Made by James: The Honest Guide to Creativity and Logo Design
- Downloads：1127
- Type：Epub+TxT+PDF+Mobi
- Create Date：2022-03-14 06:51:55
- Update Date：2025-09-06
- Status：finish
- Author：James Martin
- ISBN：0760371490
- Environment：PC/Android/iPhone/iPad/Kindle
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Summary
Design better logos and become a more successful， confident graphic designer with Made by James as your guide。
*Winner of the 2021 American Graphic Design Award for Book Design from Graphic Design USA*
UK-based graphic designer James Martin shares his wealth of experience， information， and advice with one goal in mind: to help designers of all levels create better work and enjoy the process。 James has designed hundreds of logos for a variety of top brands， and shares his unique creative process， from concept to sketches to final design。 Learn how to create outstanding logos， craft and refine your creative process， build great relationships with clients， and become prolific and consistent。
Discover how James creates innovative， clever， and memorable logos with his own hands-on， step-by-step process that includes word mapping， rapid prototyping， and sketching ideas on paper。 Learn how to become a visual storyteller by understanding the key factors of working with clients and making them a valued part of the process。
In addition to the important "hows" of logo design—techniques， ideas， and examples of creating logos and building brands—you will benefit from learning aspects of the business rarely discussed: how to become more disciplined， how to see failures as valuable experiences， and ways to avoid burnout。
James shows that design isn’t just about creating images; it’s about building trusting relationships with clients， finding inspiration and using it effectively， and sharing ideas and becoming part of a community。
Made by James also includes:
Annotated case studies that follow designs from concept to completion
The advantages of a hands-on， human approach to design
The value of personal and career growth， and how to enjoy the journey of improvement
Effective work habits that can make you more efficient， productive， and satisfied
Learn how to harness your passion and become the designer you’ve always wanted to be。
*Winner of the 2021 American Graphic Design Award for Book Design from Graphic Design USA*
UK-based graphic designer James Martin shares his wealth of experience， information， and advice with one goal in mind: to help designers of all levels create better work and enjoy the process。 James has designed hundreds of logos for a variety of top brands， and shares his unique creative process， from concept to sketches to final design。 Learn how to create outstanding logos， craft and refine your creative process， build great relationships with clients， and become prolific and consistent。
Discover how James creates innovative， clever， and memorable logos with his own hands-on， step-by-step process that includes word mapping， rapid prototyping， and sketching ideas on paper。 Learn how to become a visual storyteller by understanding the key factors of working with clients and making them a valued part of the process。
In addition to the important "hows" of logo design—techniques， ideas， and examples of creating logos and building brands—you will benefit from learning aspects of the business rarely discussed: how to become more disciplined， how to see failures as valuable experiences， and ways to avoid burnout。
James shows that design isn’t just about creating images; it’s about building trusting relationships with clients， finding inspiration and using it effectively， and sharing ideas and becoming part of a community。
Made by James also includes:
Annotated case studies that follow designs from concept to completion
The advantages of a hands-on， human approach to design
The value of personal and career growth， and how to enjoy the journey of improvement
Effective work habits that can make you more efficient， productive， and satisfied
Learn how to harness your passion and become the designer you’ve always wanted to be。
Reviews
Caitlyn
，
I freaking LOVED this book。 I'm a graphic designer a few years into my journey and currently navigating all the ins and outs of running my own business。 James has already been a huge contributor on my creative path so needless to say this book was a must read。 Not only is this book quintessentially 'James' in it's honesty， kindness and humour I found it comforting when I was having creative anxiety， inspiring when I was feeling flat and hopeful that I could develop the tools to give me a sustain I freaking LOVED this book。 I'm a graphic designer a few years into my journey and currently navigating all the ins and outs of running my own business。 James has already been a huge contributor on my creative path so needless to say this book was a must read。 Not only is this book quintessentially 'James' in it's honesty， kindness and humour I found it comforting when I was having creative anxiety， inspiring when I was feeling flat and hopeful that I could develop the tools to give me a sustainable career doing what I love。 It's filled with nuggets of wisdom， tactile practices you can immediately put in place to better your daily habits and insight that makes you feel like you're exactly where you are meant to be on your journey。 （Oh and beautiful design of course！）Absolutely NO ego， pretension or stuffy crap that makes you feel inadequate - just advice and guidance from a friend。 I came away with a whole page of notes regarding refinements I can make to my process， business structure， daily practices， tools and most importantly - mindset。 Just like an old friend I keep going back to the book to get the advice or pick me up when I need it。 If you're in design - read this book。 。。。more
Joke Wijn
