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

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

In this inspiring conversation, James and I compare notes on the challenges budding designers face today. We discuss personal experiences that ignited our passions for change and the creative strategies we believe will help young designers thrive. From hands-on learning to real-world applications, James outlines a new path forward that promises to reshape the future of graphic design education.

Tune in for an honest conversation about the current state of the industry, packed with valuable insights and actionable advice. Whether you’re a student, educator, or design professional, this episode will leave you motivated and ready to support this revolutionary movement. Don’t miss out on this exciting discussion with James Martin!

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Mikelle 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 Instagram

We 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 […]

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?” […]

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 […]

Last 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 […]

We’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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

The 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? […]

As 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 […]

In 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, […]

In this episode, we're joined by Dave Hopkins, the founder of the Print Design Summit, to explore the ins and outs of this exciting online event. Dave shares his inspiration behind creating the Summit and highlights the valuable insights and opportunities it offers for designers. From key sessions to success stories, we dive into what makes the Print Design Summit a must-attend for designers looking to stay ahead in today's ever-evolving design landscape. Tune in to discover how this event can empower and inspire you on your design journey!

For FREE Registration, CLICK HERE!

No 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 […]

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 […]

I’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 […]

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. […]

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 […]

Typography 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 […]

By 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 […]

As 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 […]

Long 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 […]

As 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 […]

To help kick off the new DGDC, Tom and Nick sit down and have a chat about our goals for the new year!

Rolling 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 […]

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 […]

Do 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 […]

We’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 […]

With 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 […]

Last 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 […]

With 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 […]

Just 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, […]

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, […]

Last 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 […]

We're back with our new Anchor Show!

Listen as always, or check out our new video feature as well.

Creative Market Trend Report

Any 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. […]

Working 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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Did 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 […]

One of our very first shows was about proposals, but we’ve gained a lot of knowledge since those early days, and we have a lot of new proposal tips to share with you. Listen as the gang talks about all aspects of the proposal process, including the writing process, things to include, and how to […]

Unless 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 […]

It’s that time of year again. The smell of freshly cut grass in your nose, the taste of vodka with just a splash of lemonade on your tongue, and the sweet sounds of Bill Gardner talking about this year’s logo design trends all up in your earbuds! That’s right kiddies, it’s time for the 2017 […]

I’ll bet most of you either specialize in web design, or at least offer it as a client service. Like it or not, in 2017 (and beyond,) this means you need to know how to design for mobile devices. With over half of Internet browsing taking place on mobile, we as designers can no longer […]

If you offer web design services, how well do you know the mysterious art of SEO? For any noobs out there, that stands for “search engine optimization,” and is usually a very important aspect to almost any website. Any SEO expert will tell you that it’s always better to plan your search strategy from the […]

In 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 episode is in its sheer unpredictability and the effortless way it unfolds.

Buckle up for an hour of candid and serendipitous exchange, where conversation reigns supreme. This episode is a testament to the captivating nature of off-the-cuff discussions, revealing the power of curiosity and the magic of allowing a conversation to find its own path. Whether you're a design enthusiast or simply a lover of engaging dialogue, this episode promises to take you on an unforgettable journey through the unexpected.

Links:

Billy Seabrook's Talk at Adobe Max

Billy's Presentation (PDF)

Nick's AI Talk

Water Bottle w/Scents

In the world of graphic design, most people charge one of two ways: based on time or per project. But let’s face it, both are usually based on some type of time-based calculation. The problem with this method is that nobody really benefits from it. Your client is ends up paying for the time you […]

We love getting topic suggestions from our listeners, and today’s episode is one of those. We’ve talked a lot over the year about subcontracting work out to others. It’s a great way to fill in your skill gaps, or just have extra hands in order to focus on more important business-building tasks. In today’s episode, […]

With 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 […]