Make and Design with Carina Gardner
Carina Gardner 605 episodes Nov 10, 2026
Carina Gardner, Ph.D., unravels the everyday joys and dilemmas of design, making, and business. She shares insights from her experience in fabric design, paper design, die cut design, and crafting, aiming to bring more creativity and joy into life. As founder and CEO of the University of Arts & Design, she has designed everything from dishware to sewing patterns to bracelets. She currently designs fabric for Riley Blake Designs and die cutting files for Silhouette while teaching other designers to build meaningful businesses.
Episodes
Episode 592 Starting A Business with Siser North America
Carina talks to Patrick Ali about Siser North America, crafting products, and die cutting machines. Learn more at https://www.siserna.comLearn more about course, degrees, and our new Continuing Education Program at the University of Arts & Design at www.uad.educationJoin a Design Bootcamp at www.designsuitecourses.com/designbootcamp Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.
Episode 591 How To Become An Untouchable Designer
Carina started thinking about how to make herself “untouchable” as she started her design business. In this episode, she talks about how she is thinking about it now and the six ways you too can make yourself untouchable.Learn more about course, degrees, and our new Continuing Education Program at the University of Arts & Design at www.uad.educationJoin a Design Bootcamp at www.designsuitecour
Episode 590 Makeshift Crafters with Brittany Naylor
Carina talks to Brittany Naylor who owns Makeshift Crafts in Colorado. Her cozy crafting center blew up the first year it was in business. Between workshops and her retail space, Brittany talks about building an intentional space.Learn more at https://makeshiftcrafts.com/Learn more about course, degrees, and our new Continuing Education Program at the University of Arts & Design at www.uad.edu
Episode 589 Ten UnHinged Things I Did at the University of Arts and Design
Carina talks about the ten UnHinged things she implemented when she started the University of Arts & Design. Determined to do online school differently, these things are what makes UAD a place where students thrive.Learn more about course, degrees, and our new Continuing Education Program at the University of Arts & Design at www.uad.educationJoin a Design Bootcamp at www.designsuitecourse
Episode 588 The Craft Industry Revolution with Darrin Stern
Carina talks to Darrin Stern about H + H Americas and the craft industry. Learn more about how tradeshows are changing in the craft and quilting industry in today’s episode.Learn more at https://hh-americas.com/Learn more about course, degrees, and our new Continuing Education Program at the University of Arts & Design at www.uad.educationJoin a Design Bootcamp at www.designsuitecourses.com/de
Episode 587 Seven UnHinged Things I Did To Start A Design Business
Ready to start your design business? Carina talks about the seven unhinged things she did to get started and helped her win.Learn more about course, degrees, and our new Continuing Education Program at the University of Arts & Design at www.uad.educationJoin a Design Bootcamp at www.designsuitecourses.com/designbootcampTake the fun What Kind of Designer Are You? Quiz here: https://uad.educatio
Episode 586 Foundational Paper Piecing and Fabric with Liza Taylor
Carina talks to fellow Riley Blake designer Liza Taylor about her membership, books, and foundational paper piecing blocks. Her sweet style and quilt block design will delight you!Learn more about Liza at https://lizataylorhandmade.com/Learn more about this course, degrees, and our new Continuing Education Program at the University of Arts & Design at www.uad.educationJoin a Design Bootcamp at
Episode 585 The Homemade Rebellion
The Etsy states from 2025 and 2026 will tell you a lot of about the state of the crafting industry and it’s not what you think. Carina shares the data and what it means for maker’s businesses.Learn more about this course, degrees, and our new Continuing Education Program at the University of Arts & Design at www.uad.educationJoin a Design Bootcamp at www.designsuitecourses.com/designbootcamp G
Episode 584 Laser Machines and Quilting with Melodie Harding
