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
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Raised by Design - How Jeremy Slagle’s Kids Became Professional Designers
What happens when you grow up inside a design studio? In this episode of The Next Level, Tom Lauro sits down with creative powerhouse Jeremy Slagle and his two insanely talented kids, Faith and Caleb, who are now working designers.They share what it was like to be raised in a home bursting with creativity, the pivotal moments that shaped their careers, and the real talk on following in the footsteps of a well-known parent in the design world. This is a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how a family turned passion into profession—and passed it on to the next generation.Jeremy”s website: www.slagledesign.comCaleb: www.calebslagle.comFaith: www.Faithslagle.comInstagrams:@slagledesign @faithslagledesignAbout Tom Lauro:I'm a graphic designer / maker who dabbles in a little bit of everything. It all started with a career in landscape architecture, but over time I began drifting more and more into the world of vectors and graphic art. Molded by punk rock and east coast antics, I thrive on simple designs with big personalities. No matter what, I believe every project has a story to tell. Unfolding and discovering that narrative is what inspires my process, and creates the best possible product for my clients. With a holistic approach every project gets the same amount of time and effort; whether that be identity branding, marketing materials, product design, or just some die-cut stickers.https://www.tomlaurodesign.com/https://www.instagram.com/tlauro_design/
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Start Your Studio! How Brethren Design Co. Made the Leap
From Side Hustle to Studio: How Brethren Design Co. Made the LeapThis week, we’re joined by the insanely talented duo behind Brethren Design Co., and trust us—this one’s packed with the kind of real-world advice our listeners love.Jeremy and Jordan Coon started Brethren while working full-time design jobs, slowly building a client base on nights and weekends. In 2022, they took the leap and turned their side hustle into a full-time creative studio. Since then, they've designed over 200 beer labels, landed retainer clients, and diversified into everything from restaurants to board games.We talk about:The exact moment they knew it was time to go full-time.Lessons they learned (and are still learning) about pricing, billing, and business ops.The power of LinkedIn and design conferences for landing clients.How one beer brand helped launch their whole business.What it’s really like running a studio remotely between two cities.If you’ve ever dreamed of quitting your 9–5 and going all in on your creative business, this episode is for you.https://www.brethrendesignco.com/https://www.instagram.com/brethrendesignco🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube🚀 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dgdcpod/🚀 Explore more at: linktr.ee/dgdcpod🚀Our Shop: deeplygraphicgoods.printful.me#GraphicDesign #DesignPodcast #CreativeBusiness
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1:07:41
Get Paid More!
Are you charging what you're actually worth? Too many designers undervalue their work, leaving money on the table. In this episode, I break down the best pricing strategies for freelancers—including hourly rates, value-based pricing, retainers, and licensing fees—so you can ditch the guesswork and price with confidence.You'll learn:✔ When to charge hourly vs. flat rates✔ How to use value-based pricing to maximize profits✔ Why retainers can create financial stability✔ How to license your work for extra incomeIf you're ready to stop undercharging and start getting paid what you deserve, this episode is for you! 🎙💰
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!
Ireland