Explore every episode of the podcast Make and Design with Carina Gardner
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 539 - Lessons I Recently Learned From a Plumber | 11 Nov 2025 | 00:14:44 | |
Carina talks about an experience she had with a plumber who recently came to do some work on her Barn. The experience was interesting and left her wondering how we as designers show up for our clients. Links to help new designers: What’s New: https://www.carinagardner.com Design Bootcamp: http://www.carinagardnercourses.com/designbootcamp University of Arts & Design: http://uad.education Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional | |||
| Episode 538 - Julie Thompson’s Gluten-Free Breakthrough with Foundations Built from Design Suite | 04 Nov 2025 | 00:18:33 | |
Sometimes designers come to me to create other types of businesses. Learn how our own coach Julie Thompson created a new business using the skills she learned from Design Suite in today’s episode. Want to learn more about Julie’s new gluten free recipes? Visit her at www.cedarhillbakeshop.com. Links to help new designers: What’s New: https://www.carinagardner.com Design Bootcamp: http://www.carinagardnercourses.com/designbootcamp University of Arts & Design: http://uad.education Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional | |||
| Episode 529 - Designing While Momming - How I Built My Business With Kids At Home | 02 Sep 2025 | 00:20:04 | |
Balancing diapers and deadlines isn’t easy, but it’s possible—and even rewarding. In this episode, Carina Gardner shares how she built a thriving design business while raising kids at home. From time management hacks to mindset shifts, you’ll hear the strategies that kept her creative career moving forward without sacrificing family. Learn more about Carina at www.carinagardner.com Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional | |||
| Episode 440 The Most Amazing Time For Creatives | 27 May 2024 | 00:10:51 | |
This is maybe the most amazing time to be a creative because there is so much available to us to create unique businesses. Learn more in today's episode! Episode 440 The Most Amazing Time For Creatives _________ Love to create, design and craft? Have you always wanted to know how to turn your passions into profit? Carina’s new book – Design Profit & Prosper will lead you down the path of making your dreams a reality. Get your copy today! https://www.designsuitecourses.com/designprofitprosper __________ About Carina Gardner: Carina Gardner is a fabric designer, paper designer, and design educator who is passionate about helping other designers fulfill their creative dreams by teaching them her strategies for making money as a designer. She has a Ph.D. in Design and taught design at the University of Minnesota before starting Carina Gardner, Inc. Carina Gardner, Inc design brand has been featured in dish ware, holiday decor, sewing patterns, and more. Her exclusive Design Suite Program helps creatives make money designing as they learn to design. Her programs include Illustrator and Photoshop training, surface pattern design, paper design, Silhouette & Cricut file design, and running a design business. She started the Make and Design Podcast so that she could share inspiration, stories, and experiences about design and life with crafters and designers. Find out more at https://www.carinagardner.com Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional | |||
| Classic Episode 3 Ways to Lose Money As a Designer | 24 May 2024 | 00:16:06 | |
Carina sees lots of ways that designers don’t even realize they are losing money. Learn 3 ways she sees designers losing money and time in today’s episode. Classic Episode 3 Ways to Lose Money As a Designer _________ Love to create, design and craft? Have you always wanted to know how to turn your passions into profit? Carina’s new book – Design Profit & Prosper will lead you down the path of making your dreams a reality. Get your copy today! https://www.designsuitecourses.com/designprofitprosper __________ About Carina Gardner: Carina Gardner is a fabric designer, paper designer, and design educator who is passionate about helping other designers fulfill their creative dreams by teaching them her strategies for making money as a designer. She has a Ph.D. in Design and taught design at the University of Minnesota before starting Carina Gardner, Inc. Carina Gardner, Inc design brand has been featured in dish ware, holiday decor, sewing patterns, and more. Her exclusive Design Suite Program helps creatives make money designing as they learn to design. Her programs include Illustrator and Photoshop training, surface pattern design, paper design, Silhouette & Cricut file design, and running a design business. She started the Make and Design Podcast so that she could share inspiration, stories, and experiences about design and life with crafters and designers. Find out more at https://www.carinagardner.com Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional | |||
| Episode 439 The 15-Week Rework | 22 May 2024 | 00:12:27 | |
Did you know that all the courses in Design Suite were going through a rework so that every single course is set up in semester-long, quarter-long, or mini coursework? Carina talks about why this should matter to you and how the current online curriculum is a little bit like the wild wild west.
Episode 439 The 15-Week Rework _________ Love to create, design and craft? Have you always wanted to know how to turn your passions into profit? Carina’s new book – Design Profit & Prosper will lead you down the path of making your dreams a reality. Get your copy today! https://www.designsuitecourses.com/designprofitprosper __________ About Carina Gardner: Carina Gardner is a fabric designer, paper designer, and design educator who is passionate about helping other designers fulfill their creative dreams by teaching them her strategies for making money as a designer. She has a Ph.D. in Design and taught design at the University of Minnesota before starting Carina Gardner, Inc. Carina Gardner, Inc design brand has been featured in dish ware, holiday decor, sewing patterns, and more. Her exclusive Design Suite Program helps creatives make money designing as they learn to design. Her programs include Illustrator and Photoshop training, surface pattern design, paper design, Silhouette & Cricut file design, and running a design business. She started the Make and Design Podcast so that she could share inspiration, stories, and experiences about design and life with crafters and designers. Find out more at https://www.carinagardner.com Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional | |||
| Episode 438 The Struggle is Real When Your Planning Falls Through | 20 May 2024 | 00:12:33 | |
Carina chimes in about her messed up calendar due to unexpected emergencies and how this can really mess with your design business. Learn more about how you can find peace with planning and the disruptions that come from real life. Episode 438 The Struggle is Real When Your Planning Falls Through _________ Love to create, design and craft? Have you always wanted to know how to turn your passions into profit? Carina’s new book – Design Profit & Prosper will lead you down the path of making your dreams a reality. Get your copy today! https://www.designsuitecourses.com/designprofitprosper __________ About Carina Gardner: Carina Gardner is a fabric designer, paper designer, and design educator who is passionate about helping other designers fulfill their creative dreams by teaching them her strategies for making money as a designer. She has a Ph.D. in Design and taught design at the University of Minnesota before starting Carina Gardner, Inc. Carina Gardner, Inc design brand has been featured in dish ware, holiday decor, sewing patterns, and more. Her exclusive Design Suite Program helps creatives make money designing as they learn to design. Her programs include Illustrator and Photoshop training, surface pattern design, paper design, Silhouette & Cricut file design, and running a design business. She started the Make and Design Podcast so that she could share inspiration, stories, and experiences about design and life with crafters and designers. Find out more at https://www.carinagardner.com Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional | |||
| Classic Episode 0 to $100,000 | 17 May 2024 | 00:17:54 | |
Carina talks about starting her design business and what it took to get to $100,000. Learn more about the differences between contracts, digital designs, and so much more. Classic Episode 0 to $100,000 _________ Love to create, design and craft? Have you always wanted to know how to turn your passions into profit? Carina’s new book – Design Profit & Prosper will lead you down the path of making your dreams a reality. Get your copy today! https://www.designsuitecourses.com/designprofitprosper __________ About Carina Gardner: Carina Gardner is a fabric designer, paper designer, and design educator who is passionate about helping other designers fulfill their creative dreams by teaching them her strategies for making money as a designer. She has a Ph.D. in Design and taught design at the University of Minnesota before starting Carina Gardner, Inc. Carina Gardner, Inc design brand has been featured in dish ware, holiday decor, sewing patterns, and more. Her exclusive Design Suite Program helps creatives make money designing as they learn to design. Her programs include Illustrator and Photoshop training, surface pattern design, paper design, Silhouette & Cricut file design, and running a design business. She started the Make and Design Podcast so that she could share inspiration, stories, and experiences about design and life with crafters and designers. Find out more at https://www.carinagardner.com Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional | |||
