Jim MacLeod
@jimmacleod.com
Writing about marketing, digital experience, branding, design, and creativity.
The marketer’s guide for creating better visuals on sale now from Tilt Publishing: https://visualmarketer.co
The marketer’s guide for creating better visuals on sale now from Tilt Publishing: https://visualmarketer.co
Pinned
Jim MacLeod
@jimmacleod.com
· Feb 24
Do more with less. Marketers are expected to do it all, even design. But no one taught you how to make visuals that actually work.
Now, there's a book for marketers who want to understand the basics of creating visuals that capture attention and drive conversions.
Now, there's a book for marketers who want to understand the basics of creating visuals that capture attention and drive conversions.
Today marks 18 years since I bought my first iPhone.
Never used a case.
Never dropped and broke one.
(And I held on to my original one)
Never used a case.
Never dropped and broke one.
(And I held on to my original one)
September 12, 2025 at 6:11 PM
Today marks 18 years since I bought my first iPhone.
Never used a case.
Never dropped and broke one.
(And I held on to my original one)
Never used a case.
Never dropped and broke one.
(And I held on to my original one)
My AC stopped working last night. Rough night.
This morning I had ChatGPT help me troubleshoot the problem. Turns out it’s a $30 part and I could replace it myself.
ChatGPT gave me the instructions (which I then verified with an electrician friend) and I was able to be up in running in no time.
This morning I had ChatGPT help me troubleshoot the problem. Turns out it’s a $30 part and I could replace it myself.
ChatGPT gave me the instructions (which I then verified with an electrician friend) and I was able to be up in running in no time.
August 13, 2025 at 2:21 PM
My AC stopped working last night. Rough night.
This morning I had ChatGPT help me troubleshoot the problem. Turns out it’s a $30 part and I could replace it myself.
ChatGPT gave me the instructions (which I then verified with an electrician friend) and I was able to be up in running in no time.
This morning I had ChatGPT help me troubleshoot the problem. Turns out it’s a $30 part and I could replace it myself.
ChatGPT gave me the instructions (which I then verified with an electrician friend) and I was able to be up in running in no time.
Went to see Fantastic Four last night.
My favorite part: 👑
My favorite part: 👑
July 30, 2025 at 2:03 AM
Went to see Fantastic Four last night.
My favorite part: 👑
My favorite part: 👑
Reposted by Jim MacLeod
I'm telling you, ~2015 the era of performance advertising with attribution as a no-brainer growth lever ended.
It's just that no one told execs and most are still acting like it works.
Post 2015: Brand marketing > performance ads (this story from Unilever is 🔥🔥🔥)
It's just that no one told execs and most are still acting like it works.
Post 2015: Brand marketing > performance ads (this story from Unilever is 🔥🔥🔥)
July 29, 2025 at 5:24 PM
I'm telling you, ~2015 the era of performance advertising with attribution as a no-brainer growth lever ended.
It's just that no one told execs and most are still acting like it works.
Post 2015: Brand marketing > performance ads (this story from Unilever is 🔥🔥🔥)
It's just that no one told execs and most are still acting like it works.
Post 2015: Brand marketing > performance ads (this story from Unilever is 🔥🔥🔥)
The Em Dash Responds to the AI Allegations
www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/the...
Via Ann Handley
(Back when I was laying out a lot of type, I preferred the en-dash because it wasn’t so gaudy.)
www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/the...
Via Ann Handley
(Back when I was laying out a lot of type, I preferred the en-dash because it wasn’t so gaudy.)
The Em Dash Responds to the AI Allegations - McSweeney’s Internet Tendency
“In recent months, a curious fixation has emerged in corners of academia: the em dash. More specifically, the apparent moral panic around how it is...
www.mcsweeneys.net
July 27, 2025 at 11:03 AM
The Em Dash Responds to the AI Allegations
www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/the...
Via Ann Handley
(Back when I was laying out a lot of type, I preferred the en-dash because it wasn’t so gaudy.)
www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/the...
Via Ann Handley
(Back when I was laying out a lot of type, I preferred the en-dash because it wasn’t so gaudy.)
My latest podcast appearance, on The Business of Marketing, came out today. It's always great to chat with @aleejudge.bsky.social!
If you're a marketer or business owner, check it out!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iw3...
If you're a marketer or business owner, check it out!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iw3...
