# @made.by.james on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DRZtPO1EeBF
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/71072807-madebyjames-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/655c4c55d2.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-11-23T14:04:42.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** James Martin | Brand Designer (@made.by.james) — https://gondola.cc/made.by.james

## Caption

This year has been a freaking blur.

Lots of travel, collaborations, reflection… and if I’m honest, a lot of twitchy moments that have not always been comfortable.

I’ve tried a lot of things this year, and not all of them worked… but that’s okay. Failing is good, as much as I fuc*ing hate it. But… It shows you what is working.

For the last decade, I’ve been moving fast and saying yes to every opportunity. It’s been incredibly energising for this idea addict, but also left me feeling a bit ungrounded and sometimes unsure.

So, to slow myself down, I decided to write another book. (Yup - doesn’t make sense - more work)
But books can’t be rushed. They force you to sit still, be quiet, and think properly…. And I FREAKING love writing.

That space to think clearly for the first time in ages reminded me why I do what I do:
- To democratise brand design
- To help people design their own way
- To share an honest, no-nonsense take on what branding really is

Those ideas have built every opportunity I’ve had — affinity , canva , lincolndesignco — and the incredible communities that keep growing. All from showing up, staying curious, and sharing the ups and downs along the way.

Now, heading into the final stretch of 2025, I’m focused on finishing strong and planning for the next few years.
- The people I want to partner with.
- The ideas I want to build.
- The reputation I want to earn.

Maybe the best thing we can all do right now is make ourselves proud. There are still six weeks left this year...plenty of time to do the thing, start the thing, try the thing.

Keep moving. Stay scrappy.

Big love and Stay punk as funk,

James

 
 
 
#graphicdesigner #branding #branddesign #graphicdesignlife #bookwriting #reputationdesign #creativebusinessowner #designyourownway #brand

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## Tags

graphicdesignlife, brand, bookwriting, branding, graphicdesigner, branddesign, designyourownway, creativebusinessowner, reputationdesign

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