| Episode 437 When I Realized That Distribution Was The Reason I Was Failing | 15 May 2024 | 00:13:21 | |
Everybody wants to make a great product. Very few people want to market it. Learn about the advice Carina's has gotten about distribution that has helped her succeed in design. Episode 437 When I Realized That Distribution Was The Reason I Was Failing _________ Love to create, design and craft? Have you always wanted to know how to turn your passions into profit? Carina’s new book – Design Profit & Prosper will lead you down the path of making your dreams a reality. Get your copy today! https://www.designsuitecourses.com/designprofitprosper __________ About Carina Gardner: Carina Gardner is a fabric designer, paper designer, and design educator who is passionate about helping other designers fulfill their creative dreams by teaching them her strategies for making money as a designer. She has a Ph.D. in Design and taught design at the University of Minnesota before starting Carina Gardner, Inc. Carina Gardner, Inc design brand has been featured in dish ware, holiday decor, sewing patterns, and more. Her exclusive Design Suite Program helps creatives make money designing as they learn to design. Her programs include Illustrator and Photoshop training, surface pattern design, paper design, Silhouette & Cricut file design, and running a design business. She started the Make and Design Podcast so that she could share inspiration, stories, and experiences about design and life with crafters and designers. Find out more at https://www.carinagardner.com Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional | |||
| Episode 436 3 Ways To Turn Your Hobby Into A Side Hustle | 13 May 2024 | 00:10:08 | |
Ever wondered what are some of the ways you could make money from something you love? Carina breaks down three ways that you can create a side hustle in todays episode. Episode 436 3 Ways To Turn Your Hobby Into A Side Hustle _________ Love to create, design and craft? Have you always wanted to know how to turn your passions into profit? Carina’s new book – Design Profit & Prosper will lead you down the path of making your dreams a reality. Get your copy today! https://www.designsuitecourses.com/designprofitprosper __________ About Carina Gardner: Carina Gardner is a fabric designer, paper designer, and design educator who is passionate about helping other designers fulfill their creative dreams by teaching them her strategies for making money as a designer. She has a Ph.D. in Design and taught design at the University of Minnesota before starting Carina Gardner, Inc. Carina Gardner, Inc design brand has been featured in dish ware, holiday decor, sewing patterns, and more. Her exclusive Design Suite Program helps creatives make money designing as they learn to design. Her programs include Illustrator and Photoshop training, surface pattern design, paper design, Silhouette & Cricut file design, and running a design business. She started the Make and Design Podcast so that she could share inspiration, stories, and experiences about design and life with crafters and designers. Find out more at https://www.carinagardner.com Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional | |||
| Classic Episode Two Things That Will Make You A Great Designer | 10 May 2024 | 00:14:22 | |
What are the two things that will make you a great designer? Learn about it in today’s episode! Classic Episode Two Things That Will Make You A Great Designer _________ Love to create, design and craft? Have you always wanted to know how to turn your passions into profit? Carina’s new book – Design Profit & Prosper will lead you down the path of making your dreams a reality. Get your copy today! https://www.designsuitecourses.com/designprofitprosper __________ About Carina Gardner: Carina Gardner is a fabric designer, paper designer, and design educator who is passionate about helping other designers fulfill their creative dreams by teaching them her strategies for making money as a designer. She has a Ph.D. in Design and taught design at the University of Minnesota before starting Carina Gardner, Inc. Carina Gardner, Inc design brand has been featured in dish ware, holiday decor, sewing patterns, and more. Her exclusive Design Suite Program helps creatives make money designing as they learn to design. Her programs include Illustrator and Photoshop training, surface pattern design, paper design, Silhouette & Cricut file design, and running a design business. She started the Make and Design Podcast so that she could share inspiration, stories, and experiences about design and life with crafters and designers. Find out more at https://www.carinagardner.com Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional | |||
| Episode 435 Results from Online Courses with Shannon Boyer | 08 May 2024 | 00:19:43 | |
Shannon Boyle is an award-winning course creator who helps instructors create online courses that create transformation. Learn more about Shannon and how she helps people in this episode. Do you want to learn more? Go to www.shannonlboyer.com Episode 435 Results from Online Courses with Shannon Boyer _________ Love to create, design and craft? Have you always wanted to know how to turn your passions into profit? Carina’s new book – Design Profit & Prosper will lead you down the path of making your dreams a reality. Get your copy today! https://www.designsuitecourses.com/designprofitprosper __________ About Carina Gardner: Carina Gardner is a fabric designer, paper designer, and design educator who is passionate about helping other designers fulfill their creative dreams by teaching them her strategies for making money as a designer. She has a Ph.D. in Design and taught design at the University of Minnesota before starting Carina Gardner, Inc. Carina Gardner, Inc design brand has been featured in dish ware, holiday decor, sewing patterns, and more. Her exclusive Design Suite Program helps creatives make money designing as they learn to design. Her programs include Illustrator and Photoshop training, surface pattern design, paper design, Silhouette & Cricut file design, and running a design business. She started the Make and Design Podcast so that she could share inspiration, stories, and experiences about design and life with crafters and designers. Find out more at https://www.carinagardner.com Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional | |||
| Episode 433 Creativepreneur with Chelly Ontis | 08 May 2024 | 00:12:49 | |
Ever wanted to make your hobby a career? Today Carina interviews Chelly Ontis about her Creativepreneur Summit which is coming up May 19-21, 2024! You will not want to miss all the speakers in this event where you will learn more about marketing and business just for creatives! Sign up for the event here: https://summit.wecanmakethat.me/cps-free/?affiliate=designsuite Episode 433 Creativepreneur with Chelly Ontis _________ Love to create, design and craft? Have you always wanted to know how to turn your passions into profit? Carina’s new book – Design Profit & Prosper will lead you down the path of making your dreams a reality. Get your copy today! https://www.designsuitecourses.com/designprofitprosper __________ About Carina Gardner: Carina Gardner is a fabric designer, paper designer, and design educator who is passionate about helping other designers fulfill their creative dreams by teaching them her strategies for making money as a designer. She has a Ph.D. in Design and taught design at the University of Minnesota before starting Carina Gardner, Inc. Carina Gardner, Inc design brand has been featured in dish ware, holiday decor, sewing patterns, and more. Her exclusive Design Suite Program helps creatives make money designing as they learn to design. Her programs include Illustrator and Photoshop training, surface pattern design, paper design, Silhouette & Cricut file design, and running a design business. She started the Make and Design Podcast so that she could share inspiration, stories, and experiences about design and life with crafters and designers. Find out more at https://www.carinagardner.com Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional | |||
| Episode 528 Design Advice I Would Give My Younger Self | 26 Aug 2025 | 00:11:19 | |
In this heartfelt episode, Carina Gardner shares the advice she wishes she could give her younger creative self—back when she was just starting out, full of passion but unsure of the path ahead. She opens up about the lessons she’s learned along the way, from embracing imperfect work and letting go of the pressure to be “ready,” to the importance of charging what you’re worth and adopting a business mindset early. Carina reflects on how building a successful design career wasn’t about having all the answers, but about being willing to take the next step—even when it felt messy or uncertain. This episode is packed with encouragement for designers at any stage who need a reminder that their creative journey matters. 💭 What advice would you give your younger creative self? About Carina Gardner, Ph.D.: Carina is the CEO of the University of Arts & Design. The university offers certificates and Masters degrees in the creative fields. Carina is also the CEO of Design Suite, a surface pattern and crafting design program that teaches designers how to create a business as they learn to design. She has designed for Nordstroms, Riley Blake, Silhouette America, Michaels, Hobby Lobby, Deseret Book, and more. Find out more at https://www.carinagardner.com Check out her most popular program Design Bootcamp here: http://www.carinagardnercourses.com/designbootcamp Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional | |||
