The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDC

Graphic Designers Nick Longo and Mikelle Morrison
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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!

  1. Stop Following Trends

    7 hr ago

    Stop Following Trends

    Stop Following Trends — Bill Gardner on How to Read the Industry, Future-Proof Your Work, and Design What's Next Bill Gardner is back, and this time he's bringing receipts. The founder of LogoLounge and author of the brand new LogoLounge Guide to Iconic Branding joins us for one of the most important conversations we've had on this show. After reviewing more than 30,000 logos and identity systems from around the world, Bill has a clear-eyed view of where this industry is headed and an honest assessment of who's going to thrive and who's going to get left behind. This isn't a trend walkthrough. This is a deeper conversation about what the 2026 Logo Trend Report is really telling us about the state of our profession, the divide opening up between designers who are leaning forward and those still in follow-on mode, and what it actually takes to build a body of work and a career that lasts. We get into the hard stuff too. AI, pricing, the commoditization of execution, the shrinking middle market, and the fundamental shift happening in what a designer's role actually is. If you've been feeling the ground move under your feet, this episode will help you understand why and what to do about it. Whether you're just starting out, mid-career, or a veteran trying to stay sharp and relevant, this one is for you. In this episode we cover: The divide Bill sees in the profession right now and which side you need to be on Why identity is no longer a static artifact and what that means for your practice How the designer's role is shifting from author to architect and why that changes everything The honest conversation around AI, value, and how to price your work in a world where clients have more tools than ever What 20+ years of trend data actually teaches you about what makes a brand iconic How to stop reading trends and start casting them, the core idea behind the new book Practical advice for putting all of this into practice starting Monday morning Resources mentioned in this episode: 2026 LogoLounge Trend Report. Read it here: https://www.logolounge.com/trend/2026-logo-trend-report The LogoLounge Guide to Iconic Branding by Bill Gardner. Get the book here: https://a.co/d/03ydRTRV

    58 min
  2. Creative Survival Guide - James Martin

    14 May

    Creative Survival Guide - James Martin

    Ever feel overwhelmed by the pressure to chase visibility as a designer? You're not alone.Tag someone who needs to hear this!In our latest chat, we dive into the evolving landscape of design, where the expectation to be constantly visible online can feel like a burden. Many new creatives enter the industry believing they must be active on social media to succeed, but that’s not the only path.James shares insights on how the mindset of young designers has shifted. With access to endless inspiration, it’s easy to feel inadequate compared to others. But remember, your unique journey matters more than the noise around you.As we reflect on the importance of focusing on what truly drives your passion, it’s crucial to ask yourself: are you creating for your audience or just for online validation?Let’s embrace our paths and support each other in this journey!Follow James at: https://www.instagram.com/made.by.james/PRE-ORDER THE BOOK! https://themadebyjames.com/no-bs-book/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnVLO15BhaIngYxdIdbBb66uaqdwDQtS8sg7px_flnp-sMePqGLPD1je9GGw8_aem_sfX7vC3e6ujgMXlek5ujmA

    1hr 11min
  3. The Crop Effect! Our Experience at Crop Con

    6 May

    The Crop Effect! Our Experience at Crop Con

    What happens when creatives stop scrolling, show up, and spend a few days learning from people who’ve actually put in the work? In this episode of The Deeply Graphic Designcast, Nick Longo and Joseph Bullard unpack “The Crop Effect”, an honest conversation reflecting on their experience at Crop Con. From inspiring talks and real conversations to unexpected lessons and career perspective shifts, this episode explores why creative conferences, meetups, and community gatherings still matter more than ever. Whether you attended Crop or missed it entirely, this conversation is about the bigger picture: growth, connection, momentum, and what happens when creatives get in the same room together. Stay till the end for some special thank you messages from Crop attendees.

