Make and Design with Carina Gardner
Carina Gardner 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 has a Ph.D. in Design and was the Creative Director of Cartabella Paper Co. and MiniLou. She has designed everything from dishware to bracelets under her brand. She currently designs fabric and die cutting files while teaching other designers how to create meaningful design work while making a residual income online.
Episode 520 How to Become a Graphic Designer and Work from Home
Want to become a graphic designer and work from home? In this episode, Carina shares the two paths she took to build a successful design career—while also staying home to raise her kids. Discover how she made it work, what she would do differently, and how you can start your own journey as a work-from-home designer.
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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 pa...
Episode 519 Dishing the Tea with Event Coordinator Sarah Cannon
In today’s episode, Carina and her event coordinator Sarah have a fun, honest, and laughter-filled conversation about the University of Arts & Design, family, and work. Watch the full episode on youtube at www.youtube.com/carinagardner. Â
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 b...
Episode 518 Pull the Weeds, Water the Roots: How to Grow a Business That Lasts
Pull the Weeds, Water the Roots, and so much more! Carina gives her 10 tips for how to grow a business that lasts. These gardening tips will help you remember what you need to do to help sustain your design business even when things get tough.
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...
Episode 517 The Marketing Dilemma for Designers
Carina explores the tricky balance between creativity and self-promotion. Carina dives into real stories, practical strategies, and expert insights to help designers market themselves without compromising their artistic integrity.
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...
Episode 516 Dishing the Tea with Daughter Felicity
In this heartwarming episode, Carina sits down with her daughter Felicity for a candid chat about growing up with a mom who is a designer and business owner. From behind-the-scenes family moments to design inspiration, this mother-daughter duo dishes the tea on creativity, life, and everything in between. Don’t miss this special glimpse into their world! Full episode available on youtube.com/carinagardner.
About Carina Gardner, Ph.D.:
Carina is the CEO of the University of Arts & Design. The university offers certificates and Ma...
Episode 515 The Grasshopper and The Ant
Right now is the best season for designers to really bulk up their sales. As we prepare for the coming season we need to act more like the ant than the grasshopper in Aesop’s Fable. Learn more about how you can really prepare for winter (literally).
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 an...
Episode 514 Recap of the Design Business Conference
This is a recap of the Design Business Conference we held at Ashton Gardens in Lehi Utah in March 2025. The original video can be found at youtube.com/carinagardner. Learn more about what we do in our live events!
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...
Episode 513 Drowning in Too Much Too Do
Do you feel like you are drowning in your design business? Carina uses one way to make sure that she doesn’t spend every day putting out fires in her business. Instead she focuses on the things that are the most important. Use her tactic for getting organized!
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 Su...
Episode 512 Dishing the Tea with Daughter Felicity
Carina sits down with daughter Felicity to talk about growing up with a creative business household. Learn some of the sassy and sweet things Carina’s 17 year old has to say about design and business. This episode was originally aired on youtube.com/carinagardner.
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 pr...
Episode 511 Simple Traffic Tricks with Pinterest with Nadalie Bardo
Carina sits down with Pinterest expert Nadalie Bardo to dive into the powerful strategies she uses to drive traffic and grow a brand through Pinterest. Nadalie shares insider tips on optimizing pins, creating content that gets clicks, and leveraging Pinterest’s algorithm to attract the right audience.Â
Find more about Nadalie at https://yourpincoach.com/pin-popular/
About Carina Gardner, Ph.D.:
Carina is the CEO of the University of Arts & Design. The university offers certificates and Masters deg...
Episode 510 You Were Meant to Fly
In this episode, Carina shares an inspiring quote from Charlie Mackesy’s beloved book The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse and explores its deeper meaning. She reflects on the idea that we are all meant to "fly"—to embrace our potential, lean into our uniqueness, and rise beyond our fears. Join her for a conversation about self-discovery, creativity, and the power of recognizing what makes you truly special.