| Episode 434 Artist vs. Marketer | 06 May 2024 | 00:10:30 | |
Do you ever feel like you spend all your time making products and don't actually spend anytime getting people to see and BUY your product? Carina talks about the inner Artist and inner Marketer in today's episode and references her new book Make Art That Sells. You can purchase the book on Amazon at www.makeartbook.com. Want to join the Maker Conference? Go to www.designsuitecourses.com/event. Episode 434 Artist vs. Marketer _________ Love to create, design and craft? Have you always wanted to know how to turn your passions into profit? Carina’s new book – Design Profit & Prosper will lead you down the path of making your dreams a reality. Get your copy today! https://www.designsuitecourses.com/designprofitprosper __________ About Carina Gardner: Carina Gardner is a fabric designer, paper designer, and design educator who is passionate about helping other designers fulfill their creative dreams by teaching them her strategies for making money as a designer. She has a Ph.D. in Design and taught design at the University of Minnesota before starting Carina Gardner, Inc. Carina Gardner, Inc design brand has been featured in dish ware, holiday decor, sewing patterns, and more. Her exclusive Design Suite Program helps creatives make money designing as they learn to design. Her programs include Illustrator and Photoshop training, surface pattern design, paper design, Silhouette & Cricut file design, and running a design business. She started the Make and Design Podcast so that she could share inspiration, stories, and experiences about design and life with crafters and designers. Find out more at https://www.carinagardner.com Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional | |||
| Classic Episode 2 Reasons Crafters Should Design for Their Cricut and Silhouette Machines | 03 May 2024 | 00:06:37 | |
As a crafter, have you ever thought about designing your own files for your Cricut or Sihouette machine? If yes, then this episode is for you as Carina digs into why you should design your own files. Classic Episode 2 Reasons Crafters Should Design for Their Cricut and Silhouette Machines _________ Love to create, design and craft? Have you always wanted to know how to turn your passions into profit? Carina’s new book – Design Profit & Prosper will lead you down the path of making your dreams a reality. Get your copy today! https://www.designsuitecourses.com/designprofitprosper __________ About Carina Gardner: Carina Gardner is a fabric designer, paper designer, and design educator who is passionate about helping other designers fulfill their creative dreams by teaching them her strategies for making money as a designer. She has a Ph.D. in Design and taught design at the University of Minnesota before starting Carina Gardner, Inc. Carina Gardner, Inc design brand has been featured in dish ware, holiday decor, sewing patterns, and more. Her exclusive Design Suite Program helps creatives make money designing as they learn to design. Her programs include Illustrator and Photoshop training, surface pattern design, paper design, Silhouette & Cricut file design, and running a design business. She started the Make and Design Podcast so that she could share inspiration, stories, and experiences about design and life with crafters and designers. Find out more at https://www.carinagardner.com Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional | |||
| Classic Episode Do You Have A Hobby or A Business? | 26 Apr 2024 | 00:13:40 | |
Carina talks about the one thing that differentiates the hobbyist from the business owner. If you can make this one thing happen, you have an actual business! Classic Episode 261 Do You Have A Hobby or A Business? _________ Love to create, design and craft? Have you always wanted to know how to turn your passions into profit? Carina’s new book – Design Profit & Prosper will lead you down the path of making your dreams a reality. Get your copy today! https://www.designsuitecourses.com/designprofitprosper __________ About Carina Gardner: Carina Gardner is a fabric designer, paper designer, and design educator who is passionate about helping other designers fulfill their creative dreams by teaching them her strategies for making money as a designer. She has a Ph.D. in Design and taught design at the University of Minnesota before starting Carina Gardner, Inc. Carina Gardner, Inc design brand has been featured in dish ware, holiday decor, sewing patterns, and more. Her exclusive Design Suite Program helps creatives make money designing as they learn to design. Her programs include Illustrator and Photoshop training, surface pattern design, paper design, Silhouette & Cricut file design, and running a design business. She started the Make and Design Podcast so that she could share inspiration, stories, and experiences about design and life with crafters and designers. Find out more at https://www.carinagardner.com Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional | |||
| Episode 431 Sublimation and DTF with Angie Holden and Cori George | 24 Apr 2024 | 00:19:30 | |
Today we are talking about sublimation and DTF with experts Angie Holden and Cori George. Get a free ticket to their sublimation camp by going to https://crafting-camps.teachable.com/a/aff_xxxcd0qz/external?affcode=1558199_5r0fuq_o Episode 431 Sublimation and DTF with Angie Holden and Cori George _________ Love to create, design and craft? Have you always wanted to know how to turn your passions into profit? Carina’s new book – Design Profit & Prosper will lead you down the path of making your dreams a reality. Get your copy today! https://www.designsuitecourses.com/designprofitprosper __________ About Carina Gardner: Carina Gardner is a fabric designer, paper designer, and design educator who is passionate about helping other designers fulfill their creative dreams by teaching them her strategies for making money as a designer. She has a Ph.D. in Design and taught design at the University of Minnesota before starting Carina Gardner, Inc. Carina Gardner, Inc design brand has been featured in dish ware, holiday decor, sewing patterns, and more. Her exclusive Design Suite Program helps creatives make money designing as they learn to design. Her programs include Illustrator and Photoshop training, surface pattern design, paper design, Silhouette & Cricut file design, and running a design business. She started the Make and Design Podcast so that she could share inspiration, stories, and experiences about design and life with crafters and designers. Find out more at https://www.carinagardner.com Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional | |||
| Episode 430 Design Suite with Emily | 22 Apr 2024 | 00:26:38 | |
Emily has recently 3x'ed her own financial design goals in her design business. Learn how she did it in today's episode. Learn more about Emily at www.harpernco.com Want to come to a Design Bootcamp? Use Emily's link https://www.designsuitecourses.com/a/2147517829/L2fF2ido Episode 430 Design Suite with Emily Fish _________ Love to create, design and craft? Have you always wanted to know how to turn your passions into profit? Carina’s new book – Design Profit & Prosper will lead you down the path of making your dreams a reality. Get your copy today! https://www.designsuitecourses.com/designprofitprosper __________ About Carina Gardner: Carina Gardner is a fabric designer, paper designer, and design educator who is passionate about helping other designers fulfill their creative dreams by teaching them her strategies for making money as a designer. She has a Ph.D. in Design and taught design at the University of Minnesota before starting Carina Gardner, Inc. Carina Gardner, Inc design brand has been featured in dish ware, holiday decor, sewing patterns, and more. Her exclusive Design Suite Program helps creatives make money designing as they learn to design. Her programs include Illustrator and Photoshop training, surface pattern design, paper design, Silhouette & Cricut file design, and running a design business. She started the Make and Design Podcast so that she could share inspiration, stories, and experiences about design and life with crafters and designers. Find out more at https://www.carinagardner.com Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional | |||
| Classic Episode 5 Online Markets I Love to Design For | 19 Apr 2024 | 00:11:28 | |
