Shows
The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCCreative Karma with Chris PorterIn 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 ever wondered how to leave a legacy that goes beyond your portfolio… this one’s for you.We also touch on Adobe’s new Creative Career Center and why tools like this are game-c...2025-06-0234 min
The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCChasing Clients - Navigating Client Communication WoesIn 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 communication: What do you do when a client vanishes mid-project? How do you steer the ship when direction is vague—or constantly changing? And how can you protect yourself from endless revisions and scope cree...2025-05-0555 min
The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCTrain Like a DesignerDo 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’ll cover:
How to warm up your design skills with drills and sprints.
Why practicing presentations, client onboarding, and negotiation is just as...2025-01-131h 10
The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCDesign Detox - What Are You Leaving Behind in 2024?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 stories, actionable tips, and a fun challenge to help you detox your design process and make 2025 your most creative year yet.
Subscribe now and join the conversation! Drop a comment or DM us with what YOU’RE le...2025-01-0652 min
The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCHoliday Gift Guide - 2024It’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 creative on your list.
This festive tradition is our longest-running episode for a reason, so grab some cocoa, get cozy, and tune in for all the holiday cheer and design goodness. Whether you’re s...2024-12-091h 00
The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCBranding a RestaurantJoin 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 how we transformed an idea into a memorable brand experience and discover the key elements that made this project special.
2024-08-261h 02
The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCAnchor Show Episode 2 | Undervalued | DGDCIn the second episode of our "Anchor Show" series on the DGDC Podcast, hosts Nick and Mikelle delve into a common dilemma faced by graphic designers: the undervaluation of their craft by clients. With insights drawn from their extensive experience in the industry, Nick and Mikelle unpack the reasons behind this undervaluation and share practical strategies for persuading clients to recognize the true worth of graphic design. Tune in as they explore the importance of effective communication, showcasing the value of design through case studies, and fostering long-term client relationships built on trust and mutual understanding. Whether you're...2024-02-2642 min
The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCCommunity Episode 2 | Chelsea Trosper | DGDCMikelle is united with Chelsea Trosper, owner and designer of Birch & Lime (not to mention DGDC loyal listener!) to share perks, disadvantages, and lessons learned running your own remote design business just like us. Landing that sweet, steady bread-and-butter client, a little mom-talk, referral stories, counting lucky stars, and post-pandemic hindsight. You can find out more about Chelsea at her website.
Birch & Lime on Instagram2024-02-1936 min
The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCNext Level Episode 4 | Tom & Nick | DGDCTo help kick off the new DGDC, Tom and Nick sit down and have a chat about our goals for the new year!2024-02-0546 min
The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCDESIGNCAST | Shooting the Sh*t | DGDCIn our latest podcast episode, you're in for a delightful surprise as we venture far off the intended course, taking an unscripted detour into the world of spontaneous conversation. Join Nick and Mikelle as they engage in an organically developed discussion that weaves through the diverse tapestry of today's ever-changing world.
What began as a well-defined topic took a thrilling turn as our hosts embraced the freedom of an open dialogue. They navigate through the current events that have been dominating global conversations and explore the fascinating realm of artificial intelligence's rapid evolution. The beauty of this...2023-11-0656 min
The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCDESIGNCAST | Must Have Killer Apps | DGDCIn our latest episode, "Must-Have Killer Apps," get ready for a deep dive into the graphic design world's best-kept secrets. Join our hosts, Nick, Jordan, and Mikelle, as they unveil their favorite apps that have become indispensable in their creative arsenals.
Discover the tools that save them precious time, streamline their design processes, and enhance their overall convenience. From desktop to mobile, these apps are the unsung heroes of their daily work routines.
But that's not all – we've also gathered recommendations from our listeners! Tune in to find out which apps made the cut, and ge...2023-10-061h 00
The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCDESIGNCAST | AI Part 2 | DGDCWe continue our discussion on AI and how it’s affecting the creative industry. It’s only been a few weeks since our last episode, but so much has changed and there is more to talk about and consider!
Also, Nick talks about his recent visit to Crop Con in Austin. Plus, look out for a Breaking News report about another special design conference coming up later this year!
Visit THIS LINK for more details on Crop.