Carina talks to Melodie Harding about her innovative stencils. Learn more about a business owner who is making her own designs, how she markets them, and what it takes to start a new business. Learn more about how she has mixed laser machines with quilting.Learn more about Melodie at https://sewharmony.com/Use code: Carina20 for a discount off Melodie's products!Learn more about course, degre
Episode 583 From Doodles To Design with Amy Latta
Carina talks to Andover designer Amy Latta about her doodles, books, and more recent fabric collections.This is a cut from an hour-long interview Carina did with Amy for the University of Arts & Design’s DES 610 course.Learn more about Amy at https://www.amylattacreations.com/Learn more about this course, degrees, and our new Continuing Education Program at the University of Arts & Design
Episode 582 Taste Is The Product
Today it’s about dishing the tea on Figma and the 18% Lie. Everyone assumes that AI is eating design jobs, but the data says otherwise. Learn more in today’s episode.Learn more about this course, degrees, and our new Continuing Education Program at the University of Arts & Design at www.uad.educationJoin a Design Bootcamp at www.designsuitecourses.com/designbootcamp Get my free gift to you her
Episode 581 Fresh Starts
Carina talks about the power of creating your own fresh start. Jumping into something new requires several “new” things including environment, objects, and people. Learn more about how to create your own fresh start in today’s episode.Learn more about this course, degrees, and our new Continuing Education Program at the University of Arts & Design at www.uad.educationJoin a Design Bootcamp at
Episode 580 Collaborative Design with Brooke Shankland
Carina talks to Art Gallery Fabric designer Brooke Shankland about her collaborative design group, quilt design, and so much more.This is a cut from an hour-long interview Carina did with Brooke for the University of Arts & Design’s DES 610 course.Learn more about Brooke at https://eudaimoniastudio.com/Learn more about this course, degrees, and our new Continuing Education Program at the Unive
Episode 579 Your Blue Bowl
What is your ‘blue bowl’? The thing that makes your design or art business unique and memorable? Carina talks about how you should be creating your ‘blue bowl’ business so that people know exactly what you offer and where to find you.Learn more about this course, degrees, and our new Continuing Education Program at the University of Arts & Design at www.uad.educationJoin a Design Bootcamp at w
Episode 578 Founding the Craft Industry Alliance with Abby Glassenberg
Carina talks to Craft Alliance Industry Founder Abby Glassenberg about starting an association, the benefits it offers, and business advice to new business owners.This is a cut from an hour-long interview Carina did with Abby for the University of Arts & Design’s DES 610 course.Learn more about the Craft Alliance Industry at https://craftindustryalliance.orgLearn more about this course, degree
Episode 577 The Most Unglamorous Part of Sewing
Carina has been quilting a lot recently and has been reflecting on the parts of sewing she doesn’t really love and how it relates to the parts of a design business that are hard to do…not because they are undoable but because they are boring.Learn more about this course, degrees, and our new Continuing Education Program at the University of Arts & Design at www.uad.educationJoin a Design Bootc
Episode 576 Charm Bracelet Reflections
Have you ever made a charm bracelet too fill, too big, or too tight? Carina talks about how building a charm bracelet is a lot like building your art or design business. Learn more in today’s jewelry inspired episode! Learn more about this course, degrees, and our new Continuing Education Program at the University of Arts & Design at www.uad.educationJoin a Design Bootcamp at www.designsuiteco
Episode 575 Layers to a Fabric Business with Jill Finley
Carina talks to fellow Riley Blake fabric designer Jill Finely. Learn how Jill works in fabric, retreats, notions, and so much more! This is a cut from an hour long interview Carina did with Jill for the University of Arts & Design’s DES 610 course.Learn more about Jill at https://www.jillilystudio.com/Learn more about this course, degrees, and our new Continuing Education Program at the Unive
