Make and Design with Carina Gardner
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 design work.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 11, 2025 • 15min
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.comDesign Bootcamp: http://www.carinagardnercourses.com/designbootcampUniversity of Arts & Design: http://uad.education Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional
Nov 4, 2025 • 19min
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.comDesign Bootcamp: http://www.carinagardnercourses.com/designbootcampUniversity of Arts & Design: http://uad.education Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional
Oct 28, 2025 • 12min
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.comJoin a Design Bootcamp at www.designsuitecourses.com/designbootcamp Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional
Oct 21, 2025 • 12min
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.comJoin a Design Bootcamp at www.designsuitecourses.com/designbootcamp Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional
Oct 14, 2025 • 14min
Episode 535 - The Startling Truth About What AI Is Doing To The Design Industry
Now that we have had AI for a couple of years, Carina talks about what she has seen in the design industry. She covers the most concerning question designers have had which is, “Is design jobs going away?” Learn more in today's episode!Learn what is new by going to www.carinagardner.comJoin a Design Bootcamp at www.designsuitecourses.com/designbootcamp Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional
Oct 7, 2025 • 10min
Episode 534 - Feeling Behind? Listen to This
If you’ve ever felt like everyone else is ahead of you, this episode is your reset button. Carina Gardner shares a powerful mindset shift and practical tips to help you refocus, catch up, and move forward—without the overwhelm. You’re not as behind as you think.Learn more about Carina at www.carinagardner.com. Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional
Sep 30, 2025 • 9min
Episode 533 - The Locked Drawer
What’s hiding in your “locked drawer”? In this episode, Carina Gardner explores the ideas, projects, and dreams we keep tucked away—and how unlocking them can transform your creative career. If you’ve been holding back your best work, it’s time to set it free.Learn more about Carina at www.carinagardner.com. Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional
Sep 23, 2025 • 23min
Episode 532 - Negotiation Secrets Every Designer Needs with Carina Gardner & Susie Tomenchuk
Ready to stop leaving money on the table? In this episode, Carina Gardner sits down with negotiation expert Susie Tomenchuk to share proven strategies every designer needs. From handling pricing pushback to confidently closing deals, you’ll learn how to protect your value, get paid what you’re worth, and negotiate like a pro.Learn more about Susie at https://www.susietomenchok.com.Learn more about Carina at www.carinagardner.com. Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional
Sep 16, 2025 • 11min
Episode 531- Feeling Invisible? 3 Marketing Layers You Need
Tired of feeling like no one sees your work? In this episode, Carina Gardner reveals the three essential marketing layers every creative needs to get noticed, build an audience, and turn followers into customers. Simple, actionable steps to make sure you’re no longer invisible in your industry.Learn more about Carina at www.carinagardner.com. Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional
Sep 9, 2025 • 12min
Episode 530 - Is It Too Late To Start A Design Career?
Think you’ve missed your chance to become a designer? Think again. In this episode, Carina Gardner breaks down why it’s never too late to start a design career, the surprising advantages of starting later in life, and the exact steps to get moving now. Whether you’re 25 or 65, your creative future starts today.Learn more about Carina at www.carinagardner.com. Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional
