The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDC

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 during the 2020 lockdown, to tie-dyeing a viral Travis Scott shirt that hit nearly a million views, to running a screen-print shop in Philadelphia that printed for acts like 100 gecs, Online Ceramics, and Nine Inch Nails. He opens up about the boss who told him, on his way out the door, that "not everyone's cut out for the art world," and how that one sentence lit a fire that pushed him to freelance full-time and land clients like Microsoft, Adobe, and JBL.Then the story takes a turn nobody sees coming: a nurse named Joanna slides into his DMs, they bond over Magic: The Gathering, and nine months later Jacob is on a 13-hour flight to meet her for the first time. What started as an internet friendship turned into a relationship, a marriage, and a full relocation from Philadelphia to Calgary, Alberta, a move Jacob describes as "exclusively beneficial," despite starting completely from scratch in a new country with zero followers or credibility.We dig into what Jacob calls the "medium fish in a smaller, less crowded pond" effect: how leaving an oversaturated market like Philly for a tighter-knit, less gatekept creative scene actually accelerated his growth. And we get into the mindset that's carried him through all of it: comparison as the thief of joy, doing things first instead of best, and the belief that the fear of failure is scarier than failure itself.This one's a masterclass in staying durable, not by having it all figured out, but by staying curious, staying humble, and saying yes to the DM.Guest LinksWebsite: https://www.byjacobparis.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-paris-798547306/🚀 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dgdcpod/🚀 Explore more at: linktr.ee/dgdcpod🚀Our Shop: deeplygraphicgoods.printful.me#GraphicDesign #DesignPodcast #CreativeBusiness

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 three sizes.From retro tech nostalgia to productivity lifesavers to “I definitely deserve this” splurges, we run through our full 2025 wishlist, why each item made the cut, and who on your studio team deserves one too. Expect laughs, unexpected gems, and maybe one or two confessions about our online shopping habits.Whether you need the perfect gift for a designer friend, your favorite creative colleague, or just yourself because you nailed that last deadline, we’ve got you covered.Grab the cocoa, hit play, and bookmark everything. Your cart is about to get dangerously full.Another Studio Stencilshttps://www.another-studio.com/collections/stencilsAtari Gamestation Gohttps://atari.com/products/atari-gamestation-go?srsltid=AfmBOoq6M9OB6HIj2csHeLtCdAUkcaHgyzaousJwIM1n1mPAgQD3WEB_LEGO Disney Pixar Luxo Jr. Set (21357)https://www.lego.com/en-us/product/disney-pixar-luxo-jr-21357A6 Memobottlehttps://www.memobottle.us/products/a6-memobottleManta Sleep Mask Sound (New Gen)https://mantasleep.com/products/manta-sleep-mask-sound-new-genPocketDrum 2 Plus by Aerobandhttps://www.aeroband.net/products/pocketdrum2-plusMacLock Retro Computer Clockhttps://theawesomer.com/maclock-retro-computer-clock/789827/Oakywood Magnetic Cable Organizerhttps://oakywood.shop/products/magnetic-cable-organizer?_gl=115mp605_upMQ.._gs*NQ..&gclid=EAIaIQobChMImbrQ2uGmkQMV1V8IBB0TajqyEAEYASAEEgLw1PD_BwEBetter With Rhythmhttps://www.betterwithrhythm.comThe Magic Patiohttps://www.themagicpatio.comDraplin Design Co. Postershttps://www.draplin.com/merch/postersKintsugi Reborn (Handcrafted Goods)https://www.etsy.com/shop/KintsugiRebornImogene and Willie, Graphic Content Collectionhttps://imogeneandwillie.com/collections/graphic-contentTeenage Engineering Audio & Synth Gearhttps://teenage.engineering/products/audio-and-synthesizersTeenage Engineering Pocket Operatorshttps://teenage.engineering/store/pocket-operators

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

Designers, It’s Time to JumpWhat to Do When Entry-Level Isn’t There AnymoreThe 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 careerThis 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

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.comhttps://www.adobe.com/products/firefly/features/moodboard.htmlhttps://news.designrush.com/guess-faces-backlash-over-ai-models-in-vogue-campaign?utm_source=chatgpt.comhttps://www.foodandwine.com/aldi-private-label-rebrand-2025-11817515?utm_source=chatgpt.comhttps://www.wallpaper.com/design-interiors/corporate-design-branding/rosalia-bespoke-instagram-font?utm_source=chatgpt.comhttps://designcompass.org/en/2025/08/18/pizzahut-new-logo-for-international/?utm_source=chatgpt.comhttps://www.theverge.com/news/789533/microsoft-office-new-icons-design?utm_source=chatgpt.comhttps://straightforward.design/work/starburst-rebrand/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

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