Episode 574 Being Brave with Amy Smart From UAD's DES 610 Course
Carina hosts Amy Smart for an indepth interview on starting and running a business for her DES 610 Creative Perspectives Course. This is a 15 minute cut from that interview for you to learn more about Amy and how to be brave.Learn more about Amy at https://www.diaryofaquilter.com/Learn more about this course, degrees, and our new Continuing Education Program at the University of Arts & Design
Episode 573 Learning By Doing
Carina has never believed in waiting until you feel ready. In this episode she talks about learning by doing, and why the creatives who just start making things beat the ones who wait until they think they know enough.Design Bootcamp: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/designbootcampUniversity of Arts & Design: https://uad.education/ Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses
Episode 572 The Old Trout, The Young Trout, and the Salmon
There's an old Aesop fable about an old trout, a young trout, and a salmon. In this episode Carina connects it to where designers really are with AI right now, and what it means for anyone deciding whether to adapt.Design Bootcamp: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/designbootcampUniversity of Arts & Design: https://uad.education/ Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecours
Episode 571 The Series of Lucky Coincidences and Tiny Decisions That Led To Me Becoming A Designer
Carina didn’t start out with a desire to become a designer. In this episode she walks through the lucky coincidences and tiny decisions that changed her whole direction, and why the path almost never looks like you think it will. Design Bootcamp: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/designbootcampUniversity of Arts & Design: https://uad.education/ Get my free gift to you here: https://www.design
Episode 570 Here What You Need To Know About the State of The Design Industry Right Now
Is design still worth it? Is AI about to take it all? Carina pulled some research along with her own AI experience to tell you what the state of the industry looks like right now. In this episode she breaks down what the research really says about design and business, where AI fits, and why the designers who get it are about to pull way ahead.Design Bootcamp: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/des
Episode 569 How Julianna Hukill Combined Quilting and Scrapbooking
Carina Gardner caught up with Julianna Hukill at H+H Americas in Chicago.Julianna is an MFA student at the University of Arts & Design, and she is bringing scrapbooking ideas into the quilting world. At the show she shared her new book written for quilters and showed off her 3D printed quilt blocks. She has been building a real design business while she earns her degree.In this episode, Julian
Episode 568 Broadcasting From H + H Americas
Carina shares some of her thoughts from the Creator Studio at H + H Americas in Chicago May 2026. Learn more about the craft industry and university updates!Learn more about the University of Arts & Design at www.uad.education Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional
Episode 567 How One Small Tip Tripled Barbie Mills' Business | H+H Americas 2026
Carina Gardner sits down with Barbie Mills, founder of the Quilting Mill, at H+H Americas 2026 in Chicago.Barbie has been longarm quilting since 2012 and designs modern digital pantographs for computerized longarm quilters. She sells her designs to quilters around the world and teaches pantograph design. She is also an MFA student at the University of Arts & Design.In this episode, Barbie talk
Episode 565 University of Arts and Design Masterclass: What No One Tells You About Starting a Design Business
Join Carina today in this special episode where she talks about the 3 Gaps for designers, the three things no one tells you, and the research behind design and business education. Furthermore, Carina interviews graduate Katie Winn who talks about her experiences at the University of Arts & Design.Learn more about UAD's degrees and certificates at www.uad.education. Get my free gift to yo
Episode 564 Don't Let Them Fool You. Everything is Always Changing.
