As designers, it’s easy to get stuck in a niche—whether it’s branding, illustration, or lettering—and feel like that’s all we can offer. But what if that skill was just a stepping stone to something even bigger? In this episode, I sit down with Adam Vicarel, a designer who started with hand lettering and expanded into branding, packaging, and large-scale murals. He shares how he embraced growth, landed bigger clients, and reframed his career along the way.

We’ll dive into the mindset shifts that help creatives break out of their niche, diversify their skills, and open up new opportunities—without feeling like they’re starting over. Adam shares practical advice on repositioning yourself, expanding your portfolio, and confidently evolving your creative career.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, unsure of how to grow, or hesitant to branch out, this conversation will give you the push you need. Tune in for actionable insights, real-world strategies, and the motivation to stop limiting yourself and start thinking bigger! 🎨🚀

#GraphicDesign #CreativeGrowth #FreelanceSuccess #DesignCareer

In our very first Portfolio Spotlight episode, we’re featuring Stephanie Louise, a talented designer who’s sharing an inside look at her creative journey and how she built her portfolio. We’ll explore her work, talk about the strategies she used to showcase her skills, and get her insights on navigating the design world.

https://stephanielouise.ca/

https://www.instagram.com/mild.side

Most designers don’t include case studies in their portfolios—and that’s a huge missed opportunity. A case study doesn’t just show your final design, it tells the story behind it: your process, strategy, and the impact of your work.

In this episode, I break down my Case Study Template, a step-by-step framework designed to help designers confidently showcase their projects in a way that attracts clients and job opportunities.

Then, we put it to the test! I sit down with designer and friend Tristan Rumery, who recently used the template to improve one of his website case studies. We go through the before and after, breaking down how he transformed his project presentation and what he learned along the way.

Finally, we share key advice for designers who want to use this template to its full advantage—so you can start building stronger, more persuasive case studies today.

If you’ve been struggling to present your work in a way that truly stands out, this episode is for you!

Case Study Template on Behance: https://shorturl.at/dH37z

Tristan on Instagram: https://shorturl.at/mFCwB

Welcome to the very first episode of The DGDC Drop! In this new series, we’ll bring you the latest in design news, trends, and insights, aiming to release a few episodes each year. In this kickoff episode, we dive into Walmart’s bold new brand refresh, explore Adobe’s innovative Bulk Create feature, review a few standout new brand designs, and even share some practical tips for choosing the perfect office chair for your creative workspace.

Tune in to The DGDC Drop and join us as we explore the world of design together. Don’t miss it!

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