In this episode, Andy Wright and Rachel Zhang share an interview with James Martin, renowned graphic designer at Lincoln Design Co., creator of MadeByJames and member of the Canva Design Advisory Board. James shares his deeply personal and winding journey—from overcoming childhood trauma and addiction to building a successful design career and becoming a mentor for emerging creatives worldwide.

Key Topics Discussed:

- The Myth of the Perfect Career Path:

James reflects on his non-linear journey, emphasizing that success rarely follows a straight line. He shares how his early struggles, including being kicked out of school and battling addiction, ultimately shaped his resilience and perspective.

- Authenticity in Personal Branding:

The hosts and James discuss the current obsession with "authenticity" in personal branding, critiquing the rise of gurus who promise to teach people how to "be themselves." James argues that true authenticity comes from self-knowledge and self-expression, not self-promotion.

- The Role of Therapy and Self-Work:

James opens up about the impact of therapy and reading (especially the works of Brené Brown) on his personal growth. He highlights the importance of doing the inner work—both when things are tough and when life is going well.

- Advice for Emerging Designers:

The conversation covers the pressures young designers face to have everything figured out. James encourages embracing the twists and turns, focusing on consistency, and not comparing oneself to others’ highlight reels.

- Standing Out in a Crowded Industry:

James shares insights on how to truly stand out—not by following trends or mimicking others, but by being human, vulnerable, and honest about your journey.

- The Impact of Social Media and AI:

James shares how social media has changed the design industry, the temptation to skip foundational work, and the opportunities and challenges presented by AI.

Quotes

- “True authenticity is about self-expression, not self-promotion.”

- “There is no straight line to success—embrace the twists and turns.”

- “Therapy and reading gave me the tools to understand and accept myself.”

- “In a world becoming less human, being human is your superpower.”

Resources & Mentions:

-Never Not Creative

- Streamtime (Podcast partner)

- Madebyjames.com

- Brené Brown’s books and talks

- Canva Design Advisory Board

*This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the creative industry, seeking inspiration, or looking to understand the real meaning of authenticity in personal branding.*

S2Ep5 - Getting a foot in the door