🔥 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
💬 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.com
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richwrightunltd
🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you listen.
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#JohnMcBride #ARPodcast #CreativeJourney #IndustrialDesign #MatchboxDesigner #MidnightOctane #FaithAndCreativity #DesignCareer #MentalHealthInCreatives #HowToBeADesigner #BestwayGlobalHoldings #CrayolaDesigner #ArtSchoolLife #CreativeInspiration #ArtistStory
Always remember, Listen to your Heart and Be Kind to Your Mind! -Rich Wright
Follow us here: https://www.theartistrecovery.com
Join the Community: https://www,artrecroom.com
Listen Weekly at: https://www.artistrecoverypodcast.com
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