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This book is amazing; from front to back， I loved every page。 As a Lettering Designer， I was looking for a proper book on logo design and this is it！ James writes openly about his journey and his process， which makes you feel like you're part of it。 He drops so many great tips and insights and the visuals are stunning！ I wanted this book to go on forever and ever。 So I will definitely keep it handy and go back to these pages - forever and ever。 Seriously， it's so good！ This book is amazing; from front to back， I loved every page。 As a Lettering Designer， I was looking for a proper book on logo design and this is it！ James writes openly about his journey and his process， which makes you feel like you're part of it。 He drops so many great tips and insights and the visuals are stunning！ I wanted this book to go on forever and ever。 So I will definitely keep it handy and go back to these pages - forever and ever。 Seriously， it's so good！ 。。。more
James Smith
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This is an unbelievable book， filled with a huge amount of inspirational advice。 I challenge any designer， especially young creatives， to read this and not come away with something they’ll incorporate in their own process。 James’ story is incredible， and he shares his knowledge in an engaging and fun way。 An absolute must read。
Tom Ross
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I was looking forward to reading James' book and honestly， it's exceeded my already high expectations！ Firstly， it's one of the most beautifully designed books I've ever seen。 The content is superb - it captures James' honesty， vulnerability and willingness to help his fellow creative。 Packed full with strategies， actionable tips and visuals， all presented in a digestable， engaging and easy-to-consume manner。 Highly recommended and definitely a book I'll be re-reading multiple times。 I was looking forward to reading James' book and honestly， it's exceeded my already high expectations！ Firstly， it's one of the most beautifully designed books I've ever seen。 The content is superb - it captures James' honesty， vulnerability and willingness to help his fellow creative。 Packed full with strategies， actionable tips and visuals， all presented in a digestable， engaging and easy-to-consume manner。 Highly recommended and definitely a book I'll be re-reading multiple times。 。。。more
Dan Bailey
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I’ve been following MadeByJames on Instagram for a few years now and have always been drawn to his obvious talent and huge charisma。As soon as I knew he had a book in the works I pre-ordered it。The book arrived this week and I was absolutely blown away by it。 I was expecting good things， but this has way surpassed that。The book itself is beautifully finished with a lot of gorgeous touches。 It is full to the brim of James’ vast knowledge and beautiful logo work， with a clear and thorough descript I’ve been following MadeByJames on Instagram for a few years now and have always been drawn to his obvious talent and huge charisma。As soon as I knew he had a book in the works I pre-ordered it。The book arrived this week and I was absolutely blown away by it。 I was expecting good things， but this has way surpassed that。The book itself is beautifully finished with a lot of gorgeous touches。 It is full to the brim of James’ vast knowledge and beautiful logo work， with a clear and thorough description of every project showcased within it。 You can really get into his head and understand his process and journey， which is a lovely insight for any level creative。 Personally I have been in the industry for 15+ years， but still love to see and understand how people work。 I love how the book talks you through every process of running a logo design business， but in a way that is so engaging and digestible。I would highly recommend this book to any person who either loves great design or who is looking to grow and expand their knowledge and business。 The book is just oozing personality and is full of really great tips。 It’s the type of thing you could consistently pick up and have a quick glance at， knowing you’ll always find another little gem in there or just sit and read it cover to cover。 Love it！ 。。。more
Matthew
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I’ll be using this for years to come。 This book is an essential for designers。 Its clearly written by a guy that empathises， cares and wants to help better the lives of designers in an industry that he loves。 It’s nurturing and wholesome。 In particular， the lessons on managing your day， and your mental health， as well as navigating life as a designer are absolutely essential and best read sooner rather then later。 James’ work is awe inspiring， and the reason I brought this book， however the rest I’ll be using this for years to come。 This book is an essential for designers。 Its clearly written by a guy that empathises， cares and wants to help better the lives of designers in an industry that he loves。 It’s nurturing and wholesome。 In particular， the lessons on managing your day， and your mental health， as well as navigating life as a designer are absolutely essential and best read sooner rather then later。 James’ work is awe inspiring， and the reason I brought this book， however the rest of the content is the real star。 It’s the hero I didn’t know I needed。 All in all one of the best design reads I’ve got， and I’ve got a lot。Regardless of your level make sure you pick this up。 。。。more
John-Paul
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Wow what an amazing book！ This guy has poured his heart and soul into to the content of this book which really brings the authentic honest character of him to life。 He has a genuine desire to help others with creative design and his thought process。 A must read for anyone starting out in logo design or for seasoned veterans who need an inspirational mid-career kick up the butt！
Katarina
，
