others could use to plan their own events. Here's the interview: Quick links... Learn more about Jason's speaking programs Hayes Marketing Group See how another group utilized Jason's art to make their event more memorable The careful attention to detail helped create a fun and approachable ambiance, and tied the theme together wonderfully. Here are some photos we managed …

[Read more...] about How to Create a Successful and Adultitis-Free Fundraising Event

The theme for the sixth Escape Adulthood Summit was "Shine On." It's always good to be reminded that even on the darkest days, the sun isn't gone, it's just hidden. This Summit was a call to look for the light during our seasons of darkness, and to bring light to others, by sharing our talents and kindness. For the third consecutive year, it was held at The Barn at Harvest Moon Pond, which is a beautiful spot in the middle of Nowhere, Wisconsin, miles away from the Adultitis-ridden pace of everyday life. As always, the line of people waiting to enter buzzed with anticipation, Golden Tickets in hand. Attendees were treated to some of the most delicious gourmet cotton candy, compliments of Jo and her son from Sugarsmith. Once the door opens, the wild rumpus begins, and guests are treated to a goodie bag filled with fun stuff for fighting Adultitis. Two of Madison's best food carts were on hand to serve lunch. And it just …

[Read more...] about 2018 Escape Adulthood Summit Recap

I was recently interviewed on two great podcasts that are definitely worth a listen: In an episode of The Idea Medic Podcast by Tara Roskell, we explore a bit of my journey from cartoonist to speaker and author, and talk about my artistic style and where I find inspiration. We also discuss ways to escape adulthood and the benefits of bringing fun to business. Meanwhile, my friend Neil Mathweg has started a podcast for people who live in (an especially recently moved to) Madison Wisconsin. I was honored to be the first guest on the I Love Madison Show, where we talked about finding your tribe and the powerful concept of Tinker Projects. Neil is a great host and produces an entertaining show! …

[Read more...] about Listen In For Ideas on Creativity, Finding Inspiration, and Tinkering

A few years ago, I had the chance to visit some art galleries in Scottsdale, Arizona. Although much of the art was truly impressive, I was taken aback by the extreme levels of Adultitis that permeated everything. Everyone was so serious and stuffy. Making art is a joyful experience for me – as I’m sure it is for many of the artists who had their work on display – but in those galleries, that joy was missing. Big time. Kim and I have worked hard to marry my art into my speaking programs in a meaningful way. This past year, we spent hours and hours brainstorming the idea of creating some sort of "art show" for our tribe. We wanted something fun and different that incorporated my storytelling abilities, but was free of the Adultitis that dominates so many traditional galleries and art shows. What finally emerged was Wondernite, a VIP art collecting event where I premiered never-before-seen originals. It was billed as inspiring evening of art, food, and storytelling. One …

[Read more...] about Wondernite 2017

Adventure. That’s what the fifth Escape Adulthood Summit was all about. But not the kind of adventure you encounter when you google the word “adventure." You know, like scenes of people hanging precipitously from a cliff’s edge with one hand. We talked more about everyday adventures; the opportunities to try something for the first time and see the magic in seemingly ordinary moments. Nothing against mountain climbing or sky diving, but we wanted to challenge attendees to embrace adventure on an even wider scale. Once again, this year’s shindig was held at the beautiful Barn at Harvest Moon Pond, nestled within the rolling Wisconsin countryside. Kim and I welcomed another sold-out crowd with hugs and high fives. It was exciting to see new faces and old friends — some of whom have been to all five Summits! Of course, Golden Tickets are required for admittance. Goodie bags and personalized name tags awaited each guest. I think those name tags are …

[Read more...] about 2017 Escape Adulthood Summit Recap