Get 15% off your ticket to Into the Woods Creative Conference with the code DGDC. Visit THIS LINK...2023-05-161h 00
The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCDESIGNCAST | AI Part 1 | DGDCIn this episode of our podcast, we discuss the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the graphic design industry. In Part 1 of the series, we delve into the ways in which AI is changing the way designers work, both in terms of efficiency and creativity, and explore some of the ethical considerations around the use of these technologies. We share our perspectives on the benefits of incorporating AI into design workflows, as well as some of the challenges and limitations they have encountered. Listen up for an engaging conversation about the future of graphic design and the role of...2023-02-171h 02
The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCDESIGNCAST | Holiday Gift Guide | DGDCOur annual tradition continues! Out best gift recommendations for designers and creatives!
We also have a Video Companion to this episode on YouTube. All the links are listed there!
Happy Holidays from Nick, Mikelle, and Jordan.2022-12-1450 min
The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCDESIGNCAST | The Best of Adobe Max | DGDCWe are back from Adobe Max, 2022! After a 2 year break, the in-person Adobe Max returned, and the gang is sharing some of the best news, features, insights, and offerings. We start by going over everything that debuted and what all this means for designers like us! Then, Nick gives his quick recap on the last day, sharing all sorts of observations and opinions. Lastly, we browsed the Community Pavilion to bring you some very kind vendors, sharing their products with you. Sorry for some of the audio issues on the live interviews.
If you want to check...2022-11-081h 14
The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCDESIGNCAST | Holiday Gift Guide 2021 | DGDCOur annual review of great gifts for designers! Nick, Mikelle, and Jordan go over their wishlists for the holidays!
To make things super festive and easy this year, we have two useful tools to make this a joyous holiday experience!
One, Download Our Companion Guide including all the links!
Second, you can WATCH the Video Companion on our YouTube channel!
Cheers and Happy Holidays!
-Nick, Mikelle & Jordan2021-12-071h 11
The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCDESIGNCAST | You're Hired | DGDCThe job market is hot right now, making this a perfect time to advance your career. Employers are struggling to find and hire great talent—and as a result, they are offering increasing pay, perks, and opportunities. In this episode, the gang reveals their best tips to increase your odds of landing that new job, helping you take advantage of the tight job market to grow in your job and get on a path to your best professional success.
Follow us on Instagram:
DGDC
Nick Longo
Mikelle Morrison
Jordan Wil...2021-11-011h 00
The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCDESIGNCAST | Handling Impatient Clients | DGDCWe've all been there before. A frantic call, late in the day, from a client in desperate need of a rush job. Don't panic, we've got you covered. NIck, Mikelle, and Jordan discuss some tactical maneuvers to help you navigate these rough seas! We go over setting better expectations upfront, avoiding knee-jerk reactions, and even "homework" you can give your client to hopefully avoid future "red-alert" situations!
Plus, we have a fantastic Listener Question as well!2021-09-271h 02
The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCDESIGNCAST | Rebrands | DGDC"Most people comment on logo rebrands as if they're judging a diving competition when they should be judging a swimming competition. It's not what kind of splash you make when you hit the water. It's how long you can keep your head above the water." Michael Bierut said it best. We should review logo rebrands differently. Logos need to have a long life, not win points in a discussion. So we decide to take a look at some of the most recent rebrands and discuss them with exactly this perspective in mind.
The gang looks at Burger...2021-05-241h 11
The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCDesigncast | Embracing Failure | DGDCDespite running a profitable, successful design business, many of us have experienced a few failures. We see failure as the end result of our efforts, or worse, we see it as the definition of our character. In this episode, Nick and Mikelle reflect on our own failures – financial challenges, client relations, and communication dilemmas. Hopefully discussing these challenges can genuinely have an impact on our overall business and success.
We cover the following:
· Lessons learned throughout the years
· Setting clear expectations for our business and ourselves
· Building relationships with network contacts and clients – both current and potential2021-05-0350 min
The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCDESIGNCAST | Outsourcing | DGDCEvery business owner’s goal is to scale their company into something bigger, something that can serve their clients better. Freelancers shouldn’t be any different. Outsourcing fits right into any scaling plan or expansion goals.
Mikelle and the team discuss some of the pros and cons of outsourcing with personal stories and practical advice. From project kickoffs to revisions, we highlight different ways to incorporate outsourcing and other collaborative partnerships to increase productivity and build a strong team.