Be wary of anyone who gives you a strategy and tells you it always works because if there is one thing Carina has learned it is that everything changes. Today Carina is at the H + H Show and she talks about the evolution of shows during her time in this business and changes she continues to see in the design and art industries. What’s New: https://www.carinagardner.comUniversity of Arts & Desi
Episode 563 Book Club From Sweet Life of A Designer Summit
Pulled from our March Sweet Life of A Designer Summit, this youtube live features some of our presenters “Favorite Books.” Watch the full video at https://www.youtube.com/live/JW9JZz5XRns?si=S08Bn_KfCgRMtJM3What’s New: https://www.carinagardner.comUniversity of Arts & Design: http://uad.education Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional
Episode 562 Updates At The University of Arts & Design
Carina gives you some updates from the University of Arts & Design. As we approach the 2 years anniversary of the university, Carina talks about some of the discoveries and changes she is making to help create a better university. What’s New: https://www.carinagardner.comUniversity of Arts & Design: http://uad.education Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/inten
Episode 561 Favorite Things From Sweet Life of A Designer Summit
Pulled from our March Sweet Life of A Designer Summit, this youtube live features some of our presenters “Favorite Things.” Watch the full video at https://www.youtube.com/live/iX6Fv-BVKLc?si=Gr42NqNCblCmhuWS.What’s New: https://www.carinagardner.comUniversity of Arts & Design: http://uad.education Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional
Episode 560 The Anatomy of A Product That Sells
Carina breaks down the 9 essential elements in The Anatomy of a Product That Sells and shows you how to elevate your design products.Links to help new designers:What’s New: https://www.carinagardner.comUniversity of Arts & Design: http://uad.education Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional
Episode 559 How To Do A Spring Edit of Your Shops
Each spring, Carina conducts a “spring edit” across her shops. In today’s episode, she shares how she approaches it and what she chooses to do and not do to keep the process manageable.Links to help new designers:What’s New: https://www.carinagardner.comUniversity of Arts & Design: http://uad.education Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional
Episode 558 4 Lessons I Learned About Design Leadership
Carina is currently teaching a Design Leadership class at the University of Arts & Design, which has prompted her to reflect on the lessons she has learned as a leader. Learn more in today’s episode.Links to help new designers:What’s New: https://www.carinagardner.comUniversity of Arts & Design: http://uad.education Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intention
557 The Key 3 Things Who Are Winning Are Doing
Winning is rarely about talent, luck, or working more hours. In this episode, we break down the three things consistently happening behind the scenes for creatives and entrepreneurs who are actually moving forward and seeing results. Join Carina as she tells you what she is seeing from successful designers.Links to help new designers:What’s New: https://www.carinagardner.comUniversity of Arts &
556 Build Your Own Defined Design Process
Most creatives think productivity comes from working harder or longer. In this episode, we flip that idea on its head. A defined design process is what creates clarity, momentum, and finished work you can actually use and sell.This episode is for designers, artists, and makers who feel scattered, overwhelmed, or stuck starting over every time they sit down to create. Links to help new designers:Un
Episode 555 Business Breakthroughs with Elizabeth Chappell
Carina’s guest Elizabeth Chappell is the founder of Quilter’s Candy. She helps creatives write sewing patterns and build their businesses. She talks about the pivots she made in her business and how she has simplified to make more. Learn more about Elizabeth:Website: https://quilterscandy.com/ Waitlist for Quilt Pattern Writing Course: https://quilterscandy.myflodesk.com/kickstart-eventInstagram:
Episode 554 How YOU Need to Transform To Become Who You Want To Be
Transformation is not just about changing habits. It is about changing how you see yourself. In this episode, we explore what real transformation actually requires and why most people struggle to become who they say they want to be.If you feel called toward a different version of yourself but are unsure how to get there, this episode will help you understand what needs to change first.Get Carina’s
