The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDC
by Graphic Designers Nick Longo and Mikelle Morrison
The Deeply Graphic Designcast: Where Creatives Level Up! Hosted by Nick Longo and Mikelle Morrison, this dynamic duo dives into bold ideas, behind-the-scenes insights, and real-world advice to inspire designers, artists, and makers. Don't miss our first series, The Next Level with Tom Lauro. Tune in for the stories, tips, and fresh perspectives that’ll spark your next big creative move!
Episodes
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Confidence Is Earned | With Patrick Carter
What does it really take to build a successful creative business? Spoiler alert: Great design skills are only part of the equation. This week, we're joined by Patrick Carter, founder and creative director of 63 Visual, to unpack the hard-earned lessons from nearly 17 years of running an…
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Things Designers Ask
Design careers come with a LOT of questions, and most of the answers aren’t taught in school. In this episode, I’m tackling the questions designers ask me most about portfolios, getting hired, workplace dynamics, confidence, career growth, and everything in between. Straight answers, real...
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Raise Your Rates
What if the thing keeping your prices low isn’t your client, it’s you? In this episode, Nick breaks down why creatives so often undercharge, how pricing shapes the way clients perceive your value, and why your rates should evolve as your experience does. From raising prices with new clients to...
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How to Get Luckier
Ever wonder why some creatives always seem to be in the right place at the right time? In this episode, Nick explores how to get luckier by increasing your surface area for opportunity, putting yourself in the room, saying yes before you feel ready, creating your own opportunities, and giving…
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Find Your X-Factor
At some point in your creative career, getting better at design stops being the whole answer. In this episode, Nick explores how to uncover your X-Factor, the skills, experience, personality, and strengths beyond design that make you uniquely valuable, memorable, and harder to overlook. If you’re…
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Jacob Paris - Graphic Designer & Illustrator
Jacob Paris has been a sewer, a screen printer, a graphic designer, a streamer, and now an Adobe contractor. Somehow the biggest turning point in his career wasn't a job, a client, or a big break. It was a DM.In this episode, Jacob traces his creative path from teaching himself to sew on TikTok...
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Strategy Beats Slop!
Get over it. If you're still arguing about AI-generated "slop," you're missing the point. The smartest designers have moved on – they're too busy using AI to amplify their creativity, effectiveness, and competitive advantage. In this no-nonsense episode, Nick Longo and Brady Patterson break down...
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Stop Following Trends
Stop Following Trends — Bill Gardner on How to Read the Industry, Future-Proof Your Work, and Design What's Next Bill Gardner is back, and this time he's bringing receipts. The founder of LogoLounge and author of the brand new LogoLounge Guide to Iconic Branding joins us for one of the most...
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Creative Survival Guide - James Martin
Ever feel overwhelmed by the pressure to chase visibility as a designer? You're not alone.Tag someone who needs to hear this!In our latest chat, we dive into the evolving landscape of design, where the expectation to be constantly visible online can feel like a burden. Many new creatives enter…
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The Crop Effect! Our Experience at Crop Con
What happens when creatives stop scrolling, show up, and spend a few days learning from people who’ve actually put in the work? In this episode of The Deeply Graphic Designcast, Nick Longo and Joseph Bullard unpack “The Crop Effect”, an honest conversation reflecting on their experience at Crop...
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Inside a Real Rebrand
Most rebrands look good on the surface. This one actually meant something. In this episode, we go inside the rebrand of Shear Revival with Zach, Nader, and Tom, breaking down what it really takes to evolve a brand without losing its core. From early conversations and living room brainstorms to...
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Why Authenticity Wins in a Polished World
In a world where everything looks clean, polished, and technically perfect, why does so much of it feel forgettable? In this solo episode, Nick Longo breaks down the growing tension in the design industry, where great-looking work is no longer enough, and audiences are starting to question what’s...
