🔥 What does it take to grow a brand from scratch and evolve through chaos? In this gripping episode of Artist Recovery Podcast we sit down with Gareth Robertson, the powerhouse behind GR-aphic Studio (formerly Design Pit). From his kitchen table to leading a full-fledged creative agency, Gareth shares the unfiltered truth about building a business in the ever-evolving world of branding and digital marketing.🎧 Watch Now if You’re Ready to Be Inspired by Real Grit, Big Ideas, and a Lot of Heart.👀 IN THIS EPISODE:💡 How Gareth went from a one-man design studio to running a multi-service creative agency.📘 The story behind his book "Decade: A Creative Journey in Business" — a raw look at reinvention, growth, and failure.🧠 Lessons in branding, content creation, and thriving in the digital age.😷 Pivoting during the pandemic: restructuring, relocating, and still coming out stronger.🌍 Going eCommerce with Print Pit — a bold leap that expanded his creative reach.❤️ His powerful fundraising mission for Parkinson’s UK, raising over £15,000.🏆 From startup hustle to winning “Best Creative Business” — what it really takes.💥 VIRAL MOMENTS TO LOOK OUT FOR:“I had to learn how to sell creativity in a world that didn’t understand its value yet.” 🎯Gareth on nearly giving it all up — and what pulled him back. 😮His advice to anyone facing burnout: “Pause. Rethink. Reinvent.” 🔄The hilarious story behind his first big client win. 😂📈 WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: If you’re a designer, entrepreneur, or just someone chasing a dream, Gareth’s story is packed with real-world lessons, branding gold, and emotional insight. His resilience, innovation, and honesty will leave you inspired — and maybe even spark your next big idea.🧠 WHO IS GARETH ROBERTSON?Founder & Creative Director of GR-aphic Studio (est. 2012)Author of Decade: A Creative Journey in BusinessWinner of multiple business awards including Best Creative BusinessCreator of the Print Pit eCommerce platformPassionate advocate for Parkinson’s UK✨ DON’T FORGET TO: 👍 Like this video if Gareth’s journey fired you up💬 Drop a comment: What was your favorite quote or takeaway?🔔 Subscribe and hit the bell so you never miss an inspiring episode📲 Share this with a fellow creative or entrepreneur who needs a push today#GarethRobertson #CreativeAgency #EntrepreneurStory #BrandingTips #DesignPit #GRaphicStudio #BusinessJourney #ARPod #PodcastInterview #StartupStory #CreativeBusiness #eCommerceDesign #ParkinsonsUK #Inspiration #digitalmarketing Connect with Gareth Robertson: https://gr-aphic.uk/Gareth on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garethrobertson/Connect with Rich: https://www.theartistrecovery.com

🔥 WATCH THIS if you’ve ever felt stuck, doubted your path, or needed that one sign to keep going.In this raw and inspiring episode of the Artist Recovery Podcast, Rich Wright sits down with John McBride — Director of Product Design at Bestway Global Holdings, former Crayola designer, Matchbox/Hot Wheels mastermind, Designer at the Franklin Mint and founder of Midnight Octane. He opens up like never before.

📌 Timestamps & Highlights:

00:00 - Intro & John's killer design resume

02:30 - Discovering creativity in childhood

05:10 - How cars + crayons shaped a future

10:00 - His Garfield obsession & early schoolyard “fame”

14:00 - From struggling in algebra to mastering design thinking

17:40 - The unexpected flyer that changed his life

21:00 - Grappling with depression, faith, and nearly giving up

31:00 - The moment that pulled him off the edge

36:00 - Surviving on ramen while making it in art school

41:00 - Building futuristic car models with airbrush and grit

48:00 - Why he chose design over comic books

54:00 - Jealous coworkers, chalkboard cartoons, and Wegmans wisdom

✨ Why You Should Watch:Whether you're a young designer, seasoned creative, or just someone who needs a reminder that you're not alone in the grind — this episode is for you. Hit play, get inspired, and keep creating.This isn’t just an origin story. It’s a creative survival guide — loaded with wisdom for aspiring artists, designers, and anyone chasing dreams through adversity. John drops unfiltered gems on:Using creativity as communication

🔊The power of faith and resilience

🙏Turning artistic passion into a paycheck

💼What it takes to break into industrial design

💡Why sometimes being “the weird art kid” is your superpower 🦸‍♂️

🧠 Viral Moments Worth Sharing:“I was sitting on the edge of a bridge… thinking it might all be over.”

