The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDC

Are you charging what you're actually worth? Too many designers undervalue their work , leaving money on the table. In this episode, I break down the best pricing strategies for freelancers —including hourly rates, value-based pricing, retainers, and licensing fees —so you can ditch the guesswork and price with confidence . You'll learn: ✔ When to charge hourly vs. flat rates ✔ How to use value-ba...

Dive into the evolving world of graphic design in 2025. Explore AI's impact on jobs, the hottest trends like minimalist maximalism and 3D design, and dissect Capital One's logo controversy. Join the conversation on how design is adapting and innovating in a rapidly changing landscape. https://www.creativeboom.com/news/its-official-ai-is-coming-for-your-graphic-design-job/https://www.sessio...

The creative industry is constantly evolving—are you keeping up? In this episode, we sit down with Jessica Deseo to talk about the power of embracing change, pivoting when necessary, and continuously evolving as a creative professional. We’ll dive into: ✅ How to adapt to industry shifts without fear ✅ Overcoming imposter syndrome when stepping into something new ✅ The key skills every creative...

Ever feel like your creative projects spiral into chaos—endless revisions, shifting client expectations, and no clear direction? You’re not alone. But what if structure and process could actually fuel creativity instead of stifling it? In this episode, we sit down with Paul Balfe, Managing Director of Pennybridge , a strategic creative studio in Australia, to explore how using processes as guardra...

As designers, it’s easy to get stuck in a niche—whether it’s branding, illustration, or lettering—and feel like that’s all we can offer. But what if that skill was just a stepping stone to something even bigger? In this episode, I sit down with Adam Vicarel , a designer who started with hand lettering and expanded into branding, packaging, and large-scale murals. He shares how he embraced growth,...

In our very first Portfolio Spotlight episode, we’re featuring Stephanie Louise , a talented designer who’s sharing an inside look at her creative journey and how she built her portfolio. We’ll explore her work, talk about the strategies she used to showcase her skills, and get her insights on navigating the design world. https://stephanielouise.ca/ https://www.instagram.com/mild.side

Most designers don’t include case studies in their portfolios—and that’s a huge missed opportunity. A case study doesn’t just show your final design, it tells the story behind it: your process, strategy, and the impact of your work. In this episode, I break down my Case Study Template , a step-by-step framework designed to help designers confidently showcase their projects in a way that attracts c...

Welcome to the very first episode of The DGDC Drop ! In this new series, we’ll bring you the latest in design news, trends, and insights, aiming to release a few episodes each year. In this kickoff episode, we dive into Walmart’s bold new brand refresh, explore Adobe’s innovative Bulk Create feature, review a few standout new brand designs, and even share some practical tips for choosing the perfe...

On this episode of The Next Level I talk with Matt Dawson about our shared experiences of shifting careers away from landscape architecture to graphic design. We discuss the parallels of our journeys and the lessons learned along the way. Matt also discusses preparations for this year's Crop Creative Conference and some personal projects. Links: Crop Creative Conference Tickets: https://www.cropco...

Do you practice your craft as much as you “do” it? In this episode, Nick sits down with Mike Perry, Chief Creative Officer and Founder of TAVERN, to explore why creatives should train like athletes. From design warm-ups and drills to refining your communication and management skills, we’re diving into how practicing more can make you a better designer—and a more confident creative professional. We...

Ready to clear the clutter and kickstart 2025 with a fresh creative mindset? 🎨✨ In this episode of the Deeply Graphic Designcast, co-hosts Nick Longo and Mikelle Morrison dive into the ultimate Design Detox—helping designers and creatives identify what habits, tools, and trends they need to leave behind in 2024 to make space for bigger, bolder ideas in the year ahead. Plus, we’ll share personal...

As 2024 wraps up, we’re looking back at the top lessons, insights, and words of wisdom shared on the Deeply Graphic Designcast this year. From landing your dream job and building a standout portfolio to designing packaging that sells and mastering personal branding, we’ve covered it all—and now we’re bringing the best of it to you in one episode. In this special year-end recap, we revisit the game...

