Make and Design with Carina Gardner
Carina Gardner, Ph.D. unravels the everyday joys and dilemmas of design, making, and business. This inside scoop into fabric design, paper design, die cut design, and crafting will help bring more creativity and joy in your life. Carina Gardner is the founder and CEO of the University of Arts & Design. She was the Creative Director of Cartabella Paper Co. and MiniLou. She has designed everything from dishware, sewing patterns to bracelets under her brand. She currently designs fabric for Riley Blake Designs and die cutting files for Silhouette while teaching other designers how to create meaningful businesses with their d...
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.Â
What’s New: https://www.carinagardner.com
University of Arts & Design: http://uad.education
Get my free gift to you here:Â https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional
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.com
University of Arts & Design: http://uad.education
Get my free gift to you here:Â 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.com
University of Arts & Design: http://uad.education
Get my free gift to you here:Â 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.com
University of Arts & Design: http://uad.education
Get my free gift to you here:Â 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.com
University of Arts & Design: http://uad.education
Get my free gift to you here:Â https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional
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.com
University of Arts & Design: http://uad.education
Get my free gift to you here:Â https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional
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.Â
Links to help new designers:
University of Arts & Design: http://uad.education
What’s New: https://www.carinagardner.com
Get my free gift to you here:Â https://www...
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/Â
Waitlist for Quilt Pattern Writing Course: https://quilterscandy.myflodesk.com/kickstart-event
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quilters_candy/
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Get Carina’s new bookThe Intentional Design Year here:Â
Paperback: https://amzn.to/43XTRLG
Hardback: https://amzn.to/4isrefm
Pro...
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 new bookThe Intentional Design Year here:Â
Paperback: https://amzn.to/43XTRLG
Hardback: https://amzn.to/4isrefm
Prompt Journal Paperback: htt...
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.Â
This conversation is for anyone building something meaningful who wants a realistic look at leadership, responsibility, and evolving vision.
Get Carina’s new bookThe Intentional Design Year here:Â
Paperback: https://amzn.to/43XTRLG
Hardback: https://amzn.to/4isrefm
Prompt Journal Paperback: https://amzn.to/4osha...
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 new bookThe Intentional Design Year here:Â
Paperback: https://amzn.to/43XTRLG
Hardback: https://amzn.to/4isrefm
Prompt Journal Paperback: https://amzn.to/4osha7J
Prompt Journal Har...
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 forward.
Get Carina’s new bookThe Intentional Design Year here:Â
Paperback: https://amzn.to/43XTRLG
Hardback: https://amzn.to/4isrefm
Prompt Journal Paperback: https://amzn.to/4osha7J<...
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, why overthinking blocks creative flow, and how focused making changes what you see and what you believe is possible.
This conversation is for designers who feel capable but scattered, creative...
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.Â
Get Carina’s new bookThe Intentional Design Year here:Â
Paperback: https://amzn.to/43XTRLG
Hardback: https://amzn.to/4isrefm
Prompt Journal Paperback: https://amzn.to/4osha7J
Prompt Journal Hardback: http...
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:Â
Paperback: https://amzn.to/43XTRLG
Hardback: https://amzn.to/4isrefm
Prompt Journal Paperback: https://amzn.to/4osha7J
Prompt Journal Hardback: https://amzn.to/4rvrG0u
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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.com
Design Bootcamp: http://www.carinagardnercourses.com/designbootcamp
University of Arts & Design: http://uad.ed...
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:Â
Paperback: https://amzn.to/43XTRLG
Hardback: https://amzn.to/4isrefm
Prompt J...
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.com
Design Bootcamp: http://www.carinagardnercourses.com/designbootcamp
University of Arts & Design: http://uad.education
Get my free gift to y...
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.Â
Links to help new designers:
What’s New: https://www.carinagardner.com
Design Bootcamp: http://www.carin...
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.carinagardner.com
Design Bootcamp: http://www.carinagardnercourses.com/designbootcamp
University of Arts & De...
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.com
Design Bootcamp: http://www.carinagardnercourses.com/designbootcamp
University of Arts & Design: http://uad.education
Get my free gift to y...
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.com
Design Bootcamp: http://www.carinagardnercourses.com/designbootcamp
University of Arts & Design: http://uad.education
Get my free gi...
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.com
Design Bootcamp: http://www.carinagardnercourses.com/designbootcamp
University of Arts & Design: http://uad.education
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.com
Design Bootcamp: http://www.carinagardnercourses.com/designbootcamp
University of Arts & Design: http://uad.education
Get my free gi...
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.com
Design Bootcamp: http://www.carinagardnercourses.com/de...
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.com
Join a Design Bootcamp at www.designsuitecourses.com/designbootcamp
Get my free gift to you here:Â https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional
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.com
Join a Design Bootcamp at www.designsuitecourses.com/designbootcamp
Get my free gift to you here:Â https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional
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.com
Join a Design Bootcamp at www.designsuitecourses.com/designbootcamp
Get my free gift to you here:Â https://www.designsuitecourses.com/inten...
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:Â 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:Â 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 Carina at www.carinagardner.com.
Get my free gift to you here:Â https://www.desig...
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:Â https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional
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:Â https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional
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 to you here:Â https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional
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 business mindset early. Carina reflects on how building a successful design career wasn’t about having all the answers, but about being willing to take the...
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 offers practical insights into how to protect and nurture your creativity over time.
Listeners will walk away with a fresh perspective on how to reclaim th...
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 confidence—even if you're not sure what your work is worth yet—and why charging too little can actually slow down your growth.
Whether you're freelancing, creating products, or launching your...
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 decisions as a creative business owner, Carina and Vincent break down what leadership looks like when you're still in the early stages—and how to grow into the kind of entrepreneur your design work...
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.
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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 pattern and crafting design program that teaches designers how to create a business as they learn to design. She has designed for Nordstroms, Riley Blake, Silhouette America, Michaels, Hobb...
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 fields. Carina is also the CEO of Design Suite, a surface pattern and crafting design program that teaches designers how to create a business as they learn to design. She ha...