Carina has a few favorite online markets that she has designed for over the last 15 years that she loves! Learn more in today’s episode! Classic Episode 267 5 Online Markets I Love to Design For _________ Love to create, design and craft? Have you always wanted to know how to turn your passions into profit? Carina’s new book – Design Profit & Prosper will lead you down the path of making your dreams a reality. Get your copy today! https://www.designsuitecourses.com/designprofitprosper __________ About Carina Gardner: Carina Gardner is a fabric designer, paper designer, and design educator who is passionate about helping other designers fulfill their creative dreams by teaching them her strategies for making money as a designer. She has a Ph.D. in Design and taught design at the University of Minnesota before starting Carina Gardner, Inc. Carina Gardner, Inc design brand has been featured in dish ware, holiday decor, sewing patterns, and more. Her exclusive Design Suite Program helps creatives make money designing as they learn to design. Her programs include Illustrator and Photoshop training, surface pattern design, paper design, Silhouette & Cricut file design, and running a design business. She started the Make and Design Podcast so that she could share inspiration, stories, and experiences about design and life with crafters and designers. Find out more at https://www.carinagardner.com Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional | |||
| Episode 429 How Decision Fatigue is Affecting Your Design Work | 17 Apr 2024 | 00:09:53 | |
Have you ever wondered why you are so tired after you have only spent an hour designing? For many of you, decision fatigue is a major factor. Learn why in today's episode. Episode 429 How Decision Fatigue is Affecting Your Design Work _________ Love to create, design and craft? Have you always wanted to know how to turn your passions into profit? Carina’s new book – Design Profit & Prosper will lead you down the path of making your dreams a reality. Get your copy today! https://www.designsuitecourses.com/designprofitprosper __________ About Carina Gardner: Carina Gardner is a fabric designer, paper designer, and design educator who is passionate about helping other designers fulfill their creative dreams by teaching them her strategies for making money as a designer. She has a Ph.D. in Design and taught design at the University of Minnesota before starting Carina Gardner, Inc. Carina Gardner, Inc design brand has been featured in dish ware, holiday decor, sewing patterns, and more. Her exclusive Design Suite Program helps creatives make money designing as they learn to design. Her programs include Illustrator and Photoshop training, surface pattern design, paper design, Silhouette & Cricut file design, and running a design business. She started the Make and Design Podcast so that she could share inspiration, stories, and experiences about design and life with crafters and designers. Find out more at https://www.carinagardner.com Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional | |||
| Episode 428 The Creative Funk | 15 Apr 2024 | 00:11:52 | |
Have you ever been in a Creative Funk? It is not fun and can be down right depressing. Carina talks about creative funks and how you are not alone in today's episode. Episode 428 The Creative Funk _________ Love to create, design and craft? Have you always wanted to know how to turn your passions into profit? Carina’s new book – Design Profit & Prosper will lead you down the path of making your dreams a reality. Get your copy today! https://www.designsuitecourses.com/designprofitprosper __________ About Carina Gardner: Carina Gardner is a fabric designer, paper designer, and design educator who is passionate about helping other designers fulfill their creative dreams by teaching them her strategies for making money as a designer. She has a Ph.D. in Design and taught design at the University of Minnesota before starting Carina Gardner, Inc. Carina Gardner, Inc design brand has been featured in dish ware, holiday decor, sewing patterns, and more. Her exclusive Design Suite Program helps creatives make money designing as they learn to design. Her programs include Illustrator and Photoshop training, surface pattern design, paper design, Silhouette & Cricut file design, and running a design business. She started the Make and Design Podcast so that she could share inspiration, stories, and experiences about design and life with crafters and designers. Find out more at https://www.carinagardner.com Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional | |||
| Classic Episode How to Be A Surface Pattern Designer Without Going Back To College | 12 Apr 2024 | 00:07:17 | |
While Carina may encourage younger people to go back to college to get their design degree, going back to college may not make sense for those that are in other stages of life. In this episode, Carina explains why a focused concentration in the areas of knowledge you need to become a designer is key. Classic episode 167 How to Be A Surface Pattern Designer Without Going Back To College ________ Love to create, design and craft? Have you always wanted to know how to turn your passions into profit? Carina’s new book – Design Profit & Prosper will lead you down the path of making your dreams a reality. Get your copy today! https://www.designsuitecourses.com/designprofitprosper __________ About Carina Gardner: Carina Gardner is a fabric designer, paper designer, and design educator who is passionate about helping other designers fulfill their creative dreams by teaching them her strategies for making money as a designer. She has a Ph.D. in Design and taught design at the University of Minnesota before starting Carina Gardner, Inc. Carina Gardner, Inc design brand has been featured in dish ware, holiday decor, sewing patterns, and more. Her exclusive Design Suite Program helps creatives make money designing as they learn to design. Her programs include Illustrator and Photoshop training, surface pattern design, paper design, Silhouette & Cricut file design, and running a design business. She started the Make and Design Podcast so that she could share inspiration, stories, and experiences about design and life with crafters and designers. Find out more at https://www.carinagardner.com Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional | |||
| Episode 427 9 Months In with Leah de Mola | 10 Apr 2024 | 00:16:47 | |
Leah Loret de Mola talks about her 9 months in the Design Suite program and everything she has accomplished. Want to learn more about Leah? Check out her site at https://leahannidesign.com/. Want to try a design bootcamp? Use Leah's link at https://www.designsuitecourses.com/a/2147517829/Bnb2CQCq Episode 427 9 Months In with Leah de Mola _________ Love to create, design and craft? Have you always wanted to know how to turn your passions into profit? Carina’s new book – Design Profit & Prosper will lead you down the path of making your dreams a reality. Get your copy today! https://www.designsuitecourses.com/designprofitprosper __________ About Carina Gardner: Carina Gardner is a fabric designer, paper designer, and design educator who is passionate about helping other designers fulfill their creative dreams by teaching them her strategies for making money as a designer. She has a Ph.D. in Design and taught design at the University of Minnesota before starting Carina Gardner, Inc. Carina Gardner, Inc design brand has been featured in dish ware, holiday decor, sewing patterns, and more. Her exclusive Design Suite Program helps creatives make money designing as they learn to design. Her programs include Illustrator and Photoshop training, surface pattern design, paper design, Silhouette & Cricut file design, and running a design business. She started the Make and Design Podcast so that she could share inspiration, stories, and experiences about design and life with crafters and designers. Find out more at https://www.carinagardner.com Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional | |||
| Episode 527 Why Does Creative Potential Suffer? | 19 Aug 2025 | 00:25:58 | |
Carina dives into a question that affects every artist and designer at some point: Why does creative potential suffer—even when we’re passionate, talented, and full of ideas? Carina unpacks the hidden barriers that often hold creatives back—like perfectionism, comparison, fear of failure, and the pressure to “do it all.” Drawing from her own journey as a designer, entrepreneur, and educator, she offers practical insights into how to protect and nurture your creativity over time. Listeners will walk away with a fresh perspective on how to reclaim their momentum, prioritize meaningful work, and create from a place of confidence rather than fear. Whether you're in a creative rut or just feeling the weight of your potential, this episode will help you reset and refocus. About Carina Gardner, Ph.D.: Carina is the CEO of the University of Arts & Design. The university offers certificates and Masters degrees in the creative fields. Carina is also the CEO of Design Suite, a surface pattern and crafting design program that teaches designers how to create a business as they learn to design. She has designed for Nordstroms, Riley Blake, Silhouette America, Michaels, Hobby Lobby, Deseret Book, and more. Find out more at https://www.carinagardner.com Check out her most popular program Design Bootcamp here: http://www.carinagardnercourses.com/designbootcamp Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional | |||
| Episode 426 AI is NOT Your Competition | 08 Apr 2024 | 00:09:30 | |
