Welcome to The Common Thread, my personal journal. I’m Matthew Martin, Creative Director at Spade Design, and this isn’t just a blog; it’s my exploration into the four pillars that I believe underpin every resilient brand and every successful founder…
Success isn’t a straight line; it’s a tapestry. To me, those threads aren’t just ideas—they’re the focused discipline learned from drafting a fashion pattern, the sharp intuition needed to race a motorcycle down a mountain, and the resilient spirit discovered while living in a new country when you don’t speak the language. My whole life has been a search for these connections, the universal patterns that link a well-executed race to a perfectly finished seam.
Success isn’t a straight line; it’s a tapestry. To me, those threads aren’t just ideas—they’re the focused discipline learned from drafting a fashion pattern, the sharp intuition needed to race down a mountain on a sportbike, and the resilient spirit discovered while living in a new country. My whole life has been a search for these connections, the universal patterns that link a well-executed race to a perfectly finished seam.
This is The Common Thread: an exploration of how the raw, human experiences from the racetrack, the design table, and cultures across the globe weave together to create something meaningful.
The Common Thread: an exploration of how the raw, human experiences from the design studio, the ocean, the design studio, and cultures across the globe weave together to create something meaningful.
I'll delve into the mindset of the Maker, discovering how the discipline of building with your hands—whether it’s a motorcycle or a brand identity—instills a non-negotiable respect for process and craftsmanship.
I'll analyze the world through the lens of the Strategist, deconstructing the campaigns of iconic brands and reverse-engineering the moves that lead to market dominance.
I'll embrace the spirit of the Risk-Taker, drawing parallels between the calculated risks of a 100mph corner on the racetrack and the bold, decisive actions required to innovate and lead.
And I'll ground it all in the perspective of the Humanist, exploring how empathy, storytelling, and a deep understanding of human connection are the most powerful assets in any creative endeavor.
My goal with this journal is to share that journey with you—the successes, the failures, and the lessons learned along the way—in the hope that it helps you find and follow your own thread.
Thanks for your interest!
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