About Carina Gardner, Ph.D.:
Carina is the CEO of t...
Episode 509 5 Tips For Starting Your Design Business with the Design Suite Coaches
In this special episode, Carina sits down with her expert design coaches to share their top five tips for starting a successful design business. They break down the essential steps every new designer should take, from building a strong foundation to finding your unique style and landing your first sales. Whether you're just getting started or looking for insider advice, you'll hear firsthand how they would launch a business today and the exact strategies they teach Design Suite members to set them up for long-term success. Don't miss this behind-the-scenes look at what really works in the world...
Episode 508 4 Ways to Gamify Your Design Process
Struggling with the not-so-fun parts of the design process? In this episode, Carina shares four creative ways to gamify your workflow, keeping you motivated and inspired. From tackling design roadblocks to getting those perfect "dopamine hits" of excitement, these fun techniques will help you stay engaged and make designing a joy! Tune in now!
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...
Episode 507 Marketing Hacks with Susan Smith
Carina interviews Susan Smith who teaches quilters. Learn more about her launch methods and running a creative business.
Listen to her podcast at Measure Twice Cut Once and visit her www.stitchedbysusan.com.
Episode 507 Marketing Hacks with Susan Smith
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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...
Episode 506 Sweet Life of A Designer
The Sweet Life of A Designer Summit is coming NEXT MONTH! Carina tells you why this summit is different and what you can expect from this awesome virtual event. To get your free ticket, join us at https://www.designsuitecourses.com/sweetlifesummit
Episode 506 Sweet Life of A Designer
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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...
Episode 505 The Lighthouse Keeper’s Mistake
Description
It is the small things that can add up FOR US and AGAINST US. Carina talks about the Lighthouse Keeper’s Mistake as a cautionary tale for our own design businesses.
Episode 505 The Lighthouse Keeper’s Mistake
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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 fiel...
Episode 504 The Cobbler’s Shoes
Have you heard the old proverb about the cobber’s shoes? As a designer and artist, we need to be sure and be taking care of the most important things first. Sometimes this is really hard to do as other people ask us for things. Carina talks about the cobbler’s shoes and oxygen masks in this episode as a reminder and challenge to take care of yourself first.
Episode 504 The Cobbler’s Shoes
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About Carina Gardner, Ph.D...
Episode 503 Quilting with Amy Smart
Carina interviews Amy Smart who is a fellow Riley Blake designer and blogger. Her quilt blog is a popular resource for many sewing enthusiasts. Learn more about Amy’s creative business in this episode. Find more about her at diaryofaquilter.com.
Episode 503 Quilting with Amy Smart
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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...
Episode 502 AI Could Be Your Best Friend
Instead of worrying about AI, what if we took it as a resource that could help us in our businesses? Carina goes over several ways we can be using AI and practical examples of how it can help us build a business faster!
Episode 502 AI Could Be Your Best Friend
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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...
Episode 501 How You Are Losing Creative Power
Your creative power is an important part of who you are as a maker, artist, and designer. But many times things can get in the way of that power. Carina walks you through some of those key things that can bring you down so you can avoid the traps that keep a designer from doing their best work!
Episode 501 How You Are Losing Creative Power
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About Carina Gardner, Ph.D.:
Carina is the CEO of the University of Arts & Design...
Episode 500 How to Time Manage Your Life Sustainably with Moda Fabric Designer Vanessa Christensen
Carina’s friend and fellow designer Vanessa Christenson talks about owning two businesses. As a moda designer and coach, Vanessa inspires others to create the life they want.
Learn more about Vanessa at https://vanessachristenson.com/
Episode 500 How to Time Manage Your Life Sustainably with Moda Fabric Designer Vanessa ChristensenÂ
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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...
Episode 499 3 Products Your Should Design For in 2025
Wondering what new products you should be considering in 2025? Carina walks you through some of the products she is seeing make a splash on the design scene! Learn more in today’s episode!
