In this conversation, Brady Patterson discusses the evolving landscape of design careers and the importance of content creation in securing job opportunities. He shares his journey from graphic designer to agency owner and content creator, emphasizing the need for designers to adapt to the changing job market. The discussion covers strategies for creating engaging content, overcoming fears of sharing work, and the significance of finding a niche. Brady also highlights practical steps for aspiring content creators to start their journey effectively.
What if your creative career wasn’t about climbing a ladder, but about building leverage?
In this episode, we sit down with Jason Murray to unpack what it really means to be a Creative Athlete in today’s shifting industry. We talk about why the traditional creative path feels shakier than ever, how creators quietly rewrote the rules, and why mid-level creatives can no longer rely on titles, agencies, or permission to move forward.
Jason breaks down the mindset shift from being a task-doer to a strategic operator, how to think beyond execution, and why treating yourself like a client is no longer optional. We dig into creative independence, ownership, and how to identify the real value you bring to the table, beyond your portfolio.
If you’re a designer, art director, or creative who feels capable but capped, this episode will challenge how you think about your career, your skills, and your next move, and give you practical ways to start building a career that adapts, compounds, and stays yours.
https://www.instagram.com/jason_swet/
It’s that time of year again, and your two favorite design elves, Mikelle and Nick, are back with a sleigh full of wildly good gift ideas for creatives. In this year’s Holiday Gift Guide, we’re pulling out the deep cuts, the clever upgrades, and the treats that’ll make any designer’s heart grow three sizes.
From retro tech nostalgia to productivity lifesavers to “I definitely deserve this” splurges, we run through our full 2025 wishlist, why each item made the cut, and who on your studio team deserves one too. Expect laughs, unexpected gems, and maybe one or two confessions about our online shopping habits.
Whether you need the perfect gift for a designer friend, your favorite creative colleague, or just yourself because you nailed that last deadline, we’ve got you covered.
Grab the cocoa, hit play, and bookmark everything. Your cart is about to get dangerously full.
Another Studio Stencils
https://www.another-studio.com/collections/stencils
Atari Gamestation Go
https://atari.com/products/atari-gamestation-go?srsltid=AfmBOoq6M9OB6HIj2csHeLtCdAUkcaHgyzaousJwIM1n1mPAgQD3WEB_
LEGO Disney Pixar Luxo Jr. Set (21357)
https://www.lego.com/en-us/product/disney-pixar-luxo-jr-21357
A6 Memobottle
https://www.memobottle.us/products/a6-memobottle
Manta Sleep Mask Sound (New Gen)
https://mantasleep.com/products/manta-sleep-mask-sound-new-gen
PocketDrum 2 Plus by Aeroband
https://www.aeroband.net/products/pocketdrum2-plus
MacLock Retro Computer Clock
https://theawesomer.com/maclock-retro-computer-clock/789827/
Oakywood Magnetic Cable Organizer
https://oakywood.shop/products/magnetic-cable-organizer?_gl=115mp605_upMQ.._gs*NQ..&gclid=EAIaIQobChMImbrQ2uGmkQMV1V8IBB0TajqyEAEYASAEEgLw1PD_BwE
Better With Rhythm
https://www.betterwithrhythm.com
The Magic Patio
https://www.themagicpatio.com
Draplin Design Co. Posters
https://www.draplin.com/merch/posters
Kintsugi Reborn (Handcrafted Goods)
https://www.etsy.com/shop/KintsugiReborn
Imogene and Willie, Graphic Content Collection
https://imogeneandwillie.com/collections/graphic-content
Teenage Engineering Audio & Synth Gear
https://teenage.engineering/products/audio-and-synthesizers
Teenage Engineering Pocket Operators
https://teenage.engineering/store/pocket-operators
What really happens when you hit the ten year mark in your creative career? In this episode, Nick is joined by three powerhouse designers who have each carved out their own lane in the industry, all with a decade of experience under their belts. Say hello to illustrator and licensing pro Maggie Enterrios, branding and merch designer Enon Avital, and creative director and product maker Dan Lee.
Together they unpack the real lessons a long term creative career teaches you, including the early mistakes that shaped them, the surprising wins that kept them going, and the mindset shifts that turned fear into momentum. They dig into client work, licensing, merch, side hustles that became main hustles, and how each path builds a different kind of resilience.
