On episode 10 of The Next Level Tom chats with John Boran Jr. about shifting careers from the agency world into higher education. They discuss the need for more practicing professionals in the education sector, and how volunteering your time and knowledge can benefit your personal work.Socials: @multioculartype | @johnboranjrPortfolios: multioculartype.co | johnboranjr.comBooks: Designing Type - Karen Cheng, The Shape of Design - Frank Chimero as available for free on Franks website, Unreasonable Hospitality - Will Guidara.
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Freelance Fails to Avoid - Cole Friendman
Guest: Cole Friedman | colefdesign.comFreelancers, beware! In this episode, we’re joined by designer and creative thinker Cole Friedman to break down the 5 biggest mistakes freelancers make, and how to stop making them. Whether you're new to freelancing or knee-deep in client chaos, these lessons are essential for protecting your time, sanity, and creative confidence.We talk red flags, revision traps, deposit disasters, and the sneaky ways client feedback can mess with your self-worth. Cole shares real-world experiences, practical advice, and mindset shifts that will help you take control of your process and lead with confidence.💥 Topics We Cover:When to stop letting the client run the showHow to spot (and handle) problem clients earlyWhy endless revisions are killing your workflowDetaching your value from client opinionsThe non-negotiable contract terms every freelancer needsThis one’s packed with sharp takes, real talk, and plenty of laughs. If you’ve ever said “I wish I knew that sooner,” this episode is for you.
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Price Like a Pro! Real talk on high-ticket design and creative confidence.
We teamed up with The Unapologetic Designer podcast for a special crossover episode featuring Kenzi and Marisa from The Brief Collective, and we’re getting real about the money side of design.We’re diving into the mindset shifts it takes to break free from the “starving artist” myth and start booking the kind of high-ticket clients that actually value what you bring to the table. From positioning yourself like a pro to navigating imposter syndrome and confidently raising your rates, we’re laying it all out.Whether you’re just starting out or trying to level up, this one’s packed with hard truths, actionable tips, and plenty of laughs along the way.🎙 Topics we cover:What high-ticket really meansBreaking the low-pay cycleAttracting premium clients (without being salesy)The confidence game in creative bizSaying no to bad-fit projectsPersonal stories + battle-tested strategiesSubscribe, comment, and tell us: What’s one limiting belief you’ve had to unlearn as a creative?Free Pricing Guide: https://thebriefcollective.thrivecart.com/graphic-design-pricing-guide/Free Six Figure Designer Community: https://www.skool.com/six-figure-graphic-designers/aboutDesign Biz Academy University: https://thebriefcollective.com/course-universityOur YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thebriefcollectiveWix Studio: www.wixstudio.com
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The 2025 Logo Trend Report
2025 Logo Trend Report w/ Bill GardnerWe’re back with the one and only Bill Gardner of LogoLounge to break down the real story behind this year’s logo trends. From emotional storytelling to the rise of activist branding, we explore how design is responding to a chaotic world—and why imperfection might just be the new perfection.We talk about the evolving role of AI (spoiler: it’s not replacing us), the power of motion and bold color, and the shapes, styles, and type choices that are showing up across the branding landscape. You’ll also hear how to spot overused trends, how to bring clients into the design conversation, and what makes a trend worth using—or skipping.If you're a designer looking to level up your branding game or just love geeking out on logo theory, this one’s for you.Follow Along: https://www.logolounge.com/trend/2025-logo-trend-reportLogo Lounge Website: https://www.logolounge.comBrand New Website: https://www.underconsideration.com/brandnew/Wix Studio: www.wixstudio.com
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The Drop – Episode 4: Your Design Career, Upgraded
The Drop – Episode 4: Your Design Career, UpgradedIn this month’s edition of The Drop, we’re serving up four stories every modern designer needs to hear:🧠 Why design is now a must-have skill in today’s workplace💸 The smartest (and newest) ways designers are making money in 2025🤖 ChatGPT-4o—revolutionary tool or just more AI hype?🎯 A practical guide to landing better clients, fasterIt’s everything you didn’t know you needed—until now.Links to all the stories below. Let’s go.For more info on Wix Studio: https://www.wixstudio.comLinks to Articles:https://www.lifewire.com/canva-magic-studio-helps-employees-digital-design-8707602?utm_source=chatgpt.comhttps://www.manypixels.co/blog/get-a-designer/graphic-design-price?utm_source=chatgpt.comhttps://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/is-chatgpt-4o-the-end-for-graphic-designers?utm_source=chatgpt.comhttps://www.manyrequests.com/blog/client-acquisition-guide?utm_source=chatgpt.comhttps://fourthwall.com/blog/how-to-make-money-as-a-graphic-designer-10-strategies-for-2025?utm_source=chatgpt.com🚀 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dgdcpod/🚀 Explore more at: linktr.ee/dgdcpod🚀Our Shop: deeplygraphicgoods.printful.me#GraphicDesign #DesignPodcast #CreativeBusiness
The Deeply Graphic Designcast: Where Creatives Level Up! Hosted by Nick Longo and Mikelle Morrison, this dynamic duo dives into bold ideas, behind-the-scenes insights, and real-world advice to inspire designers, artists, and makers. Don't miss our first series, The Next Level with Tom Lauro. Tune in for the stories, tips, and fresh perspectives that’ll spark your next big creative move!
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