The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDC

Latest Episodes:

Designcast | Crushing Goals - David Jon Walker | DGDC Jul 05, 2021

Show notes

"Extra time equals extra opportunities" - David Jon Walker.

In this episode, we are joined by David Jon Walker. A talented designer and Associate Professor of Art in Graphic Design. We chat about his experience over the last year and how he took advantage of 2020 to set new Creative and Personal Goals. We talk about how he set new goals, including:
1) Learning a whole new creative skill/talent he's always wanted to try.
2) Posting his work more regularly and with purpose. Getting over those hurdles.
3) Daily personal wellness and health.
4) Saying YES to opportunities.
5) Putting his work to the test by entering competitions as a "reality check."

Be sure to follow him on Instagram here. (@davidjonwalker)

This episode is sponsored by Skillshare. To take advantage of our promotion, click here or go to:

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TEST PILOTS | How Creatives Can Manage Mental Health Part 1 | DGDC Jun 23, 2021

Show notes

After a difficult year in quarantine, The Test Pilots kick off with a new 2 part episode series on Mental Health in the Design Community and interview industry professionals Meg Lewis and Kate O’Connell. Tune in for the first episode of the series—filled with personal stories, helpful tips, and more!

This episode is sponsored by Skillshare. To take advantage of our promotion, click here or go to:

www.skillshare.com/DEEPEND2

DESIGNCAST | Logo Trends 2021 | DGDC Jun 07, 2021

Show notes

Our longest-running tradition here at the DGDC, Bill Gardner returns for the 2021 Logo Trends Report. Bill and the Logo Lounge team report what they have found by thoroughly scrutinizing the more than 35,000 logos submitted to LogoLounge since last year’s report.

As always, this report comes with a disclaimer, "It is an observation of the trajectory and evolution of key design directions. Yours is not to imitate but to use these to inform you where our industry is going and if you are able to stand on the shoulders of these designs and push them to the next great iteration or a completely new level."

You can follow along with Bill's Trend Report as a companion to our conversation. In addition to the report, we also discuss:

- How 2020 changed things for many small design studios.

- What industries and businesses skyrocketed.

- How designers are hired to tell stories and create meaning. Making the drama matter.

- How consumers are looking for guidance in alien territory and we are the scouts and the guides.

This episode is sponsored by Skillshare. To take advantage of our promotion, click here or go to:

www.skillshare.com/DEEPEND2

DESIGNCAST | Rebrands | DGDC May 24, 2021

Show notes

"Most people comment on logo rebrands as if they're judging a diving competition when they should be judging a swimming competition. It's not what kind of splash you make when you hit the water. It's how long you can keep your head above the water." Michael Bierut said it best. We should review logo rebrands differently. Logos need to have a long life, not win points in a discussion. So we decide to take a look at some of the most recent rebrands and discuss them with exactly this perspective in mind.

The gang looks at Burger King, Cadbury, GM, and Kia. We've also included this Companion PDF so you can follow along with our chat. If the link does not work, we have it on our Instagram bio link as well!

Be sure to follow us on Instagram!

Designcast | Embracing Failure | DGDC May 03, 2021

Show notes

Despite running a profitable, successful design business, many of us have experienced a few failures. We see failure as the end result of our efforts, or worse, we see it as the definition of our character. In this episode, Nick and Mikelle reflect on our own failures – financial challenges, client relations, and communication dilemmas. Hopefully discussing these challenges can genuinely have an impact on our overall business and success.

We cover the following:
· Lessons learned throughout the years
· Setting clear expectations for our business and ourselves
· Building relationships with network contacts and clients – both current and potential
· Failures mixed with successes that result in a healthy, balanced “secret sauce” anyone can achieve.

This episode is sponsored by Skillshare. To take advantage of our promotion, click here or go to:

www.skillshare.com/DEEPEND2

Designcast | Jeremy Slagle - The New Client Nextdoor | DGDC Apr 05, 2021

Show notes

The Potential New Client Nextdoor.

Jeremy Slagle joins the gang to discuss all the wonders of working with small local businesses. With his vast knowledge working with Jeni's Ice Cream in its early stages, Jeremy shares some tangible insights including:

Tips and Advice for listeners to find small local clients.

How to align your business with clients who share the same values and goals.

Discovering, developing, and spreading joy through your everyday work and talents.

