The Design Industry Playbook
A No-Nonsense Guide to Help You Thrive With Clients and Without Them
Watch this brief overview...
10 years ago, I was right where you might be now.
I was unsure, overwhelmed, and had no clue how to stand out in the crowded design world.
I started to lose my creative senses and always felt in survival mode. (I still do some days - haha)
The turning point for me? Realising the real secret to a fulfilling career is learning to thrive with and without clients. That’s when everything changed and I have never looked back.
Today, I’m creative partner at Lincoln Design Co. where the badass team smashes work for the likes of Disney, Nike, and Netflix. I’ve published a book on creativity, speak on stages across the globe, and have built an online community of over a million humans.
In this course, I’ll teach you everything you need to design your own way.
The Design Industry Playbook:
For Designers wanting to thrive in tomorrow’s design world
Build a sustainable, successful design business that helps you stand out. This course empowers graphic designers to master both creativity for themselves (Creative Offense) and their clients (Creative Defense).
I will help you remove yourself from the sea of sameness and create more opportunities for your business.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
🔥 Learn to consistently generate and communicate brilliant ideas.
🔥 Build unshakable business foundations that protect your time and profits.
🔥 Streamline your client process for smooth, efficient projects.
🔥 Confidently sell your value and communicate your impact.
🔥 Attract and retain clients with exceptional service and relationships.
🔥 Create your own brand that stands out and attracts the right clients.
🔥 Grow your social media presence and engage your audience effectively.
🔥 Find time for personal projects that fuel creativity and income.
I believe that:
🔥 YOU’VE ALREADY GOT WHAT IT TAKES TO MAKE IT—WE’RE JUST GIVING YOU THE MAP.
The Playbook packs in all the techniques, tricks, and real-world insights I’ve used to carve out my career. It’s your guide to charting your own course in this crazy design world.
🔥 YOUR GUT AND CREATIVITY WILL ALWAYS OUTSHINE ANY COOKIE-CUTTER TEMPLATE.
You know what makes your creativity tick—even if you haven’t fully realized it yet. The Playbook will help you hone your craft and show you that your creative instincts are your superpower.
🔥 IF YOU HAVE THE DRIVE TO CREATE, YOU HAVE EVERYTHING IT TAKES TO BUILD A DELICIOUS DESIGN CAREER.
You don’t need to follow a one-size-fits-all formula. The Playbook provides the framework to unlock your potential and help you design your own path, using the lessons, methods, and truths from my journey.
Super kind words from people I admire…
Kristy Campbell
“James Martin has quickly become of the the most powerful, honest and boldly transparent industry leaders through his knowledge, skills, network and vulnerability. Not only does he educate the entire design community but he inspires, cares for and supports us all in our journeys! One of a kind.”
Dan Janssen
“James, is not only a friend, but a partner in design. It wasn't enough for him to create an amazing branding studio, he then had to task himself with taking over the design education world. When James does something he does it different, that's what I love about him. He doesn't follow he creates his own path. He is offering a top notch systems that designers of all levels can learn from and understand. It's based on authenticity and real world experience, with a no bull shit approach.”
Cj Cawley
“James is truly on a mission to educate and arm the new generation of designers with the knowledge and tools they actually need to transform their creativity into a healthy and sustainable career. Who better to lead that mission than a designer who began his journey working fiercely local before becoming a creative partner at one of the world's most kickass design agencies? My mate James, of course.”
Radim Malinic
“James Martin is one of the few rare beings in our industry who cares about the future of our creativity. He moves with his heart, which connects with other minds. He is endlessly generous with his time and wisdom and selfless with advice that changes courses of many lives and careers, inspiring all of us to do and make better.”
James Barnard
“Not only does MBJ boast a ludicrous portfolio of world-class logo designs, his handle over the business and strategy side of the design industry makes him a unicorn (albeit a hairy one). I'll always consider James a mentor, and I'm forever grateful for all he contributes to our community.”
Lisa Quine
“James has the most authentic voice out there. Not only does he produce top notch work consistently, he also produces top notch advice consistently. He makes a wealth of knowledge accessible for anyone interested in bettering their creative game. Big brain, big heart. In a sea of influencer-types, he's always stood out as a talented dude that wants to help creatives do their best too. I personally have benefited from the design hacks, branding inspiration, and daily posts on LinkedIn. CLOSE THE GAP! He'll show you how. ❤️”
Reviews from Humans Who are Actioning the Info in the Playbook:
Watch Brad's story...
