We had the good fortune of connecting with Herbert Murray and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Herbert, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
When anyone learns that I own my own company, I am often asked: “What did you do?” or “What makes you successful?” However, through this journey in self ownership, I’ve learned that this is the exact line of questioning to avoid. It is for more important to gain insight into peoples failings. It is impossible to replicate anyones steps to success. Success is earned through learning what not to repeat. But you can get a head start and prepare for pitfalls by getting an idea of what they are.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Graphic Design, Branding, Art Direction & Creative Direction have always felt like a puzzle to me. They can be the revealing of who people are and how, collectively, people or communities think. This is what sets me apart in what I do. I want to work with people. I visually express what makes them tick.
To get to where I am today was not a launch to the top. It was long, grueling crawl on all fours—humbling. I had to learn to to remove myself and spotlight myself in my work both at the same time. One of the greatest lessons I learned and one of the best pieces of advice I can give anyone looking to be creative professional is this: expect the long journey and do what ever you can with what you have now. Don’t spend time trying to make everything perfect. Your perfection will be realized, not built.
The one thing I would want the world to know about me and my brand is being realized currently. I am part of a new company start, Carbon Marque. We are a full service marketing and advertising firm and we embody everything I’ve learned and held dear through my career: All of my clients have a story to tell and I want to partner with them to connect that story and their clients in the most engaging expression possible.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
That’s a tough one. Especially given the pandemic, a lot of my favorite things about Fort Worth & Dallas are just now getting started back up. It’s definitely outside with live music and an assortment of food trucks. I’m also a huge fan of the brewery scene that has developed in Fort Worth over the last several years. And I always like trying places I’ve never been. But my regulars are: Friday on the Green, Hop Fusion and the Local Bar, all in Fort Worth.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My friends and family. Working for myself, owning my own company was always a plan but it wasn’t executed that way. It was a jerk reaction to several life occurrences. My family always let me believe that I could do anything and along with my friends, supported my dream in its peaks and held my hand in its valleys.
Website: www.madebycarbon.com
Instagram: @madebycarbon
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herbmarion