The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDC

What does it really take to build a successful creative business? Spoiler alert: Great design skills are only part of the equation. This week, we're joined by Patrick Carter, founder and creative director of 63 Visual, to unpack the hard-earned lessons from nearly 17 years of running an independent design studio. From getting fired and getting ripped off to learning how to price confidently, r...

Design careers come with a LOT of questions, and most of the answers aren’t taught in school. In this episode, I’m tackling the questions designers ask me most about portfolios, getting hired, workplace dynamics, confidence, career growth, and everything in between. Straight answers, real experience, and advice you can actually use. Our Website

What if the thing keeping your prices low isn’t your client, it’s you? In this episode, Nick breaks down why creatives so often undercharge, how pricing shapes the way clients perceive your value, and why your rates should evolve as your experience does. From raising prices with new clients to navigating those awkward conversations with longtime ones, this is a practical push to stop negotiating a...

Ever wonder why some creatives always seem to be in the right place at the right time? In this episode, Nick explores how to get luckier by increasing your surface area for opportunity , putting yourself in the room, saying yes before you feel ready, creating your own opportunities, and giving those lucky breaks more places to land.

At some point in your creative career, getting better at design stops being the whole answer. In this episode, Nick explores how to uncover your X-Factor , the skills, experience, personality, and strengths beyond design that make you uniquely valuable, memorable, and harder to overlook. If you’re a mid-career designer wondering what it takes to get unstuck and reach that next level, this one’s fo...

Jacob Paris has been a sewer, a screen printer, a graphic designer, a streamer, and now an Adobe contractor. Somehow the biggest turning point in his career wasn't a job, a client, or a big break. It was a DM.In this episode, Jacob traces his creative path from teaching himself to sew on TikTok during the 2020 lockdown, to tie-dyeing a viral Travis Scott shirt that hit nearly a million views,...

Get over it. If you're still arguing about AI-generated "slop," you're missing the point. The smartest designers have moved on – they're too busy using AI to amplify their creativity, effectiveness, and competitive advantage. In this no-nonsense episode, Nick Longo and Brady Patterson break down the 5 game-changing ways designers are harnessing the power of AI – not to replac...

Stop Following Trends — Bill Gardner on How to Read the Industry, Future-Proof Your Work, and Design What's Next Bill Gardner is back, and this time he's bringing receipts. The founder of LogoLounge and author of the brand new LogoLounge Guide to Iconic Branding joins us for one of the most important conversations we've had on this show. After reviewing more than 30,000 logos and ident...

Ever feel overwhelmed by the pressure to chase visibility as a designer? You're not alone. Tag someone who needs to hear this! In our latest chat, we dive into the evolving landscape of design, where the expectation to be constantly visible online can feel like a burden. Many new creatives enter the industry believing they must be active on social media to succeed, but that’s not the only path...

What happens when creatives stop scrolling, show up, and spend a few days learning from people who’ve actually put in the work? In this episode of The Deeply Graphic Designcast, Nick Longo and Joseph Bullard unpack “The Crop Effect”, an honest conversation reflecting on their experience at Crop Con. From inspiring talks and real conversations to unexpected lessons and career perspective shifts, th...

Most rebrands look good on the surface. This one actually meant something. In this episode, we go inside the rebrand of Shear Revival with Zach, Nader, and Tom, breaking down what it really takes to evolve a brand without losing its core. From early conversations and living room brainstorms to building a full visual system, this wasn’t a quick refresh, it was a thoughtful reset rooted in clarity,...

In a world where everything looks clean, polished, and technically perfect, why does so much of it feel forgettable? In this solo episode, Nick Longo breaks down the growing tension in the design industry, where great-looking work is no longer enough, and audiences are starting to question what’s real, what’s human, and what actually stands out. Pulling from current industry conversations and real...

What does creative leadership actually look like today? In this episode, Kiser Barnes breaks down the evolution of brand building, from traditional top-down models to inclusive, bottom-up creative cultures that empower teams to thrive. He shares how diverse life experiences shape stronger creative perspectives, why innovation is about building better experiences instead of chasing technology, and...

Feeling stuck in your creative journey?** 🤔 It's a common struggle, especially in today’s fast-paced world. In our latest podcast episode, Stacey Panousopoulos shares insights from her 20 years with AIGA New York. Discover how to navigate the challenges of feeling overwhelmed and find your way back to inspiration! 💡✨ What’s your go-to strategy when you hit a creative block? Let’s chat in th...

Graphic design has been taking a beating online, from AI panic and low-paying job posts to burnout culture and social media negativity. In this episode, Nick Longo pushes back on the noise and stands up for the design industry with clarity, optimism, and long-game thinking. Rather than denying the real challenges designers face, this conversation reframes them through a more honest lens. Nick brea...

In this episode, Tom Lauro sits down with food and beverage photographer Josh Olalde to unpack what it really takes to build a creative career that lasts. From capturing authentic moments behind the camera to building trust with clients, Josh shares how craft, consistency, and storytelling become long-term advantages in a crowded industry. This conversation goes beyond lighting tips and gear talk...

In our new episode, we share insights from listener feedback that helped us pivot our content strategy. 📝 Engaging with your audience is key to growth! What’s the best feedback you’ve received that changed your perspective? Share your stories! #PodcasterLife #ListenerFeedback #ContentStrategy #GrowthMindset #PodcastingTips

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 shar...

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, agenci...

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” splurge...

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 ....

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...

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 t...

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 creati...