Dan Janssen, founder and creative director of Lincoln Design Co., returns to the show for a deep dive into the studio’s highly anticipated new release: The Brand Design of a Brand Design Agency. This 288-page book isn't about client work—it's a behind-the-scenes look at how Lincoln built its own brand from the inside out. Packed with unreleased logos, illustrations, internal marketing, swag, and studio stories, the book is a decade-in-the-making tribute to what happens when a studio treats itself like its most important client.In this episode, we unpack the big ideas behind the book, why it exists, who it’s for, and how it challenges the traditional rules of branding and self-promotion. Dan shares lessons learned from building a dream studio culture, creating products that leave lasting impressions, and the importance of documenting your creative evolution.We also talk about the value of getting outside the design bubble. Fresh off Crop Con in Austin and gearing up for the Licensing Expo in Vegas, we swap insights on how conferences, both design-focused and industry-specific—can fuel creativity, spark collaborations, and push your studio’s visibility beyond the usual crowd.If you're a designer, creative director, studio owner, or student looking to understand what it really takes to build a brand-first creative business, this one’s for you.📕 Grab the book and explore more:👉 https://shorturl.at/MCWWF🔗 https://www.lincolndesignco.com/
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46:32
Chasing Clients - Navigating Client Communication Woes
In this episode, we're diving into one of the biggest struggles freelancers are facing right now—getting clients to actually respond, give clear feedback, and stick to the original project scope. Nick and Mikelle kick things off by sharing real-world pain points and how this trend is quietly killing timelines, budgets, and creative momentum.Then, we tackle your most burning questions about client communication: What do you do when a client vanishes mid-project? How do you steer the ship when direction is vague—or constantly changing? And how can you protect yourself from endless revisions and scope creep?To wrap it all up, we serve up 5 super-practical, battle-tested tips to help you stay in control, set the tone from day one, and keep your sanity (and your schedule) intact.If you’ve ever felt like a project manager, therapist, and psychic all in one—this one’s for you.
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55:29
Packaging Secrets - Retail Buyers Tell All: What Makes Packaging Sell (and Fail)
🔥 Designers, listen up—this one’s for YOU.If you’re creating brand or packaging design for CPG, food & bev, or wellness products, this is the inside scoop you can’t afford to miss. We sat down with real retail buyers and asked them what actually gets a product noticed—and what gets it passed over. Spoiler alert: good design isn’t enough.🧠 In this fast-paced breakdown, you’ll learn:• What makes packaging instantly eye-catching (or invisible)• How color, typography, and structure drive that first impression• The trends buyers love right now—and the ones they’re sick of• Why storytelling is your secret weapon (but not in the way you think)• The #1 design mistake that kills a brand before it even launches• How to balance sustainability, clarity, and visual punchWhether you're designing for a client or your own brand, these buyer insights will sharpen your strategy, elevate your work, and help you design packaging that actually sells.🎯 Want to create packaging that flies off shelves?Start by thinking like a buyer.
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52:01
The Drop – Episode 3: Design Moves You Gotta Know
In this episode of The Drop, we’re back with another hot roundup of design news you actually want to know. From bold rebrands to tech shake-ups, industry scandals to the next big thing in type and tech—we’re breaking it all down so you stay in the loop and ahead of the curve.We’ve handpicked the stories making waves in April 2025—no fluff, no filler. Just the news, trends, and creative shifts that matter to working designers and creatives like you.🧠 Insightful. 🎯 Actionable. 😏 Occasionally spicy.Links to everything we mention are below. Let’s get into it.https://www.designweek.co.uk/nine-creatives-reimagine-wiedenkennedy-londons-logo/https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/theme-parks/epic-universehttps://gdusa.com/the-design-skills-employers-need-right-now/https://looka.com/blog/graphic-design-trends/?utm_source=chatgpt.comhttps://www.designweek.co.uk/major-charities-creating-bold-new-brands-as-donor-numbers-fall/https://www.creativeboom.com/news/earthling-studio-infuses-nostalgic-fun-into-iced-tea-brand-halfday/https://www.creativeboom.com/inspiration/harvesting-heritage-bna-reimagines-polish-food-brand-dawtona-as-a-slavic-goddess/https://www.creativeboom.com/news/hip-pop/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2uwy4MDZ_M&t=3sTHE SHOP: deeplygraphicgoods.printful.me
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Goodtype’s Year of Experiments
What happens when two legendary type lovers turn their year into one big creative experiment? You get insight, income—and maybe even $100K.In this episode, we sit down with the powerhouse duo behind Goodtype to talk about their bold new mission: using experiments to explore what brings them joy and financial success as artists. From their $100K art challenge to unconventional income streams, they're documenting it all—wins, failures, and everything in between.We talk about:Why 2024 is the “Year of the Experiment”How artists can use small tests to unlock big growthLessons from launching the $100K challengeCreative blocks, money mindset, and building happiness into your businessPractical ideas you can steal to start experimenting todayOh—and a spicy lightning round. Fonts were harmed.If you’ve ever wondered how to make a living from your art without selling your soul, this one’s for you.InstagramWebsiteThe Kernference (we have student pricing!) Podcast (this has both apple and spotify)Youtube
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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