Listeners will walk away with practical guidance on launching products with confidence, navigating slow seasons, protecting your creative identity, knowing when to evolve your business, and building something that lasts longer than a trend cycle.
If you’ve ever wondered what it actually takes to stay in this industry for ten years, this is your hotline moment.
Dan Lee: https://www.instagram.com/dandrawnwords/
Maggie Enterrios: https://www.instagram.com/littlepatterns/
Enon Avital: https://www.instagram.com/e_known/
In this conversation, Nick discusses the unique design elements and storytelling aspects of various packaging designs. He highlights the importance of bold illustrations and effective branding in creating a memorable consumer experience.
T-Shirt Link: Here
Creativity lives in the tension between control and chaos.
In this episode, Nick Longo unpacks the lessons from his time speaking at Adobe MAX , where structure met spontaneity in real time. From airtight prep to unexpected pivots, he explores how to read the room, trust your instincts, and know when to stick to the plan… or scrap it completely.
You’ll hear stories from the stage, lessons from the studio, and real-world advice for every creative trying to balance confidence and curiosity.
Blueprints build your foundation. Breakpoints build your growth.
Learn how to master both, and design in the in-between.
Designers, It’s Time to Jump
What to Do When Entry-Level Isn’t There Anymore
The path into the design industry has changed, and no one sent a memo. Entry-level roles are drying up, mentorship is rare, and early-career designers are being asked to “start mid-level” without a support system.
In this episode, we break down what’s really going on, who it affects the most, and how designers caught in the middle can take control, stand out, and leap forward, even when the ladder is gone.
Whether you’re a recent grad, a freelancer still trying to land your first big role, or just stuck in the void between “junior” and “senior,” this episode is for you.
We cover:
• Why entry-level jobs are disappearing
• What skills actually matter now
• How to build your own momentum
• Why visibility beats perfection
• Practical steps to future-proof your creative career
This isn’t about waiting your turn. It’s about jumping the gap, and building the career that’s waiting on the other side.
In this episode of The Deeply Graphic Design Cast, Nick sits down with AI futurist and designer Linus Ekenstam, whose bold takes on social media have shaken up the creative community. Linus has made headlines for statements like, “Designers who ignore AI might soon be out of jobs,” but his mission isn’t to scare; it’s to prepare.
Together, we dig into the reality of how AI is changing the creative landscape, not five years from now, but right now. Linus breaks down which design tasks are already being automated, why “AI won’t replace designers, but designers who use AI will replace those who don’t,” and how creatives can future-proof their careers by learning to co-create with intelligent tools.
This isn’t a doom-and-gloom conversation. It’s a wake-up call packed with practical advice for freelancers, studio owners, and anyone trying to stay relevant in an industry that’s shifting faster than ever. We talk about:
Why “AI literacy” is the new must-have skill for every creative
The everyday tasks designers can automate today to save time and stress
How to maintain your creative voice while working with AI tools
The mindset shift from “AI will take my job” to “AI can take my busywork”
What the smart designer’s toolkit looks like in 2025 and beyond
Whether you’re curious, skeptical, or terrified about AI, this conversation will leave you informed, inspired, and ready to take action, before the industry moves on without you.
Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, and join the conversation.
Because the future of design isn’t man or machine — it’s both.
Linus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linusekenstam/
Linus on X: https://x.com/LinusEkenstam
Website: linusekenstam.com
Wix Studio: https://www.wixstudio.com
In this episode of The Drop, we’re serving up a sizzling slice of design news that graphic designers actually care about. We break down Pizza Hut’s quiet logo refresh and explore what it means for legacy brands. Microsoft drops a full redesign of its Office app icons — we unpack the system thinking behind it and how it’s all tied into their Copilot visual language. Then we unwrap Starburst’s vibrant new brand identity and packaging system, looking at how confectionery brands stay competitive on crowded shelves.
Plus, we round it all out with quick hits on viral design moments, and yes — one AI story that’s actually worth your time.
Get ready to nerd out, level up, and maybe even rethink your next client pitch.
