COURSES

Design Suite Updates-What’s New This Fall? Read More »

We’re thrilled to announce a range of Design Suite Updates . Here’s What’s New This Fall!

New Awards

Celebrate your achievements with our brand-new badges:

**Art to Cart Badge:**

Earn this badge by completing the Art to Cart 90-Day Challenge. Follow the weekly goals outlined in the provided PDFs, consistently upload 10 new listings each week for 12 weeks, and share your progress in the Art to Cart Feed. Finish the challenge and post in the ATC feed on week 12 to claim your badge.

**Design Suite Maker Conference Badge:** Simply sign up and participate in the Design Suite Maker Conference to earn this badge.

**Design Suite Business Completion & Achievement Badge (Coming November 2024):** To earn this badge, maintain a shop with at least 200 listings and complete 3 full courses in the Design Suite.

**Open Design Time – Enhanced**

We’re enhancing the popular Open Design Time feature! Each session will now begin with a 30-minute training segment, addressing various topics based on member input and questions. This month’s theme is Fall and Halloween designs. After the training, join fellow designers in a collaborative design session.

**Annual Design Suite Meeting – NEW!**

Starting January 2025, we’re introducing an annual bonus meeting! This FREE meeting is open to all current members and Design Suite Alumni. Join Carina as she discusses plans for the upcoming year, shares insights on industry trends, and previews exciting Design Suite events.

**Making New Connections – NEW Group**

Connect with like-minded members through our new “Making New Connections” group! Choose your interests—whether it’s fabric, quilting, SVGs, fine arts, freelance work, accountability, or sublimation—and connect with others who share your passions and brainstorm business ideas.

**Virtual Conference Bundle**

Alumni now have the option to purchase and attend all four Quarterly Virtual Conferences planned for 2025. These conferences, lasting 3-4 hours each, will offer valuable business tips, industry insights, and learning opportunities.

We’re excited for you to make the most of these new features and look forward to celebrating your achievements with the new badges. Stay tuned for more updates and enjoy the enhanced Design Suite experience!

Get Ready for a Crafty Holiday Party: The Holiday Crafts Summit!

Classes, EVENTS / Carina Gardner Team

The most wonderful time of the year is just around the corner, and we’re celebrating with the Holiday Crafts Summit from October 17-19, 2024! Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a holiday enthusiast, this event is your go-to destination for all things festive and creative.

🗓️ Dates: October 17-19, 2024
📍 Where: Online – Join from the comfort of your home!

Carina will be teaching a class titled, “Create Magical Holiday Decor with Paper Poinsettias.” She will guide you through the art of making beautiful paper poinsettias, perfect for adding a touch of magic to your holiday decorations.

But that’s not all! The Holiday Crafts Summit is brimming with creative projects and ideas, including:

3D Ornaments: Craft eye-catching ornaments to adorn your Christmas tree.
Popup Cards: Create personalized and interactive holiday cards that will delight your loved ones.
Decorative Serving Tray: Make a stunning tray to serve holiday treats in style.
Christmas Stockings: Design and personalize stockings for your family and friends.
Christmas Crackers: Add a fun and festive touch to your holiday table.
Treat Boxes: Craft charming boxes to present holiday goodies.
Christmas Tags: Design beautiful tags to add a special touch to your gifts.

…and so much more!

The Holiday Crafts Summit is the perfect opportunity to get inspired and prepare for the holiday season with beautiful, handmade decorations.

Don’t miss out on this festive crafting event! Sign up for your FREE ticket here:

https://designsuite–bettesmakes.thrivecart.com/holiday-crafts-summit-2024/

Get Ready for a Crafty Holiday Party: The Holiday Crafts Summit! Read More »

Learn About How Life Could Be With A Design Business

Learn more about Design Suite here

Learn more about how life is could be with a design business from women who have flexibility and freedom while being creative. On day 3 Design Suite Maker Conference, I met with Jalin Bingham, Kristi Rachelle, Emily Fish to talk about their lives as they started their design businesses.

Each of them hosted a workshop at the Design Suite Maker Conference, and I was thrilled to have them share their experiences as design business owners. It was fascinating to explore their unique journeys, which also had some surprising similarities.

During the panel, we found ourselves discussing our children, as each of us has kids who’ve faced challenges at school due to neurodivergent issues like ADHD, autism, mental health struggles, and more. Knowing that there is power in creativity, these struggles do not stop these women from pursuing their own creative lives and careers.

Understanding the challenges of everyday life gives perspective as you build a business. While creativity and fulfillment are key, involving your family is also important. Kristi’s daughter even steals her iPad and has started her own design business, while Emily’s son works for her. “This is more than me just making cute crafts,” Kristi says. “It’s about creating a legacy for my kids.” Carina Gardner on Life with a Design Business and the power of creativity

To learn more about the insights these women had on running a design business and family life, watch the entire youtube video here.

Sometimes just hearing from other women and seeing their real life struggles and how they continue to pursue a creative business is a motivating thing for others to see.

Want to know more about the workshops these women taught? Get the All Access Pass to this conference, which will give you access to 38 presentations here.

XOXO,

Carina.

Learn About How Life Could Be With A Design Business Read More »

The Best and Worst Secrets of Creating A Creative Design Business

Learn more about Design Suite here

On day 2 Design Suite Maker Conference, I met with Brenna Powell, Tracey Rinaldo, Kim Thomas to talk about the best and worst parts of owning a business. Learn from these women about creating profitable design business doing the work they love.

Brenna Powell says overcoming the fear of whether her work would sell was a big challenge. “When I started Design Suite, I was super nervous because I would post my stuff on Etsy and someone would buy it. And I would be like—Oh they are going to come to me with these negative reviews…I wanted to make sure that I was doing things the right way.”

Design Suite member Kim Thomas says that it is a journey. She says, “I knew that this second year would be all about the business, the marketing, and the sales.”

Tracy Rinaldo says the hardest part of running a design business is staying focused. As creatives, there’s so much we want to do, but to build a profitable business, it’s crucial to focus on the right products and activities.

