The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDC

In today’s episode, I’m hanging out with my new buddy Tyler Pate, an awesome designer and illustrator I met through Adobe Live and Create Now events. Tyler’s a master at balancing a full-time gig as an art director with running his own design side hustle, "The Creative Pain." We’re chatting all about personal branding, marketing yourself as a creative, and how putting yourself out there can lead to some pretty cool opportunities. It’s a laid-back convo filled with insights and advice for anyone looking to grow their creative career! https://www.instagram.com/thecreativepain/

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! Website Instagram

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of logo design with the renowned Bill Gardner, owner and president of Gardner Design, and founder of LogoLounge.com. Bill has been at the forefront of logo trend analysis for over 15 years, meticulously researching thousands of logos from designers worldwide to produce the highly anticipated annual Logo Trend Report. Join us as we explore the latest trends from the 2024 report and gain insights into the evolving landscape of logo design. Bill shares his expertise on how the role of logos is shifting within brand ecosystems, moving from centerpieces to complementary elements within a broader visual strategy. We discuss the rise of inventive wordmarks, the impact of digital media on logo design, and the increasing influence of AI in creating dynamic, multi-dimensional logos. From gradients and animations to the playful adoption of human characteristics in logos, Bill provides a comprehensive overview of the trends that are shaping the future of branding. Trend Report

Join us for an inspiring episode as we chat with Jeff LoPilato, co-founder of Planet People Studio! 🌿 Jeff and his team are passionate about creating innovative design solutions that make a positive impact on both people and the planet. We'll dive into the world of sustainable graphic and packaging design, exploring how creativity and eco-friendly practices can go hand in hand. Discover the unique approach Planet People Studio takes in their projects, the challenges they overcome, and the amazing successes they've achieved in promoting sustainability. Jeff also shares valuable insights on how to effectively share your work on social media and build an authentic following. Whether you're a designer, business owner, or just someone interested in sustainability, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice. Tune in and learn how design can be both fun and functional while making the world a better place! 🌍✨ Planet People Studio on Instagram

Get ready for an epic collaboration as "The DGDC" and "The Angry Designer Podcast" finally come together to chat, rant, and laugh about the world of graphic design! In this special crossover episode, we're joining forces to bring you an unfiltered and hilarious discussion on everything from industry trends to career advice. Join us as we: Share our podcast origin stories and what keeps us passionate about design. Swap tales of the wildest moments we've encountered in the design world. Highlight the best advice and feedback we've received from our loyal listeners. Forecast the future of graphic design and how to stay ahead of the curve. Don't miss this fun and insightful collaboration—hit play and join the conversation with two of your favorite design podcasts! Check them out here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAVnxcg2CYzRr5_A1xVo9oA https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-angry-designer/id1531777489

Join us on this visually stimulating episode of The DGDC as we dive into the world of Sketchnote artistry with Alejo Porras, a master of making content unforgettable through Live Event Graphic Recording and Live Illustration. Alejo shares his journey from his initial sketches to becoming a renowned visual note-taker and facilitator at major events. Whether you're a graphic designer, a creative professional, or just someone looking to take better notes at conferences and meetings, this episode offers valuable insights. Alejo will discuss techniques for effective visual note-taking, the importance of community and networking in the creative industry, and practical tips for promoting your work on social media. Listen in to discover how to turn information into art and make your notes not only more enjoyable but also more impactful. Website: http://www.alejoporrasart.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alejoporras/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alejoporrasart Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@alejoporras-visualnotes Fresh Ideas (newsletter): https://www.alejoporrasart.com/newslettersubscribe

On this episode of The Next Level, I sit down with Greg Dubin, a product designer from Chicago. We talk about the process of designing and creating your own products, and the challenges that come along with it. Greg gives us some insight and lessons learned from his work experience and highlights his most recent passion project On A Wire, a modern solution to vinyl record storage. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/records.on.a.wire/ Mailing List Signup: forms.gle/2RyS4DrGeqHrLFfv7 Personal Website: https://www.gregdubin.com/ Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/gregdubin/on-a-wire?ref=discovery

Our buddy Wes is back to fill us all in on what he's been up to, since leaving the DGDC in 2020! Enjoy the mini-reunion!