Are you worried about how AI is going to affect the design industry? Listen in on today's episode where Carina pulls back the curtain on AI and design. Episode 426 AI is NOT Your Competition _________ Love to create, design and craft? Have you always wanted to know how to turn your passions into profit? Carina’s new book – Design Profit & Prosper will lead you down the path of making your dreams a reality. Get your copy today! https://www.designsuitecourses.com/designprofitprosper __________ About Carina Gardner: Carina Gardner is a fabric designer, paper designer, and design educator who is passionate about helping other designers fulfill their creative dreams by teaching them her strategies for making money as a designer. She has a Ph.D. in Design and taught design at the University of Minnesota before starting Carina Gardner, Inc. Carina Gardner, Inc design brand has been featured in dishware, holiday decor, sewing patterns, and more. Her exclusive Design Suite Program helps creatives make money designing as they learn to design. Her programs include Illustrator and Photoshop training, surface pattern design, paper design, Silhouette & Cricut file design, and running a design business. She started the Make and Design Podcast so that she could share inspiration, stories, and experiences about design and life with crafters and designers. Find out more at https://www.carinagardner.com Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional | |||
| Classic Episode 3 Ways You Can Become the Best Surface Pattern Designer (That You Haven’t Heard Before) | 05 Apr 2024 | 00:10:43 | |
On today’s episode, Carina shares a list of three ways that you can start thinking differently from the competition in order to make it as a surface pattern designer. A surface pattern designer is a designer who focuses on creating 2D designs. Fifteen years ago a surface pattern designer would have been called a graphic designer. The new title is fun though! Classic Episode 3 Ways You Can Become the Best Surface Pattern Designer (That You Haven’t Heard Before) _________ Love to create, design and craft? Have you always wanted to know how to turn your passions into profit? Carina’s new book – Design Profit & Prosper will lead you down the path of making your dreams a reality. Get your copy today! https://www.designsuitecourses.com/designprofitprosper __________ About Carina Gardner: Carina Gardner is a fabric designer, paper designer, and design educator who is passionate about helping other designers fulfill their creative dreams by teaching them her strategies for making money as a designer. She has a Ph.D. in Design and taught design at the University of Minnesota before starting Carina Gardner, Inc. Carina Gardner, Inc design brand has been featured in dish ware, holiday decor, sewing patterns, and more. Her exclusive Design Suite Program helps creatives make money designing as they learn to design. Her programs include Illustrator and Photoshop training, surface pattern design, paper design, Silhouette & Cricut file design, and running a design business. She started the Make and Design Podcast so that she could share inspiration, stories, and experiences about design and life with crafters and designers. Find out more at https://www.carinagardner.com Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional | |||
| Episode 425 Wild About Wallpaper | 03 Apr 2024 | 00:09:39 | |
Carina's next class is the How to Design Your Own Wallpaper Workshop. She talks about designing wallpapers several years ago and how it feels different than designing it now. Learn more about the Wallpaper Workshop being held on May 15 at https://www.designsuitecourses.com/designevents. Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional | |||
| Episode 424 You Determine Your Reality | 01 Apr 2024 | 00:09:47 | |
Carina talks about how we each determine our own realities. Even when there are difficult things, we can shape our reality positively. Specifically, if you a new designer and learning the software feels hard, putting emphasis on your wins can help propel you forward. Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional | |||
| Classic Episode 267 5 Online Markets I Love to Design For | 29 Mar 2024 | 00:11:28 | |
Carina has a few favorite online markets that she has designed for over the last 15 years that she loves! Learn more in today’s episode! Classic Episode 267 5 Online Markets I Love to Design For _________ Love to create, design and craft? Have you always wanted to know how to turn your passions into profit? Carina’s new book – Design Profit & Prosper will lead you down the path of making your dreams a reality. Get your copy today! https://www.designsuitecourses.com/designprofitprosper __________ About Carina Gardner: Carina Gardner is a fabric designer, paper designer, and design educator who is passionate about helping other designers fulfill their creative dreams by teaching them her strategies for making money as a designer. She has a Ph.D. in Design and taught design at the University of Minnesota before starting Carina Gardner, Inc. Carina Gardner, Inc design brand has been featured in dish ware, holiday decor, sewing patterns, and more. Her exclusive Design Suite Program helps creatives make money designing as they learn to design. Her programs include Illustrator and Photoshop training, surface pattern design, paper design, Silhouette & Cricut file design, and running a design business. She started the Make and Design Podcast so that she could share inspiration, stories, and experiences about design and life with crafters and designers. Find out more at https://www.carinagardner.com Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional | |||
| Classic Episode Will It Make the Boat Go Faster? | 29 Mar 2024 | 00:16:52 | |
Carina talks about how the British rowing team started asking this one question to become a sensational team. She flips the question so that as a designer you can use that same question to see whether you are taking the right action steps in your design business to be profitable. Classic Episode Will It Make the Boat Go Faster? __________ Love to create, design and craft? Have you always wanted to know how to turn your passions into profit? Carina’s new book – Design Profit & Prosper will lead you down the path of making your dreams a reality. Get your copy today! https://www.designsuitecourses.com/designprofitprosper __________ About Carina Gardner: Carina Gardner is a fabric designer, paper designer, and design educator who is passionate about helping other designers fulfill their creative dreams by teaching them her strategies for making money as a designer. She has a Ph.D. in Design and taught design at the University of Minnesota before starting Carina Gardner, Inc. Carina Gardner, Inc design brand has been featured in dish ware, holiday decor, sewing patterns, and more. Her exclusive Design Suite Program helps creatives make money designing as they learn to design. Her programs include Illustrator and Photoshop training, surface pattern design, paper design, Silhouette & Cricut file design, and running a design business. She started the Make and Design Podcast so that she could share inspiration, stories, and experiences about design and life with crafters and designers. Find out more at https://www.carinagardner.com Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional | |||
| Episode 423 Digital Trailblazers with Leah Rae and Todd Getts | 27 Mar 2024 | 00:18:11 | |
Leah Rae and Todd Getts are marketing specialists in the digital space and share their expertise on working together as a married couple and how they divide roles. If you have ever been interested in working with your partner, this is a fascinating episode! Learn more about Leah and Todd at https://digitaltrailblazer.com/ _________ Love to create, design and craft? Have you always wanted to know how to turn your passions into profit? Carina’s new book – Design Profit & Prosper will lead you down the path of making your dreams a reality. Get your copy today! https://www.designsuitecourses.com/designprofitprosper __________ About Carina Gardner: Carina Gardner is a fabric designer, paper designer, and design educator who is passionate about helping other designers fulfill their creative dreams by teaching them her strategies for making money as a designer. She has a Ph.D. in Design and taught design at the University of Minnesota before starting Carina Gardner, Inc. Carina Gardner, Inc design brand has been featured in dish ware, holiday decor, sewing patterns, and more. Her exclusive Design Suite Program helps creatives make money designing as they learn to design. Her programs include Illustrator and Photoshop training, surface pattern design, paper design, Silhouette & Cricut file design, and running a design business. She started the Make and Design Podcast so that she could share inspiration, stories, and experiences about design and life with crafters and designers. Find out more at https://www.carinagardner.com Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional | |||
| Episode 422 Creative Process | 25 Mar 2024 | 00:15:48 | |