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Build Better Creative Teams - Kiser Barnes
What does creative leadership actually look like today?In this episode, Kiser Barnes breaks down the evolution of brand building, from traditional top-down models to inclusive, bottom-up creative cultures that empower teams to thrive. He shares how diverse life experiences shape stronger creative...
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Is Your Career Stuck?
Feeling stuck in your creative journey?** 🤔 It's a common struggle, especially in today’s fast-paced world. In our latest podcast episode, Stacey Panousopoulos shares insights from her 20 years with AIGA New York. Discover how to navigate the challenges of feeling overwhelmed and find your way...
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Stop Bashing the Design Industry
Graphic design has been taking a beating online, from AI panic and low-paying job posts to burnout culture and social media negativity. In this episode, Nick Longo pushes back on the noise and stands up for the design industry with clarity, optimism, and long-game thinking. Rather than denying…
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Build a Brand that Lasts! With Josh Olalde
In this episode, Tom Lauro sits down with food and beverage photographer Josh Olalde to unpack what it really takes to build a creative career that lasts. From capturing authentic moments behind the camera to building trust with clients, Josh shares how craft, consistency, and storytelling become...
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Designing the Long Game - Are you investing in your future career?
In our new episode, we share insights from listener feedback that helped us pivot our content strategy. 📝 Engaging with your audience is key to growth! What’s the best feedback you’ve received that changed your perspective? Share your stories! #PodcasterLife #ListenerFeedback #ContentStrategy...
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Content That Gets You Hired
In this conversation, Brady Patterson discusses the evolving landscape of design careers and the importance of content creation in securing job opportunities. He shares his journey from graphic designer to agency owner and content creator, emphasizing the need for designers to adapt to the…
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Be The Creative Athlete - Jason Murray
What if your creative career wasn’t about climbing a ladder, but about building leverage? In this episode, we sit down with Jason Murray to unpack what it really means to be a Creative Athlete in today’s shifting industry. We talk about why the traditional creative path feels shakier than ever…
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Holiday Gift Guide 2025
It’s that time of year again, and your two favorite design elves, Mikelle and Nick, are back with a sleigh full of wildly good gift ideas for creatives. In this year’s Holiday Gift Guide, we’re pulling out the deep cuts, the clever upgrades, and the treats that’ll make any designer’s heart grow...
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Creative Career Hotline Featuring Maggie Enterrios, Enon Avital, and Dan Lee
What really happens when you hit the ten year mark in your creative career? In this episode, Nick is joined by three powerhouse designers who have each carved out their own lane in the industry, all with a decade of experience under their belts. Say hello to illustrator and licensing pro Maggie...
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Breaking Down What Makes Brands Shine
In this conversation, Nick discusses the unique design elements and storytelling aspects of various packaging designs. He highlights the importance of bold illustrations and effective branding in creating a memorable consumer experience. T-Shirt Link: Here
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Order Meets Chaos - Blueprints & Breakpoints
Creativity lives in the tension between control and chaos. In this episode, Nick Longo unpacks the lessons from his time speaking at Adobe MAX , where structure met spontaneity in real time. From airtight prep to unexpected pivots, he explores how to read the room, trust your instincts, and know...
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What to Do When Entry-Level Isn’t There Anymore
Designers, It’s Time to Jump What to Do When Entry-Level Isn’t There Anymore The path into the design industry has changed, and no one sent a memo. Entry-level roles are drying up, mentorship is rare, and early-career designers are being asked to “start mid-level” without a support system. In…
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The Design World Just Changed!
In this episode of The Deeply Graphic Design Cast, Nick sits down with AI futurist and designer Linus Ekenstam, whose bold takes on social media have shaken up the creative community. Linus has made headlines for statements like, “Designers who ignore AI might soon be out of jobs,” but his…
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Design News You Need to Know!