2021-03-231h 17
The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCROUND TABLE | Virtual Learning | DGDCOur first "Round Table" episode talking about Virtual Learning in the Design industry. Nick invites fellow Design instructors Meena Khalili, Victor Davila, Matthew Flick, Jorel Dray, and Mitch Goldstein to check-in and discuss their notes on the Fall 2020 semester. A compelling conversation not only for current design students or instructors but any creative who's curious about how our universities pivoted to an on-line, virtual learning environment. Be sure to connect with our panel below:
Meena
Victor
Matthew
Jorel
Mitch
Nick2020-12-301h 41
The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCDESIGNCAST | Holiday Gift Guide | DGDCThe tradition continues! Even 2020 can’t stop the DGDC Holiday Gift Guide episode! Join in on the festivities as we present some great holiday gift suggestions we think any creative would be happy to receive! In addition to Mikelle, Jordan, and Nick, we have our colleagues Matt Dawson, Steven Overturf, Mike Burpoe, and Rubaie Jaffer joining in this year, with some recommendations of their own! We hope you enjoy this annual DGDC tradition!
Links to Gifts from the show:
Aarke Carbonator
ErgoStool
Razer Kiyo
Baratza Encore Burr Coffee Grinder...2020-12-151h 20
The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCDESIGNCAST | How to Manage Scope Creep | DGDCChanges are inevitable in business and in life. And every project will face moments when you need to rethink what you’re building and potentially adjust your process. Scope creep happens when you do more work than expected without increasing the project budget. The team talks all about past experiences, lessons learned, and solutions we've created to help eliminate scope creep from happening in the first place! Topics include:
• Setting yourself up for success, at the very beginning.
• Crafting your agreement and expectations upfront.
• Setting boundaries and clarifying the requests.
• When to be firm...2020-10-1959 min
The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCDEEP DIVE | Jordan Wilson Rebrands a Brewery | DGDCWelcome to the new DGDC! We are beyond excited to launch a whole new channel for you! Our mission is to bring you tons of inspiration, encouragement, information and fun as you get through your work week! Times have changed, and so have we. We’re building an exciting new network of diverse creative correspondents and fresh show concepts. Our first episode in a new feature we call “DEEP DIVE.” An in-depth look at what it takes to creative a comprehensive project. Up first, our very own Jordan Wilson showcasing his new project launch, 5440 Beer. Follow along with the PDF co...2020-08-241h 27The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCDGDC - The BrainstormNick and Mikelle welcome our new cohost, Jordan Wilson, as we brainstorm some new, fresh and exciting plans for the future of the DGDC! We hopped on a Skype call to compile some thoughts. Stay tuned...2020-08-0354 minThe Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCThe 2020 LogoLounge Trend ReportThe gang is back to talk Logo Trends 2020 with our friend, Bill Gardner from Logo Lounge. Fellow podcaster and friend of the program, Jordan Wilson, joins us to review Bill’s deep dive into all the trends and style of 2020! Check out the full report here!2020-07-131h 01The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCAnswering Your Questions LIVE + a Big Announcement!We love you, our loyal listeners, so we wanted to have fun today and answer your questions, LIVE as they come in on Instagram. We got some great ones, and there is something for everyone in this episode! You’ll also want to stay tuned to the very end of the episode, we do have some big […]2020-06-291h 09The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCRecurring Revenue & Passive Income for DesignersIf 2020 has taught us anything, it’s the value of diversifying your income stream in case something bad (like 2020) happens. So we decided to revisit the topic of recurring revenue and passive income. Each of us has a few things in place that help us round out where our money comes in from, so even […]2020-06-2248 minThe Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCHow to Use Instagram to Grow Your Design Biz (The Profitable Website)If you’ve ever wondered how you can use the power of Instagram to grow your small design business into a bigger one, attract the right clients and start building a loyal following, this episode is not to be missed! Please enjoy the most popular episode of Wes’ other podcast, The Profitable Website, with special guest, […]2020-05-3140 minThe Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCHow to Adapt to the Pandemic at Any Stage in Your Design CareerWell, we’re still smack dab in the middle of this thing, and we know that all you listeners are at different stages of your design careers, and even on many different paths. So we wanted to give out specific advice to creatives of all walks of life, whether you’re a seasoned freelancer, or a corporate designer just starting […]2020-05-181h 07The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCMaking Lemonade Out of LemonsAs we reach the end of the first month of quarantine, we decided to do something a little different, and just shoot the s*** with you all. We’re all stuck at home, so what are we doing for fun? What life hacks and entertainment tips can we share? You’ll just have to listen to find […]2020-04-3058 minThe Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCThe House-Bound Home Office!With the world on quarantine, we should all be staying at home as much as possible. So why not use this opportunity to really make your home office into a place you actually want to be? This week, we have a special guest Shane Whatley, a smart=home expert, who just went through putting together his […]2020-04-141h 09The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCHow We’re Getting Through This & How YOU Can TooSince this is such an unprecedented time in our lives with Covid-19 disrupting the entire world, we think it deserves a bit more of a conversation. We’ve had some more time to sit with our temporary “new normal,” and we’ve begun to do things a little differently than before. Listen as we share what we’ve been doing […]2020-03-301h 00The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCThe Corona Crisis & Your Creative BusinessThere’s a lot going on this week in terms of the Corona Virus. We wanted to address it in a plain and candid way, since many of you are affected by it in one way or another. It can mean working from home (potentially without childcare,) even a major loss of clients and income. In […]2020-03-131h 02The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDC200th Episode Listener Question Spectacular!We hit a major milestone today — 200 episodes! To celebrate that, and to celebrate YOU, our loyal listeners, we decided to answer as many of your questions as possible. Want access to all the classic episodes that are no longer on the podcast feed? Just click below, and post about the show and you’ll […]2020-02-281h 07The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCHow to Make a Graceful Exit (& Land on Your Feet)Have you ever had a project that you just knew you had to walk away from? Projects can tun sour for many reasons, and while we hope it never happens to us, we should be prepared for the worst. In this episode, the gang talks about how to prevent this from happening in the first place, […]2020-02-1457 minThe Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCThe Design Doctor Is In!Are you stuck in the trap of simply taking orders from clients? Or do you (and your clients) treat your services more like a prescribing physician? In order to make more money as a creative professional, it’s important to be able to diagnose, prescribe and treat the problems of your clients using your expertise. In […]2020-01-311h 02The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCForging Your Own Path as a DesignerSome take the road less travelled… and others, like today’s guest just build a whole new damn road from scratch! Listen as Nick sits down with Nike Senior Designer Edward Harber for a discussion all about doing your own thing. This is a discussion that’s sure to be inspiring to just about everyone — especially for […]2020-01-101h 03The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCGraphic Design Trends to Pay Attention to in 2020Goodbye to the ‘teens, and hello to the twenties! With a new year (and a new decade,) we wanted to share some predictions with you. Specifically, predictions for all the design trends that have been gaining traction over the past year, and that we can expect to see way more of in the new year. Want […]2019-12-281h 04The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCHow to Make a Name For Yourself as a Designer on Social MediaOne of the very best ways to be successful as a designer, make good money, and earn trust with your clients is to make a name for yourself in the industry. Thank God we live in the age of social media, where we can actually make that happen — if we play it right. In this […]2019-12-1351 minThe Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCThe Designers’ Holiday Gift Guide 2019Well Thanksgiving’s behind us, so you know what that means. Your parents are probably asking you what you want this year, and we’re here to help! So grab a cup of ‘nog, and your biggest, coziest sweater and listen in as the gang goes over their list of all the gifts designers should be asking for this […]2019-11-291h 00The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCBest of AdobeMaxWes & Nick had an amazing time at AdobeMax this year, but why should they have all the fun? We put this episode together to fill you in on all the best parts of the conference, key takeaways and all the fun stuff you may have missed. We’ll tell you all about the best “sneaks” […]2019-11-171h 01The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCBalancing Work & Life as Creative ProfessionalsWorking as a creative freelancer or small business owner can be incredibly rewarding — but it can also come at the expense of your personal life. In this episode, the gang has a frank conversation about how we try to balance our personal and professional lives… and the various ways we feel like we’re failing […]2019-10-271h 04The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCWhat’s Coming Next to Creative Cloud?In preparation for our annual trip to AdobeMax, the gang sits in with Adobe’s own Paul Trani and Michael Chaize to discuss all the exciting new features coming to the Cloud (and a few that just dropped into your laps!) We hope you can make it to Max this year and hang out with us! […]2019-10-1356 minThe Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCYour Online PortfolioMaybe you already have a graphic design portfolio website — maybe you’re just planning yours out. Either way, this episode will get you on the right track toward building the best way to showcase