What I book！ James has opened the doors to his world and creative talent with such refreshing transparency。 Moving away from the traditional approach that a lot of creatives have， of keeping their cards help closely to their chest， James lays his cards and process all out on the table for other creatives to learn and grow from his journey。 A must have manual for designers as well as those seeking to explore new avenues of creativity to expand their creative skill set。
Annabel Scott
，
Finally a book that all creatives need to read。 This is exactly what I’ve been looking for in terms of both informative， but human in its writing - James lays out everything in a way that makes it so easy to understand！ I would recommend this book to any creative on a quest to learn more！
Timmy Harbour
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I'm a film maker and music producer and have to say after reading this book I got so much more out of it than I initially anticipated。 Thoroughly uplifting and motivational。 Not just about logos， but also a hugely powerful focus on life， work ethics and ability to overcome difficult hurdles long the way。 Can't recommend it enough。 I'm a film maker and music producer and have to say after reading this book I got so much more out of it than I initially anticipated。 Thoroughly uplifting and motivational。 Not just about logos， but also a hugely powerful focus on life， work ethics and ability to overcome difficult hurdles long the way。 Can't recommend it enough。 。。。more
Kalen
，
As a creative person and professional， I found this book to be the missing link to my creative process。 James provides so many valuable nuggets of wisdom， self care， and professional advice that this book could be the difference between a good creative and living a successful， fulfilled creative life。 I’ve even found James’ book to be useful for all areas of my life， outside of my creative sphere。 I highly >HIGHLY< recommend everyone get this book to improve their creative process， overall life， As a creative person and professional， I found this book to be the missing link to my creative process。 James provides so many valuable nuggets of wisdom， self care， and professional advice that this book could be the difference between a good creative and living a successful， fulfilled creative life。 I’ve even found James’ book to be useful for all areas of my life， outside of my creative sphere。 I highly >HIGHLY< recommend everyone get this book to improve their creative process， overall life， and wellbeing！ 。。。more
Daniel Jain
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A fantastic insight into the creative process of logo design and also how to deal with difficult clients。A must read for any aspiring artists or creative personnel in the digital space！
Jacob
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Great book - easy to follow and full of lots of useful tips and tricks for those looking to get into the industry。 It’s also nice to be able to peek inside the mind of James Martin and get to know him better。
Ufuk Koç
，
Enjoyable， understandable， and insightful！This book fills many blanks that might have been left during a formal art education。 It's very well written， with a ton of useful insights and case studies。 I also found it quite inspiring。 It gives you the complete 'know-how' in terms of designing a good， versatile yet simple logo and also talks about how to approach your client。This is well worth adding to your collection。 Definitely will expand your 'horizon':） Enjoyable， understandable， and insightful！This book fills many blanks that might have been left during a formal art education。 It's very well written， with a ton of useful insights and case studies。 I also found it quite inspiring。 It gives you the complete 'know-how' in terms of designing a good， versatile yet simple logo and also talks about how to approach your client。This is well worth adding to your collection。 Definitely will expand your 'horizon':） 。。。more
Flavia Garnica
，
Totally Love It！ Not only the quality print but also all the content！ It´s an awesome book but also motivational in the professional way。 James it's so clear with his message that it's imposible don't understand the real point。 More than amazing， everypage is a professional （and personal） life-lesson。 Totally Love It！ Not only the quality print but also all the content！ It´s an awesome book but also motivational in the professional way。 James it's so clear with his message that it's imposible don't understand the real point。 More than amazing， everypage is a professional （and personal） life-lesson。 。。。more
Sarah Roots
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I chose to buy this after stumbling upon MBJ's cult following on instagram， blown away by James' willingness to support other creatives。 The book has more than exceeded expectation - I'm not a logo designer， not even close but this read is still super relevant having just gone full-time freelance。 JAM PACKED with solid advice， vulnerability and being so dammn relatable - James Martin has written somewhat of a delightfully palatable bible for me。 And I suggest you buy one for yourself！ I chose to buy this after stumbling upon MBJ's cult following on instagram， blown away by James' willingness to support other creatives。 The book has more than exceeded expectation - I'm not a logo designer， not even close but this read is still super relevant having just gone full-time freelance。 JAM PACKED with solid advice， vulnerability and being so dammn relatable - James Martin has written somewhat of a delightfully palatable bible for me。 And I suggest you buy one for yourself！ 。。。more
Poptart19 （the name’s ren）
，