In this episode of The Drop, we’re serving up a sizzling slice of design news that graphic designers actually care about. We break down Pizza Hut’s quiet logo refresh and explore what it means for legacy brands. Microsoft drops a full redesign of its Office app icons — we unpack the system…
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Design Smarter with Wix Studio
In this conversation, Nick interviews Maayan Kraus, a UX team lead at Wix, discussing the evolution of Wix Studio and its features that enhance web design. They explore the importance of responsive design, AI integration, and the use of templates for inspiration. The conversation also highlights...
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Rebrand Process - Behind the Scenes of Branding
In this episode, Mikelle takes us behind the scenes of a full brand transformation, sharing her process of reimagining a driving school and its companion app. Nick jumps in along the way as they discuss the balance between creativity and practicality, the challenges of working with real client...
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How to Hire a Creative - What every business owner (and designer) needs to know!
Hiring a designer can feel overwhelming, whether you’re a small business owner taking the leap for the first time or a company ready to level up your brand. In this episode, we cut through the noise and walk you through how to hire a designer the right way. From spotting red flags and asking the...
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How She Built This! - The Next Level
How She Built This A real look at creative entrepreneurship On this episode of The Next Level, Tom Lauro sits down with Ashley Burke, the creative force behind Steady Hand Cafe & Collective in Bradley Beach, NJ. What began as a mobile coffee cart soon evolved into a vibrant brick-and-mortar café,...
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The Cracker Barrel Rebrand Backlash
Iconic to Ironic Cracker Barrel just dropped their iconic logo—and designers are not okay. In this episode of The Deeply Graphic Design Cast, we unpack the massive rebrand, the rise of minimalist “debranding,” and why legacy brands are trading story for simplicity. What are we losing in the name…
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Turning doubt into creative fuel with Rob Bedford
🎙️ Rise Without Permission Turning doubt into creative fuel with Rob Bedford In this episode, we sit down with designer and creative strategist Rob Bedford to unpack what it really means to be an underdog—and how that label can become your ultimate advantage. From being overlooked to outworking...
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Would You Hire Yourself? The ultimate creative self-audit.
This week, Nick is joined by guest co-host Steven Overturf for a brutally honest creative career check-up. Together, they put portfolios, personal brands, and online profiles under the microscope , asking the tough question every designer should: “If I weren’t me… would I hire me?” Expect plenty…
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Creative Curveballs: The Q&A Episode
In this special solo episode, we’re tackling the unexpected—one creative curveball at a time. From vanishing clients to surprise layoffs, tech fails to team shakeups, these listener-inspired questions cover the real-life chaos that freelancers, in-house designers, and studio owners face every…
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Speak Up or Stay Stuck
Persistence wins. Silence doesn’t. In this episode, we’re joined by designer and creative hustler Myles Mendoza to talk about what it really takes to move your career forward—especially when things aren’t going your way. From getting laid off to chasing dream projects, Myles shares how…
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Shifting Gears - The Next Level with Tom Lauro
On episode 10 of The Next Level Tom chats with John Boran Jr. about shifting careers from the agency world into higher education. They discuss the need for more practicing professionals in the education sector, and how volunteering your time and knowledge can benefit your personal work. Socials:...
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Freelance Fails to Avoid - Cole Friedman
Guest: Cole Friedman | colefdesign.com Freelancers, beware! In this episode, we’re joined by designer and creative thinker Cole Friedman to break down the 5 biggest mistakes freelancers make, and how to stop making them. Whether you're new to freelancing or knee-deep in client chaos, these…
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Price Like a Pro! Real talk on high-ticket design and creative confidence.
We teamed up with The Unapologetic Designer podcast for a special crossover episode featuring Kenzi and Marisa from The Brief Collective, and we’re getting real about the money side of design. We’re diving into the mindset shifts it takes to break free from the “starving artist” myth and start...
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The 2025 Logo Trend Report
2025 Logo Trend Report w/ Bill Gardner We’re back with the one and only Bill Gardner of LogoLounge to break down the real story behind this year’s logo trends. From emotional storytelling to the rise of activist branding, we explore how design is responding to a chaotic world—and why imperfection...