Listen up, fellow creatives! It's time to shatter the chains of self-doubt, break free from the constraints of conventional wisdom, and unleash the unstoppable force of your creativity. In this no-holds-barred conversation, we're going all-in to challenge every limiting belief, defy every expectation, and ignite a revolution in mindset. So buckle up, because we're about to embark on a journey of radical self-empowerment and unapologetic ambition. Are you ready to unleash your full potential and claim your rightful place at the top? Let's do this!

In the second episode of our "Anchor Show" series on the DGDC Podcast, hosts Nick and Mikelle delve into a common dilemma faced by graphic designers: the undervaluation of their craft by clients. With insights drawn from their extensive experience in the industry, Nick and Mikelle unpack the reasons behind this undervaluation and share practical strategies for persuading clients to recognize the true worth of graphic design. Tune in as they explore the importance of effective communication, showcasing the value of design through case studies, and fostering long-term client relationships built on trust and mutual understanding. Whether you're a seasoned designer or just starting out, this episode offers valuable insights to help you advocate for the value of your work.

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

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!

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

We're back with our new Anchor Show! Listen as always, or check out our new video feature as well. Creative Market Trend Report

For Episode 2 of The Next Level, I sat down with Marcus Nuccio, a graphic designer and touring musician out of the Chicago Area, to chat about work-life balance. In a world where juggling one career seems hard enough, Marcus shares his unique perspective on balancing two careers and still making time for his personal life. It was great to catch up with him about life, music, side projects, and everything in between! Make sure to follow along with everything Marcus has going on: Marcus on Instagram Website Patreon Pet Symmetry Ratboys You Host, Tom Lauro

In this episode of our podcast, we discuss the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the graphic design industry. In Part 1 of the series, we delve into the ways in which AI is changing the way designers work, both in terms of efficiency and creativity, and explore some of the ethical considerations around the use of these technologies. We share our perspectives on the benefits of incorporating AI into design workflows, as well as some of the challenges and limitations they have encountered. Listen up for an engaging conversation about the future of graphic design and the role of AI in shaping it. If you're interested in checking out Nick's Talk on AI-Powered Packaging Design at the Print Design Summit, CLICK HERE TO REGISTER for free.

An eye-opening discussion with Dan Stiles before his Meme Warfare: Design in the Age of Disinformation talk at Adobe Max. This is a timely conversation for all creatives. So WHY is he talking about THIS? Dan tells us about the inspiration for his talk, including an honest look at how digital media has played a huge role in false information and how we are just drinking it up. As disseminators of information, are we part of the problem, or the solution? To help understand, we discuss: The classic techniques of propaganda and how they have been repurposed for digital content How to follow the pathways of disinformation through the new digital media landscape Why traditional safeguards are inadequate to stop the spread of viral lies What we as content creators can do on the front lines of this dystopian war on truth You can watch his final presentation here! Dan's Website 

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 our latest episode, "Must-Have Killer Apps," get ready for a deep dive into the graphic design world's best-kept secrets. Join our hosts, Nick, Jordan, and Mikelle, as they unveil their favorite apps that have become indispensable in their creative arsenals. Discover the tools that save them precious time, streamline their design processes, and enhance their overall convenience. From desktop to mobile, these apps are the unsung heroes of their daily work routines. But that's not all – we've also gathered recommendations from our listeners! Tune in to find out which apps made the cut, and get ready to level up your design game. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your creative journey, this episode is packed with insights and app recommendations that you won't want to miss. Join us as we explore the must-have killer apps in the graphic design world. Links: Nick: Flexbits UnClutter Noun Project FontSelf Logo Package Vector Magic Jordan: Alfred App Hand Mirror Bartender CheatSheet Hidden Bar CopyClip Upscayl https://www.grammarly.com/ Opener Mikelle: InVision Figma ClickUp