Episode 499 3 Products Your Should Design For in 2025
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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 th...
Episode 498 Quilting on the Side with Andi Stanfield
Carina talks to Andi Stanfield about being a quilter and owning a creative business. For all quilters and creative business owners, Andi talks about life lessons and what she is working on now.
Learn more about Andi at https://www.quiltingontheside.com/
Episode 498 Quilting on the Side with Andi Stanfield
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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...
Episode 497 How Do I Make Money From My Art?
The number one question Carina gets asked is “How do I make money from my art?” The answer is both simple and complicated as Carina talks about making money from artwork.
Episode 497 How Do I Make Money From My Art?
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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...
Episode 496 New Year's Resolutions To Fill Our Cups
Have you created New Year’s Resolutions that make you a better person? How about creating New Year’s Resolutions that fill your cup? Carina talks about the difference in today’s episode and how she is using goal setting to bring her fulfillment this coming year.
Episode 496 New Year's Resolutions To Fill Our Cups
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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 surfac...
Episode 495 I'm Getting My Own Office Space! Updates on the New Barn
Carina has been keeping a secret! For all of 2024, she has been building a new office space called the Barn in her backyard. Learn more about how she plans to use the space and progress on it in today’s episode.
Episode 495 I'm Getting My Own Office Space! Updates on the New Barn
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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 an...
Episode 494 Morning Routines Revisited
Carina not only revisits morning routines but also 2024. Learn about many of the fails and wins we experienced this year at Carina Gardner, Inc.
Episode 494 Morning Routines Revisited
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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...
Episode 493 Christmas Traditions and Other Thoughts
Ever wondered what some of Carina’s Christmas traditions are? Carina talks about some of the things her family does and talks about the past year.
Episode 493 Christmas Traditions and Other Thoughts
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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 Bl...
Episode 492 Caring Community with Design Suite Member Jennifer Burba
Carina talks to Design Suite member Jennifer Burba about creating her design business with twelve kids in tow and starting a Bachelor’s degree. Her work ethic will inspire you in your own creative endeavors!
Episode 492 Caring Community with Design Suite Member Jennifer Burba
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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 bu...
Episode 491 The Magic AND Inspiration of the Season
Carina talks about the magic and inspiration you can get from the season by just having one little mind switch. Learn today what that switch is!
Episode 491 The Magic AND Inspiration of the Season
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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...
Episode 490 Sneak Peek Bonus Episode from Design Your Life Podcast
This is a Sneak Peek Bonus Episode from the Design Your Life Podcast! If you have ever wondered what I talk about on the Design Your Life Podcast, this is your chance to learn more. The Design Your Life Podcast not only features more down-to-earth stories about design, but insights on trends, economy, and a segment called “Coaches Unfiltered.” This is our exclusive podcast was created for Design Suite members and University of Arts & Design students. Learn more about how you can listen to this podcast by going to www.designsuitecourses.com/designevents.
Episode 490 Sneak Peek Bonus Epis...
Episode 489 Marketable Products Designers Should Jump Into This Coming Year
Want the heads up on fabulous marketable products YOU can make this coming year? Carina goes over 14 products you are going to want to keep your eyes on!
Episode 489 Marketable Products Designers Should Jump Into This Coming Year
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Have you ever wondered what makes art sell? In her new book, Make Art that Sells!, Carina shares how to think like a customer and create art that people want to buy. She offers practical tips on market trends, pricing, and self-promotion. By understanding what buyers are looking for, you can make your art more appealing a...
Episode 488 What is Hot in 2024 and 2025 and Black Friday Deals with Heat Press Nation
Carina speaks to Heat Press Nation about Direct To Film and what is up and coming for 2025! This is a not-to-be-missed episode if you love crafting machines! Get more from Heat Press Nation here: https://www.heatpressnation.com/?sscid=a1k8_1ge1nn
Episode 488 What is Hot in 2024 and 2025 and Black Friday Deals with Heat Press Nation
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Have you ever wondered what makes art sell? In her new book, Make Art that Sells!, Carina shares how to think like a customer and create art that people want to buy. She o...
