The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDC

Latest Episodes:

What to Do When Entry-Level Isn’t There Anymore Oct 20, 2025

Show notes

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 this episode, we break down what’s really going on, who it affects the most, and how designers caught in the middle can take control, stand out, and leap forward, even when the ladder is gone.

Whether you’re a recent grad, a freelancer still trying to land your first big role, or just stuck in the void between “junior” and “senior,” this episode is for you.

We cover:

• Why entry-level jobs are disappearing

• What skills actually matter now

• How to build your own momentum

• Why visibility beats perfection

• Practical steps to future-proof your creative career

This isn’t about waiting your turn. It’s about jumping the gap, and building the career that’s waiting on the other side.

Link to Article

The Design World Just Changed! Oct 13, 2025

Show notes

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 mission isn’t to scare; it’s to prepare.

Together, we dig into the reality of how AI is changing the creative landscape, not five years from now, but right now. Linus breaks down which design tasks are already being automated, why “AI won’t replace designers, but designers who use AI will replace those who don’t,” and how creatives can future-proof their careers by learning to co-create with intelligent tools.

This isn’t a doom-and-gloom conversation. It’s a wake-up call packed with practical advice for freelancers, studio owners, and anyone trying to stay relevant in an industry that’s shifting faster than ever. We talk about:

Why “AI literacy” is the new must-have skill for every creative
The everyday tasks designers can automate today to save time and stress
How to maintain your creative voice while working with AI tools
The mindset shift from “AI will take my job” to “AI can take my busywork”
What the smart designer’s toolkit looks like in 2025 and beyond

Whether you’re curious, skeptical, or terrified about AI, this conversation will leave you informed, inspired, and ready to take action, before the industry moves on without you.

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, and join the conversation.

Because the future of design isn’t man or machine — it’s both.

Linus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linusekenstam/

Linus on X: https://x.com/LinusEkenstam

Website: linusekenstam.com

Wix Studio: https://www.wixstudio.com

Design News You Need to Know! Oct 06, 2025

Show notes

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 thinking behind it and how it’s all tied into their Copilot visual language. Then we unwrap Starburst’s vibrant new brand identity and packaging system, looking at how confectionery brands stay competitive on crowded shelves.

Plus, we round it all out with quick hits on viral design moments, and yes — one AI story that’s actually worth your time.

Get ready to nerd out, level up, and maybe even rethink your next client pitch.

Visit https://www.wixstudio.com

https://www.theverge.com/news/783991/google-labs-mixboard-ai-design-canvas?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://www.adobe.com/products/firefly/features/moodboard.html

https://news.designrush.com/guess-faces-backlash-over-ai-models-in-vogue-campaign?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://www.foodandwine.com/aldi-private-label-rebrand-2025-11817515?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://www.wallpaper.com/design-interiors/corporate-design-branding/rosalia-bespoke-instagram-font?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://designcompass.org/en/2025/08/18/pizzahut-new-logo-for-international/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://www.theverge.com/news/789533/microsoft-office-new-icons-design?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://straightforward.design/work/starburst-rebrand/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Design Smarter with Wix Studio Sep 22, 2025

Show notes

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 interactive features, real-time content management, and advanced effects like parallax and WebGL. Maayan shares insights on client management and the ease of getting started with Wix Studio, making it accessible for non-developers.

Takeaways

Wix Studio offers a user-friendly platform for web design.
Responsive design is simplified with built-in features.
AI tools enhance the design process and efficiency.
Templates provide inspiration and a starting point for users.
Interactive elements increase user engagement on websites.
Real-time content management prevents design disruptions.
Trendy design features can significantly impact user experience.
Advanced effects like parallax add depth and interest to sites.
Client handover processes are streamlined for ease of use.
Wix Studio is accessible for beginners and non-developers.

Link for the wix studio academy - https://www.wix.com/studio/academy

To get started, visit https://www.wixstudio.com

Rebrand Process - Behind the Scenes of Branding Sep 15, 2025

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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 needs, and the surprising role of authenticity in building something that lasts. You will also hear about the quirks of brainstorming, the impact of AI on the creative process, and even the science of a perfect coffee nap.Whether you are a designer looking to sharpen your process, a business owner thinking about your own rebrand, or simply curious about how an idea turns into a living brand, this episode gives you a front row seat to the real conversations and creative decisions that shape meaningful work.For more information on Wix Studio, go to:https://www.wixstudio.com🚀 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dgdcpod/🚀 Explore more at: linktr.ee/dgdcpod🚀Our Shop: deeplygraphicgoods.printful.me#GraphicDesign #DesignPodcast #CreativeBusiness

How to Hire a Creative - What every business owner (and designer) needs to know! Sep 08, 2025

Show notes

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 right questions, to building trust and starting the relationship on the right foot, you’ll get practical advice that saves time, money, and headaches.

