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 576 Charm Bracelet Reflections
Have you ever made a charm bracelet too fill, too big, or too tight? Carina talks about how building a charm bracelet is a lot like building your art or design business. Learn more in today’s jewelry inspired episode!Â
Learn more about this course, degrees, and our new Continuing Education Program at the University of Arts & Design at www.uad.education
Join a Design Bootcamp at www.designsuitecourses.com/designbootcamp
Get my free gift to you here:Â https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional
Episode 575 Layers to a Fabric Business with Jill Finley
Carina talks to fellow Riley Blake fabric designer Jill Finely. Learn how Jill works in fabric, retreats, notions, and so much more! This is a cut from an hour long interview Carina did with Jill for the University of Arts & Design’s DES 610 course.
Learn more about Jill at https://www.jillilystudio.com/
Learn more about this course, degrees, and our new Continuing Education Program at the University of Arts & Design at www.uad.education
Join a Design Bootcamp at www.designsuitecourses.com/designbootcamp
Get my free gift to you here:Â h...
Episode 574 Being Brave with Amy Smart From UAD's DES 610 Course
Carina hosts Amy Smart for an indepth interview on starting and running a business for her DES 610 Creative Perspectives Course. This is a 15 minute cut from that interview for you to learn more about Amy and how to be brave.
Learn more about Amy at https://www.diaryofaquilter.com/
Learn more about this course, degrees, and our new Continuing Education Program at the University of Arts & Design at www.uad.education
Join a Design Bootcamp at www.designsuitecourses.com/designbootcamp
Get my free gift to you here:Â https://www.designsuitecourses.c...
Episode 573 Learning By Doing
Carina has never believed in waiting until you feel ready. In this episode she talks about learning by doing, and why the creatives who just start making things beat the ones who wait until they think they know enough.
Design Bootcamp: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/designbootcamp
University of Arts & Design: https://uad.education/
Get my free gift to you here:Â https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional
Episode 572 The Old Trout, The Young Trout, and the Salmon
There's an old Aesop fable about an old trout, a young trout, and a salmon. In this episode Carina connects it to where designers really are with AI right now, and what it means for anyone deciding whether to adapt.
Design Bootcamp: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/designbootcamp
University of Arts & Design: https://uad.education/
Get my free gift to you here:Â https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional
Episode 571 The Series of Lucky Coincidences and Tiny Decisions That Led To Me Becoming A Designer
Carina didn’t start out with a desire to become a designer. In this episode she walks through the lucky coincidences and tiny decisions that changed her whole direction, and why the path almost never looks like you think it will.Â
Design Bootcamp: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/designbootcamp
University of Arts & Design: https://uad.education/
Get my free gift to you here:Â https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional
Episode 570 Here What You Need To Know About the State of The Design Industry Right Now
Is design still worth it? Is AI about to take it all? Carina pulled some research along with her own AI experience to tell you what the state of the industry looks like right now. In this episode she breaks down what the research really says about design and business, where AI fits, and why the designers who get it are about to pull way ahead.
Design Bootcamp: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/designbootcamp
University of Arts & Design: https://uad.education/
Get my free gift to you here:Â https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional
Episode 569 How Julianna Hukill Combined Quilting and Scrapbooking
Carina Gardner caught up with Julianna Hukill at H+H Americas in Chicago.
Julianna is an MFA student at the University of Arts & Design, and she is bringing scrapbooking ideas into the quilting world. At the show she shared her new book written for quilters and showed off her 3D printed quilt blocks. She has been building a real design business while she earns her degree.
In this episode, Julianna talks about how she blends quilting and scrapbooking into one creative practice. She shares the story behind her new book, why she started making her 3...
Episode 568 Broadcasting From H + H Americas
Carina shares some of her thoughts from the Creator Studio at H + H Americas in Chicago May 2026. Learn more about the craft industry and university updates!
Learn more about the University of Arts & Design at www.uad.education
Get my free gift to you here:Â https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional
Episode 567 How One Small Tip Tripled Barbie Mills' Business | H+H Americas 2026
Carina Gardner sits down with Barbie Mills, founder of the Quilting Mill, at H+H Americas 2026 in Chicago.
Barbie has been longarm quilting since 2012 and designs modern digital pantographs for computerized longarm quilters. She sells her designs to quilters around the world and teaches pantograph design. She is also an MFA student at the University of Arts & Design.
In this episode, Barbie talks about what makes her work stand out, why building a unique creative business is the key to real profits, and the one small tip from Carina that tripled her business.
...
Episode 565 University of Arts and Design Masterclass: What No One Tells You About Starting a Design Business
Join Carina today in this special episode where she talks about the 3 Gaps for designers, the three things no one tells you, and the research behind design and business education. Furthermore, Carina interviews graduate Katie Winn who talks about her experiences at the University of Arts & Design.
Learn more about UAD's degrees and certificates at www.uad.education.Â
Get my free gift to you here:Â https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional
Episode 564 Don't Let Them Fool You. Everything is Always Changing.
Be wary of anyone who gives you a strategy and tells you it always works because if there is one thing Carina has learned it is that everything changes. Today Carina is at the H + H Show and she talks about the evolution of shows during her time in this business and changes she continues to see in the design and art industries.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 563 Book Club 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 Books.” Watch the full video at https://www.youtube.com/live/JW9JZz5XRns?si=S08Bn_KfCgRMtJM3
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 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/
___
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
<...
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