Sharing your gifts to better your community.

And as a bonus, he talks passionately about the term "freelance" and why we should consider removing the F-word from your vocabulary!

Check out Jeremy's website here!

This episode is sponsored by Skillshare. To take advantage of our promotion, click hereor go to:

www.skillshare.com/DEEPEND2

DESIGNCAST | Outsourcing | DGDC Mar 23, 2021

Show notes

Every business owner’s goal is to scale their company into something bigger, something that can serve their clients better. Freelancers shouldn’t be any different. Outsourcing fits right into any scaling plan or expansion goals.

Mikelle and the team discuss some of the pros and cons of outsourcing with personal stories and practical advice. From project kickoffs to revisions, we highlight different ways to incorporate outsourcing and other collaborative partnerships to increase productivity and build a strong team.

TEST PILOTS | Self Betterment | DGDC Mar 08, 2021

Show notes

EPISODE TWO! THE DGDC PRESENTS THE TEST PILOTS

SELF BETTERMENT

"We are the Test Pilots, 4 young designers exploring advice that “Senior Designers” are always giving. In the Design World, folks who have already been there, done that, are spouting soundbite suggestions that sometimes are unproven, and we are going to put them to the test! We might succeed or we might fail, no harm no foul, it’s all a test! "

Comprised of Rubaie Jaffer, Mike Burpoe, Steven Overtrurf, and Narek Mughnetsyan, the Test Pilots were brought together by the DGDC, in hopes of expanding the diversity, opinions, and experience levels of the podcast. We gave them the mission to come up with a show concept they can really get immersed in, hoping to help younger creatives navigate through their design career paths. This idea of “testing” the advice from more senior designers really struck a chord with us. For the first episode, they challenged themselves to double their rates. Each designer explains their story, with updates and reactions. It’s super unique and unlike anything you’ve heard on a podcast before.

Join the conversation and follow our new co-hosts! Let them know what you thought of the episode and feel free to suggest other “design myths” they can put to the test! Find them on Instagram at:

Rubaie Jaffer

Mike Burpoe

Steven Overtrurf

Narek Mughnetsyan

This episode is sponsored by Skillshare. To take advantage of our promotion, click here or go to:

www.skillshare.com/DEEPEND2

DESIGNCAST | Bill Kenney - Proceed with Courage | DGDC Feb 22, 2021

Show notes

Focus Lab's Bill Kenney joins us for an uplifting conversation inspired by their agency's slogan"Proceed with Courage." A perfect mantra to kick off 2021 with a better mindset, by being courageous and optimistic for the coming year! In this episode, we tackle:

Tactical actions for better communication.
Pricing and confidence in asking for more.
Are you being authentic, putting your best foot forward?
How to battle “second-guessing” yourself.
Refreshing your business's collateral, marketing, and website to reflect this.
How do we instill courage with clients?
Helping them make the leap of faith.
The importance of the “intangibles” too.

Also, Bill and his team are offering the most amazing offer to our listeners! The entire product line-up of Sidecar assets is available for FREE!

Go to the Sidecar website and use the following discount code for unlimited downloads!

DGDCALLFREE

Every single asset... FREE! Go make something great, and be sure to thank Bill and his team for this amazing offer.

Bill on LinkedIn

Bill on Instagram

DESIGNCAST | Dan Janssen of Lincoln Design Co | DGDC Feb 08, 2021

Show notes

Agency Advice for the Freelance Designer - In this episode, we are joined by Dan Janssen, Creative Director of Lincoln Design Co. Dan's gives us an inside look at how their studio has grown into one of the leading design agencies out there. We cover a ton of great insight, stories, and advice for any designer looking to grow their own business! Topics include:

The beginning stages of Lincoln Design Co.
Setting up shop, finding the first clients, developing a team.
Advice on time management.
Workflow efficiencies that help propel the agency.
Advice for freelancers on how do you juggle the current workload while prospecting new clients.
Why their “company culture” is so important, and how the solo freelancer can cultivate some of that spirit on their own.

PLUS - Lincoln Design Co is offering our listeners a 15% discount on any purchases from their online store. Head on over to their STORE and use the code DGDC.

Check out the following Lincoln Design Co. links:

Website

Instagram

The Chop Up YouTube Channel

This episode is sponsored by SkillShare

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