Why Marketers Must Master Visual Design to Drive Business Results (with Jim MacLeod)
YouTube video by A. Lee Judge
www.youtube.com
July 23, 2025 at 3:37 AM
My latest podcast appearance, on The Business of Marketing, came out today. It's always great to chat with @aleejudge.bsky.social!
If you're a marketer or business owner, check it out!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iw3...
If you're a marketer or business owner, check it out!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iw3...
I resubscribed to Midjourney. ChatGPT’s images are fine for one or two, but after a while, you start to see the massive chasm in quality between the two.
July 22, 2025 at 11:53 AM
I resubscribed to Midjourney. ChatGPT’s images are fine for one or two, but after a while, you start to see the massive chasm in quality between the two.
This is a great way to define risks associated with entrepreneurship.
Had a hell of a podcast with Steve Gilman; now live - www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADVJ...
July 17, 2025 at 2:11 PM
This is a great way to define risks associated with entrepreneurship.
I have to thank @s3th.me for suggesting I use Yourls for my shortened links.
I can set custom link endings, able to edit the links afterward, and I have analytics on link performance.
I have full control over my shortened links now.
I can set custom link endings, able to edit the links afterward, and I have analytics on link performance.
I have full control over my shortened links now.
July 13, 2025 at 11:15 PM
I have to thank @s3th.me for suggesting I use Yourls for my shortened links.
I can set custom link endings, able to edit the links afterward, and I have analytics on link performance.
I have full control over my shortened links now.
I can set custom link endings, able to edit the links afterward, and I have analytics on link performance.
I have full control over my shortened links now.
Reposted by Jim MacLeod
Snoopy once wrote a Batman story.
In the 1970s, the Peanuts strip had Snoopy struggling to write a novel.
A few years later, DC and writer Len Wein used the text from Snoopy’s story as the captions for a 2-page Batman story illustrated by Walter Simonson.
In the 1970s, the Peanuts strip had Snoopy struggling to write a novel.
A few years later, DC and writer Len Wein used the text from Snoopy’s story as the captions for a 2-page Batman story illustrated by Walter Simonson.
April 25, 2025 at 10:46 AM
Snoopy once wrote a Batman story.
In the 1970s, the Peanuts strip had Snoopy struggling to write a novel.
A few years later, DC and writer Len Wein used the text from Snoopy’s story as the captions for a 2-page Batman story illustrated by Walter Simonson.
In the 1970s, the Peanuts strip had Snoopy struggling to write a novel.
A few years later, DC and writer Len Wein used the text from Snoopy’s story as the captions for a 2-page Batman story illustrated by Walter Simonson.
I’ve been thinking about the Windsurf deal falling through and then the top execs jumping ship for a pile of cash.
Since this is (at least) the second time we’ve seen this recently, why would someone join a startup at this point?
How can talent protect themselves in these #startup situations?
Since this is (at least) the second time we’ve seen this recently, why would someone join a startup at this point?
How can talent protect themselves in these #startup situations?
July 13, 2025 at 12:33 AM
I’ve been thinking about the Windsurf deal falling through and then the top execs jumping ship for a pile of cash.
Since this is (at least) the second time we’ve seen this recently, why would someone join a startup at this point?
How can talent protect themselves in these #startup situations?
Since this is (at least) the second time we’ve seen this recently, why would someone join a startup at this point?
How can talent protect themselves in these #startup situations?
I feel sorry for the Windsurf employees who thought they were about to cash in.
And now their company is dissolving before their eyes.
#Windsurf
techcrunch.com/2025/07/11/w...
And now their company is dissolving before their eyes.
#Windsurf
techcrunch.com/2025/07/11/w...
Windsurf's CEO goes to Google; OpenAI's acquisition falls apart | TechCrunch
Notably, Google is not taking a stake in Windsurf and will not have any control over the company.
techcrunch.com
July 12, 2025 at 2:35 AM
I feel sorry for the Windsurf employees who thought they were about to cash in.
And now their company is dissolving before their eyes.
#Windsurf
techcrunch.com/2025/07/11/w...
And now their company is dissolving before their eyes.
#Windsurf
techcrunch.com/2025/07/11/w...
Reposted by Jim MacLeod
Taste is the New Intelligence
"Taste is anti-fragile. It gets stronger the more noise you expose it to.