Visit https://www.wixstudio.com
https://www.theverge.com/news/783991/google-labs-mixboard-ai-design-canvas?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://www.adobe.com/products/firefly/features/moodboard.html
https://www.foodandwine.com/aldi-private-label-rebrand-2025-11817515?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://designcompass.org/en/2025/08/18/pizzahut-new-logo-for-international/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://www.theverge.com/news/789533/microsoft-office-new-icons-design?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://straightforward.design/work/starburst-rebrand/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
In this conversation, Nick interviews Maayan Kraus, a UX team lead at Wix, discussing the evolution of Wix Studio and its features that enhance web design. They explore the importance of responsive design, AI integration, and the use of templates for inspiration. The conversation also highlights interactive features, real-time content management, and advanced effects like parallax and WebGL. Maayan shares insights on client management and the ease of getting started with Wix Studio, making it accessible for non-developers.
Takeaways
Link for the wix studio academy - https://www.wix.com/studio/academy
To get started, visit https://www.wixstudio.com
In this episode, Mikelle takes us behind the scenes of a full brand transformation, sharing her process of reimagining a driving school and its companion app. Nick jumps in along the way as they discuss the balance between creativity and practicality, the challenges of working with real client needs, and the surprising role of authenticity in building something that lasts. You will also hear about the quirks of brainstorming, the impact of AI on the creative process, and even the science of a perfect coffee nap.Whether you are a designer looking to sharpen your process, a business owner thinking about your own rebrand, or simply curious about how an idea turns into a living brand, this episode gives you a front row seat to the real conversations and creative decisions that shape meaningful work.For more information on Wix Studio, go to:https://www.wixstudio.com🚀 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dgdcpod/🚀 Explore more at: linktr.ee/dgdcpod🚀Our Shop: deeplygraphicgoods.printful.me#GraphicDesign #DesignPodcast #CreativeBusiness
Hiring a designer can feel overwhelming, whether you’re a small business owner taking the leap for the first time or a company ready to level up your brand. In this episode, we cut through the noise and walk you through how to hire a designer the right way. From spotting red flags and asking the right questions, to building trust and starting the relationship on the right foot, you’ll get practical advice that saves time, money, and headaches.
And here’s the twist, while this episode is made for business owners, it’s equally valuable for designers. If you’re a creative, listening to what clients should be looking for is the ultimate playbook for sharpening your process, elevating how you present yourself, and becoming the designer people want to hire.
Whether you’re searching for your next creative partner or striving to become that partner, this conversation has something for you.
How She Built This
A real look at creative entrepreneurship
On this episode of The Next Level, Tom Lauro sits down with Ashley Burke, the creative force behind Steady Hand Cafe & Collective in Bradley Beach, NJ. What began as a mobile coffee cart soon evolved into a vibrant brick-and-mortar café, and a full expression of Ashley’s artistic vision, entrepreneurial spirit, and deep love for community.
Ashley shares her early beginnings as a working artist and barista, and how those dual paths eventually merged into something bigger. She opens up about navigating the transition from side hustle to business ownership, the growing pains of scaling a creative idea, and the importance of trusting your gut, especially when you don’t have all the answers.
They also explore how Steady Hand Cafe’s branding came to life through color, playfulness, and a childlike sense of wonder. But at its core, the café is a space built to uplift others, whether that’s through inclusive hiring, collaborating with local makers, or creating a culture where self-expression is always welcome.
If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to build something meaningful from scratch, or how to stay creatively fueled while doing it, this conversation delivers.
Key Takeaways:
https://www.steadyhandcollective.com
Iconic to Ironic
Cracker Barrel just dropped their iconic logo—and designers are not okay.
In this episode of The Deeply Graphic Design Cast, we unpack the massive rebrand, the rise of minimalist “debranding,” and why legacy brands are trading story for simplicity. What are we losing in the name of flexibility and scale? And more importantly—how can you avoid the same mistakes?
Whether you’re a freelance designer, art director, or just a branding geek—this episode gives you a full playbook for navigating high-stakes rebrands without killing what makes a brand special.
👀 Topics Covered:
• Cracker Barrel’s controversial new logo
• Why so many brands are “debranding”
• The emotional cost of losing legacy
• When minimalism works—and when it doesn’t
• A step-by-step rebrand checklist for designers
🎯 Your Rebrand Survival Kit: [link to downloadable PDF or checklist]
💬 Let us know in the comments: What’s your take on the new Cracker Barrel logo? Is this evolution—or erasure?