Are job boards failing you? You’re not alone. Studies show that 85% of jobs are filled through networking and referrals —not applications. In this episode of The Referral Revolution , we’re flipping the script on job hunting and unlocking the secrets to leveraging LinkedIn to land your next creative role. You’ll learn: • How to optimize your LinkedIn profile to attract connections, not just recrui...

Why is selling creative ideas to clients often more difficult than creating them? In this episode, we explore the tough reality of pitching bold designs in an increasingly competitive and data-driven world. Join us as we sit down with branding expert Fred Hart, a brand strategist, to uncover why clients say “no” and how independent designers and branding professionals can turn rejection into buy-i...

It’s the most wonderful time of the year—the Deeply Graphic Designcast’s annual Holiday Gift Guide for Designers ! Join Nick and Mikelle as they share their favorite picks for the 2024 holiday season, packed with ideas to inspire, delight, and surprise the designers in your life (or yourself!). From must-have tools and books to quirky finds and splurge-worthy gadgets, there’s something for every c...

Why does nostalgia in design feel so good? In this episode, we explore the resurgence of retro in branding and packaging and why it’s capturing the hearts (and wallets) of consumers today. From the psychology behind nostalgia to standout examples like Chobani’s earthy, vintage look and Burger King’s playful retro rebrand, we dive deep into how brands are using the past to shape their future. We’ll...

In this episode, I dive into how designers can stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of AI. While AI continues to shape the creative industry, there are four essential human traits—emotional intelligence, cultural awareness, taste, and judgment—that still give us a competitive edge. I share real-world examples, explore how AI falls short in these areas, and provide actionable tips on how you can h...

This episode is a special takeover! I first met Matt Tjokro and Finn Evans, two incredibly talented young designers, at an Adobe Creative Retreat earlier this year. These two made such an impression on me that I had to hand them the mic to share their journey. In this fun and insightful episode, Matt and Finn dive into their creative paths, life in art school, and how they’re moving forward in the...

In this episode, I sit down with award-winning illustrator and lettering artist Jess Goldsmith to talk about building a career that celebrates experimentation, authenticity, and community. Jess shares her journey from working with major brands to founding Women of Type , a global community for women and non-binary creatives, all while embracing the mantra that “you can be whoever you want and stil...

In this episode, Cezar and I reflect on our experience reviewing over a hundred portfolios at an Adobe Creative retreat, where we were inspired by the next generation of young designers. After seeing their work and hearing their questions, we decided to dive into three major topics that kept coming up: whether formal education matters, the power of storytelling in design, and how to navigate trend...

On Episode 6 of The Next Level I chat with Drew Ordway from Impossibly Awesome Design Co. about the untraditional route to a career in design. We discuss the importance of embracing the unknown and leaning on your community for support.  IG: https://www.instagram.com/impossiblyawesomedesign/ Website: https://www.impossiblyawesome.design/ Bristol Brewing Project: https://www.impossiblyawesome.desig...

In today’s episode, I’m hanging out with my new buddy Tyler Pate, an awesome designer and illustrator I met through Adobe Live and Create Now events. Tyler’s a master at balancing a full-time gig as an art director with running his own design side hustle, "The Creative Pain." We’re chatting all about personal branding, marketing yourself as a creative, and how putting yourself out there...

Join us for an exciting episode where we dive into the branding journey of a truly charming project! In this episode, I’m joined by my cohost Mikelle as we explore the creative process behind crafting a nostalgic and inviting restaurant brand. From initial concepts to final designs, we’ll share insights, challenges, and the magic that went into bringing this unique vision to life. Tune in to hear...

Join me as I sit down with the visionary James Martin in this electrifying episode focused on revolutionizing the design education industry. As a design educator myself, I wanted to chat with James about his bold plans to transform how young designers are trained and equipped for the job market. We dive into what’s broken in the current system and explore his innovative solutions to address these...

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of logo design with the renowned Bill Gardner, owner and president of Gardner Design, and founder of LogoLounge.com. Bill has been at the forefront of logo trend analysis for over 15 years, meticulously researching thousands of logos from designers worldwide to produce the highly anticipated annual Logo Trend Report. Join us as we explore the latest tre...