Are you struggling with finding a creative process that works for you? Carina talks about building a creative process that is individualized. Episode 422 Creative Process _________ Love to create, design and craft? Have you always wanted to know how to turn your passions into profit? Carina’s new book – Design Profit & Prosper will lead you down the path of making your dreams a reality. Get your copy today! https://www.designsuitecourses.com/designprofitprosper __________ About Carina Gardner: Carina Gardner is a fabric designer, paper designer, and design educator who is passionate about helping other designers fulfill their creative dreams by teaching them her strategies for making money as a designer. She has a Ph.D. in Design and taught design at the University of Minnesota before starting Carina Gardner, Inc. Carina Gardner, Inc design brand has been featured in dish ware, holiday decor, sewing patterns, and more. Her exclusive Design Suite Program helps creatives make money designing as they learn to design. Her programs include Illustrator and Photoshop training, surface pattern design, paper design, Silhouette & Cricut file design, and running a design business. She started the Make and Design Podcast so that she could share inspiration, stories, and experiences about design and life with crafters and designers. Find out more at https://www.carinagardner.com Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional | |||
| Classic Episode What To Do When You Have Never Put Yourself First | 22 Mar 2024 | 00:13:38 | |
As women, we sometimes don't think about putting ourselves first, especially in our design businesses. If we go fully in on our design businesses and stop acting like it is just a "little side business," we can accomplish so much. Learn more in today's episode. Classic Episode What To Do When You Have Never Put Yourself First _________ Love to create, design and craft? Have you always wanted to know how to turn your passions into profit? Carina’s new book – Design Profit & Prosper will lead you down the path of making your dreams a reality. Get your copy today! https://www.designsuitecourses.com/designprofitprosper __________ About Carina Gardner: Carina Gardner is a fabric designer, paper designer, and design educator who is passionate about helping other designers fulfill their creative dreams by teaching them her strategies for making money as a designer. She has a Ph.D. in Design and taught design at the University of Minnesota before starting Carina Gardner, Inc. Carina Gardner, Inc design brand has been featured in dish ware, holiday decor, sewing patterns, and more. Her exclusive Design Suite Program helps creatives make money designing as they learn to design. Her programs include Illustrator and Photoshop training, surface pattern design, paper design, Silhouette & Cricut file design, and running a design business. She started the Make and Design Podcast so that she could share inspiration, stories, and experiences about design and life with crafters and designers. Find out more at https://www.carinagardner.com Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional | |||
| Episode 421 The Accidental Entrepreneur with Mitch Beinhaker | 20 Mar 2024 | 00:28:41 | |
Learn more about what you can do to keep your design business safe! Carina interviews Mitch Beinhaker, who is an attorney who works with businesses. Listen to hear more about his book 10 Ways To Get Sued By Anyone & Everyone. Learn more about Mitch Beinhaker at https://beinhakerlaw.com/ Episode 421 The Accidental Entrepreneur with Mitch Beinhaker _________ Love to create, design and craft? Have you always wanted to know how to turn your passions into profit? Carina’s new book – Design Profit & Prosper will lead you down the path of making your dreams a reality. Get your copy today! https://www.designsuitecourses.com/designprofitprosper __________ About Carina Gardner: Carina Gardner is a fabric designer, paper designer, and design educator who is passionate about helping other designers fulfill their creative dreams by teaching them her strategies for making money as a designer. She has a Ph.D. in Design and taught design at the University of Minnesota before starting Carina Gardner, Inc. Carina Gardner, Inc design brand has been featured in dish ware, holiday decor, sewing patterns, and more. Her exclusive Design Suite Program helps creatives make money designing as they learn to design. Her programs include Illustrator and Photoshop training, surface pattern design, paper design, Silhouette & Cricut file design, and running a design business. She started the Make and Design Podcast so that she could share inspiration, stories, and experiences about design and life with crafters and designers. Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional | |||
| Episode 526 How to Price Your Design Work When You're Just Starting Out | 12 Aug 2025 | 00:15:42 | |
In this practical and empowering episode, Carina Gardner tackles one of the biggest challenges new designers face: pricing your work when you're just starting out. Carina walks listeners through the mindset shifts, mistakes to avoid, and strategies that helped her go from undercharging to building a profitable design business. She shares honest insights about how to set your prices with confidence—even if you're not sure what your work is worth yet—and why charging too little can actually slow down your growth. Whether you're freelancing, creating products, or launching your first design shop, this episode gives you a foundation for making smart, sustainable pricing decisions right from the start. Perfect for creatives who want to turn their talent into a thriving business without second-guessing every quote or invoice. About Carina Gardner, Ph.D.: Carina is the CEO of the University of Arts & Design. The university offers certificates and Masters degrees in the creative fields. Carina is also the CEO of Design Suite, a surface pattern and crafting design program that teaches designers how to create a business as they learn to design. She has designed for Nordstroms, Riley Blake, Silhouette America, Michaels, Hobby Lobby, Deseret Book, and more. Find out more at https://www.carinagardner.com Check out her most popular program Design Bootcamp here: http://www.carinagardnercourses.com/designbootcamp Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional | |||
| Episode 420 The Fox and the Grapes | 18 Mar 2024 | 00:13:29 | |
When we can't get something we want, we will sometimes make up stories about how it wasn't good enough to make ourselves feel better. Carina talks about investing in ourselves and why we need more than we think to get what we want. Episode 420 The Fox and the Grapes _________ Love to create, design and craft? Have you always wanted to know how to turn your passions into profit? Carina’s new book – Design Profit & Prosper will lead you down the path of making your dreams a reality. Get your copy today! https://www.designsuitecourses.com/designprofitprosper __________ About Carina Gardner: Carina Gardner is a fabric designer, paper designer, and design educator who is passionate about helping other designers fulfill their creative dreams by teaching them her strategies for making money as a designer. She has a Ph.D. in Design and taught design at the University of Minnesota before starting Carina Gardner, Inc. Carina Gardner, Inc design brand has been featured in dish ware, holiday decor, sewing patterns, and more. Her exclusive Design Suite Program helps creatives make money designing as they learn to design. Her programs include Illustrator and Photoshop training, surface pattern design, paper design, Silhouette & Cricut file design, and running a design business. She started the Make and Design Podcast so that she could share inspiration, stories, and experiences about design and life with crafters and designers. Find out more at https://www.carinagardner.com Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional | |||
| Classic Episode The Two Sets Of Tools You Need | 15 Mar 2024 | 00:08:12 | |
Carina talks about the two hurdles you can jump at once as a designer. From her new book Design Profit & Prosper, these two hurdles will help you succeed as a designer. Learn more in today's episode. Classic Episode The Two Sets Of Tools You Need _________ Love to create, design and craft? Have you always wanted to know how to turn your passions into profit? Carina’s new book – Design Profit & Prosper will lead you down the path of making your dreams a reality. Get your copy today! https://www.designsuitecourses.com/designprofitprosper __________ About Carina Gardner: Carina Gardner is a fabric designer, paper designer, and design educator who is passionate about helping other designers fulfill their creative dreams by teaching them her strategies for making money as a designer. She has a Ph.D. in Design and taught design at the University of Minnesota before starting Carina Gardner, Inc. Carina Gardner, Inc design brand has been featured in dish ware, holiday decor, sewing patterns, and more. Her exclusive Design Suite Program helps creatives make money designing as they learn to design. Her programs include Illustrator and Photoshop training, surface pattern design, paper design, Silhouette & Cricut file design, and running a design business. She started the Make and Design Podcast so that she could share inspiration, stories, and experiences about design and life with crafters and designers. Find out more at https://www.carinagardner.com Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional | |||
| Episode 419 Taking Criticism | 13 Mar 2024 | 00:10:33 | |
Carina talks about being a creative and receiving criticism. It is maybe the hardest part about being a designer and unavoidable as your designs become more popular.
