We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jack Norton. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jack below.

Jack, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

Absolutely, I have been able to earn a full-time living from my creative work, but it certainly wasn’t an immediate transition. My journey has been a continuous process of learning, adapting, and most importantly, persisting through the challenges.

When I first began my career as a travel writer and filmmaker, I had to juggle multiple roles and part-time jobs to finance my passions. My early days were filled with late-night writing, countless rejections, and small gigs that barely paid the bills. However, I cherished every experience as it was all part of the journey, an integral part of my growth as a creative.

The breakthrough came when Kitty and I started our travel blog and began writing guidebooks. Our unique combination of engaging narratives, practical advice, and stunning visuals gradually drew attention. We kept pushing boundaries, refining our content, and responding to our readers’ feedback. Our dedication paid off when our guidebook, “Wisconsin’s Best: 365 Unique Adventures,” hit the #1 spot on Amazon’s Best Sellers list for travel.

Alongside the success of our guidebooks, our filmmaking also gained momentum. As we traveled, we started documenting our journeys, making short films that captured the essence of the places we visited. These films resonated with audiences, leading to further opportunities to work on commercial and independent projects.

Looking back, one of the major milestones in this journey was undoubtedly the creation of our brand, “Travel with Jack and Kitty.” It helped us establish a solid presence and reputation in the travel industry and made us a go-to source for those looking for authentic travel experiences.

As for speeding up the process, I believe each step, each challenge we faced, helped shape us into who we are today. However, knowing what I know now, I would advise my younger self to focus more on building a strong brand and network from the start. Relationships and collaborations in the creative industry are invaluable. They open doors to opportunities that can accelerate growth and create mutually beneficial partnerships.

But above all, the most important lesson has been to stay true to our vision and voice. There are no shortcuts to success. It takes time, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to your craft. And when the journey is fueled by passion, every step, no matter how challenging, is worth it.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Absolutely. I’m Jack Norton, a travel writer and filmmaker who is always on the quest for the next captivating story or mesmerizing vista. I’m driven by a profound curiosity about the world and a deep passion for storytelling. These twin interests have shaped my life and career, propelling me into the vibrant, constantly evolving world of travel writing and filmmaking.

My journey began during high school, where I studied both film and literature. During my studies, I found myself continuously drawn to narratives that transported the reader or viewer to different locales, offering them a taste of diverse cultures, landscapes, and experiences. This fascination prompted me to explore the world myself, a decision that eventually evolved into my current profession.

Alongside my wife, Kitty, I co-author a series of travel guidebooks under our brand, “Travel with Jack and Kitty”. Our books, including our bestseller “Wisconsin’s Best: 365 Unique Adventures”, offer readers in-depth and authentic insights into various locales, combining practical advice with engaging narratives.

However, our services go beyond the written word. As a filmmaker, I produce films that capture the soul of the places we visit, offering audiences a visual and emotional journey. These range from short films documenting our own travels to commercial projects for clients seeking to promote a destination or share a travel-related narrative.

What sets us apart, I believe, is our genuine love for travel and storytelling. Our brand is built upon authenticity, a passion for exploration, and a commitment to producing high-quality, engaging content. We don’t just provide information; we tell stories. We bring places to life, capturing their unique spirit and revealing the hidden gems that make them special.

Perhaps what I’m most proud of is the community we’ve built through our work. Connecting with readers and viewers who share our love for travel and storytelling is an incredible reward. Seeing how our work inspires others to explore, to appreciate the diversity of our world, and to seek out their own adventures is deeply fulfilling.

For potential clients and followers, I want them to know that “Travel with Jack and Kitty” is more than just a brand; it’s a testament to the beauty of exploration and the power of storytelling. Whether through our guidebooks, blogs, or films, our mission is to inspire, to guide, and to connect. We invite everyone to join us on this journey, to share in our adventures, and to discover the joy and wonder that travel brings.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

To create a thriving ecosystem for artists and creatives, I believe society needs to approach this objective from multiple angles.

Firstly, there should be a deepened appreciation for the arts and creativity. We need to acknowledge and celebrate the value that creative individuals contribute to our society, not just in terms of aesthetics, but also in their ability to encourage critical thinking, inspire innovation, and foster cultural understanding. This can be achieved through promoting the arts in education from a young age, creating platforms for showcasing creative work, and engaging in meaningful dialogue about the significance of creative pursuits.

Secondly, financial support is crucial. This could take the form of grants, scholarships, or funding programs dedicated to supporting artists and creatives. Establishing fair pay standards and advocating for artists’ rights can also ensure that creatives can sustainably pursue their work. This would encourage more individuals to consider careers in the creative field, knowing that they can earn a living from their passion.

Thirdly, fostering creative communities and collaborative opportunities is key. By creating spaces where creatives can collaborate, share ideas, and learn from each other, we can stimulate innovation and create a supportive network. This can be physical spaces like artist residencies, community workshops, and festivals, or virtual platforms that connect creatives globally.

Lastly, we need to embrace and promote diversity within the creative field. The more varied the voices, the richer and more impactful the creative ecosystem. Encouraging representation and inclusivity ensures a multitude of perspectives and stories are told, enriching our collective cultural experience.

In sum, to best support artists and creatives, we need to instill a deep appreciation for their work, provide financial support and fair compensation, foster collaborative communities, and promote diversity. By doing so, we not only enhance the creative landscape but also enrich society as a whole.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Absolutely. The mission driving my creative journey is to tell stories that inspire curiosity, foster a sense of adventure, and bridge cultural gaps.

As a travel writer and filmmaker, I have the unique privilege of immersing myself in diverse cultures, exploring stunning landscapes, and meeting extraordinary people. My goal is to share these experiences and insights with my readers and viewers, to transport them to these places through words and visuals.

But beyond just sharing my personal experiences, I aim to encourage others to step out of their comfort zones, to embrace the unfamiliar, and to engage with the world with an open mind and heart. I believe that travel has the power to broaden our horizons, break down prejudices, and foster global understanding. By sharing authentic and respectful narratives about the places we visit and the people we meet, I hope to contribute to this process.

In essence, the mission driving my work is to use storytelling as a tool to inspire, connect, and educate. Whether through our guidebooks, blog posts, or films, every piece of content we create at “Travel with Jack and Kitty” is fueled by this mission. We hope to inspire others to embrace the joy of exploration, to learn about our diverse world, and to foster a sense of global community through shared experiences and stories.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jackandkitty.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackandkittyxo/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jackandkittyxo
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/jackandkittyxo
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JackAndKitty
• Other: https://allmylinks.com/jackandkittyxo