Paul Jamie Kidd doesn’t just colour outside the lines—he redraws the whole page. From humble freelance beginnings and 30-mile commutes on tiny wages to running two standout brands with global reach, Paul has built a career on instinct, originality, and an unwavering commitment to creativity.
As founder of KidDotCo, co-creator of the educational platform Ibbleobble, and the handmade clothing line Fovi, Paul proves that staying true to your creative vision isn't just possible—it’s powerful. In this Member Spotlight, we dive into his journey, process, and philosophy that set him apart in a crowded industry.
How did you first get into the industry?
Since graduating in the early 2000s, green and armed with a degree in BSc Media Technology, I began a mission to find employment at the earliest opportunity. Jobs in my town were few and far between, and I found it difficult to begin with - I’m not going to lie.
I used many freelancing websites; I think the main one was a now-defunct platform called freelancers.net, and I would get a steady stream of branding jobs, which ultimately led to a job at Hull-based 2headsdesign.co.uk - even though that was a 30-mile drive on the tiniest of wages!
Where are you based now and who do you work for?
I am still in my hometown of Cleethorpes, in Lincolnshire. Having navigated through a wide range of agencies in and around the area, I took the leap of faith and set up on my own as KidDotCo. I have acquired a wide range of clients - from Sydney to New York - working on educational projects and production companies, to local start-ups and companies looking for help with their product development.
Running alongside that, I have also co-founded my own educational platform called Ibbleobble, and more recently, a handmade clothing business called Fovi. Both are incredibly hard work but equally rewarding as we continue to improve and grow.
What is your personal background and what role did it play in your career?
I would probably go as far as saying I have always found myself going against the grain with most things I do. While most kids in the playground supported Liverpool, I was a Man Utd fan! Surrounded by the most supportive family, they have encouraged me to follow my dreams - to simply do things that make me happy.
Even as far back as the days when I used to design football kits and send them to Nike, Adidas, and Mitre, I’ve always felt I had a creative flair that nobody else in my network of friends had growing up.
If you weren’t in your current industry, what would you be doing?
This is a great question following on from the previous answer. I doubt there’s much I could really do (especially with the same energy and passion) other than being creative! It’s never been in me to be a car salesman, estate agent, or plasterer… I’m truly blessed to do a job I not only enjoy but also feel I’m half-decent at ;o)
Can you explain your creative process? What makes it unique?
Most creatives would probably agree that there isn’t a rigid creative process everyone adheres to - but there are many processes that suit different people. I would say the most important element of any creative process is preparation. The better prepared we are, the better the results we’ll get.
That means maintaining strong communication with my client and listening to their needs first and foremost. I do have a weird knack for building something in my mind - like a painting - whether it’s on a call, through emails, or while lying in bed at 2 a.m!
I’m very much a visual learner, and that means thinking in pictures rather than words. Some people prefer to sketch things out or storyboard. I tend to get these visuals out of my head and into my creative programs as soon as possible.
Intertwined with this is some R&D running alongside the process, as well as input from the client -particularly about the kinds of companies they see themselves alongside. There’s no right or wrong way to develop a brand, but this process works for me, and I’ve had some excellent results using it.
How would you describe your style?
I once got called ‘kooky’ and that I have a ‘kooky’ style and wasn’t sure how to take it, but the more I thought about it the more it made sense. And I am now embracing my kooky style!
Which individuals do you gain inspiration from? Do you have any heroes in the industry?
There are two guys I wouldn’t necessarily call heroes, but they’re definitely on my wavelength - for very different reasons. First, Paul Budnitz, founder of Kidrobot.com and Superplastic.co. He simply dared to dream when building both vinyl toy brands… and he's the reason I’ve got hardly any room left in my bedroom! If I achieved even 5% of what he has, I’d be happy.
The second is Drake Ramberg. His radical kit designs from the early ’90s wowed me - and it wasn’t until recently that I discovered he was the mind behind them. I don’t even think he realised he had such a cult following. His Instagram posts are a goldmine for anyone into football shirt nostalgia and are well worth a follow: @dramberg.
What tips would you give to aspiring creatives looking for work?
Throw your hat into the ring for as much design work as you can! If you toss enough coins into a fountain, some are bound to land in it. That said, it’s incredibly important to know your worth and charge accordingly - otherwise, you’ll end up resenting the work you’re doing. Be prepared to walk away if a client doesn’t agree with your rate. Some people will value your effort more than others.
When you do land the work, give it your all. Be accommodating, but know where to draw the line. If you’re fair, chances are they’ll be fair too - and if you deliver to a high standard, they’ll likely come back. Most clients just want things done - so if you’re punctual hard-working and reliable, they’ll return with more work in the future.