Episode 553 Real Confessions of What Is Happening With Design Suite and the University of Arts & Design
This is a transparent and reflective episode about what is truly happening behind the scenes at Design Suite and the University of Arts & Design.Carina talks honestly about growth, challenges, decisions, and the realities of building educational institutions and creative programs at scale. This conversation is for anyone building something meaningful who wants a realistic look at leadership, r
Episode 552 The Simple Truth About Owning A Business
Owning a business is often portrayed as freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment, but the reality is more nuanced. In this episode, Carina talks honestly about what business ownership actually requires and why simplicity is often the missing ingredient.If you are running a business or thinking about starting one, this episode offers clarity without hype and truth without discouragement.Get Carina’s n
Episode 551 Clarity Over Creativity
Creativity often gets all the attention, but clarity is what actually moves ideas forward. In this episode, Carina explores why clarity matters more than creativity when you are building meaningful work, making decisions, and leading a business or creative practice.This episode is for designers, artists, and entrepreneurs who feel busy but unfocused and want a calmer, more intentional way to move
Episode 550 Attention is Limited
Designers often think they need more talent, better tools, or the perfect strategy. But what if the real issue is attention?In this episode, we explore why attention is one of your most limited creative resources and how splitting it between fear, comparison, and pressure quietly sabotages your work. Drawing from psychology and neuroscience, we talk about why mindset gets in the way of clarity, wh
Episode 549 Dishing the Tea with Lori Whitlock
Carina has fellow designer Lori Whitlock on to talk about Japan and design! Learn how both of us started our businesses! You can watch the entire episode at youtube.com/carinagardner. Get Carina’s new bookThe Intentional Design Year here: Paperback: https://amzn.to/43XTRLGHardback: https://amzn.to/4isrefmPrompt Journal Paperback: https://amzn.to/4osha7JPrompt Journal Hardback: https://amzn.to/4rvr
Episode 548 Goal Setting Made Simple
Carina walks you through simple ways to make goal planning productive. Sometimes we overcomplicate the process of creating goals and this episode makes it feel easy and fun!Get Carina’s new bookThe Intentional Design Year here: Paperback: https://amzn.to/43XTRLGHardback: https://amzn.to/4isrefmPrompt Journal Paperback: https://amzn.to/4osha7JPrompt Journal Hardback: https://amzn.to/4rvrG0uLinks to
Episode 547 Real Results from a University of Arts & Design Student Brenna Powell
Carina talks with Brenna Powell about lessons learned from Design Suite and now as a University of Arts & Design student. These are lessons every designer can relate to!Learn more about Brenna on all her feeds at crafting with brenna. Visit her website at https://craftingoverload.com/.Links to help new designers:What’s New: https://www.carinagardner.comDesign Bootcamp: http://www.carinagardner
Episode 546 Your Year of Intention
Carina talks about her new book The Intentional Design Year released last month. She goes over how to use it and her free gift to you. Enjoy the digital version of the book for free for 1 month at https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional.You can also get The Intentional Design Year here: Paperback: https://amzn.to/43XTRLGHardback: https://amzn.to/4isrefmPrompt Journal Paperback: https://amzn
545 - A Sneak Peek At Our Family Life During the Holidays
Carina opens up about where she has been, what her family does during the holiday season and more! If you like Carina’s personal antidotes on how she does her life, you will love this very Christmasy episode!Links to help new designers:What’s New: https://www.carinagardner.comDesign Bootcamp: http://www.carinagardnercourses.com/designbootcampUniversity of Arts & Design: http://uad.education Ge
544 - Four-C Model of Creativity
Ever wonder what makes everyday creativity different from the genius of Picasso or Einstein? In this episode, I break down the Four-C Model of Creativity—Mini-c, Little-c, Pro-c, and Big-C—and explore how each level shows up in our lives. From the small insights that spark growth to the world-changing breakthroughs that leave a legacy, you’ll discover why all forms of creativity matter. Links to h
543 - End of Year Tribute to Lindsay Bowerman