    1hr 19min
  4. Inside a Real Rebrand

    6 Apr

    Inside a Real Rebrand

    Most rebrands look good on the surface. This one actually meant something. In this episode, we go inside the rebrand of Shear Revival with Zach, Nader, and Tom, breaking down what it really takes to evolve a brand without losing its core. From early conversations and living room brainstorms to building a full visual system, this wasn’t a quick refresh, it was a thoughtful reset rooted in clarity, collaboration, and craft. We get into what most designers and founders miss about rebranding, why it’s more than just a logo, and how the right process can actually move a business forward. If you’ve ever thought about rebranding, or you’re in the middle of one right now, this is the real playbook. Here are the links for Nader:www.nbdco.comwww.instagram.com/nbdco_Here are Zach's links:zach@shearrevival.comwww.shearrevival.comwww.instagram.com/shearrevivalwww.tiktok.com/@shearrevivalyoutube.com/@shearrevival

    1hr 5min
  5. Why Authenticity Wins in a Polished World

    23 Mar

    Why Authenticity Wins in a Polished World

    In a world where everything looks clean, polished, and technically perfect, why does so much of it feel forgettable? In this solo episode, Nick Longo breaks down the growing tension in the design industry, where great-looking work is no longer enough, and audiences are starting to question what’s real, what’s human, and what actually stands out. Pulling from current industry conversations and real creative trends, this episode explores why showing your process, your thinking, and even your imperfections is becoming a serious advantage. From the rise of mixed-media and raw aesthetics to the increasing skepticism around AI-generated work, Nick dives into what it really takes to build trust, stand out, and create work that actually connects. If you’ve ever felt like your work is getting lost in a sea of “pretty good,” this episode is your wake-up call. Because in today’s landscape, authenticity isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s the edge.

    22 min
  6. Build Better Creative Teams - Kiser Barnes

    2 Mar

    Build Better Creative Teams - Kiser Barnes

    What does creative leadership actually look like today?In this episode, Kiser Barnes breaks down the evolution of brand building, from traditional top-down models to inclusive, bottom-up creative cultures that empower teams to thrive. He shares how diverse life experiences shape stronger creative perspectives, why innovation is about building better experiences instead of chasing technology, and how curiosity fuels long-term growth.You’ll learn why generosity of time is one of the most underrated leadership skills, how personal passions sharpen creative output, and why culture, not control, builds brands that last. If you’re ready to move beyond just making work and start shaping teams, experiences, and impact, this conversation will challenge how you think about leadership in design.Kiser Links:Website: https://www.redantler.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiser_barnesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiserbarnes/Tom:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tlauro_design/

    1hr 1min
  7. Is Your Career Stuck?

    16 Feb

    Is Your Career Stuck?

    Feeling stuck in your creative journey?** 🤔 It's a common struggle, especially in today’s fast-paced world. In our latest podcast episode, Stacey Panousopoulos shares insights from her 20 years with AIGA New York. Discover how to navigate the challenges of feeling overwhelmed and find your way back to inspiration! 💡✨ What’s your go-to strategy when you hit a creative block? Let’s chat in the comments! #CreativeJourney #AIGANewYork #DesignCommunity #Inspiration #Podcast #MentalHealth #CreativeBlock #DesignThinking #StayInspired

    51 min
  8. Stop Bashing the Design Industry

    2 Feb

    Stop Bashing the Design Industry

    Graphic design has been taking a beating online, from AI panic and low-paying job posts to burnout culture and social media negativity. In this episode, Nick Longo pushes back on the noise and stands up for the design industry with clarity, optimism, and long-game thinking. Rather than denying the real challenges designers face, this conversation reframes them through a more honest lens. Nick breaks down why graphic design is still a viable and meaningful career, how AI and easy design tools are changing the work without replacing designers, and why the job market feels broken at the execution level but not at the leadership level. He also addresses client misconceptions, revision culture, designfluencers, and burnout, while offering a more grounded way to think about longevity, value, and growth in a creative career. This episode is about separating signal from noise, reclaiming pride in the profession, and reminding designers that the industry isn’t collapsing, it’s evolving. If you’ve ever questioned your career choice after scrolling social media, this one’s for you.

    31 min
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About

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!

Information

  • Creator
    Graphic Designers Nick Longo and Mikelle Morrison
  • Years Active
    2012 - 2026
  • Episodes
    229
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Graphic Designers Nick Longo and Mikelle Morrison
  • Show Website
    The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDC

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