To learn more about the insights these women had on running a design business, visit my Youtube Channel!

Want to know more about the workshops these women taught? Get the All Access Pass to this conference, which will give you access to 38 presentations here

XOXO,

Carina

The Best and Worst Secrets of Creating A Creative Design Business Read More »

How to Develop A Product, a Brand, and a Style From Live Presentation with Carina Gardner

Learn more about University of Arts & Design

Learn how to develop a product, brand, and style from a live presentation from Carina Gardner. At the Design Suite Maker Conference, I gave a live keynote on how to develop a product, aimed at helping budding designers find their style and build a brand.

I introduced two frameworks to guide attendees through the process. The first was the Make Art That Sells model from the book. I focused on how using medium, theme, and product can help you stand out in the marketplace.

The second was the Good, Better, Best framework from my book Design Profit Prosper. The idea is that with so many products available, yours must excel in both usability and beauty. This approach not only helps you build a recognisable brand but also ensures your products sell—making your business truly viable.

I felt like this was an important enough topic that I would make it available for YOU to watch as well. You can watch the entire keynote lecture here

Want to know more about the workshops these women taught? Get the All Access Pass to this conference, which will give you access to 38 presentations here

Learn more about Design Suite here

XOXO,

Carina.

How to Develop A Product, a Brand, and a Style From Live Presentation with Carina Gardner Read More »

Carina teaches: Last 6 Month Highlights

https://www.designsuitecourses.com/illustration2024allaccess

The year 2024 has proven to be an exceptional time for designers, crafters, and makers, brimming with an array of rich learning opportunities that cater to both seasoned professionals and enthusiastic beginners alike. This year has been packed with a diverse lineup of conferences, workshops, and events designed to elevate your creative skills, spark new ideas, and help you grow your craft into something truly remarkable. If you’re eager to expand your knowledge and connect with like-minded individuals, you’ll definitely want to explore the conferences and events that are still open for registration. These carefully curated gatherings offer invaluable insights and hands-on experiences that you simply can’t afford to miss. Read on to discover the must-attend events that are waiting to help you take your creative journey to the next level.

Illustration and Art Conference (February 1-2, 2024)

– Event Overview: This two-day conference was a vibrant gathering of illustrators, artists, and creative professionals. It featured a lineup of 18 interactive workshops and 16 distinguished speakers, making it a must-attend event for anyone in the creative field.

-Notable Speakers: Among the standout speakers was David Meikle, renowned for his artistic contributions to *Asteroid City*. His session delved into the creative process behind the film’s unique visual style, offering attendees a rare glimpse into professional movie art design.

– Sample workshops include:

Painting with Procreate: This workshop provided a deep dive into digital painting techniques using Procreate, ideal for artists looking to transition from traditional to digital mediums.
Creating Depth in Watercolor Painting: This hands-on session explored advanced watercolor techniques, focusing on how to create a sense of depth and dimension in watercolor art.
Creative Play with Mixed Media Tools: A fun and experimental workshop that encouraged artists to break traditional boundaries by combining various media, such as ink, acrylics, and pastels, to create unique pieces.

Attendees were treated to an all access pass craft gift bundle

If you missed this live event you can still take advantage of all the tutorials and the freebies. An All Access Pass is available, offering access to all recorded sessions, workshop materials, and downloadable resources.

Craft and Design Event (April 18-19, 2024)

– Event Overview: This event was a paradise for crafters and DIY enthusiasts, bringing together a community of makers to share tips, techniques, and insights on a wide range of crafts.

-Focus Areas:

Silhouette and Cricut Machines: Sessions focused on mastering these cutting machines, with tutorials on creating intricate designs for vinyl, paper, and fabric projects.
Preserving Family Photographs: A heartfelt session that taught attendees how to get those valuable memories off of your phone and into a photo album that you will love to look through for years to come.
Selling on Etsy: Practical advice on setting up an Etsy shop, optimizing listings, and navigating the platform’s algorithm to boost sales.

– Deals and Discounts: Participants received exclusive discounts on goods and services.

https://www.designsuitecourses.com/offers/XD4vAmGF/checkout

Design Suite Makers Conference: Start a Business (August 20-22, 2024)

– Event Overview: This three-day conference was tailored for aspiring entrepreneurs and established business owners in the crafting and design space.

– Featured Designers: The conference showcased both current members of the Design Suite and successful alumni who have gone on to build thriving businesses. Their stories provided inspiration and actionable insights for attendees.

– Content Highlights:

Sewing and Embroidery: Step-by-step guides on advanced techniques, including creating custom designs and working with different fabrics.
Sublimation and Cardmaking: Detailed tutorials on these popular crafts, with tips on how to achieve professional-quality results.
Cricut and Silhouette Projects: From beginner to advanced projects, attendees learned how to leverage these machines to create everything from home décor to personalized gifts.

– Freebies and Resources: In addition to the instructional content, attendees received a generous bundle of digital resources, including design templates, printable patterns, and craft files.

Even though the live event has ended, it’s not too late to access all the valuable content. The All Access Pass includes recordings of all sessions, additional bonus materials, and ongoing support.

https://www.designsuitecourses.com/design-suite-maker-conference-all-access-pass-4

Check out these great YouTube videos for additional design inspiration!

Travel Guide for STUDIO GHIBLI PARK | Must See Spots & Fun Facts!

Video Overview: Carina takes viewers on a magical journey through Studio Ghibli Park, offering a guided tour of the park’s must-see attractions. She shares her personal experiences and favorite spots, from the life-size replicas of iconic Ghibli characters to the intricately designed park landscapes that transport visitors into the worlds of Miyazaki’s films.
Special Features: The video includes fun facts about the park’s design, behind-the-scenes details about the creation of certain attractions, and tips for making the most out of a visit. Carina’s enthusiasm and knowledge make it an engaging and informative watch for any Ghibli fan.

Walk Through The FLEA MARKETS OF AMSTERDAM With Me | Facts & Design #designaroundtheworld

Video Overview: In this video, Carina invites viewers to explore the vibrant and eclectic flea markets of Amsterdam. She highlights the historical and multicultural aspects of the markets. The trip is a bargain hunt for various items including retro fashion and valuable antiques.
Design Insights: Carina also discusses how the design elements she encountered in the markets influence her own work, providing viewers with a deeper understanding of how global design trends can inspire local projects.

MONEY & MINDSET with STEVE HAMOEN! AMAZING advice!

Video Overview: In this video, Carina speaks with podcaster and host of the Money Mindset Mentoring podcast. Steve talks about great insights on why revenue matters as he runs his multiple businesses and motivation vs. self discipline

Make sure to check out these fun videos and conferences to enhance your own design journey.

Carina teaches: Last 6 Month Highlights Read More »

Design Suite Team Retreat Review

COURSES, UPDATES FROM CARINA / Carina Gardner Team

Curious about what goes down at a Design Suite Team Retreat? Here’s a peek into the blend of work and play that makes our yearly gathering so special!

Each year, the Design Suite leadership team and our dedicated coaches come together for a retreat that serves as a pivotal planning session for the year ahead. This August 2024, we convened with one goal in mind: to shape an exciting and innovative year for our members in 2025. We meticulously crafted the full calendar of Design Suite events, ensuring a dynamic mix of virtual and in-person experiences that promise to enrich and engage.

This year’s retreat was especially notable for the seamless collaboration between our U.S. team and our colleagues in the Philippines. Thanks to Zoom, our team across the globe joined us in real-time, contributing to team-building exercises and performance improvement discussions. This virtual connection allowed us to align on program planning and share valuable insights, further strengthening our global team’s cohesion and ensuring a unified approach to our 2025 initiatives.Our retreat wasn’t all about strategizing and meetings. We took valuable time to review member feedback and brainstorm program enhancements. Our mission is clear: to deliver top-tier educational and networking opportunities that will empower our members to become exceptional designers. We’re thrilled about the changes we’re implementing and can’t wait to share them with you!

Of course, no retreat is complete without a bit of fun. This year, we embraced our playful side with a new card game that had us all laughing—and yes, we played in our pajamas between sessions! We also enjoyed the great outdoors with activities like pickleball, kayaking, and paddleboarding at the picturesque Bear Lake, Utah. And who could forget the classic burger and shake feast at the local roadside stand? To top it all off, we even had a friendly pool tournament, proving that our team’s competitive spirit is just as strong off the clock.

Our Philippine team also made the most of their time by exploring local attractions and enjoying their beautiful surroundings. They spent a day at a vibrant amusement park, having fun with their families on various rides and activities. This blend of adventure and relaxation was a perfect complement to their hard work on the Design Suite team!

The retreat was a perfect blend of productive planning and memorable moments. We returned invigorated and ready to make 2025 an exceptional year for the Design Suite community. Stay tuned for all the exciting developments on the horizon

Design Suite Team Retreat Review Read More »

Have You Ever Joined A Live Design Bootcamp?

COURSES, Design Bootcamp / Carina Gardner Team

Maybe one of the coolest things I get to do are live Design Bootcamps Teaching live means that I get to interact with new bootcampers and answer their questions about design business.

It’s not surprising that many of the same questions pop up time and time again at a bootcamp like…

“Is there really room for ME in this industry?”

“Do I have to know how to draw to become a designer?”

“How do you make money as a designer?”

And I love answering these! Design Bootcamp is really about understanding strategies that successful designers are using and which ones are not.

This five day bootcamp occurs for one hour a day at 10am MT/12pm ET. Plus there are two bonus videos to help you get started on designing in Illustrator.

If you can’t come to the live class, a replay is available for two weeks so you can still watch.

Oh, and I also talk about Design Suite, which is my

premier program as well as the University of Arts & Design. I usually talk about these on Day 3 only to those who would like to learn more (it is not part of our workshop series).

If you want to join, you can get your ticket at www.designsuitecourses.com/designbootcamp.

Can’t wait to see you there!

Carina

Have You Ever Joined A Live Design Bootcamp? Read More »

Pulling Back the Curtain at Design Suite with Sharia, Julie and Aja

Tune in to the Design Your Life Podcast to hear more about the inner workings of the Design Suite program.

If you’ve ever wondered what makes the Design Suite Program so impactful, it’s time to take a peek behind the curtain. The success of the program is fueled by a dedicated and dynamic team, all working together to deliver the best possible experience for our community. Here’s a closer look at what happens behind the scenes.

The Design Suite program isn’t just about individual creativity—it’s about collaboration. Our program is supported by a team of dedicated professionals who ensure everything runs smoothly. Each team is supported by an administrative assistant who plays a crucial role in keeping the team organized, on track, and responsive to the needs of our members.

These assistants are the backbone of our operations, ensuring that every team member has what they need to serve our community effectively. Their work might be behind the scenes, but their impact is front and center.

Every week, the entire Design Suite team comes together in a weekly meeting. We discuss upcoming events, individual member progress, and strategize on how we can continue to deliver a high-quality product.

In addition to the full team meeting, we also hold individual team meetings for our coaching, marketing, and leadership teams. These focused sessions allow us to dive deep into specific areas—whether it’s planning the next big event, brainstorming blog post topics, or discussing Instagram content. It’s a time for collaboration, innovation, and ensuring that every detail is in place.

Carina consistently produces a vast amount of content across various platforms. But this content doesn’t just appear—it’s the result of meticulous planning and execution by our marketing team.

Every Instagram post, blog article, YouTube video, and Pinterest pin is crafted with care and precision. Our marketing lead, marketing assistant, and video editor all work together to ensure that every piece of content aligns with our goals and serves our audience effectively.

At its core, the Design Suite program is about more than just learning design skills. It’s about providing our members with the tools they need to succeed as artists and entrepreneurs. Our courses cover a wide range of topics—from designing SVG projects and creating repeat patterns to mastering font design and exploring various money-making platforms.

We’re committed to helping our members turn their creative passions into profitable businesses, and that commitment is reflected in every aspect of our program.

The success of the Design Suite program is a testament to the dedication and hard work of every team member. From the administrative assistants who keep us organized to the marketing team that ensures our content shines, every person plays a vital role in our mission.

As we continue to grow and evolve, our focus remains on delivering valuable and helpful services to our community. Whether you’re a member or just considering joining, know that there’s a passionate team working tirelessly to support your creative journey.

Pulling Back the Curtain at Design Suite with Sharia, Julie and Aja Read More »

Introducing the University of Arts & Design

carina update, Classes, COURSES, UNIVERSITY OF ARTS & DESIGN / Carina Gardner Team

I am so excited to announce the University of Arts & Design Business! This has been quite the undertaking and we are SO excited to start in enrollment in August for our Fall Semester.

Why a University?

As many of you know, we have a program called Design Suite. This professional development program teaches budding artists and designers how to create profitable businesses. Over the last three years, the course load in this program has grown to over 17 courses and includes replays of virtual conferences, workshops, weekly meetings, and bonus courses.

The insights we have gained from working with creatives daily and understanding what it takes for any designer or artist to get sales have been invaluable.

The Evolution of Design Suite

Design Suite has been a transformative platform for our designers. The program’s growth reflects our commitment to providing comprehensive education that addresses the unique challenges and opportunities in the art and design industry.

Based on my own experiences as a designer for the last 16 years, I have seen new artists and designers find their creative strength and learn to create businesses that really work. From foundational courses on design principles to advanced workshops on business strategies, Design Suite holistic approach has helped creatives find their own markets to sell in including die cutting files, surface pattern design, printables, planners, stickers, clipart, laser files, and so much more.

Bridging the Gap: From Program to University

Given the success and expansion of Design Suite, the natural next step was to establish a university. At the beginning of 2024, I started revising and retaping the current coursework in Design Suite into semester long courses. I started adding more definitive final projects and quizzes to these courses.

This up-leveling process was to help our current (and lifetime course members) continue to improve and hone their design skills. As we see our students become better critical thinkings, develop their business skills, and develop their artwork, it became clear that what we were doing was a game changer.

This decision to create a university wasn’t made lightly. We recognized a growing need for a more structured, in-depth educational experience that could offer not just courses, but a full-fledged degree. By transitioning to a university format, we can provide a more rigorous and recognized pathway for creatives to achieve their professional goals.

What to Expect from Our University

Our university will build on the foundation laid by Design Suite. Students can expect a curriculum that integrates design and business education seamlessly. Courses will cover a wide range of topics, including advanced design techniques, marketing strategies, product development, and business management. The goal is to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the competitive world of art and design.

Starting Fall 2024, we are offering a Master of Arts in Design Business with 2 areas of Emphasis—Digital Technology and Visual Arts. We are also offering Undergraduate Certificate Programs. Both of these programs include 36 credit hours, which we recommend being done in 4 semesters.

Design Suite is NOT going away. If anything, we have seen the membership grow as we have made strides to build the University. We believe that the University appeals to those who are interested in a degree or certificate to continue to build their resume, seek higher education, or want a structured method of learning how to run a design business.

Community and Flexibility

One of the core strengths of Design Suite has been its vibrant community. As we transition to a university, we aim to foster an even stronger sense of community among our students. To achieve this, we have designed a balanced mix of meetings and flexible online courses.

Some courses will meet a few times during the semester, while others will have no scheduled meetings. This approach allows our busy students to benefit from ample opportunities to learn from classmates and build valuable professional connections while maintaining the flexibility necessary to balance work and family life.

Looking Ahead

We are incredibly excited about this new chapter and the opportunities it brings. By establishing a university, we are reaffirming our commitment to supporting creatives at every stage of their careers. We believe that with the right education and resources, our students can achieve remarkable success and make a significant impact in the art and design world.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to develop our programs and prepare for the launch of our university. Thank you for your ongoing support and enthusiasm for Design Suite and our future university. Together, we are creating a brighter future for creatives everywhere.

To learn more about the University of Arts & Design Business, please visit www.uadb.education

Looking forward to designing with you!

Carina

Introducing the University of Arts & Design Read More »

Top 3 Favorite Software’s

Top 3 Favorite Software’s Read More »

As a designer we are always on the lookout for ways to design faster, and smarter and having the right tools at your disposal can make all the difference between a chaotic workflow and a seamless design process. There are 3 software products that I’ve come to rely on that have not only enhanced my productivity but also elevated the quality of my work.

Adobe Creative Cloud –

The Adobe Creative cloud suite has become an essential group of programs that I use on a daily basis to not only create my designs but to also create social media images, publish my books, edit videos, and more. There really is a reason that the Adobe Suite is the industry standard. There are many programs out there that can accomplish some of the things that the Adobe Creative Suite can, but you will find that they aren’t quite as robust as the Adobe programs and you will find that you can do things that you can’t in those other programs. Click here to learn more

Monday.com –

Monday.com is a versatile project management tool designed to streamline workflows and enhance team collaboration. It operates through customizable boards where users can create tasks, assign team members, set deadlines, and track progress in real-time. With its intuitive interface, Monday.com allows you to visualize projects through various views like timelines, calendars, and Kanban boards. Integration with other tools and automation features further simplifies complex processes, making it easier to manage projects, communicate effectively, and stay organized. Learn more.

Planoly –

Planoly is a user-friendly social media management tool tailored for planning and scheduling Instagram and Pinterest posts. It allows users to visually arrange and preview their social media content with a drag-and-drop interface, ensuring a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing feed. With Planoly, you can schedule posts, track analytics, and manage comments all in one place. Its intuitive design and robust features make it easy to maintain a consistent posting schedule, engage with your audience, and optimize your social media strategy. Find out more here.

Whether you are just starting your design business or are a seasoned designer looking for ways to take your business to the next level, these are a few that I have come to rely on to run my business.

The right software can be a game-changer for any design business, and the three tools, each with its unique capabilities, have proven indispensable to my workflow. From managing projects seamlessly with Monday.com, planning visually stunning social media content with Planoly, to harnessing the power of Adobe Creative Suite for design excellence, these products have empowered me to work more efficiently and creatively.

I hope this insight into my toolkit inspires you to explore these tools and discover how they can elevate your own design practice. Investing in the right software is not just about improving productivity; it’s about unlocking your full creative potential.

If you would like to learn more about building a profitable design business check out our next Bootcamp

Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Speaker at One of Our Next Events?

COURSES, EVENTS, Workshops / Carina Gardner Team

Are you a creative individual with expertise to share? Do you have a passion for teaching and engaging with an audience? If so, we would love to hear from you! We host virtual events every quarter and are always on the lookout for dynamic presenters who can deliver compelling content. Here’s what you need to know:

Qualifications

To be considered, you should have at least one of the following:

Instagram/Social Media Followers: 10,000+
Email List Subscribers: 5,000+
TikTok/YouTube Followers: 15,000+

Areas of Expertise

We are looking for experts in the following areas to present at our events:

Workshops: Teach a workshop in your area of expertise, whether it’s papercrafts, hand-lettering, quilting, planning, sublimation, design, crafting, small business, etc.
Interviews: Share your story in an interview-style session, providing insights and inspiration to our audience.
Technical Demos: Conduct a technical demo where you teach a specific skill. This could include software tutorials (Procreate, Illustrator, Photoshop) or machine tutorials/projects (Silhouette, Cricut, Sublimation, Laser cutter).

If you meet any of the above qualifications and are an expert in one of these areas, we encourage you to apply! This is a fantastic opportunity to share your knowledge, grow your personal brand, and connect with a wider audience.

Ready to inspire and educate others? Apply now to be a speaker at our next event!

Apply Here

Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Speaker at One of Our Next Events? Read More »

Carina’s 10 Ten Favorite Things For Designers on the Amazon Store

blog, Book Reviews, Books, Carina Gardner Online Shop, CRAFTS, Silhouette / Carina Gardner Team

Welcome to a curated collection of tools and resources designed to fuel your creativity and elevate your craft! From practical planners to innovative crafting machines, each item in this selection is carefully chosen to inspire and support your creative endeavors. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, these products are here to help you unlock your creative potential and bring your ideas to life. So, let’s embark on this creative journey together!

1. Ciao Bello Light Blue 365 Design Suite Daily Planner: 384 Pages of Practical Planning (Design Suite Planners)

This planner is like a helpful friend that keeps you organized every day. It has lots of pages for writing down your plans without being too big. You can use it to write down your appointments, important dates, and things you need to do. It also has sections to help you set goals and plan ahead.

Silhouette White Cameo 4 Starter – 38 Sheets of Oracal Vinyl, T-shirt vinyl, Transfer Paper, Class, Guides, and 24 Sketch Pens

This kit is like a magic box full of things to help you make cool stuff! It has sheets of special vinyl for cutting, transfer paper, and even pens for drawing. The best part is that it comes with classes and guides to show you how to use everything, so even beginners can start making amazing crafts.

Coco Chanel: The Legend and the Life

The Legend and the Life: This book tells the story of Coco Chanel, a famous fashion designer. It talks about how she started her career and became successful. Even though she had some tough times, she always kept going. The book has lots of pictures too! Carina also has a video talking about the book https://youtu.be/EsFi0AWwnmU?si=yp7oTUNtNkQefA-A

WD Elements 5TB Portable Hard Drive, External Hard Drive, USB 3.0 for PC and Mac, Plug and Play Ready – WDBU6Y0050BBK-WESN

This hard drive is like a big backpack for your computer. It can hold lots of files, like pictures and videos, so you never run out of space. It’s perfect for graphic designers who need to keep all their work safe and organized, this hard drive ensures that you have more than enough room to unleash your creativity without constraints.

Silhouette Cameo 4 Pro 24-Inch Cutting Mat, Power Cords, Integrated Roll Feeder, Silhouette Studio Software

This machine is like a super fast robot that can cut and draw really cool designs. It’s perfect for making crafts and decorations. The best part is that it can do everything much faster than before, so you can make more stuff in less time!

Wacom Intuos Pro Paper Edition PTH660P Pen Tablet, Medium, Black, Black M

The Wacom Intuos Pro Paper Edition PTH660P Pen Tablet is a professional-grade tool designed to enhance your creative workflow. With trusted Pro Pen technology, this tablet delivers precision and responsiveness for hours of image editing, illustration, or design work.

Cricut – EasyPress 2 Mint

The Cricut EasyPress 2 offers the perfect blend of speed, convenience, and professional-level results for all your heat transfer projects. With adjustable time and temperature controls up to 400ºF (205ºC), featuring an advanced heat plate design with a ceramic-coated surface, the EasyPress 2 heats up in less than 2 minutes, allowing you to get to work quickly and efficiently. Say goodbye to long waiting times—the EasyPress 2 gets the job done in record time.

Make Art That Sells book

Unlock the secrets to turning your art into a lucrative business. Carina seamlessly combines insights from art history and personal experiences to offer a unique perspective on creating visually captivating and commercially successful pieces.

Whether you’re an aspiring artist or a seasoned professional, this book serves as a roadmap to unleashing the potential of your art in the marketplace. Carina’s insights inspire you to strategically position your creations, ensuring that your artistic expressions translate into tangible success.

Design Profit & Prosper: A Surface Pattern and Craft Designer’s Guide to Making Money

Through engaging storytelling, Carina takes readers on a journey through her professional life, from her early days as a university teacher to her time as a creative director at a prominent scrapbooking company.

Drawing from her own experiences, Carina reveals the secrets to her success as a designer. From building a profitable business model to navigating the complexities of the design industry, she shares practical advice and actionable strategies that aspiring designers can implement to achieve their own goals.

Carina’s 10 Ten Favorite Things For Designers on the Amazon Store Read More »

HPN CraftPro 15″ x 15″ Crafting Transfer Machine: Mint

This machine is like a special oven for crafts. It helps you put designs on clothes and other things by pressing them with heat. It’s really easy to use and has a timer and alarm to make sure your projects turn out perfect every time. Plus, it comes in a fun mint color!

Amazon Link

If you would like more information on how you can be a Design Suite Mastermind designer, click the link here to join us today! We can’t wait to see you there https://www.designsuitecourses.com/designbootcamp

Design Events and Workshops You Don’t Want to Miss

COURSES, EVENTS / Carina Gardner Team

Design events are still going strong this summer and we don’t want you to miss out on some of the fabulous events that will help you in your design or art business.

Here’s what is going on:

Card Die Cut Design Workshop $97

June 18, 2024 10am MDT-1pm MDT

Click here to learn more

This 3 hour workshop delves into the power of creating 3D SVG files for your Cricut or Silhouette machine. You will be working directly in Illustrator to learn how to create files from scratch that you can sell! Zoom link for the workshop available and replay available in a Facebook Group for lifetime access.

Build Your Own Planner Workshop $97

July 24, 2024 10am MDT-1pm MDT

Click here to learn more

If you have ever wanted to create your own planner, this 3 hour workshop will help you create your first InDesign file to create it! Learn how to create files from scratch that you can sell! Zoom link for the workshop available and replay available in a Facebook Group for lifetime access.

Design Suite Maker Conference FREE

August 20-22, 2024

Click here to learn more

Enjoy live interviews, free downloads, and tons of crafty tutorials? This conference is for you! Watch 40 tutorials and enjoy live interviews about crafting, quilting, and designing. Tutorials are available to watch for free for 24 hours at this online event. Schedule will be released a month in advance. Sign up to not miss this incredible event today!

Looking for other events? We ALWAYS have workshops, courses, and events happening! Get the most up-to-date list here

Design Events and Workshops You Don’t Want to Miss Read More »

Design Profit and Prosper Overview

Design Profit and Prosper Overview Read More »

Carina’s first book Design Profit & Prosper is a Surface Pattern & Craft Designers guide to making money.

Most designers struggle to become profitable from their design businesses, and Carina explains it’s because most do not have the right tools to do so. In Design Profit and Prosper Carina shares ways to:

Do what it takes to stand out in the design market to achieve success.
Practical strategies needed to create steady income.
Secrets and models for finding the holes in a designers business.

Carina has a Ph.D. in Design and was the Creative Director of Cartabella, a large scrapbooking company. She also designs fabric for Riley Blake and die cut files for Silhouette. As well as having her own thriving design business for over fifteen years. Carina’s decisions in business have allowed her to profit and prosper as a designer, and she shares those secrets in this book.

This book is great for new designers and seasoned designers alike who are wanting to start, grow and even take their design businesses to the next level. She walks you through design and business models to help you grow as a designer like the Problem Solving Cycle, Practical Designer Model, & Good, Better, Best model.

“New designers think they should develop products for the sake of creation and beauty. The artwork is SELF SERVING. Practical designers develop products to HELP customers solve problems and strive to create differently so they stand out. The artwork is insightful and SELFLESS.”

Ever wanted to be a surface pattern designer? Learn more at www.designsuitecourses.com/designbootcamp

This book also comes with a workbook to use as you follow along and practical steps and exercises to help you plan your business along the way.

Here are some things people are saying about the book:

“As someone who has worked with Carina and her designs in the past, she has the wisdom of someone who has studied and worked as a designer. She has wrapped that into this book. It is clear she wants designers everywhere to succeed and it shows through.” -Sarah Cannon

“Carina’s expertise makes her a leader in this space and her wisdom is unparalleled. Throughout this book, Carina gives real advice to help designers learn how to make their dreams a possibility.” – Rachel Perry

If you are a designer looking to uplevel your business the practical advice that is given in this book is a great guide to help you start, build and grow a thriving design business.

Do you want to learn more? Click here Design Profit and Prosper

Working Smarter, Not Harder with Emily Fish

COURSES, Reviews / Carina Gardner Team

On a recent podcast interview, Carina Gardner hosted Design Suite Mastermind member Emily Fish. She opened up about her progress and challenges throughout her design business career over the last 2 ½ years of being in the program.

“It takes a while to build business,” Emily explains, “I gave myself a goal to add a thousand products by the end of February. I really really pushed myself, I was able to pull from a lot of my existing designs… the more I add to it the more my sales have increased.”

Commitment and dedication is the key to growing sales! “Most people only produce about 250 products per year,” Carina adds in, “And you did it in six weeks which is insane.” With Emily’s impressive hard work in such a short amount of time, it has paid off extremely well.

“The program really helps me… I jumped around a lot [with other programs]… because I wasn’t finding something like a mentor, or a group of like-minded people that could work together… and I think that’s actually what’s been really most interesting to me about Design Suite.” Emily found the perfect fit for her through Design Bootcamp and was able to learn the things she needed to take off in her business.

“Emily did come to a Design Bootcamp, that’s how she got in, so we’re going to give a link here if you are interested in Design Suite and you liked hearing from Emily and what she has been doing,” Carina states, “remember she’s repurposing a lot of the stuff she had, so she was really being smart. And one of the things that we try to emphasize in Design Suite is working smarter, not harder.”

The true secret to success is smart work! Just like Emily, you too can make profit off of your designs if you are committed to following the path that the Design Bootcamp shapes for you.