As the year comes to a close, Carina reflects on the loss of a few dear friends. Among them is the wonderful Lindsay Bowerman, a cherished member of the University of Arts & Design Advisory Council, whom Carina interviewed back in 2022. In this heartfelt episode, Carina shares her memories and revisits that special conversation with Lindsay.Links to help new designers:What’s New: https://www.c
542 - Is AI Cutting Down Idea Diversity? The Troubling Results of One Study
Do you think AI can make you more creative? Actually, according to a new study, AI can enhance individual creativity. The side effect? It reduces novel ideas for society or entire groups. Learn more in today’s episode.Links to help new designers:What’s New: https://www.carinagardner.comDesign Bootcamp: http://www.carinagardnercourses.com/designbootcampUniversity of Arts & Design: http://uad.ed
541 - Abundance Thinking + A Book Recommendation
Carina talks about abundance and gratitude at this time of year. She also talks a little bit about a book she has been recently reading called The Art of Thinking Clearly by Rolf Dobelli and having a growth mindset.Links to help new designers:What’s New: https://www.carinagardner.comDesign Bootcamp: http://www.carinagardnercourses.com/designbootcampUniversity of Arts & Design: http://uad.educa
540 - Pulling Back the Curtain on Virtual Conferences
Carina’s team have been doing Virtual Conferences for almost 5 years and Carina tells you some of the things they do in these 5 hour meetings for Design Suite and the University of Arts & Design. Get the inside scoop on what happens on these special design days!Links to help new designers:What’s New: https://www.carinagardner.comDesign Bootcamp: http://www.carinagardnercourses.com/designbootca
Episode 539 - Lessons I Recently Learned From a Plumber
Carina talks about an experience she had with a plumber who recently came to do some work on her Barn. The experience was interesting and left her wondering how we as designers show up for our clients.Links to help new designers:What’s New: https://www.carinagardner.comDesign Bootcamp: http://www.carinagardnercourses.com/designbootcampUniversity of Arts & Design: http://uad.education Get my fr
Episode 538 - Julie Thompson’s Gluten-Free Breakthrough with Foundations Built from Design Suite
Sometimes designers come to me to create other types of businesses. Learn how our own coach Julie Thompson created a new business using the skills she learned from Design Suite in today’s episode.Want to learn more about Julie’s new gluten free recipes? Visit her at www.cedarhillbakeshop.com.Links to help new designers:What’s New: https://www.carinagardner.comDesign Bootcamp: http://www.carinagard
Episode 537 - Want to Crush 2026? Here’s Why I Start Planning in October
Crushing your next year actually starts in 4th Quarter of the previous year. Carina talks about several inspirational steps that could take your design business to the next level. Learn more in today’s episode.Learn what is new by going to www.carinagardner.comJoin a Design Bootcamp at www.designsuitecourses.com/designbootcamp Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intent
Episode 536 - I'm A Designer. Now What?
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.comJoin a Design Bootcamp at www.designsuitecourses.com/designbootcamp Get my free gift to you here: https:
Episode 535 - The Startling Truth About What AI Is Doing To The Design Industry
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.comJoin a Design Bootcamp at www.designsuitecourses.com/designbootcamp Get my free gift to you here: https://ww
Episode 534 - Feeling Behind? Listen to This
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. Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional
Episode 533 - The Locked Drawer
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. Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional
Episode 532 - Negotiation Secrets Every Designer Needs with Carina Gardner & Susie Tomenchuk
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
Episode 531- Feeling Invisible? 3 Marketing Layers You Need
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. Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuiteco
Episode 530 - Is It Too Late To Start A Design Career?
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. Get my free gift to you here: https://
Episode 529 - Designing While Momming - How I Built My Business With Kids At Home
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 Get my free gift
Episode 528 Design Advice I Would Give My Younger Self
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 busines
Episode 527 Why Does Creative Potential Suffer?
