Carina talks about her new book The Intentional Design Year released last month. She goes over how to use it and her free gift to you. Enjoy the digital version of the book for free for 1 month at https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional. You can also get The Intentional Design Year here: Paperback: https://amzn.to/43XTRLG Hardback: https://amzn.to/4isrefm Prompt Journal Paperback: https://amzn.to/4osha7J Prompt Journal Hardback: https://amzn.to/4rvrG0u Links to help new desig...

Carina opens up about where she has been, what her family does during the holiday season and more! If you like Carina’s personal antidotes on how she does her life, you will love this very Christmasy episode! Links to help new designers: What’s New: https://www.carinagardner.com Design Bootcamp: http://www.carinagardnercourses.com/designbootcamp University of Arts & Design: http://uad.education Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional

Ever wonder what makes everyday creativity different from the genius of Picasso or Einstein? In this episode, I break down the Four-C Model of Creativity—Mini-c, Little-c, Pro-c, and Big-C—and explore how each level shows up in our lives. From the small insights that spark growth to the world-changing breakthroughs that leave a legacy, you’ll discover why all forms of creativity matter. Links to help new designers: What’s New: https://www.carinagardner.com Design Bootcamp: http://www....

As the year comes to a close, Carina reflects on the loss of a few dear friends. Among them is the wonderful Lindsay Bowerman, a cherished member of the University of Arts & Design Advisory Council, whom Carina interviewed back in 2022. In this heartfelt episode, Carina shares her memories and revisits that special conversation with Lindsay. Links to help new designers: What’s New: https://www.carinagardner.com Design Bootcamp: http://www.carinagardnercourses.com/designbootcamp Universit...

Do you think AI can make you more creative? Actually, according to a new study, AI can enhance individual creativity. The side effect? It reduces novel ideas for society or entire groups. Learn more in today’s episode. Links to help new designers: What’s New: https://www.carinagardner.com Design Bootcamp: http://www.carinagardnercourses.com/designbootcamp University of Arts & Design: http://uad.education Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional

Carina talks about abundance and gratitude at this time of year. She also talks a little bit about a book she has been recently reading called The Art of Thinking Clearly by Rolf Dobelli and having a growth mindset. Links to help new designers: What’s New: https://www.carinagardner.com Design Bootcamp: http://www.carinagardnercourses.com/designbootcamp University of Arts & Design: http://uad.education

Carina’s team have been doing Virtual Conferences for almost 5 years and Carina tells you some of the things they do in these 5 hour meetings for Design Suite and the University of Arts & Design. Get the inside scoop on what happens on these special design days! Links to help new designers: What’s New: https://www.carinagardner.com Design Bootcamp: http://www.carinagardnercourses.com/designbootcamp University of Arts & Design: http://uad.education

Carina talks about an experience she had with a plumber who recently came to do some work on her Barn. The experience was interesting and left her wondering how we as designers show up for our clients. Links to help new designers: What’s New: https://www.carinagardner.com Design Bootcamp: http://www.carinagardnercourses.com/designbootcamp University of Arts & Design: http://uad.education

Sometimes designers come to me to create other types of businesses. Learn how our own coach Julie Thompson created a new business using the skills she learned from Design Suite in today’s episode. Want to learn more about Julie’s new gluten free recipes? Visit her at www.cedarhillbakeshop.com. Links to help new designers: What’s New: https://www.carinagardner.com Design Bootcamp: http://www.carinagardnercourses.com/designbootcamp University of Arts & Design: http://uad.education If...

Crushing your next year actually starts in 4th Quarter of the previous year. Carina talks about several inspirational steps that could take your design business to the next level. Learn more in today’s episode. Learn what is new by going to www.carinagardner.com Join a Design Bootcamp at www.designsuitecourses.com/designbootcamp If you have been following along and have never joined a Design Bootcamp, I’m going to encourage you to sign up! It’s 5 hours of workshops and we have live versi...

If you have a design degree or have been taking several courses online, you might be ready for more than just design…you may be ready for building your business. Carina talks about what you need to do this and what that looks like for designers. Learn what is new by going to www.carinagardner.com Join a Design Bootcamp at www.designsuitecourses.com/designbootcamp

Now that we have had AI for a couple of years, Carina talks about what she has seen in the design industry. She covers the most concerning question designers have had which is, “Is design jobs going away?” Learn more in today's episode! Learn what is new by going to www.carinagardner.com Join a Design Bootcamp at www.designsuitecourses.com/designbootcamp

If you’ve ever felt like everyone else is ahead of you, this episode is your reset button. Carina Gardner shares a powerful mindset shift and practical tips to help you refocus, catch up, and move forward—without the overwhelm. You’re not as behind as you think. Learn more about Carina at www.carinagardner.com.

What’s hiding in your “locked drawer”? In this episode, Carina Gardner explores the ideas, projects, and dreams we keep tucked away—and how unlocking them can transform your creative career. If you’ve been holding back your best work, it’s time to set it free. Learn more about Carina at www.carinagardner.com.

Ready to stop leaving money on the table? In this episode, Carina Gardner sits down with negotiation expert Susie Tomenchuk to share proven strategies every designer needs. From handling pricing pushback to confidently closing deals, you’ll learn how to protect your value, get paid what you’re worth, and negotiate like a pro. Learn more about Susie at https://www.susietomenchok.com. Learn more about Carina at www.carinagardner.com.

Tired of feeling like no one sees your work? In this episode, Carina Gardner reveals the three essential marketing layers every creative needs to get noticed, build an audience, and turn followers into customers. Simple, actionable steps to make sure you’re no longer invisible in your industry. Learn more about Carina at www.carinagardner.com.

Think you’ve missed your chance to become a designer? Think again. In this episode, Carina Gardner breaks down why it’s never too late to start a design career, the surprising advantages of starting later in life, and the exact steps to get moving now. Whether you’re 25 or 65, your creative future starts today. Learn more about Carina at www.carinagardner.com.

Balancing diapers and deadlines isn’t easy, but it’s possible—and even rewarding. In this episode, Carina Gardner shares how she built a thriving design business while raising kids at home. From time management hacks to mindset shifts, you’ll hear the strategies that kept her creative career moving forward without sacrificing family. Learn more about Carina at www.carinagardner.com

In this heartfelt episode, Carina Gardner shares the advice she wishes she could give her younger creative self—back when she was just starting out, full of passion but unsure of the path ahead. She opens up about the lessons she’s learned along the way, from embracing imperfect work and letting go of the pressure to be “ready,” to the importance of charging what you’re worth and adopting a business mindset early. Carina reflects on how building a successful design career wasn’t about having ...

Carina dives into a question that affects every artist and designer at some point: Why does creative potential suffer—even when we’re passionate, talented, and full of ideas? Carina unpacks the hidden barriers that often hold creatives back—like perfectionism, comparison, fear of failure, and the pressure to “do it all.” Drawing from her own journey as a designer, entrepreneur, and educator, she offers practical insights into how to protect and nurture your creativity over time. Listeners wil...