Trigger warning: In this episode, James talks openly about his experience of childhood sexual abuse, as well as addiction (drugs and alcohol). It's mentioned briefly in the 06:52 to 11:00 section and discussed again from 45:23. There's also plenty of strong language throughout. Look after yourself and skip this episode/seek support if you need it.
This week our Katie is chatting to James Martin, AKA @MadebyJames. He's a designer, author, Canva design advisory board member & creative partner at Lincoln Design Co.
James is nice an' honest about the wiggly creative career road that got him to where he is today.
We chat about the "gravity of average" and why everyone's starting to look and sound the same, an economist with two ice cream sellers on a beach 🍦, whether there's any point becoming an illustrator now AI is here aaaand why your weirdness is more valuable than ever. 😎 FLY YOUR FREAK FLAG!!
ALSO, this is part one of two - next instalment is coming next week.
Timestamps, for the timestamp fans:
00:00 – Welcome James Martin, aka Made by James, and a quick intro to who he is and what he does
02:43 – The world has never been more distracting
06:29 – James's journey: school, trauma, addiction, and finding his way to an art foundation
11:00 – Falling forward into graphic design
15:03 – Following your gut and doing more of what lights you up
18:09 – Writing No Bullsh*t Branding
21:11 – Ddopamine
25:06 – Is there any point becoming an illustrator now that AI is here?
29:54 – The "gravity of average" and how systems pull everyone towards the middle
32:53 – Hotelling's Law, ice cream sellers on a beach, and why opportunity lives at the edges
38:08 – Time, the long game, and "automate the predictable, humanise the meaningful"
41:44 – Bring back dilly dallying!
42:04 – Your weirdness as your difference: taste, story and point of view
45:23 – Feeling scared to be yourself, and why James chose to share his story
49:29 – Being real online vs oversharing, and sharing from the scar, not the open wound
52:24 – Gary V, 500 pieces of content a week, and the performance trap
53:11 – James's mission, his three-step plan, and eating your own dog food
56:10 – Round two is coming!
Links mentioned:
Byeeee for now!
x The Good Ship Illustration (Helen, Katie & Tania)
Come and say hello!
✏️ @thegoodshipillustration
🌏 www.thegoodshipillustration.com
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