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 of
Episode 526 How to Price Your Design Work When You're Just Starting Out
In this practical and empowering episode, Carina Gardner tackles one of the biggest challenges new designers face: pricing your work when you're just starting out.Carina walks listeners through the mindset shifts, mistakes to avoid, and strategies that helped her go from undercharging to building a profitable design business. She shares honest insights about how to set your prices with confid
Episode 525 Design Entrepreneurship & Leadership Skills You Can Learn to Do NOW with Vincent Wanga
In this dynamic episode, Carina Gardner sits down with designer and entrepreneur Vincent Wanga for an inspiring conversation about what it really takes to lead in the creative world—starting right now.Together, they explore the key leadership and business-building skills every designer can begin practicing today, regardless of experience. From communicating with confidence to making strategic deci
Episode 524 Designing for Profit: Why Some Creatives Make It and Others Don’t
Carina knows in just a few sentences whether a designer is going to be profitable or not. Learn how she assesses a designer’s profitability in today’s episode.___________________________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
Episode 523 3 Mistakes New Designers Make (and How to Avoid Them)
Are you a new designer finding the road a bit bumpy? Carina shares three common mistakes she sees new designers make—and how to fix them. These simple solutions can help you build a more successful design business!___________________________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 fi
Episode 522 Income for Designers: What Really Works in 2025
2025 has been an interesting year for designers. Carina works with hundreds of creatives through her university and Design Suite programs, giving her a front-row seat to what’s actually working right now. Learn more in today’s episode.___________________________About Carina Gardner, Ph.D.:Carina is the CEO of the University of Arts & Design. The university offers certificates and Masters degre
Episode 521 From Hobby to Business: Turning Your Design Skills Into Cash
What’s the difference between someone with a hobby and someone who wants a business from the thing they love? Carina shares the mindset shift you need to turn your design skills into cash.___________________________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 C
Episode 520 How to Become a Graphic Designer and Work from Home
Want to become a graphic designer and work from home? In this episode, Carina shares the two paths she took to build a successful design career—while also staying home to raise her kids. Discover how she made it work, what she would do differently, and how you can start your own journey as a work-from-home designer.___________________________About Carina Gardner, Ph.D.:Carina is the CEO of the Uni
Episode 519 Dishing the Tea with Event Coordinator Sarah Cannon
In today’s episode, Carina and her event coordinator Sarah have a fun, honest, and laughter-filled conversation about the University of Arts & Design, family, and work. Watch the full episode on youtube at www.youtube.com/carinagardner. 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 f
Episode 518 Pull the Weeds, Water the Roots: How to Grow a Business That Lasts
Pull the Weeds, Water the Roots, and so much more! Carina gives her 10 tips for how to grow a business that lasts. These gardening tips will help you remember what you need to do to help sustain your design business even when things get tough.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
Episode 517 The Marketing Dilemma for Designers
Carina explores the tricky balance between creativity and self-promotion. Carina dives into real stories, practical strategies, and expert insights to help designers market themselves without compromising their artistic integrity.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. Carin
Episode 516 Dishing the Tea with Daughter Felicity
In this heartwarming episode, Carina sits down with her daughter Felicity for a candid chat about growing up with a mom who is a designer and business owner. From behind-the-scenes family moments to design inspiration, this mother-daughter duo dishes the tea on creativity, life, and everything in between. Don’t miss this special glimpse into their world! Full episode available on youtube.com/carin
Episode 515 The Grasshopper and The Ant
Right now is the best season for designers to really bulk up their sales. As we prepare for the coming season we need to act more like the ant than the grasshopper in Aesop’s Fable. Learn more about how you can really prepare for winter (literally).About Carina Gardner, Ph.D.:Carina is the CEO of the University of Arts & Design. The university offers certificates and Masters degrees in the cre
Episode 514 Recap of the Design Business Conference
This is a recap of the Design Business Conference we held at Ashton Gardens in Lehi Utah in March 2025. The original video can be found at youtube.com/carinagardner. Learn more about what we do in our live events!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
Episode 513 Drowning in Too Much Too Do
Do you feel like you are drowning in your design business? Carina uses one way to make sure that she doesn’t spend every day putting out fires in her business. Instead she focuses on the things that are the most important. Use her tactic for getting organized!About Carina Gardner, Ph.D.:Carina is the CEO of the University of Arts & Design. The university offers certificates and Masters degrees
Episode 512 Dishing the Tea with Daughter Felicity
Carina sits down with daughter Felicity to talk about growing up with a creative business household. Learn some of the sassy and sweet things Carina’s 17 year old has to say about design and business. This episode was originally aired on youtube.com/carinagardner.About Carina Gardner, Ph.D.:Carina is the CEO of the University of Arts & Design. The university offers certificates and Masters deg
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