Agency Bytes Ep 110 – James Barnard, Barnard Co – Going Viral: The TikTok Breakthrough
In episode 110 of Agency Bites, I sit down with the incredibly talented James Barnard, a logo designer and design educator based in Australia. We dive deep into his fascinating journey from the publishing world in the UK to building a thriving freelance design business powered by social media — especially TikTok! James shares how he crafted his pricing strategies, attracts qualified leads, and balances freelance life with family life. We also get into his design process, the value of design education today, and how he's expanded his income streams through courses and brand partnerships. Plus, we wrap things up with a few rapid-fire questions that give a glimpse into James's personal side. You won't want to miss this one!
Key Bytes
• James transitioned to graphic design at 25 after a career in publishing.
• Social media, especially TikTok, played a crucial role in his business growth.
• Viral content can significantly increase client leads and visibility.
• Pricing strategies are essential for attracting qualified leads.
• Balancing freelance work with personal life is a priority for James.
• A structured design process leads to higher quality work and client satisfaction.
• Diversifying income streams can alleviate pressure from client work.
• Education in design is evolving with social media as a learning tool.
• James emphasizes the importance of being hands-on in his work.
• Pitching for work is often a waste of time in the design industry.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to James Barnard
02:28 James's Journey into Graphic Design
05:30 The Impact of Social Media on Business
09:52 Going Viral: The TikTok Breakthrough
12:27 Pricing Strategies and Qualified Leads
14:49 Balancing Freelance Work and Personal Life
18:57 Design Process and Client Interaction
25:58 Diversifying Income Streams
30:11 The Value of Design Education
31:37 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts
James Barnard is a logo designer and design educator specializing in creating logos and visual identities with meaning. With over 15 years of experience in the graphic design industry, he began his career in the UK’s publishing sector before transitioning into branding and education.
Passionate about sharing his expertise, James is dedicated to mentoring and inspiring the next generation of designers through his social platforms, where he provides valuable insights, tutorials, and industry knowledge.
Contact James on his website, on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, or LinkedIn.