Love to create, design and craft? Have you always wanted to know how to turn your passions into profit? Carina’s new book – Design Profit & Prosper will lead you down the path of making your dreams a reality. Get your copy today! https://www.designsuitecourses.com/designprofitprosper __________ About Carina Gardner: Carina Gardner is a fabric designer, paper designer, and design educator who is passionate about helping other designers fulfill their creative dreams by teaching them her strategies for making money as a designer. She has a Ph.D. in Design and taught design at the University of Minnesota before starting Carina Gardner, Inc. Carina Gardner, Inc design brand has been featured in dish ware, holiday decor, sewing patterns, and more. Her exclusive Design Suite Program helps creatives make money designing as they learn to design. Her programs include Illustrator and Photoshop training, surface pattern design, paper design, Silhouette & Cricut file design, and running a design business. She started the Make and Design Podcast so that she could share inspiration, stories, and experiences about design and life with crafters and designers. Find out more at https://www.carinagardner.com Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional | |||
| Episode 418 Strong Women Don't... | 11 Mar 2024 | 00:13:00 | |
What have you been told you can and can't do? Carina talks about the preconceived thoughts we have about our careers and status as women. Episode 418 Strong Women Don't… _________ Love to create, design and craft? Have you always wanted to know how to turn your passions into profit? Carina’s new book – Design Profit & Prosper will lead you down the path of making your dreams a reality. Get your copy today! https://www.designsuitecourses.com/designprofitprosper __________ About Carina Gardner: Carina Gardner is a fabric designer, paper designer, and design educator who is passionate about helping other designers fulfill their creative dreams by teaching them her strategies for making money as a designer. She has a Ph.D. in Design and taught design at the University of Minnesota before starting Carina Gardner, Inc. Carina Gardner, Inc design brand has been featured in dish ware, holiday decor, sewing patterns, and more. Her exclusive Design Suite Program helps creatives make money designing as they learn to design. Her programs include Illustrator and Photoshop training, surface pattern design, paper design, Silhouette & Cricut file design, and running a design business. She started the Make and Design Podcast so that she could share inspiration, stories, and experiences about design and life with crafters and designers. Find out more at https://www.carinagardner.com Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional | |||
| Classic Episode Why I Love Coco Chanel | 08 Mar 2024 | 00:08:48 | |
When Carina reads about designers, she loves to see how they stand out. She specifically loves Coco Chanel for the way she made her mark. Learn more about how we can use the designers before us to teach us how to differentiate ourselves as designers. Classic Episode Why I Love Coco Chanel _________ Love to create, design and craft? Have you always wanted to know how to turn your passions into profit? Carina’s new book – Design Profit & Prosper will lead you down the path of making your dreams a reality. Get your copy today! https://www.designsuitecourses.com/designprofitprosper __________ About Carina Gardner: Carina Gardner is a fabric designer, paper designer, and design educator who is passionate about helping other designers fulfill their creative dreams by teaching them her strategies for making money as a designer. She has a Ph.D. in Design and taught design at the University of Minnesota before starting Carina Gardner, Inc. Carina Gardner, Inc design brand has been featured in dish ware, holiday decor, sewing patterns, and more. Her exclusive Design Suite Program helps creatives make money designing as they learn to design. Her programs include Illustrator and Photoshop training, surface pattern design, paper design, Silhouette & Cricut file design, and running a design business. She started the Make and Design Podcast so that she could share inspiration, stories, and experiences about design and life with crafters and designers. Find out more at https://www.carinagardner.com Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional | |||
| Episode 417 Illustration For Meetings with Ashton Rodenhiser | 06 Mar 2024 | 00:22:45 | |
Carina talks to Ashton Rodenhiser about her career as someone who illustrates meetings so that visual communication is heightened for companies. Learn more about her book and community for this fascinating creative field! Episode 417 Illustration For Meetings with Ashton Rodenhiser _________ Love to create, design and craft? Have you always wanted to know how to turn your passions into profit? Carina’s new book – Design Profit & Prosper will lead you down the path of making your dreams a reality. Get your copy today! https://www.designsuitecourses.com/designprofitprosper __________ About Carina Gardner: Carina Gardner is a fabric designer, paper designer, and design educator who is passionate about helping other designers fulfill their creative dreams by teaching them her strategies for making money as a designer. She has a Ph.D. in Design and taught design at the University of Minnesota before starting Carina Gardner, Inc. Carina Gardner, Inc design brand has been featured in dish ware, holiday decor, sewing patterns, and more. Her exclusive Design Suite Program helps creatives make money designing as they learn to design. Her programs include Illustrator and Photoshop training, surface pattern design, paper design, Silhouette & Cricut file design, and running a design business. She started the Make and Design Podcast so that she could share inspiration, stories, and experiences about design and life with crafters and designers. Find out more at https://www.carinagardner.com Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional | |||
| Episode 416 The Most Essential Design Skill No One Tells You About | 03 Mar 2024 | 00:18:26 | |
It's not what you think...but the most essential skill isn't the one we teach in college programs and rarely in any class. But it is the skill Carina focuses on today that will get you where you actually need to go as a designer. Episode 416 The Most Essential Design Skill No One Tells You About _________ Love to create, design and craft? Have you always wanted to know how to turn your passions into profit? Carina’s new book – Design Profit & Prosper will lead you down the path of making your dreams a reality. Get your copy today! https://www.designsuitecourses.com/designprofitprosper __________ About Carina Gardner: Carina Gardner is a fabric designer, paper designer, and design educator who is passionate about helping other designers fulfill their creative dreams by teaching them her strategies for making money as a designer. She has a Ph.D. in Design and taught design at the University of Minnesota before starting Carina Gardner, Inc. Carina Gardner, Inc design brand has been featured in dish ware, holiday decor, sewing patterns, and more. Her exclusive Design Suite Program helps creatives make money designing as they learn to design. Her programs include Illustrator and Photoshop training, surface pattern design, paper design, Silhouette & Cricut file design, and running a design business. She started the Make and Design Podcast so that she could share inspiration, stories, and experiences about design and life with crafters and designers. Find out more at https://www.carinagardner.com Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional | |||
| Classic Episode 3 Reasons Your Design Business is Stuck | 01 Mar 2024 | 00:12:08 | |
Struggling as a designer? In this episode, Carina goes over three reasons why your design business may be stuck. With the right advice, you can overcome obstacles in your design business and make positive changes to turn your career around. Classic Episode 3 Reasons Your Design Business is Stuck _________ Love to create, design and craft? Have you always wanted to know how to turn your passions into profit? Carina’s new book – Design Profit & Prosper will lead you down the path of making your dreams a reality. Get your copy today! https://www.designsuitecourses.com/designprofitprosper __________ About Carina Gardner: Carina Gardner is a fabric designer, paper designer, and design educator who is passionate about helping other designers fulfill their creative dreams by teaching them her strategies for making money as a designer. She has a Ph.D. in Design and taught design at the University of Minnesota before starting Carina Gardner, Inc. Carina Gardner, Inc design brand has been featured in dish ware, holiday decor, sewing patterns, and more. Her exclusive Design Suite Program helps creatives make money designing as they learn to design. Her programs include Illustrator and Photoshop training, surface pattern design, paper design, Silhouette & Cricut file design, and running a design business. She started the Make and Design Podcast so that she could share inspiration, stories, and experiences about design and life with crafters and designers. Find out more at https://www.carinagardner.com Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional | |||
| Episode 415 Making Money As a Designer with Simone Bowles | 28 Feb 2024 | 00:53:57 | |
