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Creative Boom Podcast - Episode 207 - Personal Branding, Visibility and the Truth No One Tells You, with James Martin
The discussion with James Martin emphasizes that personal branding should focus on building trust and reputation rather than merely seeking visibility or attention. By adopting a grounded approach to branding, creatives can navigate the pressures of online presence and foster lasting careers through authentic actions rather than performance.
Creative Boom: Personal Branding, Visibility and the Truth No One Tells You, with James Martin What does "personal branding" actually mean anymore? And do we really need to be visible all the time to build a successful creative career? In this episode, Katy sits down with designer and founder James Martin (Made by James) for a candid, funny and surprisingly deep conversation about the reality behind the buzzwords. From the pressure to show up online to the myth of "being your authentic self", they unpack why so much of what we're told just doesn't quite sit right. James shares his perspective on branding as something far simpler and more grounded.
Not performance, but reputation. Not chasing attention, but building trust over time. Together, they explore what actually matters if you want to grow a creative career that lasts. There's talk of confidence, comparison culture, and the uncomfortable truth that many of us still don't quite know who we are, let alone how to present ourselves online. Katy reflects on her own journey of stepping forward after years of staying behind the scenes, and why letting go of perfection can be the turning point. Along the way, James introduces his 'DEEDS' model, a practical way to think about building a reputation through action rather than noise.
It's a refreshing reminder that you don't need to play the game the way everyone else is. It's honest. Messy. And it's a much-needed reset for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to be seen. So if you've ever questioned whether you're doing it "right" online, this one's for you. Further Information More Episodes The Spark: Rob Draper on Old-School Electro, Portrait-a-Day and Nike Dreams Why Starting From Scratch Might Be the Best Thing That Ever Happens to You, with Rob Draper The Spark: Katy Ennis-Hargreaves on Croc Hatred, Accidental Shoplifting and Vivienne Westwood Why Being Yourself Is Your Biggest Creative Advantage, with Katy En
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The podcast addresses important aspects of personal branding that are relevant to creatives, but the concepts discussed are not entirely new or groundbreaking in the industry.