What tips would you give to other professionals to get more clients?
Similar to the point above, you have to put yourself out there as much as possible. Celebrate your work—because most people have no idea how much time and effort goes into creating something beautiful.
Share it with the world on platforms like LinkedIn, Behance, and of course, Creativepool, which has been a great space for showcasing my work. That’s why I post often and have made some amazing connections through it. It’s all about being seen—and the only person who can make that happen is you.
Can you share a memorable experience from your career journey that shaped your approach to creativity?
I do feel that both Ibbleobble.com and Fovi.co have allowed me to push my creative limits, simply because I’m in control of how things look. Without being shackled by outside influences, I’ve been free to fully flex my creative muscles. Of course, design is incredibly subjective - it won’t be to everyone’s taste- but I believe both brands have been successful in their own right.
What kind of tools/kit/software could you not do without?
Adobe Creative Suite will always be my go-to software, and in recent years, I don’t even think I’ve tapped into its full capabilities. Now that AI has crept in, I do believe it has a place in society - but it shouldn’t be doing the thinking behind what you create.
That’s just madness. I’ve always been a Mac user, and I’m currently working on a Mac Mini M2 Pro - it’s a great bit of kit and never lets me down!
What’s your secret to staying inspired and motivated?
Some might say my work ethic is either a ‘blessing’ or a ‘curse’ - and I’d agree, it’s a bit of both! Growing up in a pre-internet age with a dad who worked tirelessly, I feel I inherited his work ethic. I just LOVE getting things done, especially when I see the end result… there’s no better feeling! There’s still so much more to achieve with Ibbleobble and Fovi, and that alone keeps the fire burning in my belly!
What’s the work achievement you’re most proud of?
Ibbleobble is definitely my greatest achievement. As my first ‘baby,’ it will always hold a special place in my heart, especially seeing it in the App Store. An iteration of ibbleobble.com even won Creativepool’s Website of the Year in 2017. It still makes me smile inside just thinking about it!
As someone with experience in the industry, what trends do you foresee shaping the future of creativity?
AI will undoubtedly play an even bigger role in the future than it does now. At the moment, I use it as sparingly as possible. To be honest, I couldn’t even tell you everything it’s capable of at this stage. It’s evolving quickly, but just like how Web 2.0 is being superseded by Web 3.0, there will always be a place for creative souls.
The core of creativity lies in human expression and originality, and I’m confident that while AI can assist, it will never replace the true essence of creating. There will always be a majority of people who respect AI for what it can do, but who will continue to create magnificent work without relying on such tools. Creativity, in its purest form, will always be in the hands of people.
What do you think sets apart truly exceptional creatives from the rest of the pack?
Creatives who dare to stand alone in what they believe in are the ones who truly make an impact. Trends come and go, and while it’s great to experiment with them, it’s vital to stay authentic and unique.
The most successful creatives are the ones who push boundaries, challenge norms, and never lose sight of their own creative flair. It’s about staying true to yourself and your vision. There will always be someone who appreciates your work simply for being you - because originality and authenticity are what truly resonate in the long run.
How do you think technology has influenced the creative industries and how have you adapted to these changes?
The introduction of AI into society can be viewed both as a pro and a con, and I do feel it carries some potentially sinister undertones. While I’m aware of how it’s being used, I can’t shake the feeling that it could have unintended consequences. I often come across articles claiming that the early adopters of AI will be the ones who thrive in their industries, but only time will tell if that’s true.
Personally, I’m a purist, so I’d prefer to avoid relying on AI as much as possible. Whether it will eventually be used to the point where it destabilises entire industries is still unclear. I don’t even think we’ve scratched the surface of what AI is capable of, and that uncertainty is definitely concerning. Anything could be possible, and that’s a worrying thought.
What is the one thing that you would change about the industry?
Great question. I don’t feel people get the credit they probably deserve. We are a rare breed, us designers, and I honestly think that, apart from AI, the influx of drag-and-drop websites and subscription-based platforms such as Canva has wreaked havoc on the small talents trying to make their way in the industry.
In the past, I’ve had to pick up and improve websites built in Wix. If you look under the hood, they are often bloated with code, and while I appreciate that it’s a tool for cottage industry companies, I find them damaging to the industry. Over the last few years, I’ve noticed a slight shift with people taking on jobs in Canva themselves, but often these clients return when they realise that using Canva doesn’t make you a designer.
Any websites, books or resources you would recommend?
Creativepool, of course! I always tell people about this platform! I often take a look at Under Consideration's Brand New on a weekly basis to keep up to date on what’s trending in the industry. I also have a great collection of books from Pictoplasma! When I have a bit of downtime, I like to check out Footy Headlines for all the upcoming football kit designs. I love it all!