To look at Emily’s products, you can visit her website: https://harpernco.com/ or find her on Etsy: HarperNCoDesigns

Working Smarter, Not Harder with Emily Fish Read More »

New Daily Planners and How to Use Them

Planner / Carina Gardner Team

Can you imagine deciding that you’d like to travel to Italy, jumping on a plane and arriving without knowing where you will stay, where you will eat, what you want to see, or even how you will get out of the airport? Just like planning your vacation is critical to having a good time, mapping out your daily tasks is a crucial part of building a successful business. If planning seems overwhelming, keep in mind that doing it even a couple of times a week makes you more effective than 95% of designers out there. Not to mention that even planning a couple of days builds a foundation for more frequent planning. Nobody’s life looks the same. That is the reason that Carina’s planner has a very flexible planning layout. It can include what is important for you and how you work.

There are a variety of ways to use this planner. You can plan based on the hours you have available for designing. If you have a full time job, for example, and you only design in the evenings and on weekends you can plan those hours only. If you are not a morning person or you have a morning routine you want to keep, use the planner to design in the afternoon. Your planner, after all, should be a reflection of your life.

Some ideas on how to use it:

Monthly calendar page –

Fill in dates and put in big tasks that you will be completing for the month, appointments, and events, etc.
Use the large bottom block to list your tasks by priorities.
OR – use the large block to journal what you want to happen in the month.

Daily calendar pages –

Plan your day by filling in your month, year, and date
Use the smaller blocks on the left side to plan each time slot based on the estimated time it will take to accomplish your chosen tasks.
If planning out each hour doesn’t appeal to you, try breaking up your day by blocks – Morning, Noon, and Evening. Alternatively you can break up your day by task priority.
Use the small block, top right to include one of the following: a daily positive affirmation, a scripture verse, a gratitude, today’s wins, 3 top goals, design ideas, your big dream, journaling, things to remember or anything else that you choose.
Use the long block, right side to include one of the following ideas; Gratitudes, stream of consciousness journaling, details about the task that is in that time slot, top goals, 10 big dreams, recent accomplishments, design ideas or anything else that is beneficial to you. This block could vary or even change day by day.

Some of the benefits of planning include:

Writing your top goals everyday is a great way to make them happen.
Writing recent accomplishments really works to boost your confidence if self esteem is something you struggle with.
Writing design ideas is a good way to catalog your ideas for quick inspiration.
Writing positive affirmations infuses positivity into your subconscious. Positivity makes the best designers.

Some other ideas to add to your daily plans are fitness, meals, household chores, kid activities and appointments.

Planning is a habit that has been proven to work! Even if you don’t think planning is for you, give it a try, you might be surprised!

New Daily Planners and How to Use Them Read More »

Five Main Points You Will Learn in Design Suite Mastermind

Five Main Points You Will Learn in Design Suite Mastermind Read More »

Design Suite Mastermind offers participants a comprehensive learning experience that goes beyond technical skills, empowering them to become confident, strategic, and successful designers in today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving creative landscape. Here are a few things that you will learn:

Advanced Design Techniques: Students will dig into advanced design techniques, learning how to create original, creative designs in various areas of media. Pattern repeats used for fabric and paper designs; layered SVG designs built for various cutting machines; various types of digital files that have many uses in the industry and much, much more.

Workflow Optimization: Design Suite Mastermind will focus on streamlining design workflows and increasing productivity utilizing the methods in Carina’s first book, “Design, Profit, Prosper” book. Participants will learn how to effectively organize files, manage projects, and collaborate with coaches and other members using efficient workflows and best practices.

Creative Problem-Solving: Through each of the modules in Design Suite Mastermind, Coach discussions and hands-on exercises, participants will develop their ability to creatively solve design challenges, which in turn will help the growth of the designer.

Mindset Skills and Supportive Community: Mindset is the key to the design process and effective business building. Participants will learn how to effectively conquer mindset issues that block the way to their success. The more skill you learn, the easier it is to squash those mindset thoughts from blocking your road to success.

Business and Marketing Strategies: In addition to honing their design skills, participants will learn valuable business and marketing strategies to succeed as freelance designers; fabric designers; paper designers; wallpaper; and design business owners. Topics may include branding, pricing strategies, marketing tactics, freelance, and building a sustainable design business. By understanding the business side of design, participants can position themselves for long-term success in the competitive design industry.

If you would like more information on how you can be a Design Suite Mastermind designer, click the link here to join us today! We can’t wait to see you there https://www.designsuitecourses.com/designbootcamp

More About Design Suite

https://www.designsuitecourses.com/designbootcamp

A glimpse into the Design Suite Journey and what our Members are saying

Are you a designer, but struggling to make money? A Surface Designer that wants to uplevel their designs? Or a crafter who would like to take your hobby and turn it into a thriving business that you love? Then you are in the right place because the Design Suite program is just the right place for that!

Join us on a journey through the transformative power of Design Suite as we unveil firsthand accounts from individuals whose lives have been touched by our design program. From budding artists to seasoned professionals, our program has ignited passion, fostered innovation, and sculpted careers in the dynamic world of design. Get ready to be inspired, motivated, and ready to embark on your own creative journey as you delve into the stories of those who have thrived with us. Let their experiences serve as a beacon of possibility and a testament to the boundless opportunities awaiting within the realm of Design Suite. So, come along and discover why our program is more than just education—it’s a gateway to endless possibilities in the vibrant landscape of design.

For example, Michelle had only been in Design Suite for 1 week and this is what she had to say…

We love hearing stories like Michelle’s. Knowing that we are making an impact on our members’ lives is one of the most rewarding things about this program. This is what Ann Marie had to say…

Design Suite has so much information packed in it as you heard from Ann Marie. We have 17 courses on topics such as design principles, business, and learning industry standard design programs. Carina was a professor at the University of Minnesota, so you know that you are getting quality and professional course materials. And on top of that we provide a coach to help you along your journey, so you don’t ever feel lost along the way. As a Mastermind member you also get feedback on your work so that you can continually be getting better and better at design or getting technical help along the way.

One of the things that we hear repeatedly, and we agree, is that we have such a wonderful community of kind, caring, and supportive women. Everyone really wants to see each other succeed and tries to help each other out in any way that they can. The community really is one of a kind and our members really enjoy getting to know each other and have even gotten together outside of Design Suite because of the connections that they are creating.