your best work. Want access to all the classic episodes that are no longer on the podcast feed? Just click below, […]2019-09-2854 minThe Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCStop the Scope Creep!If you’ve ever worked on a project that seems to never end… that keeps being pushed further and further away from the finish line… then you, my friend may have been personally victimized by scope creep. It all starts out innocently enough — an additional revision round here, another page there. But when you say […]2019-09-1547 minThe Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCWhy Your Consult Calls Aren’t Working (& How to Fix It!)One of the best ways to get new design clients to sign up with you is to get them on the phone. This is where you can pitch your value, and get them to see you as the pro they wanna work with. So why, then, do so many of these calls fail so miserably? […]2019-08-2456 minThe Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCBuilding Brand Loyalty With Johnny Cupcakes!We’ve had many great guests over the years, but we were very excited to sit down with Johnny Earle, aka Johnny Cupcakes this week to talk about how he’s managed to master the art of building brand loyalty — and how YOU can do it too! This one was good guys… and we can’t wait […]2019-08-141h 06The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCThe DOs of Running Your Own Design BusinessLast time around, we ran down the biggest mistakes and pitfalls that many creative entrepreneurs make when starting and running their design businesses. This week, we’re switching gears, and it’s all about what you actually SHOULD be doing — from mindset shifts, to practical steps you should be taking, this episode is a must-listen for […]2019-07-301h 11The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCThe Don’ts of Running Your Own Design BusinessWhether you’ve been running your own design business for years, or if you’re just in the process of considering it, this episode is for you! Listen as the gang breaks down some of the most common mistakes designers run into as they get their creative business off the ground, as well as common mistakes they […]2019-07-2151 minThe Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCThe Downside of Big Fish ClientsWhile having a big client sounds like a dream come true for any designer, it can put your business at serious risk, often with little to no advance notice. What happens if/when they decide to go in a different direction, or go through a regime change, or just fold up shop altogether? In this episode, […]2019-06-2953 minThe Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDC2019 Logo Design Trends With LogoLounge’s Bill Gardner!I can never believe it when a whole year has passed, and it’s time to once again sit down with our old pal Bill Gardner, founder of LogoLounge. Listen in as we talk all about the newest crop… what works, what doesn’t, and what might soon be on its way out. We had lots of […]2019-06-151h 10The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCClient Off-Boarding & Project Wrap-UpsA few episodes back, we talked all about how to properly onboard a new client, and kick off a project. But what do you do when the project is over? In this episode, the gang discusses what we’ve been doing wrong in terms of vague endings, and how we plan on wrapping up projects in […]2019-05-2452 minThe Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCDesign & Business Tools We Can’t Live WithoutAs a designer, we have a very particular set of skills. But what about the tools that we use every day that help us do what we do? In this heartwarming episode, the gang goes over their must-have tools in 3 categories: Business Design Inspiration Lots of fun stuff here, so gather round and give […]2019-05-101h 05The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCAnswering Your Questions: All Audio Edition!We’re finally back to answering your listener questions, and this time, we had a bunch of audio questions to get through! They cover a wide variety of topics, and we wrap up answering a few last-minute questions submitted on instagram. Want access to all the classic episodes that are no longer on the podcast feed? […]2019-04-301h 09The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCWhen Clients Don’t PayOne of the toughest pills to swallow as a designer is when we run into that client who just refuses to pay you. I think we’ve all run into this at one point or another. In today’s episode, we’re joined by Steve Pomerantz, CEO of Freelance Collection, which is a collection service for creatives. He […]2019-04-181h 05The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCHow We Onboard New Design ClientsIf clients are the lifeblood of any creative business, the way we onboard them matters. In this episode, the each of us talks about our specific process we use to welcome clients into our business, and how we set their project up for success. Lots of tips to be learned here! We also answer a […]2019-03-291h 05The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDC2019 Web Design TrendsA few episodes back, we covered all the latest graphic design trends to pay attention to in 2019. Now it’s time to focus on the trends that apply to websites and web design! We talk about design trends, as well as some interesting tech, tools and workflows that are trending now. Not only will these […]2019-03-1256 minThe Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCLegal Tips & Takeaways for DesignersOver the years, we’ve gotten a bunch of