Make and Design with Carina Gardner

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 their momentum, prioritize meaningful work, and create from a place of confidence rather than fear.Whether you're in a creative rut or just feeling the weight of your potential, this episode will help you reset and refocus.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, Hobby Lobby, Deseret Book, and more.Find out more at https://www.carinagardner.comCheck out her most popular program Design Bootcamp here: http://www.carinagardnercourses.com/designbootcampGet my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional

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 first design shop, this episode gives you a foundation for making smart, sustainable pricing decisions right from the start.Perfect for creatives who want to turn their talent into a thriving business without second-guessing every quote or invoice.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, Hobby Lobby, Deseret Book, and more.Find out more at https://www.carinagardner.comCheck out her most popular program Design Bootcamp here: http://www.carinagardnercourses.com/designbootcampGet my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional

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 deserves.This episode is filled with mindset shifts, real-world insights, and practical takeaways for creatives ready to step into a bigger role in their business and their brand.Whether you're a freelancer, aspiring agency owner, or product-based designer, this is the pep talk (and strategy session) you didn’t know you needed.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, Hobby Lobby, Deseret Book, and more.Find out more at https://www.carinagardner.comCheck out her most popular program Design Bootcamp here: http://www.carinagardnercourses.com/designbootcampGet my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional

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.___________________________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, Hobby Lobby, Deseret Book, and more.Find out more at https://www.carinagardner.comCheck out her most popular program Design Bootcamp here: http://www.carinagardnercourses.com/designbootcampGet a design degree at http://uad.educationGet my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional

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 has designed for Nordstroms, Riley Blake, Silhouette America, Michaels, Hobby Lobby, Deseret Book, and more.Find out more at https://www.carinagardner.comCheck out her most popular program Design Bootcamp here: http://www.carinagardnercourses.com/designbootcampGet a design degree at http://uad.educationGet my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional

2025 has been an interesting year for designers. Carina works with hundreds of creatives through her university and Design Suite programs, giving her a front-row seat to what’s actually working right now. Learn more in today’s episode.___________________________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, Hobby Lobby, Deseret Book, and more.Find out more at https://www.carinagardner.comCheck out her most popular program Design Bootcamp here: http://www.carinagardnercourses.com/designbootcampGet a design degree at http://uad.educationGet my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional

What’s the difference between someone with a hobby and someone who wants a business from the thing they love? Carina shares the mindset shift you need to turn your design skills into cash.___________________________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, Hobby Lobby, Deseret Book, and more.Find out more at https://www.carinagardner.comCheck out her most popular program Design Bootcamp here: http://www.carinagardnercourses.com/designbootcampGet a design degree at http://uad.educationGet my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional

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.___________________________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, Hobby Lobby, Deseret Book, and more.Find out more at https://www.carinagardner.comCheck out her most popular program Design Bootcamp here: http://www.carinagardnercourses.com/designbootcampGet a design degree at http://uad.educationGet my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional

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.  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, Hobby Lobby, Deseret Book, and more.Find out more at https://www.carinagardner.comCheck out her most popular program Design Bootcamp here: http://www.carinagardnercourses.com/designbootcampGet my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional

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 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, Hobby Lobby, Deseret Book, and more.Find out more at https://www.carinagardner.comCheck out her most popular program Design Bootcamp here: http://www.carinagardnercourses.com/designbootcampGet my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional