320: No Bullsh*t Branding with Made By James
Today’s conversation is a fun one! We have the one, the only James Martin, who is a British designer, author, and educator best known as Made By James. For more than 20 years, he has helped thousands of creatives, founders, and brands build recognizable reputations that create extraordinary opportunities. His books, Made by James and No Bullsh*t Branding, challenge the traditional view of branding as simply logos or visual identity, presenting it instead as the ongoing process of becoming the obvious choice through trust, behavior, and meaningful human connection.
James serves on Canva’s Design Advisory Board and is a creative partner to Lincoln Design Co. and Affinity. At the heart of his work is a simple belief: opportunity is not something you wait for, but something you can design. Through speaking, mentoring, writing, and partnerships with global brands, James helps people think differently about reputation, relationships, and the everyday behaviors that produce remarkable outcomes, championing craft, generosity, continuous learning, and the power of human creativity to shape the world.
In this conversation you’ll hear why James believes that not every business is a brand, as well as the difference between “reputation” and “brand”. You’ll hear why complexity (particularly as it relates to communicating in complex ways, and sometimes overly complex ways) happens in the design space and how to think differently.
You’ll also hear James share his ideas about MVBs (Minimum Viable Brands), as well as what “panic brands” are and why not to create them, including why James believes you may not even need a logo when you’re just starting out.
James shares what’s most important to him, including the core idea that helps him say “yes” or say “no” to projects with beautiful, thoughtful insights along the way… as well as turds. We talk turds. But first: the weather and pigeons.
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Quick Pigeon Fact Check: According to worldanimalprotection.us, wild pigeons typically live for 3-5 years, however pigeons in sanctuaries can live up to 15 years or more when provided with care, a safe space, and access to veterinary care. James, when you get a chance, please send me the number of your pigeon vet.
About Our Guest:
James Martin is a British designer, author, and educator best known as Made By James. For more than 20 years, he has helped thousands of creatives, founders, and brands build recognizable reputations that create extraordinary opportunities. His books, Made by James and No Bullsh*t Branding, challenge the traditional view of branding as simply logos or visual identity, presenting it instead as the ongoing process of becoming the obvious choice through trust, behavior, and meaningful human connection.
James serves on Canva’s Design Advisory Board and is a creative partner to Lincoln Design Co. and Affinity. At the heart of his work is a simple belief: opportunity is not something you wait for, but something you can design. Through speaking, mentoring, writing, and partnerships with global brands, James helps people think differently about reputation, relationships, and the everyday behaviors that produce remarkable outcomes, championing craft, generosity, continuous learning, and the power of human creativity to shape the world.
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Music: Bubbles ( Lofi , Bright , Relaxed ) by HoliznaCC0 is licensed under a CC0 1.0 Universal License.
Talk Paper Scissors Theme Music: Retro Quirky Upbeat Funk by Lewis Sound Production via Audio Jungle