💔 ➡️ [Powerful redemption moment]“Design isn’t just visual. It’s how you tell a story without speaking.”

🎯“They asked me to do chalkboard art at Wegmans… and it became a city-wide hit.”

🎨“I gave up soccer, comics, and parties — just to bet it all on my dream.”

💥“This isn't about fame. It's about impact.”

🔥💬 Let’s Talk in the Comments:

➡️ What moment hit you the hardest in John’s story?

➡️ Have you ever felt stuck creatively or personally — and how did you get through it?

➡️ Drop your dream career in the comments — we want to support you!👀

New here? Hit that SUBSCRIBE button and turn on 🔔 notifications — we’ve got more powerhouse creatives sharing their journeys, design insights, and mental health real talk. This is where art meets authenticity.

📣 Follow John McBride: Midnight Octane → https://www.midniteoctane.com/LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/midniteoctane/Connect with

Rich: https://www.theartistrecovery.comLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richwrightunltd

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you listen.

#JohnMcBride #ARPodcast #CreativeJourney #IndustrialDesign #MatchboxDesigner #MidnightOctane #FaithAndCreativity #DesignCareer #MentalHealthInCreatives #HowToBeADesigner #BestwayGlobalHoldings #CrayolaDesigner #ArtSchoolLife #CreativeInspiration #ArtistStory

🌟 Get ready to be inspired! In this powerful episode, Rich Wright sits down with Scott Fisk—a professional hot rod illustrator, author, and founder of the "IAIAM Community for Creatives." Scott’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and purpose. From growing up in a blue-collar town in upstate New York to becoming a celebrated artist and entrepreneur residing in Vermont, Scott shares his incredible journey and the life lessons that shaped him. This is an episode you don’t want to miss!✨ Key Moments You’ll Love:A Hallmark Love Story:Scott shares the touching story of how his parents fell in love through letters while his father was stationed overseas—complete with a proposal from a phone booth in Germany! 💌Overcoming Childhood Trauma:At just 8 years old, Scott lost his mother to leukemia. He reflects on how this profound loss shaped his perspective on life and fueled his passion for art as a form of healing. 🖌️The Birth of a Creative Visionary:Discover how Scott transitioned from aspiring civil engineer to professional illustrator featured in iconic magazines like Cartoons Magazine, Hot Rods Illustrated, and more. 🚗✨Building a Purpose-Driven Community:Learn about Scott’s mission behind the "IAIAM Community for Creatives," where he empowers artists worldwide to connect, collaborate, and thrive. 🌍🎨Lessons from Grandpa:Scott’s grandfather taught him timeless values like respect, love, and perseverance—lessons that continue to guide him today. 👴❤️Turning Pain into Purpose:“Pain is not unique—what we do with it is what makes us unique.” Scott’s heartfelt reflections on grief and resilience will leave you inspired to face your own challenges with courage.🔥 Viral Moments You’ll Rewatch:“Art became my escape.” Scott reveals how drawing became his sanctuary during the toughest times of his life.“Celebrate the time you had.” Scott’s emotional tribute to his late mother will tug at your heartstrings and inspire you to cherish every moment with loved ones.“No one escapes pain, but we can choose to be victorious.” A powerful reminder that our response to adversity defines us.🎯 Why Watch This Episode?Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or simply someone looking for inspiration, Scott Fisk’s story will resonate deeply. His journey is a testament to the power of creativity, community, and resilience in overcoming life’s challenges. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn pain into purpose or build something meaningful from scratch, this conversation is for you.#Hotrodillustrator, #automotiveart, #creativecommunity, #overcominggrief, #childhoodtrauma, #inspirationalpodcast, #artistspotlight, #professionalillustratortips, #graphicdesignjourney.📢 Don’t forget to like 👍 this video if it inspired you! Share your favorite moment in the comments 💬—Scott might just respond personally! And hit that subscribe button 🔔 so you never miss another story that fuels your creativity.

Connect with Scott: https://www.studio669.net/Scott's Community: https://iaiam.mn.co/Connect with Rich, Podcast and Community: https://www.theartistrecovery.com/