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The Drop – Episode 4: Your Design Career, Upgraded
The Drop – Episode 4: Your Design Career, UpgradedIn this month’s edition of The Drop, we’re serving up four stories every modern designer needs to hear:🧠 Why design is now a must-have skill in today’s workplace💸 The smartest (and newest) ways designers are making money in 2025🤖...
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Intersection of Music and Design w/ NBDco.
Hosted by Tom Lauro In this episode of The Next Level, Tom sits down with Nader Boraie, Chief Creative Officer of NBDco., a design studio known for building holistic brands out of New Jersey and New York. With over 15 years in design and art direction, Nader has carved a path that blends visual...
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Creative Karma with Chris Porter
In this episode, Nick sits down with longtime friend and fellow brand designer Chris Porter to talk about giving back to the creative community, from mentoring young designers and supporting student programs to helping with grants and industry advocacy.We’re diving into how you can show up, share...
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Burn the Rulebook!
Inspired by love, legacy, and the hunger to create something real. In this episode, we sit down with Connór Lock, designer, artist, and self-taught chef, who walked away from the expected path and leaned hard into the fire. What started in his mother’s kitchen turned into a life of storytelling...
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Dan Janssen from Lincoln Design Co
Dan Janssen, founder and creative director of Lincoln Design Co., returns to the show for a deep dive into the studio’s highly anticipated new release: The Brand Design of a Brand Design Agency. This 288-page book isn't about client work—it's a behind-the-scenes look at how Lincoln built its own...
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Chasing Clients - Navigating Client Communication Woes
In this episode, we're diving into one of the biggest struggles freelancers are facing right now—getting clients to actually respond, give clear feedback, and stick to the original project scope. Nick and Mikelle kick things off by sharing real-world pain points and how this trend is quietly...
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Packaging Secrets - Retail Buyers Tell All: What Makes Packaging Sell (and Fail)
🔥 Designers, listen up—this one’s for YOU. If you’re creating brand or packaging design for CPG, food & bev, or wellness products, this is the inside scoop you can’t afford to miss. We sat down with real retail buyers and asked them what actually gets a product noticed—and what gets it passed...
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The Drop – Episode 3: Design Moves You Gotta Know
In this episode of The Drop, we’re back with another hot roundup of design news you actually want to know. From bold rebrands to tech shake-ups, industry scandals to the next big thing in type and tech—we’re breaking it all down so you stay in the loop and ahead of the curve. We’ve handpicked the...
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Goodtype’s Year of Experiments
What happens when two legendary type lovers turn their year into one big creative experiment? You get insight, income—and maybe even $100K. In this episode, we sit down with the powerhouse duo behind Goodtype to talk about their bold new mission: using experiments to explore what brings them joy...
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Raised by Design - How Jeremy Slagle’s Kids Became Professional Designers
What happens when you grow up inside a design studio? In this episode of The Next Level, Tom Lauro sits down with creative powerhouse Jeremy Slagle and his two insanely talented kids, Faith and Caleb, who are now working designers. They share what it was like to be raised in a home bursting with...
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Start Your Studio! How Brethren Design Co. Made the Leap
From Side Hustle to Studio: How Brethren Design Co. Made the LeapThis week, we’re joined by the insanely talented duo behind Brethren Design Co., and trust us—this one’s packed with the kind of real-world advice our listeners love. Jeremy and Jordan Coon started Brethren while working full-time...
About this show
The Deeply Graphic Designcast: Where Creatives Level Up! Hosted by Nick Longo and Mikelle Morrison, this dynamic duo dives into bold ideas, behind-the-scenes insights, and real-world advice to inspire designers, artists, and makers. Don't miss our first series, The Next Level with Tom Lauro. Tune in for the stories, tips, and fresh perspectives that’ll spark your next big creative move!
Hosted by
Graphic Designers Nick Longo and Mikelle Morrison