When you sharpen your discernment, you stop being swayed by trends. You stop needing consensus. You stop reacting to every new thing like it’s urgent."
www.wildbarethoughts.com/p/taste-is-t...
"Taste is anti-fragile. It gets stronger the more noise you expose it to.
When you sharpen your discernment, you stop being swayed by trends. You stop needing consensus. You stop reacting to every new thing like it’s urgent."
www.wildbarethoughts.com/p/taste-is-t...
July 9, 2025 at 6:34 PM
Taste is the New Intelligence
"Taste is anti-fragile. It gets stronger the more noise you expose it to.
When you sharpen your discernment, you stop being swayed by trends. You stop needing consensus. You stop reacting to every new thing like it’s urgent."
www.wildbarethoughts.com/p/taste-is-t...
"Taste is anti-fragile. It gets stronger the more noise you expose it to.
When you sharpen your discernment, you stop being swayed by trends. You stop needing consensus. You stop reacting to every new thing like it’s urgent."
www.wildbarethoughts.com/p/taste-is-t...
Companies cant lead if they’re waiting for evidence.
It takes audacity to do something first.
- A Lee Judge
It takes audacity to do something first.
- A Lee Judge
July 9, 2025 at 12:03 PM
Companies cant lead if they’re waiting for evidence.
It takes audacity to do something first.
- A Lee Judge
It takes audacity to do something first.
- A Lee Judge
Today I dedicated my time to designing a couple of logos.
I had forgotten how time flies when I’m working in Illustrator, throwing every bad idea on to the art board, and then refining.
#design
I had forgotten how time flies when I’m working in Illustrator, throwing every bad idea on to the art board, and then refining.
#design
July 7, 2025 at 7:04 PM
Today I dedicated my time to designing a couple of logos.
I had forgotten how time flies when I’m working in Illustrator, throwing every bad idea on to the art board, and then refining.
#design
I had forgotten how time flies when I’m working in Illustrator, throwing every bad idea on to the art board, and then refining.
#design
If your product revenue is declining, deciding “let’s make the experience worse” is not a good game plan.
Before I got into design/marketing, I ran movie theaters.
There are ways to fix this without just making things worse.
Before I got into design/marketing, I ran movie theaters.
There are ways to fix this without just making things worse.
AMC, America's largest theater chain, will show more ads before movies. That may not be the best way to win back people now accustomed to streaming at home www.youtube.com/watch?v=cP8Y...
AMC to show more advertisements before films
YouTube video by KTLA 5
www.youtube.com
July 3, 2025 at 3:24 PM
If your product revenue is declining, deciding “let’s make the experience worse” is not a good game plan.
Before I got into design/marketing, I ran movie theaters.
There are ways to fix this without just making things worse.
Before I got into design/marketing, I ran movie theaters.
There are ways to fix this without just making things worse.
My favorite bar in history announced it’s shutting down on Saturday.
I got up early to hit deadline so a friend and I can go say goodbye this afternoon.
I got up early to hit deadline so a friend and I can go say goodbye this afternoon.
June 19, 2025 at 4:36 PM
My favorite bar in history announced it’s shutting down on Saturday.
I got up early to hit deadline so a friend and I can go say goodbye this afternoon.
I got up early to hit deadline so a friend and I can go say goodbye this afternoon.
Reposted by Jim MacLeod
Happy birthday to Sir Paul McCartney!
June 18, 2025 at 12:25 PM
Happy birthday to Sir Paul McCartney!
Reposted by Jim MacLeod
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy said in a letter to employees that the company’s AI push will trim its corporate headcount in the coming years with agents and automation advances. buff.ly/jvAEx6B #Artificialintelligence #Technology #Innovation #Tech #TechNews #ArtificialInteligence #FutureofWork
June 18, 2025 at 11:25 AM
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy said in a letter to employees that the company’s AI push will trim its corporate headcount in the coming years with agents and automation advances. buff.ly/jvAEx6B #Artificialintelligence #Technology #Innovation #Tech #TechNews #ArtificialInteligence #FutureofWork
It’s interesting to watch Figma and #Canva position themselves as alternatives to Adobe … only to become Adobe-like conglomerates.
www.cnbc.com/2025/06/17/c...
www.cnbc.com/2025/06/17/c...
