The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDC

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 independent design studio. From getting fired and getting ripped off to learning how to price confidently, recognize red flags, and build lasting client relationships, Patrick shares the experiences that shaped his approach to business.We dig into why trusting your instincts matters, how taking action builds confidence, and why success isn't always about getting bigger. Sometimes it's about getting better, making smarter decisions, and building a creative career that supports the life you actually want.Real stories, practical advice, and a refreshing reminder that confidence isn't something you're born with. It's something you earn.https://patrickcarterdesign.com/https://deeply-graphic.netlify.app/

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 navigating those awkward conversations with longtime ones, this is a practical push to stop negotiating against yourself, get more comfortable saying the bigger number, and finally let your pricing catch up with the designer you’ve become.To listen to our “Double Your Rates” episode, click below:https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/deeplygraphic/episodes/TEST-PILOTS--Double-Your-Rates--DGDC-el0qua/a-a3hf631Our Website:https://deeply-graphic.netlify.app/

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 Enterrios, branding and merch designer Enon Avital, and creative director and product maker Dan Lee.Together they unpack the real lessons a long term creative career teaches you, including the early mistakes that shaped them, the surprising wins that kept them going, and the mindset shifts that turned fear into momentum. They dig into client work, licensing, merch, side hustles that became main hustles, and how each path builds a different kind of resilience.Listeners will walk away with practical guidance on launching products with confidence, navigating slow seasons, protecting your creative identity, knowing when to evolve your business, and building something that lasts longer than a trend cycle.If you’ve ever wondered what it actually takes to stay in this industry for ten years, this is your hotline moment.Dan Lee: https://www.instagram.com/dandrawnwords/Maggie Enterrios: https://www.instagram.com/littlepatterns/Enon Avital: https://www.instagram.com/e_known/

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 when to stick to the plan… or scrap it completely.You’ll hear stories from the stage, lessons from the studio, and real-world advice for every creative trying to balance confidence and curiosity.Blueprints build your foundation. Breakpoints build your growth.Learn how to master both, and design in the in-between.

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 creativeThe everyday tasks designers can automate today to save time and stressHow to maintain your creative voice while working with AI toolsThe 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 beyondWhether 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/LinusEkenstamWebsite: linusekenstam.com Wix Studio: https://www.wixstudio.com