The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDC

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 vibr...

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. Maaya...

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...

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 practic...

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 commu...

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 f...

🎙️ 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 h...

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 s...

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 actuall...

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 do...

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 T...

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...

We teamed up with The Unapologetic Designer podcast for a special crossover episode featuring Kenzi and Marisa from The Brief Collective , and we’re getting real about the money side of design. We’re diving into the mindset shifts it takes to break free from the “starving artist” myth and start booking the kind of high-ticket clients that actually value what you bring to the table. From positionin...

2025 Logo Trend Report w/ Bill Gardner We’re back with the one and only Bill Gardner of LogoLounge to break down the real story behind this year’s logo trends. From emotional storytelling to the rise of activist branding, we explore how design is responding to a chaotic world—and why imperfection might just be the new perfection. We talk about the evolving role of AI (spoiler: it’s not replacing u...

The Drop – Episode 4: Your Design Career, UpgradedIn this month’s edition of The Drop, we’re serving up four stories every modern designer needs to hear:🧠 Why design is now a must-have skill in today’s workplace💸 The smartest (and newest) ways designers are making money in 2025🤖 ChatGPT-4o—revolutionary tool or just more AI hype?🎯 A practical guide to landing better clients, fasterIt’s everyth...

Hosted by Tom Lauro In this episode of The Next Level , Tom sits down with Nader Boraie, Chief Creative Officer of NBDco. , a design studio known for building holistic brands out of New Jersey and New York. With over 15 years in design and art direction, Nader has carved a path that blends visual storytelling with the rhythm and emotion of music. Together, they dive into how music has influenced t...

In this episode, Nick sits down with longtime friend and fellow brand designer Chris Porter to talk about giving back to the creative community, from mentoring young designers and supporting student programs to helping with grants and industry advocacy. We’re diving into how you can show up, share your experience, and create real impact without needing a big platform or a fancy title. If you’ve ev...

Inspired by love, legacy, and the hunger to create something real. In this episode, we sit down with Connór Lock, designer, artist, and self-taught chef, who walked away from the expected path and leaned hard into the fire. What started in his mother’s kitchen turned into a life of storytelling through food, driven by resilience, love, and a deep refusal to play by anyone else’s rules. We talk abo...

Dan Janssen, founder and creative director of Lincoln Design Co., returns to the show for a deep dive into the studio’s highly anticipated new release: The Brand Design of a Brand Design Agency . This 288-page book isn't about client work—it's a behind-the-scenes look at how Lincoln built its own brand from the inside out. Packed with unreleased logos, illustrations, internal marketing, swag, and...

In this episode, we're diving into one of the biggest struggles freelancers are facing right now—getting clients to actually respond, give clear feedback, and stick to the original project scope. Nick and Mikelle kick things off by sharing real-world pain points and how this trend is quietly killing timelines, budgets, and creative momentum. Then, we tackle your most burning questions about client...

🔥 Designers, listen up—this one’s for YOU. If you’re creating brand or packaging design for CPG, food & bev, or wellness products, this is the inside scoop you can’t afford to miss . We sat down with real retail buyers and asked them what actually gets a product noticed—and what gets it passed over. Spoiler alert: good design isn’t enough. 🧠 In this fast-paced breakdown, you’ll learn: • What...

In this episode of The Drop , we’re back with another hot roundup of design news you actually want to know. From bold rebrands to tech shake-ups, industry scandals to the next big thing in type and tech—we’re breaking it all down so you stay in the loop and ahead of the curve. We’ve handpicked the stories making waves in April 2025—no fluff, no filler. Just the news, trends, and creative shifts th...

What happens when two legendary type lovers turn their year into one big creative experiment? You get insight, income—and maybe even $100K. In this episode, we sit down with the powerhouse duo behind Goodtype to talk about their bold new mission: using experiments to explore what brings them joy and financial success as artists. From their $100K art challenge to unconventional income streams, they...

What happens when you grow up inside a design studio? In this episode of The Next Level , Tom Lauro sits down with creative powerhouse Jeremy Slagle and his two insanely talented kids, Faith and Caleb , who are now working designers. They share what it was like to be raised in a home bursting with creativity, the pivotal moments that shaped their careers, and the real talk on following in the foot...

From Side Hustle to Studio: How Brethren Design Co. Made the LeapThis week, we’re joined by the insanely talented duo behind Brethren Design Co., and trust us—this one’s packed with the kind of real-world advice our listeners love. Jeremy and Jordan Coon started Brethren while working full-time design jobs, slowly building a client base on nights and weekends. In 2022, they took the leap and turne...