Canva moves into analytics with acquisition of MagicBrief
Canva already provides popular tools for designing ads. Now it wants to help marketers see how they perform.
www.cnbc.com
June 18, 2025 at 11:52 AM
It’s interesting to watch Figma and #Canva position themselves as alternatives to Adobe … only to become Adobe-like conglomerates.
www.cnbc.com/2025/06/17/c...
www.cnbc.com/2025/06/17/c...
I've been contracted to #design book covers for a series of books.
I started with sketches on the iPad (Procreate)
Brought those into ChatGPT to turn into photos
Took those into Photoshop to adjust color and AI to clean up parts
Then brought those into Illustrator to lay out the type on all three.
I started with sketches on the iPad (Procreate)
Brought those into ChatGPT to turn into photos
Took those into Photoshop to adjust color and AI to clean up parts
Then brought those into Illustrator to lay out the type on all three.
June 17, 2025 at 8:15 PM
I've been contracted to #design book covers for a series of books.
I started with sketches on the iPad (Procreate)
Brought those into ChatGPT to turn into photos
Took those into Photoshop to adjust color and AI to clean up parts
Then brought those into Illustrator to lay out the type on all three.
I started with sketches on the iPad (Procreate)
Brought those into ChatGPT to turn into photos
Took those into Photoshop to adjust color and AI to clean up parts
Then brought those into Illustrator to lay out the type on all three.
“If you skip the struggle, you miss the growth.”
@annhandley.bsky.social talking about the importance of not over relying on AI.
Her newsletter is always great, but this one is a good reminder not to outsource all of your thinking to AI. It will make you weak.
@annhandley.bsky.social talking about the importance of not over relying on AI.
Her newsletter is always great, but this one is a good reminder not to outsource all of your thinking to AI. It will make you weak.
June 16, 2025 at 1:44 AM
“If you skip the struggle, you miss the growth.”
@annhandley.bsky.social talking about the importance of not over relying on AI.
Her newsletter is always great, but this one is a good reminder not to outsource all of your thinking to AI. It will make you weak.
@annhandley.bsky.social talking about the importance of not over relying on AI.
Her newsletter is always great, but this one is a good reminder not to outsource all of your thinking to AI. It will make you weak.
Yesterday I was asked why I’m so bullish on #AI.
As a design student, my freshman year was focused on doing layout and type by hand. We rolled ink onto letters.
Then we got a new computer lab with something called Photoshop.
I saw the digital revolution. Everyone had to evolve. AI is the same.
As a design student, my freshman year was focused on doing layout and type by hand. We rolled ink onto letters.
Then we got a new computer lab with something called Photoshop.
I saw the digital revolution. Everyone had to evolve. AI is the same.
June 13, 2025 at 1:42 PM
Yesterday I was asked why I’m so bullish on #AI.
As a design student, my freshman year was focused on doing layout and type by hand. We rolled ink onto letters.
Then we got a new computer lab with something called Photoshop.
I saw the digital revolution. Everyone had to evolve. AI is the same.
As a design student, my freshman year was focused on doing layout and type by hand. We rolled ink onto letters.
Then we got a new computer lab with something called Photoshop.
I saw the digital revolution. Everyone had to evolve. AI is the same.
Yesterday I gave the talk “Your AI Visuals Are Fine … Until They’re Not” at #EvolveDrupal Boston.
I got some laughs, lots of head nods, people taking pics of slides, and a handful of questions afterwards.
I consider that a win.
I got some laughs, lots of head nods, people taking pics of slides, and a handful of questions afterwards.
I consider that a win.
June 7, 2025 at 4:35 PM
Yesterday I gave the talk “Your AI Visuals Are Fine … Until They’re Not” at #EvolveDrupal Boston.
I got some laughs, lots of head nods, people taking pics of slides, and a handful of questions afterwards.
I consider that a win.
I got some laughs, lots of head nods, people taking pics of slides, and a handful of questions afterwards.
I consider that a win.
My first email address was jmm@keene.edu.
I was part of the first group to have email.
And you can tell they had no idea what they were doing because they didn’t think about how that naming structure scales.
I was part of the first group to have email.
And you can tell they had no idea what they were doing because they didn’t think about how that naming structure scales.
June 7, 2025 at 12:31 PM
My first email address was jmm@keene.edu.
I was part of the first group to have email.
And you can tell they had no idea what they were doing because they didn’t think about how that naming structure scales.
I was part of the first group to have email.
And you can tell they had no idea what they were doing because they didn’t think about how that naming structure scales.