Never Not Creative

In this episode, Andy Wright and Rio Blake (joining as the new Northern Hemisphere correspondent) sit down with Nick Finney, founder of NB Studio and former Pentagram designer. Nick shares his unconventional journey from working in a bicycle shop and Burton's Menswear to becoming a respected creative leader, while opening up about the realities of running a design agency for 28 years.

Key Topics Discussed:

The Unconventional Path to Design:
Nick reflects on his early struggles with academics, working on a YTS scheme for £25 a week, and his eventual transition to art college. He emphasises how his non-traditional background shaped his perspective and resilience in the creative industry.

The Evolution of Internships and Junior Talent:
The conversation explores how the internship landscape has changed, with Nick defending the value of junior talent while acknowledging the increased competition. He discusses NB Studio's approach to nurturing interns and the importance of treating them as integral team members.

Technology's Impact on Creative Learning:
Nick addresses concerns about remote work and whether essential skills are being passed down to the next generation. He remains optimistic about young creatives' adaptability while acknowledging the social challenges of post-COVID workplace integration.

Mental Health and Leadership:
In a candid discussion, Nick opens up about his 15-year journey with therapy, breaking down stigmas around mental health support for older white males in creative leadership. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining mental fitness, not just during crises but as ongoing self-care.

The Pressure of Agency Life:
Nick discusses what keeps him up at night (spoiler: it's public speaking, not finances), the challenge of wearing multiple hats as a business owner, and his preference for creative work over administrative tasks.

Introversion in a Networking World:
The episode concludes with advice for introverted creatives on building resilience and authenticity in an industry that often demands self-promotion and networking.

Quotes:

"I'd rather just die of a heart attack while pointing at a mood board."

"Fuck it. Tell everyone, actually get therapy. It's good for you."

"We're all just human beings. We're all just trying to make a living and what we really want is fun from what we do."

"In terms of big ideas... I like to see subversiveness, I like to see people who stretch and play and bend with rules."

Resources & Mentions:

In this insightful second half of their conversation, Andy and Rachel share the continuation of Andy's discussion with James Martin, renowned graphic designer and member of the Canva Design Advisory Board. James is celebrated for his commitment to mentoring and supporting emerging designers globally. This episode dives deep into the themes of creative growth, self-development, education, and the evolving landscape of design in the age of AI.

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Key Topics Covered:

- Gaps vs. Gains Mindset:

James shares the importance of focusing on personal and professional gains rather than dwelling on gaps or shortcomings. The discussion references the book The Gap and The Gain by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy, emphasising the value of measuring progress by looking back at how far you’ve come.

- Creative Freedom Framework:

James introduces his framework for creative growth, which includes moving through stages of self-sabotage, self-alignment, self-motivation, and ultimately self-reliance. The conversation highlights the cyclical nature of growth and the importance of action in building confidence.

- Education and Industry Readiness:

James and Andy discuss the current gaps in creative education, particularly the lack of real-world preparation for students. They advocate for continuous learning, mentorship, and industry involvement to bridge these gaps.

- Journaling and Reflection:

James talks about the power of daily reflection, journaling three wins each day, and setting intentions for tomorrow as practical tools for maintaining momentum and mental well-being.

- AI and the Future of Design:

The episode explores the impact of AI on creative work, stressing the need for designers to understand foundational principles to get the most out of new technologies. James argues that AI is only as good as the human guiding it and encourages a balanced, intentional approach to its use.

- Burnout and Resilience:

James shares personal strategies for recognising and managing burnout, including the importance of self-awareness, support networks, and realigning with personal vision and goals.

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Notable Quotes:

- “Always measure backwards. Look at where you were a year ago, not just where you want to be.”

- “Creative freedom comes from moving through self-sabotage to self-reliance.”

- “AI is only as good as the human who controls it right now.”

- “Confidence is built through action, not just knowledge.”

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Resources & Mentions:

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:

What happens when an internet sensation decides to take creative control?