On this episode of The Next Level I talk with Matt Dawson about our shared experiences of shifting careers away from landscape architecture to graphic design. We discuss the parallels of our journeys and the lessons learned along the way. Matt also discusses preparations for this year's Crop Creative Conference and some personal projects.

Links:

Crop Creative Conference Tickets:

https://www.cropcons.com/

Matt's IG: https://www.instagram.com/staygrayponyboy

LCLS Band: https://www.lclsband.com

Tom's IG: https://www.instagram.com/tlauro_design/

TLD Camp Shirt: https://www.tomlaurodesign.com/product-page/kings-county-camp-collar-shirt

Zachary West & The Good Grief: https://zacharywestandthegoodgrief.bandcamp.com

Do you practice your craft as much as you “do” it? In this episode, Nick sits down with Mike Perry, Chief Creative Officer and Founder of TAVERN, to explore why creatives should train like athletes. From design warm-ups and drills to refining your communication and management skills, we’re diving into how practicing more can make you a better designer—and a more confident creative professional.

We’ll cover:

How to warm up your design skills with drills and sprints.

Why practicing presentations, client onboarding, and negotiation is just as important as designing.

Simple ways to make creative practice a consistent part of your routine.

Plus, Mike drops incredible insights from his work with food, beverage, cannabis, and hospitality brands—don’t miss this one! And be sure to check the show notes for links to the designers Mike mentions in this episode. 🎨✨

#DesignPractice #CreativeWarmUps #DeeplyGraphicDesigncast

Show Links:

Ready to clear the clutter and kickstart 2025 with a fresh creative mindset? 🎨✨ In this episode of the Deeply Graphic Designcast, co-hosts Nick Longo and Mikelle Morrison dive into the ultimate Design Detox—helping designers and creatives identify what habits, tools, and trends they need to leave behind in 2024 to make space for bigger, bolder ideas in the year ahead.

As 2024 wraps up, we’re looking back at the top lessons, insights, and words of wisdom shared on the Deeply Graphic Designcast this year. From landing your dream job and building a standout portfolio to designing packaging that sells and mastering personal branding, we’ve covered it all—and now we’re bringing the best of it to you in one episode.

In this special year-end recap, we revisit the game-changing advice from our favorite episodes, featuring insights from incredible guests like Jess Goldsmith, Fred Hart, Tyler Pate, and more. Whether you’re refining your process, preparing for your next big opportunity, or pushing your creativity further, this episode is packed with tips to help you level up in 2025.

Grab your notepad—this one’s a highlight reel of everything you need to grow, stand out, and succeed as a designer in the year ahead!

Are job boards failing you? You’re not alone. Studies show that 85% of jobs are filled through networking and referrals—not applications. In this episode of The Referral Revolution, we’re flipping the script on job hunting and unlocking the secrets to leveraging LinkedIn to land your next creative role.

You’ll learn:

• How to optimize your LinkedIn profile to attract connections, not just recruiters.

• Proven strategies to network like a pro—even if you hate “networking.”

• Daily and weekly action plans to grow your reach and uncover hidden job opportunities.

Stop waiting for callbacks and start building relationships that lead to real results. Your dream job isn’t in a job post—it’s in your network.

Link to Slides!

🎧 Watch now and take control of your job search.

Why is selling creative ideas to clients often more difficult than creating them? In this episode, we explore the tough reality of pitching bold designs in an increasingly competitive and data-driven world.

Join us as we sit down with branding expert Fred Hart, a brand strategist, to uncover why clients say “no” and how independent designers and branding professionals can turn rejection into buy-in. From overcoming pushback to navigating competitive analysis, Fred shares actionable strategies to help you bridge the gap between your creative vision and client approval.

Whether you’re an independent designer or a creative professional looking to level up your client communication, this episode is packed with insights to help you sell your ideas and build stronger relationships with your clients.

👉 Watch now to learn how to turn skepticism into confidence and get your clients to say YES.

Book Recommendations:

The Win Without Pitching Manifesto

Getting Naked

Day Trading Attention

It’s the most wonderful time of the year—the Deeply Graphic Designcast’s annual Holiday Gift Guide for Designers! Join Nick and Mikelle as they share their favorite picks for the 2024 holiday season, packed with ideas to inspire, delight, and surprise the designers in your life (or yourself!). From must-have tools and books to quirky finds and splurge-worthy gadgets, there’s something for every creative on your list.

This festive tradition is our longest-running episode for a reason, so grab some cocoa, get cozy, and tune in for all the holiday cheer and design goodness. Whether you’re shopping for a colleague, a friend, or dropping hints to Santa, we’ve got you covered!

And don’t miss the very end, where we debut our holiday-inspired podcast theme song—you won’t want to miss it!

LINKS

Why does nostalgia in design feel so good? In this episode, we explore the resurgence of retro in branding and packaging and why it’s capturing the hearts (and wallets) of consumers today. From the psychology behind nostalgia to standout examples like Chobani’s earthy, vintage look and Burger King’s playful retro rebrand, we dive deep into how brands are using the past to shape their future.

We’ll also share tips for experimenting with nostalgia in your own work, the risks of overdoing it, and when retro just isn’t the right fit. Whether you’re a designer curious about this trend or a brand strategist looking to connect more meaningfully with your audience, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. Tune in to discover how to make nostalgia work for you!

In this episode, I dive into how designers can stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of AI. While AI continues to shape the creative industry, there are four essential human traits—emotional intelligence, cultural awareness, taste, and judgment—that still give us a competitive edge. I share real-world examples, explore how AI falls short in these areas, and provide actionable tips on how you can harness these traits to elevate your creative work. Tune in for insights on how to future-proof your career and continue making meaningful, human-centered design.

This episode is a special takeover! I first met Matt Tjokro and Finn Evans, two incredibly talented young designers, at an Adobe Creative Retreat earlier this year. These two made such an impression on me that I had to hand them the mic to share their journey. In this fun and insightful episode, Matt and Finn dive into their creative paths, life in art school, and how they’re moving forward in their design careers.

From defining what professionalism really means to finding and seizing creative opportunities, they’ll share their take on making it in the design world. Expect lots of laughs, fresh perspectives, and some seriously inspiring advice for anyone on a creative journey! Don’t miss Matt and Finn’s unique look at what it means to build a career as a young designer today.

Follow Matt

Follow Finn