If you have a design degree or have been taking several courses online, you might be ready for more than just design…you may be ready for building your business. Carina talks about what you need to do this and what that looks like for designers.

Learn what is new by going to www.carinagardner.com

Join a Design Bootcamp at www.designsuitecourses.com/designbootcamp

Now that we have had AI for a couple of years, Carina talks about what she has seen in the design industry. She covers the most concerning question designers have had which is, “Is design jobs going away?” Learn more in today's episode!

Learn what is new by going to www.carinagardner.com

Join a Design Bootcamp at www.designsuitecourses.com/designbootcamp

If you’ve ever felt like everyone else is ahead of you, this episode is your reset button. Carina Gardner shares a powerful mindset shift and practical tips to help you refocus, catch up, and move forward—without the overwhelm. You’re not as behind as you think.

Learn more about Carina at www.carinagardner.com.

What’s hiding in your “locked drawer”? In this episode, Carina Gardner explores the ideas, projects, and dreams we keep tucked away—and how unlocking them can transform your creative career. If you’ve been holding back your best work, it’s time to set it free.

Learn more about Carina at www.carinagardner.com.

Ready to stop leaving money on the table? In this episode, Carina Gardner sits down with negotiation expert Susie Tomenchuk to share proven strategies every designer needs. From handling pricing pushback to confidently closing deals, you’ll learn how to protect your value, get paid what you’re worth, and negotiate like a pro.

Learn more about Susie at https://www.susietomenchok.com.

Learn more about Carina at www.carinagardner.com.

Tired of feeling like no one sees your work? In this episode, Carina Gardner reveals the three essential marketing layers every creative needs to get noticed, build an audience, and turn followers into customers. Simple, actionable steps to make sure you’re no longer invisible in your industry.

Learn more about Carina at www.carinagardner.com.

Think you’ve missed your chance to become a designer? Think again. In this episode, Carina Gardner breaks down why it’s never too late to start a design career, the surprising advantages of starting later in life, and the exact steps to get moving now. Whether you’re 25 or 65, your creative future starts today.

Learn more about Carina at www.carinagardner.com.

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

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?
 Share this episode with a fellow designer who could use a little inspiration today.

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

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

Have you been dreaming of earning a Master’s degree or a Design Certificate that could lead you to launch your very own business? The University of Arts & Design has unique programs where you not only learn to design, but how NOT to be a starving artist, which is why I created it. Join us for our upcoming "Design Your Future" event! Visit www.uad.education/designyourfuture to learn more about our students, discover t