We sat down with James Martin—aka Made By James—partner at Lincoln Design Co. James is a brand designer, storyteller, educator, and relentless sharer of process—someone who’s built an authentic brand and community around his work.

Recorded while James was in Sydney for the Canva Design Advisory Board, this conversation covers everything from designing like a boutique hotel to turning handovers into hugs. We explore why a standout client experience might be more powerful than churning out content, and how staying true to your process can build a lasting, engaged community.

If you’ve ever felt stuck chasing dream clients or uneasy about self-promotion, this one’s for you.

Big thanks to James for sharing his time and insights, and to Canva for hosting us.