legal questions submitted from our listeners. But we never feel very comfortable answering them — until now! In this episode, the gang sits down with Angie Avard Turner, a designer-turned-attorney for creatives. She answers all OUR questions, as well as a bunch that were submitted by you, […]2019-02-261h 03The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCNiche Spotlight: Brand StrategyIn this episode, the gang sits down with Peter Stevenson from modern8 to talk about his career as a brand strategist. How he got started, what’s involved, and advice for anyone looking to start a fabulous career in the brand strategy game. We also answer a new audio question about getting started hiring extra design […]2019-02-1359 minThe Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDC2019 Graphic Design TrendsWe love trends, you love trends — let’s talk design trends baby! In this episode, the gang talks about some of our favorites we can expect to see way more of in 2019. We also answer a new listener question about how to set clear boundaries between our clients and our personal lives. Want access […]2019-01-231h 02The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCNew Year, New Goals & New ProcessesWe made it to 2019! In this episode, the gang talks about what we plan to focus on in the new year, and what needs to change in our design businesses. While we’re talking about our own goals and resolutions, this conversation is going to be beneficial to everyone, as we cover some really interesting […]2019-01-0249 minThe Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCWhen Good Client Relationships Go Bad (& What We Learned)We love our clients! Ok, ALMOST all of them. Every now and then, we get a client who maybe doesn’t make things easy on us, but you know what? We’re GRATEFUL for those ones. Because there’s a lot to be learned from those failed relationships. Particularly: “what could we have done to have prevented this?” […]2018-12-181h 08The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCThe 2018 Designer Holiday Gift Guide Episode!It’s that time again when the weather gets a little chilly, and people start asking “what do you want this year?” If that question’s got you stumped this year, we have your back! In this episode the gang shares all the cool gift ideas designers should be asking for this holiday season (or be buying […]2018-12-041h 10The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCLinkedIn Strategies to Win More Design ClientsLast week we gave all our best advice for completing a desirable LinkedIn profile. This time, we’re showing you how you can use it to your ultimate advantage, and get more of your ideal design clients through the biggest professional network out there. The gang talks about their best pro-tips, best practices and strategies to […]2018-11-211h 03The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCCreating The Perfect Designer LinkedIn ProfileWe’ve talked a lot in the past about using Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest to find new clients, but LinkedIn is all business — so it makes sense to use it if you’re selling design services TO businesses. In this pro-tip-packed episode, the gang covers every base to making the most of your LinkedIn profile, so […]2018-11-0755 minThe Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCMAXin’ & Freelancin’Well we finally made it happen — all 3 of us recording in the same room! Well, it was an Airstream to be exact, but who’s keeping track anyway? In this historic episode, the gang sits down live at Adobe MAX to talk all about creative freelancing with the girl who co-wrote the book on […]2018-10-2655 minThe Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCWhen Your Side Hustle Wins!A big part of being a designer is the art of the side-hustle. You know, when you have your 9-5 gig, but you freelance or work on a passion project business on the side. But what happens when that side hustle becomes more lucrative than your actual job-job? This week we have David Lesue back […]2018-10-131h 02The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCCreating Client PersonasThe first step to marketing ANY business is knowing exactly who your target client is. And running a design business is no different. In this episode, we break down every step of creating your ideal client persona — a fictionalized person that represents who you dream of working with. What are her goals and motivations? […]2018-09-2754 minThe Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCBe More Efficient in Creative CloudAs designers, using Adobe’s Creative Cloud is a must. It’s home to all the industry-standard programs, but are you using it to its potential? In this episode, we’re so lucky to have Adobe expert Paul Trani in studio to talk about what’s new and exciting in the cloud, as well as ways to make the […]2018-09-141h 05The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCEmail Marketing Tips for DesignersIn our last episode, we talked about all the different types of lead magnets you can offer potential customers to get them on your email list. So let’s say you’ve got them right where you want them — now what? This week, the gang talks about the next steps: how to deliver the lead magnet, […]2018-08-2450 minThe Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCLead Magnet Ideas For DesignersNo matter where social media goes, it’s still critical to keep an email list of client leads in 2018 — it’s the only means of communication you actually own. Facebook, Instagram or Twitter could go