Carina talks to Simone Bowles who was in Design Suite for 2 years. Learn how she is making money in her design business so that she is even paying for her kid's monthly tuition! Learn more about Simone here: https://www.instagram.com/_simonebowles_?igsh=MTZ5aHZtbTR3NTNldQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr Check out her Etsy Shop at: http://sbpartyprintables.etsy.com/ Episode 415 Making Money As a Designer with Simone Bowles _________ Love to create, design and craft? Have you always wanted to know how to turn your passions into profit? Carina’s new book – Design Profit & Prosper will lead you down the path of making your dreams a reality. Get your copy today! https://www.designsuitecourses.com/designprofitprosper __________ About Carina Gardner: Carina Gardner is a fabric designer, paper designer, and design educator who is passionate about helping other designers fulfill their creative dreams by teaching them her strategies for making money as a designer. She has a Ph.D. in Design and taught design at the University of Minnesota before starting Carina Gardner, Inc. Carina Gardner, Inc design brand has been featured in dish ware, holiday decor, sewing patterns, and more. Her exclusive Design Suite Program helps creatives make money designing as they learn to design. Her programs include Illustrator and Photoshop training, surface pattern design, paper design, Silhouette & Cricut file design, and running a design business. She started the Make and Design Podcast so that she could share inspiration, stories, and experiences about design and life with crafters and designers. Find out more at https://www.carinagardner.com Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional | |||
| Episode 414 3 Things I Learned From The Artists I Studied | 26 Feb 2024 | 00:10:22 | |
While writing Make Art That Sells, Carina studied many artists and talks about the similarities in today's episode. Get the book on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CTHPSRK3/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3HR2EKKFL07JZ&keywords=carina+gardner&qid=17065… Get the masterclass at: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/makeartthatsells Episode 414 3 Things I Learned From The Artists I Studied _________ Love to create, design and craft? Have you always wanted to know how to turn your passions into profit? Carina’s new book – Design Profit & Prosper will lead you down the path of making your dreams a reality. Get your copy today! https://www.designsuitecourses.com/designprofitprosper __________ About Carina Gardner: Carina Gardner is a fabric designer, paper designer, and design educator who is passionate about helping other designers fulfill their creative dreams by teaching them her strategies for making money as a designer. She has a Ph.D. in Design and taught design at the University of Minnesota before starting Carina Gardner, Inc. Carina Gardner, Inc design brand has been featured in dish ware, holiday decor, sewing patterns, and more. Her exclusive Design Suite Program helps creatives make money designing as they learn to design. Her programs include Illustrator and Photoshop training, surface pattern design, paper design, Silhouette & Cricut file design, and running a design business. She started the Make and Design Podcast so that she could share inspiration, stories, and experiences about design and life with crafters and designers. Find out more at https://www.carinagardner.com Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional | |||
| Episode 525 Design Entrepreneurship & Leadership Skills You Can Learn to Do NOW with Vincent Wanga | 05 Aug 2025 | 00:30:20 | |
In this dynamic episode, Carina Gardner sits down with designer and entrepreneur Vincent Wanga for an inspiring conversation about what it really takes to lead in the creative world—starting right now. Together, they explore the key leadership and business-building skills every designer can begin practicing today, regardless of experience. From communicating with confidence to making strategic decisions as a creative business owner, Carina and Vincent break down what leadership looks like when you're still in the early stages—and how to grow into the kind of entrepreneur your design work deserves. This episode is filled with mindset shifts, real-world insights, and practical takeaways for creatives ready to step into a bigger role in their business and their brand. Whether you're a freelancer, aspiring agency owner, or product-based designer, this is the pep talk (and strategy session) you didn’t know you needed. About Carina Gardner, Ph.D.: Carina is the CEO of the University of Arts & Design. The university offers certificates and Masters degrees in the creative fields. Carina is also the CEO of Design Suite, a surface pattern and crafting design program that teaches designers how to create a business as they learn to design. She has designed for Nordstroms, Riley Blake, Silhouette America, Michaels, Hobby Lobby, Deseret Book, and more. Find out more at https://www.carinagardner.com Check out her most popular program Design Bootcamp here: http://www.carinagardnercourses.com/designbootcamp Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional | |||
| Classic Episode Things I Wish I Had Known Starting Out | 23 Feb 2024 | 00:07:48 | |
In this episode, Carina talks about the things she wishes she had known when she started designing full-time 14 years ago. These items that are discussed are those that involve really starting and running a design business. Classic Episode Things I Wish I Had Known Starting Out _________ Love to create, design and craft? Have you always wanted to know how to turn your passions into profit? Carina’s new book – Design Profit & Prosper will lead you down the path of making your dreams a reality. Get your copy today! https://www.designsuitecourses.com/designprofitprosper __________ About Carina Gardner: Carina Gardner is a fabric designer, paper designer, and design educator who is passionate about helping other designers fulfill their creative dreams by teaching them her strategies for making money as a designer. She has a Ph.D. in Design and taught design at the University of Minnesota before starting Carina Gardner, Inc. Carina Gardner, Inc design brand has been featured in dish ware, holiday decor, sewing patterns, and more. Her exclusive Design Suite Program helps creatives make money designing as they learn to design. Her programs include Illustrator and Photoshop training, surface pattern design, paper design, Silhouette & Cricut file design, and running a design business. She started the Make and Design Podcast so that she could share inspiration, stories, and experiences about design and life with crafters and designers. Find out more at https://www.carinagardner.com Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional | |||
| Episode 413 The Cat and the Bell | 21 Feb 2024 | 00:12:19 | |
Creating POSSIBLE solutions is the best way to make your design business successful. Learn more about how action is always better than unrealistic ideas in today's episode. Love to create, design and craft? Have you always wanted to know how to turn your passions into profit? Carina’s new book – Design Profit & Prosper will lead you down the path of making your dreams a reality. Get your copy today! https://www.designsuitecourses.com/designprofitprosper __________ About Carina Gardner: Carina Gardner is a fabric designer, paper designer, and design educator who is passionate about helping other designers fulfill their creative dreams by teaching them her strategies for making money as a designer. She has a Ph.D. in Design and taught design at the University of Minnesota before starting Carina Gardner, Inc. Carina Gardner, Inc design brand has been featured in dish ware, holiday decor, sewing patterns, and more. Her exclusive Design Suite Program helps creatives make money designing as they learn to design. Her programs include Illustrator and Photoshop training, surface pattern design, paper design, Silhouette & Cricut file design, and running a design business. She started the Make and Design Podcast so that she could share inspiration, stories, and experiences about design and life with crafters and designers. Find out more at https://www.carinagardner.com Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional | |||
| Episode 412 Follow Your Passion with Constantin Morun | 19 Feb 2024 | 00:30:13 | |
Carina speaks with Constantin Morun who has followed his passion and used psychology to unleash his creativity. This is a great episode for anyone struggling with mindset, anxiety, depression, and finding purpose. Learn more about Constantin at www.unleashthyself.com Episode 412 Follow Your Passion with Constantin Morun _________ Love to create, design and craft? Have you always wanted to know how to turn your passions into profit? Carina’s new book – Design Profit & Prosper will lead you down the path of making your dreams a reality. Get your copy today! https://www.designsuitecourses.com/designprofitprosper __________ About Carina Gardner: Carina Gardner is a fabric designer, paper designer, and design educator who is passionate about helping other designers fulfill their creative dreams by teaching them her strategies for making money as a designer. She has a Ph.D. in Design and taught design at the University of Minnesota before starting Carina Gardner, Inc. Carina Gardner, Inc design brand has been featured in dish ware, holiday decor, sewing patterns, and more. Her exclusive Design Suite Program helps creatives make money designing as they learn to design. Her programs include Illustrator and Photoshop training, surface pattern design, paper design, Silhouette & Cricut file design, and running a design business. She started the Make and Design Podcast so that she could share inspiration, stories, and experiences about design and life with crafters and designers. Find out more at https://www.carinagardner.com Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional | |||