James Barnard knows logos—and how to turn design into a powerful business.

As an award-winning logo and visual identity designer, James went from burnout to booked out by mastering not just the craft, but the business of design. 

With over a million followers and a global client base, James is one of the most trusted voices in branding today. 

In this episode, we dive into the biggest mistake that nearly ended his business, the viral video that changed his life, and how he uses smart strategy (like the “brand noun” process) to create logos that actually work. 

Whether you’re a designer or a business owner, this one’s packed with insights you can use immediately.

Guest Bio:

James Barnard is an award-winning logo and visual identity designer, educator, and international speaker. Originally from the UK and now based in Australia, James is the founder of Barnard Co., a design studio focused exclusively on brand identity. With over 1 million social media followers, James is a leading voice in the design community, known for his teaching style, practical insights, and humorous yet insightful content that resonates with both designers and business owners. His work has been published in LogoLounge and featured in Adobe’s global programming. He also offers courses in Illustrator, Photoshop, and brand development, helping the next generation of designers level up their skills and businesses.

Link: https://barnard.co/

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Paul Povolni (Voppa) is the founder of Voppa Creative and a creative leader with over 30 years of experience in brand strategy and design. Based in Jackson, Mississippi, he has worked with clients internationally, leading teams in award-winning branding while serving as a coach and speaker. Paul delivers workshops and keynotes on brand strategy, creative thinking, and organizational culture, and hosts The Headsmack Podcast: Conversations with Misfits. His work centers on helping organizations lead with Clarity, Creativity, and Culture.

Headsmack Website

Voppa Creative Website