away tomorrow, but your list is yours. In this, the first part of a 2-part series on email marketing for […]2018-07-3049 minThe Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCR.F.P.s: Time-Suck or Time-Well-Spent?If you’ve ever gotten a request-for-proposal from a would-be client, you know the dilemma it creates. How much time should I spend on this? Will I even get it? Is it WORTH it? In this episode, the gang breaks it all down to a 10 point checklist you can run against every RFP you get […]2018-07-161h 08The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDC5 Ways to Increase Your Design RatesI’m sure you love your design career. But you’d love it more if you were getting paid more, right? In this episode, the gang shares five strategies to make it possible to increase your prices. We also answer a new listener question that we just couldn’t resist. Show Links: AdobeMax Los Angeles (Use coupon code […]2018-07-061h 04The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCDesignCast 160: Your Questions Answered!We love these listener question episodes. Not only do we get to clear out the inbox, but we get to give directly back to YOU, our loyal listeners. This week, we have 6 new questions on a wide variety of design related topics. Truly something for everyone here, so be sure to listen in full. […]2018-06-2250 minThe Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDC2018 Logo Design Trends Revealed!Well it’s June, and you know what that means — a brand new logo design trend report from the folks at LogoLounge! We invited Bill Gardner back to the show to talk trends, and what they mean to the state of logo design in general. We had a great time with this episode, and learned […]2018-06-041h 13The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCNiche Spotlight: Hand-Lettering DesignTypography is one of the most important aspects in graphic design. While choosing the right fonts for the job can make a huge impact, this week’s guest takes that to a totally different level — he does it all by hand (and companies pay him quite nicely for his efforts!) There’s nothing cookie-cutter about Denver […]2018-05-221h 10The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCHow to Produce Pro-Level Branding Videos With Your SmartphoneBy 2019, video will make up 80% of all web traffic. Besides, video is one of the best ways to brand your design business, build trust, and showcase the personality behind the business. This week, we have special guest Cielo de la Paz to walk us through the entire process: what you need, how to […]2018-05-091h 00The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCPassive Income Ideas & Tips For DesignersAs designers there are so many ways of using our talents to make money — so why do so many of us rely solely on client work? In this episode, we answer a recent listener question about the ins and outs of passive income. And since the three of us don’t do too much of […]2018-04-231h 24The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCThe Private Brand NicheLong gone are the days of plain white packaging with bold black lettering. Nope, these ain’t your grandpa’s generics. Welcome to the era of “private brands.” When you shop, I’m sure you notice the proliferation of store brands in just about every category. And you may also notice that they look less like store brands […]2018-04-121h 01The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCPlagiarism in DesignAs designers, just about every single project begins with inspiration. But where does inspiration end and plagiarism begin? In this episode, the gang discusses the thorny issue of plagiarism in design. We offer some tips to make sure you aren’t accidentally ripping off someone else’s design, as well as what you can do about it […]2018-03-281h 00The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCNiche Spotlight: Illustrative BrandingRolling right along with our design specialty series, this week we got to talk to illustration & branding specialist Jordan Wilson. We talk about how he got into this world, and he’s got lots of great advice for anyone thinking about or trying to break into the niche. We also zag a bit — and […]2018-03-1653 minThe Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCWill Design For Beer!Remember how we said a few episodes back that it would be cool to highlight some cool niches that are out there for designers? Well we made that happen, and here’s our first such episode. This week, we’re joined by Ryan Wheaton, an independent designer who specializes in BEER! Specifically beer branding and packaging. Not […]2018-02-2357 minThe Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCMaking Your Own LuckDo you run your design career passively, waiting for good things to happen, or do you grab it by the horns and make the good stuff happen? If you’re in the first camp, we’re going to try to change your thinking up a bit. Today, we’re joined by designer and conference organizer Matt Dawson. Not […]2018-02-1957 minThe Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCDesignCast 150: Listener Questions LIVE from Adobe MaxWe’ve reached a milestone — 150 episodes, and we have all of you, our loyal listeners to thank! As you know, the whole gang recently traveled to Las Vegas for the Adobe Max conference. We got to meet a bunch of listeners (and get drunk with a few too,) and we also got some fantastic […]2018-01-2958 minThe Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCHere’s to being BRAVER in 2018With every new year brings a new resolution — so what about being BRAVER in your design career? We are once again joined by the myth, the man, the legend, content specialist Aaron Wrixon. Aaron is here to talk about his brand new content framework that’s designed to make you stand out in the crowded […]2018-01-171h 03The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCWeb Design Trends Taking Off in 2018Last week we looked at all the graphic design trends to look out for in 2018, so we thought we’d follow that up with all those trends that are specific to the web design world. In this episode, listen as the gang talks about everything we have been seeing pick up tremendous steam, and will […]2017-12-2959 minThe Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCGraphic Design Trends to Watch in 2018With 2017 winding down, it’s time to take a look at the year that was, and the trends that we predict will continue to dominate the graphic design world in 2018. So sit back, close your eyes and visualize all the trends we go over, and download resident overachiever Nick’s handy pdf guide of the […]2017-12-131h 03The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDC2017 Designer Gifts Wish ListJust in time for Cyber Monday, we present our annual designer gift guide! Listen as the gang lists off the things we’ll be asking for this year, because getting cool stuff is really what the holiday season is all about. And Nick will apparently be buying every. single. thing. We also answer a new question, […]2017-11-2759 minThe Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCPositioning Your Agency (or Micro-Agency)Have you ever wondered how to set yourself or your design agency apart from the competition? Wonder no more, because in today’s episode, we have a very special guest who will shed some light on the subject. Content strategist and copywriter Aaron Wrixon is in the house, and will show you how to stand out, […]2017-11-131h 04The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCOur Biggest Takeaways From Adobe MaxLast week, the gang all got together in person to attend the 2017 Adobe Max conference, and we can honestly say it was incredible. Lots of new announcements, feature enhancements, and brand new programs that we’re all super excited to share with you. Mikelle couldn’t join in on this episode, but Wes and Nick are […]2017-10-301h 12The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCDesigner FailsAny designer who’s made it will tell you they failed a LOT on the way up. It’s the best way to learn — at least that’s what we keep telling ourselves. And the Deeply Graphic gang is no different. Listen to our tales of woe, and what we learned from biting it over the years. […]2017-10-1053 minThe Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCClients From HellWorking with great design clients is what makes our job so amazing. Then there are the OTHER ones. Clients who don’t value your work. Clients who give vague feedback, or who will “know it when they see it.” Most of the time, this is all on us as the designer — we haven’t properly communicated […]2017-09-2553 minThe Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCWhat’s Coming to Creative Cloud?Every designer basically lives, works and breathes in the Adobe Creative Cloud. So this week, we have Adobe’s Michaël Chaize on with us to discuss upcoming additions, as well as a few cool things you can currently use that you may not have known about. (We were all surprised by a few things that we […]2017-09-191h 03The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCDesignCast 140: Listener Question Show!We made it to 140 fun-filled episodes, and to celebrate, we’re digging deep into our mailbag to answer six new burning questions from listeners like you. Whether you’re a print or web designer, seasoned vet or newbie, there’s something here for everyone! Show Links: Freshbooks FREE for 30 Days Offer – Important: You must enter […]2017-08-2944 minThe Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCRecurring Revenue PackagesDid you know it costs about five times as much to acquire a new client than it takes to maintain an existing one? Knowing that, why do so many designers “one and done” it with their clients? In this episode, the gang talks about some great ways to keep your existing customers by offering ongoing […]2017-08-1451 minThe Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCAn Ad-ucation in Advertising Your Design BusinessUnless you have all the business you can handle, AND you are making the kind of money you deserve, you should probably consider advertising in one way or another. In this episode, the gang discusses the various platforms available that work in 2017. We talk about paid options, but Mikelle has another method that she […]2017-07-141h 00The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCAdvice for the Graduating Design StudentWith spring break well behind us, thoughts turn to summer, and maybe even graduation. Good thing we have our resident design professor Nick to dole out some awesome advice to all you grads out there. And in the spirit of not leaving the rest of you out, this advice is pretty great for any designer […]2017-04-141h 07The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDCApple Workflow TipsIf you’re like most designers out there, your work machine of choice is a Mac. And if you’re like most Mac users, you have a pretty good handle on your workflow, but there is always room for improvement. On today’s episode, we are joined by Apple consultant (and Mikelle’s new bff) Brett Nord. Brett is […]2016-07-281h 07