4 stars An engaging guide on more than just logo design: design process， branding， project management， & working with clients as a freelancer。 There is a lot of great info as well as encouragement in here。 [What I liked:]•The first couple sections are part memoir， where James tells how his career developed， & then shares tips & advice on developing your own career in graphic design & building your own brand。•Along with tips on logo design， James includes helpful advice on working with clients 4 stars An engaging guide on more than just logo design: design process， branding， project management， & working with clients as a freelancer。 There is a lot of great info as well as encouragement in here。 [What I liked:]•The first couple sections are part memoir， where James tells how his career developed， & then shares tips & advice on developing your own career in graphic design & building your own brand。•Along with tips on logo design， James includes helpful advice on working with clients， project management， pricing， working on deadlines， etc。•Several case studies are included where James shows how he designed a logo for a client， how he communicated with them， & other details of the full process。 These are really helpful real-world examples。•The layout of this book is engaging & visually appealing， as one might expect from a graphic designer。 [What I didn’t like as much:]•I wish there was a bit more content on logotype/typeface， but that isn’t the main subject of the book。[I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review。 Thank you for the book！] 。。。more
Lauren Hughes
，
Made by James is the perfect book for anyone interested in design， studying design， or looking to take the next step in becoming a full-time freelance designer。 His wholesome and genuine approach is not only encouraging for aspiring designers but incredibly insightful。 It's the book I wish I had when I was still a student and now something I will keep coming back to time and time again。 Bravo， James - you smashed it！ Made by James is the perfect book for anyone interested in design， studying design， or looking to take the next step in becoming a full-time freelance designer。 His wholesome and genuine approach is not only encouraging for aspiring designers but incredibly insightful。 It's the book I wish I had when I was still a student and now something I will keep coming back to time and time again。 Bravo， James - you smashed it！ 。。。more
Sam Donnelly
，
Excellent book！ The only logo book you'll need。 Fantastic insight into the mind and journey of James Martin。 Couldn't recommend this higher！ Excellent book！ The only logo book you'll need。 Fantastic insight into the mind and journey of James Martin。 Couldn't recommend this higher！ 。。。more
James Martin
，
This is the book I wish I had growing up as a designer。 I have tried to fill it with as much usable knowledge as possible to help the new generation of designers find their feet in the creative world。
Samantha
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UK-based graphic designer James Martin shares his unique creative process: concept to sketches to the final design。 He also gives advice on delivery times and pricing and how to deal with clients。 Also explained are terms used by the design industry and also a section on logo case studies that he has designed。Overall it's an interesting book to see this designer's work and his processes。 Much of the work looks like it is completed by hand rather than using computer programs。I received this book UK-based graphic designer James Martin shares his unique creative process: concept to sketches to the final design。 He also gives advice on delivery times and pricing and how to deal with clients。 Also explained are terms used by the design industry and also a section on logo case studies that he has designed。Overall it's an interesting book to see this designer's work and his processes。 Much of the work looks like it is completed by hand rather than using computer programs。I received this book from Netgalley in return for an honest review。 。。。more
Nette
，
James Martin wrote Made by James and filled it with all the information you wished you mentor or someone you look up to disclose to you。 A gatekeeper he is not， James Martin believes everyone is unique in their own way， so there's no need to give mystic replies to very common questions， Martin tells it as he has experienced it and that is useful and refreshing。 Even if you are not a logo designer， I recommend this book to anyone who is in any creative field and it will be helpful to any other fi James Martin wrote Made by James and filled it with all the information you wished you mentor or someone you look up to disclose to you。 A gatekeeper he is not， James Martin believes everyone is unique in their own way， so there's no need to give mystic replies to very common questions， Martin tells it as he has experienced it and that is useful and refreshing。 Even if you are not a logo designer， I recommend this book to anyone who is in any creative field and it will be helpful to any other field as well。 The processes that， the doubts， the questions on how to price， how to nurture relationships with your clients， that's essential for any job type。 I didn't know about Made by James， but James Martin seems like a friend that will keep it 100 with you and that's appreciated， I'm a fan！ 。。。more
AZIZ
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BEST BOOK THAT I FIND
Flora
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Learn the art and business of logo designing from James Martin who has been designing logos for the past 15 years。 I liked how he broke down step by step the process he takes in coming up with a logo， using as examples several of the actual designs he has done 。He doesn't tell you just how to deal with clients but also how to handle the mental ups and downs as an artist。 A nice little book for the aspiring logo designer。 Learn the art and business of logo designing from James Martin who has been designing logos for the past 15 years。 I liked how he broke down step by step the process he takes in coming up with a logo， using as examples several of the actual designs he has done 。He doesn't tell you just how to deal with clients but also how to handle the mental ups and downs as an artist。 A nice little book for the aspiring logo designer。 。。。more
Kaffeeklatsch and Books
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