Episode 487 Black Friday Deals Overview - Sneak Preview
This week Carina goes over the weekly black friday deals going on at CGInc. You can join in and get these deals by joining at www.designsuitecourses.com/free.
Episode 487 Black Friday Deals Description
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Have you ever wondered what makes art sell? In her new book, Make Art that Sells!, Carina shares how to think like a customer and create art that people want to buy. She offers practical tips on market trends, pricing, and self-promotion. By understanding what buyers are looking for, you can make your art more appealing and boost y...
Episode 486 Pursuing An Art Career After 40 with Jennifer Clifford
Carina interviews Jennifer Clifford who took the leap to create an art business. Listen in on how she sells her work and how she changed her passion into a career after the age of 40.
Learn more about Jennifer at www.jenniferclifford.net or follow her on instagram at @adventures_in_collage
Episode 486 Pursuing An Art Career After 40 with Jennifer Clifford
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Have you ever wondered what makes art sell? In her new book, Make Art that Sells!, Carina shares how to think like a customer and create art that people want t...
Episode 485 Sales, Sales, Sales, and the Power of Relationships
Carina breaks down 4th quarter stats and helps you understand why sales and relationships at this time of year is so important.
Episode 485Â Sales, Sales, Sales, and the Power of Relationships
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Have you ever wondered what makes art sell? In her new book, Make Art that Sells!, Carina shares how to think like a customer and create art that people want to buy. She offers practical tips on market trends, pricing, and self-promotion. By understanding what buyers are looking for, you can make your art more appealing and boost your sa...
Episode 484 Halloween Traditions Evolution
Carina talks about her favorite Halloween traditions and how some of them have changed. She talks about why she loves this time of the year as a designer.
Episode 484 Halloween Traditions Evolution
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Have you ever wondered what makes art sell? In her new book, Make Art that Sells!, Carina shares how to think like a customer and create art that people want to buy. She offers practical tips on market trends, pricing, and self-promotion. By understanding what buyers are looking for, you can make your art more appealing and boost your sales. Click b...
Episode 483 The Strength of Weak Ties
Carina talks about a study by Mark Granovetter who discovered that weak ties may be the most powerful in changing our lives. With new and broader networks coming from these weak ties, we as designers can take advantage of these to help us broader our opportunities.
Episode 483 The Strength of Weak Ties
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Have you ever wondered what makes art sell? In her new book, Make Art that Sells!, Carina shares how to think like a customer and create art that people want to buy. She offers practical tips on market trends, pricing, and s...
Episode 482 Summit Building with Tracy Sundue and Heather Cameron
Carina talks with Tracy Sundue and Heather Cameron about their upcoming summit: Fall Scrapbooking Fun Summit and how they have built a fabulously fun summit. If you have ever been interested in guesting or hosting a summit, you will love this practical episode.
Join the Fall Scrapbooking Summit for free at https://designsuite--igniteyourmarket.thrivecart.com/scrapbooking-fun-summit/
Find Tracy at www.igniteyourmarket.com/carina
Get a freebie from Heather at www.igniteyourmarket.com/carinaÂ
Episode 482 Summit Building with Tracy Sundue and Heather Cameron
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Have you ever wondered what mak...
Episode 481 Creatives Don’t Give Up - Two Stories of Perseverance
Carina talks about not giving up and the perseverance of two creatives that she thinks will help designers see that they should continue to go after their dreams. Learn about the two women in today’s episode!
Episode 481 Creatives Don’t Give Up - Two Stories of Perseverance
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Have you ever wondered what makes art sell? In her new book, Make Art that Sells!, Carina shares how to think like a customer and create art that people want to buy. She offers practical tips on market trends, pricing, and self-promotion. By under...
