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!

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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.