The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDC

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...

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...