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 …
Kim & Jason News
How to Ensure Your Next Event Stands Out and the Message Sticks
I've always respected the idea that Native Americans who hunted bison would put every inch of it to good use. Meat, bones, hide, everything. As a speaker who just so happens to be an artist (or is that an artist who happens to be a speaker?), I love it when someone makes the most of everything we have to offer. Oftentimes, my art gets used in the printed program and marketing materials that promote the event. Other clients give products featuring my art as thank you gifts to sponsors and volunteers. Sometimes it’s even incorporated into the stage design! A recent client went next level …
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You Might Be an Art Collector If…
If I have extra time when I am traveling for speaking engagements, one of my favorite things to do is visit art galleries. I love discovering new artists who inspire me. What I don't usually love is the vibe of the galleries themselves, and the so-called "art world" as a whole. Quiet as a museum and serious as a heart atttack, they often ooze pretension and feature prices that only an elite few could afford. Sometimes artists themselves contribute to this snobby, holier-than-thou aura. I believe that art is for everyone, whether it comes to making it or owning it. Art can address serious …
Making a Splash at the First Madison Night Market
Last week we had the opportunity to participate in the first-ever Madison Night Market, which is a celebration of Madison’s unique and inspiring creative culture. It features handmade products, local art, artisan gifts, food carts, and live music. Little Luxuries, which is regularly voted as the best gift shop in Madison, carries some of our stuff. When Amy Moore, the owner, invited us to be a part of her store's booth, we jumped at the chance! It was the first time I'd be showing my new art in a public forum and I was excited (and a little nervous) for the opportunity to see people's …
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Talking About Tinkering on the Mere Mortals Unite Podcast
I recently had the privilege of appearing on the Mere Mortal Unite podcast, hosted by Julie Ann Sullivan, who is a tremendous Adultitis Fighter. The focus of the episode was to give you permission to tinker, and in fact remind you that you used to do it all the time — when you were kid. We talked about what tinkering is, why you should do it, and how you can use it to transform your life or get out of a place of "stuckness." I also shared the magical benefits of a Tinker Project and how you can start your own to achieve breakthrough levels of creativity and uncover hidden opportunities. I …
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Must Be Nice: A Fresh and Funny Take on Gratitude
I'll be at the Dream Bank in Madison on Thursday, November 10th. You should come. Here's what I'll be talking about: "Comparison may be the thief of joy, but it sure is hard to ignore people who have bigger paychecks, better health, more talent, less debt, longer vacations, larger homes, thinner waists, or nicer mother-in-laws than us. It’s not easy to be thankful when the lucky breaks always seem to land in someone else’s lap. Get into the spirit of the season with artist and author Jason Kotecki as he shares his fresh and funny take on gratitude. He’ll make you laugh, he’ll make you …
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New Adventure Club Challenges for September!
Welcome to September! Adultitis is certainly excited about the calendar shift, as the lazy days of summer ramp up into busier times - especially for anyone affected by the back-to-school season. Well, we refuse to surrender, and we’ve got four new Small Rebellions specially designed to upend the Big A. They’re part of the Escape Adulthood Adventure Club, where we send free stickers (kind of like merit badges) by mail to the first 100 folks who complete the challenges and share their escapades online. Rally your friends, your family, your co-workers — or even just your little old self — …
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The Escape Adulthood Adventure Club is Here!
I am so excited to announce our newest initiative to take down Adultitis! We call it the Escape Adulthood Adventure Club. How does it work? Every month, we'll give you some fun ideas for fighting Adultitis (we call them Small Rebellions). If you do any of them -- by yourself, or with friends, family, or co-workers -- you can officially consider yourself in the Club! And if you are one of the first 100 people to share your exploits online, we'll send you a rad sticker (sort of like a modern-day merit badge) for free! The only question is, "Can you collect them all?" Join a community …
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Pursuing Happiness on the Do Your Thing Podcast
I recently had a wonderful conversation with Ross Brown of the Do Your Thing podcast. We talked about the the idea of pursuing happiness by exercising liberty to "do your thing." I was able to share some of the past failures Kim and I experienced, how we got through our darkest hours, and what opportunity costs we gave up to get to where we are now. Meanwhile Ross, offered to double my income in exchange for giving up on "doing my thing" and even I was kind of surprised by how I answered. He also asked about my "must-read" books and what advice I have for people who are yet to break out of …
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Best Friends Forever: An Online Art Show
Exciting news! I am happy to announce a brand new public exhibition of a series of paintings I've been working on as part of my 2016 Tinker Project. It's called "Best Friends Forever" and it's a collection of winning combinations, an exploration of relationships, and how sometimes, joining forces can make something greater than the sum of its parts. I have shared little sneak peeks here and there on social media, but until now, have only revealed the whole series publicly to the 80 attendees who were at the recent Escape Adulthood Summit. I'd love for you to check it out and let me …
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