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You’ll also get all these goodies!
You'll get access to these goodies when the course goes live on Oct 24
- MBJ font collection
- Pitch decks
- SOW’s
- Terms & Condition templates
- NDA’s
- Sub-Contrator agreements
- Copyright transfer docs
- IP guides
- 40 page brand guidelines template
- 1 page identity guidelines sheet
- Short form proposal template
- Long form proposal template
- Client questionnaire document
- Client call guide documentation
- Business & personal budget sheet templates
- Pricing guide sheet
- Logo style reference sheet
🔥 TOTAL VALUE OVER $200!
The Playbook Has 4 Main Sections:
1. The 4 Pillars that Make a Complete Designer
You’ll explore the essential pillars that every designer needs to succeed. These core areas will help you create a well-rounded design career, ensuring growth and stability.
2. Creative Defense - A Designer’s Guide to Attracting, Retaining, and Thriving with Clients
With this module, you’ll set boundaries, create epic client experiences, execute super smooth projects, and run your business like a badass pro—without running yourself into the ground.
3. Creative Offense - A Designer’s Guide to Owning Your Creativity and Making Money Beyond Client Work
Balance the hustle of client work with building your own brand. Not only does this protect you from de-energising work, it also boosts your revenue streams so that you’re not just trading time for money. More creativity, more cash, more balance.
4. Trick Plays — Advanced Tactics to Scale Your Design Business
Learn advanced tactics to scale your design business, automate growth, master client networking, upsell through partnerships, and learn how to prepare for a job interview if the time ever calls for it.
HERE'S THE BREAKDOWN
(Expand the dropdown to see the entire course)
- Lesson 1: Intro to Creative Defense (6:03)
- Lesson 2: How to Forge Unbreakable Business Foundations (39:16)
- Lesson 3: How to create a super smooth client process (31:39)
- Lesson 4: How to come up with brilliant ideas consistently (30:07)
- Lesson 5: How to communicate your value and sell it (19:06)
- Lesson 6: How to get clients and keep them coming back (31:27)
- Question for you...
- Lesson 1: Intro to Creative Offense (6:34)
- Lesson 2: How to build your own badass brand (34:22)
- Lesson 3: How to grow like mad on social media (37:22)
- Lesson 4: How to build a newsletter that pays you (32:09)
- Lesson 5: How to get noticed and build a reputation (27:08)
- Lesson 6: How to find time for personal projects (that make you money) (25:20)
- Question for you...
- Nudge Work for Module 4
- Lesson 1: How to setup ManyChat automations to grow your newsletter (23:13)
- Lesson 2: How to run a client networking event (27:24)
- Lesson 3: How to setup your office like a boss (12:41)
- Lesson 4: How to upsell services you don’t do (18:55)
- Lesson 5: How to Scale a design business (25:36)
- Lesson 6: How to prepare for a job interview (27:37)
- Question for you...
Easy to digest, fun to watch and 100% no-nonsense guaranteed.
Meet Your No-Nonsense Design Mentor...
Made By James (James Martin)
James Martin, better known as Made By James, is transforming the design education landscape with his rebellious creativity and relentless determination. He has dedicated 20 years of his life to achieving creative excellence, being sought after by clients for the impact his work has on businesses and the meticulously crafted experiences he delivers.
He now has one purpose: to build the best designers on the planet.
Through his real-world experience, he understands that to land your 'dream client,' you first need to become a 'dream designer.' The status quo within the design education space is focused solely on external outcomes, when the real focus should be on internal transformation. He knows if he can help designers become comfortable with the unpredictability of the real creative world, then the predictable stuff becomes even easier to manage.
His focus is as a mentor to designers, but he is also a best-selling author, public speaker, and creative partner at Lincoln Design Co., where the team works daily with the likes of Disney, Liquid Death, and Nike. He is dedicated to guiding the next generation of designers with action, honesty, and love, creating a future where designers and clients thrive together.
🔥 Enjoy lifetime access and a 14-day risk-free trial
I believe you’ll be amazed by the course, but if you’re not satisfied, I’ll refund your payment within 14 days of the course going live, no hassle. Enroll today with complete confidence.