And here’s the twist, while this episode is made for business owners, it’s equally valuable for designers. If you’re a creative, listening to what clients should be looking for is the ultimate playbook for sharpening your process, elevating how you present yourself, and becoming the designer people want to hire.

Whether you’re searching for your next creative partner or striving to become that partner, this conversation has something for you.

How She Built This! - The Next Level Sep 01, 2025

Show notes

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, and a full expression of Ashley’s artistic vision, entrepreneurial spirit, and deep love for community.

Ashley shares her early beginnings as a working artist and barista, and how those dual paths eventually merged into something bigger. She opens up about navigating the transition from side hustle to business ownership, the growing pains of scaling a creative idea, and the importance of trusting your gut, especially when you don’t have all the answers.

They also explore how Steady Hand Cafe’s branding came to life through color, playfulness, and a childlike sense of wonder. But at its core, the café is a space built to uplift others, whether that’s through inclusive hiring, collaborating with local makers, or creating a culture where self-expression is always welcome.

If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to build something meaningful from scratch, or how to stay creatively fueled while doing it, this conversation delivers.

Key Takeaways:

Ashley Burke is the founder of Steady Hand Cafe, which began as a creative side project.
Her background in art and design heavily influenced the cafe’s branding and aesthetic.
The cafe stands out for its colorful, playful identity and unique flavor profiles
Inclusivity, collaboration, and community support are foundational to the business.
Ashley shares advice on pivoting with purpose, embracing uncertainty, and growing sustainably.
She encourages creatives to trust their instincts, lead with heart, and build with intention.
Steady Hand is more than a coffee shop, it’s a living, breathing creative collective.

https://www.steadyhandcollective.com

https://www.instagram.com/steadyhandcafe

https://www.wixstudio.com

The Cracker Barrel Rebrand Backlash Aug 25, 2025

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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 of flexibility and scale? And more importantly—how can you avoid the same mistakes?

Whether you’re a freelance designer, art director, or just a branding geek—this episode gives you a full playbook for navigating high-stakes rebrands without killing what makes a brand special.

👀 Topics Covered:

• Cracker Barrel’s controversial new logo

• Why so many brands are “debranding”

• The emotional cost of losing legacy

• When minimalism works—and when it doesn’t

• A step-by-step rebrand checklist for designers

🎯 Your Rebrand Survival Kit: [link to downloadable PDF or checklist]

💬 Let us know in the comments: What’s your take on the new Cracker Barrel logo? Is this evolution—or erasure?

Link to the Checklist:

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/760ssvtaun7q4mt2ywotl/Legacy_Rebrand_Survival_Checklist.pdf?rlkey=f21m3xgyjwmkof4dwfhgfaovr&dl=1

#CrackerBarrel #Rebrand #DesignPodcast #LogoDesign #BrandingTips #Minimalism #DesignFails #DGDC #DeeplyGraphicDesignCast #DesignCommunity

Turning doubt into creative fuel with Rob Bedford Aug 18, 2025

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🎙️ 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 everyone in the room, Rob shares the moments that shaped his mindset and how carving his own path gave him the freedom to break the rules and rewrite the playbook.

We talk about staying hungry, being underestimated, and why not coming from the “establishment” might be the best gift you’re ever given. Whether you’ve felt like an outsider, been counted out, or just needed a reminder that you don’t need permission to rise—this episode is for you.

Call to Action: What part of your creative journey are you still waiting for permission to own?

Connect with Rob:

www.juiced.studio
www.juiced.supply

For more info on Wix Studio:

www.wixstudio.com

Would You Hire Yourself? The ultimate creative self-audit. Aug 11, 2025

Show notes

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 of laughs, hard truths, and actionable tips as they swap stories, share quick stats, and call out the subtle red flags that might be holding you back. You’ll walk away with a game plan (and a little homework) to make sure your next client, recruiter, or collaborator says “yes.”

RSVP to Nick’s 3 Creative Mornings Talks, Starting August 12:

https://linktr.ee/longodesigns

Check out Steven’s Behance Page:

https://www.behance.net/OverturfDesignStudio

Check out Wix Studio:

https://www.wixstudio.com