Link to the Checklist:
#CrackerBarrel #Rebrand #DesignPodcast #LogoDesign #BrandingTips #Minimalism #DesignFails #DGDC #DeeplyGraphicDesignCast #DesignCommunity
🎙️ Rise Without Permission
Turning doubt into creative fuel with Rob Bedford
In this episode, we sit down with designer and creative strategist Rob Bedford to unpack what it really means to be an underdog—and how that label can become your ultimate advantage. From being overlooked to outworking everyone in the room, Rob shares the moments that shaped his mindset and how carving his own path gave him the freedom to break the rules and rewrite the playbook.
We talk about staying hungry, being underestimated, and why not coming from the “establishment” might be the best gift you’re ever given. Whether you’ve felt like an outsider, been counted out, or just needed a reminder that you don’t need permission to rise—this episode is for you.
Call to Action: What part of your creative journey are you still waiting for permission to own?
Connect with Rob:
www.juiced.studio
www.juiced.supply
For more info on Wix Studio:
This week, Nick is joined by guest co-host Steven Overturf for a brutally honest creative career check-up. Together, they put portfolios, personal brands, and online profiles under the microscope , asking the tough question every designer should: “If I weren’t me… would I hire me?” Expect plenty of laughs, hard truths, and actionable tips as they swap stories, share quick stats, and call out the subtle red flags that might be holding you back. You’ll walk away with a game plan (and a little homework) to make sure your next client, recruiter, or collaborator says “yes.”
RSVP to Nick’s 3 Creative Mornings Talks, Starting August 12:
https://linktr.ee/longodesigns
Check out Steven’s Behance Page:
https://www.behance.net/OverturfDesignStudio
Check out Wix Studio:
In this special solo episode, we’re tackling the unexpected—one creative curveball at a time. From vanishing clients to surprise layoffs, tech fails to team shakeups, these listener-inspired questions cover the real-life chaos that freelancers, in-house designers, and studio owners face every day. I’ll break down each scenario, share personal insights, and offer comeback strategies you can actually use. Because let’s be honest… nothing ever goes exactly as planned—and that might just be your advantage.
Persistence wins. Silence doesn’t. In this episode, we’re joined by designer and creative hustler Myles Mendoza to talk about what it really takes to move your career forward—especially when things aren’t going your way. From getting laid off to chasing dream projects, Myles shares how persistence (and a well-timed DM) can open doors that talent alone won’t.
We dive into:
• Why “a closed mouth doesn’t get fed”
• Reaching out with confidence after setbacks
• Turning pop-culture passion into paid work
• Networking that actually feels human
If you’ve been waiting for permission to ask, pitch, or push through—this is it.
Myles' website: https://www.mylesmendoza.com/
Myles on IG: / mendozacreative
🚀 Follow us on Instagram: / dgdcpod
🚀 Explore more at: linktr.ee/dgdcpod
🚀Our Shop: deeplygraphicgoods.printful.me
#GraphicDesign #DesignPodcast #CreativeBusiness
On episode 10 of The Next Level Tom chats with John Boran Jr. about shifting careers from the agency world into higher education. They discuss the need for more practicing professionals in the education sector, and how volunteering your time and knowledge can benefit your personal work.
Socials: @multioculartype | @johnboranjr
Portfolios: multioculartype.co | johnboranjr.com
Books: Designing Type - Karen Cheng, The Shape of Design - Frank Chimero as available for free on Franks website, Unreasonable Hospitality - Will Guidara.
Guest: Cole Friedman | colefdesign.com
Freelancers, beware! In this episode, we’re joined by designer and creative thinker Cole Friedman to break down the 5 biggest mistakes freelancers make, and how to stop making them. Whether you're new to freelancing or knee-deep in client chaos, these lessons are essential for protecting your time, sanity, and creative confidence.
We talk red flags, revision traps, deposit disasters, and the sneaky ways client feedback can mess with your self-worth. Cole shares real-world experiences, practical advice, and mindset shifts that will help you take control of your process and lead with confidence.
💥 Topics We Cover:
This one’s packed with sharp takes, real talk, and plenty of laughs. If you’ve ever said “I wish I knew that sooner,” this episode is for you.