We hope that you have been inspired by the things that our members have had to say about the program. Whether you have been designing for a while or are just getting started you will find the support and direction that you are seeking in Design Suite.

We would love to have you join us so that we can help you with your creative journey!

Check out our next available Bootcamp to get more information.

Why Are All of Design Suite Courses Now 15 Weeks Long?

Why Are All of Design Suite Courses Now 15 Weeks Long? Read More »

During 2024 and 2025, one of Dr. Carina Gardner’s main goals has been to upgrade all of the coursework to a new academic standard. Carina states, “Right now we are seeing anyone with a tiny bit of technical skill offer a course. Because of this, there is no technical or academic standard that helps customers and students understand how much time and effort those courses will take.”

By changing all the curriculum in Design Suite to 8 week (quarter long) and 15 week (semester long) course work, it will help customers understand the extent of exactly what they are purchasing so that they can continue their professional development.

Many of the courses in Design Suite have lifetime access (of the site designsuitecourses.com) and these are continually upgraded. All 17 courses will be getting a reboot over the next two years at no cost to students.

“Our main goal,” states Dr. Carina Gardner, “Is to help expectations. Often do-it-yourself designers believe they should start making money in their new business in 3 months. This is an unrealistic expectation especially for many who have not had any formal design or business training.”

For the last three years, Dr. Carina Gardner’s Design Suite program has been helping new and struggling designers learn how to set up a business, understand what is happening in the marketplace, and put in structures for long term success. She emphasizes that it takes a lot of time and education to build a successful business but it is completely doable with the right mentorship.

Ever wanted to be a surface pattern designer? Learn more at www.designsuitecourses.com/designbootcamp

Currently, acceptance into Design Suite is only available by taking a session of Design Bootcamp Register today to learn more about how design and business education could be the right move for you.

Business for Designers Course Reinvented (Available in the Design Suite Break Thru)

Business for Designers Course Reinvented (Available in the Design Suite Break Thru) Read More »

The Design Suite courses have been going through an amazing transformation starting with Illustrator for Beginners in January 2024 and now with the release of Business for Designers in February 2024.

So what’s the big change? Every course in Design Suite is being rebuilt and expanded into 15-week, semester-long coursework. These fully expanded courses are being updated as they become available to all lifetime course members for no extra cost.

Business for Designers might be the most interesting semester-long class Carina has ever taught because it goes into detail about many of the models from Design Bootcamp and her books to show you how to create a profitable design business.

Don’t know how to research platforms? There’s a video on that.

Don’t know how to write a business plan? There’s a video on that.

Want to know how to problem-solve your struggles? There are several videos on that.

This course bridges the education gap necessary to create a design business. Get the structural pieces needed to truly get your business underway.

Ever wanted to be a surface pattern designer? Learn more at www.designsuitecourses.com/designbootcamp

Models that we go into depth in the class include The Signature Framework, The Design Process Model, The Good Better Best Formula, and the Make Art That Sells Formula. Classwork includes quizzes, essays, and a final exam. You write a business plan and build a newsletter list.

Many of these models are touched on in Carina’s books Design Profit & Prosper and Make Art That Sells

The best part? Business for Designers is in our foundation Design Suite Break Thru Tier. Learn more by joining a Design Bootcamp today DESIGN BOOTCAMP

Learn the Secret to Turning your Passion into Money with Carina’s New Book “Make Art that Sells”

COURSES, Reviews / Carina Gardner Team

With her latest book, “Make Art that Sells”, author and designer Carina Gardner delivers a roadmap for artists and

designers to unleash their money making potential in the vast online marketplace.

“Make Art that Sells” reveals the “secret sauce” for any artist trying to transition from starving to thriving in their art business. Most artists lean heavily on the idea that art should simply be a form of self-expression and many don’t think of their art as a business at all. “Make Art that Sells” challenges that mindset.

“The Make Art that Sells Formula is meant to allow you to add your personal style and self expression to the creative process…not take away those things.” Chapter 1

“Make Art that Sells” powerfully shows how a single formula can work to boost any art career whether it be digital art such as cutting machine files for Cricut or Silhouette, stickers, clipart, art prints and printables to more traditional art forms.

Ever wanted to be a surface pattern designer? Learn more at www.designsuitecourses.com/designbootcamp

Carina unveils a blueprint for artistic entrepreneurship that empowers creators and artists to build a sustainable career. The “Make Art that Sells” formula is a simple, plug and play way for artists and creators to create a clear framework for their businesses. Whether you identify as an artist or a designer this book is for you.

“There are two key things that you have to do as a creative to make art that sells. First, make art that your custome can use and, second, distribute your art where it can easily be bought.” Chapter 1

Carina analyzes well known artist’s successes and failures throughout history and why the term “starving” is often synonymous with art. She examines the lives and art of well known artists, writers and musicians such as Vincent Van Gogh, Emily Dickinson, and Johann Sebastian Bach as well as Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt and Michelangelo to illustrate why mindset makes a difference.

“Even if you have no intention of becoming Van Gogh or any other famous artist, being a creative today means finding your customer.” Ch. 2

“Usefulness is the simplest piece of the puzzle in explaining why more artists are not making art that sells. It’s not the fault of the art. It usually boils down to a lack of usefulness.” Chapter 6

Some of the things readers are saying about this book:

“I have never seen something more fit to my life and goal than Carina Gardner’s design approach. Leveraging her knowledge of her doctorate in design, her success as a teacher and her experience as a businesswoman is more than design, it is about changing the lives of designers. Teaching how to make my designs make money and to accomplish my dreams. I highly recommend starting that journey with Carina Gardner’s book, Make Art that Sells.” Coleen Rood, draft designer.

“Make Art That Sells” is an insightful book that outlines a practical formula. It has provided me with a clear concise understanding of where my design business is and how to take it to the next level.

Overall, it’s a must-read for anyone looking to turn their passion for art into a profitable venture.” Coffeemomma Creations

This book is for artists looking to elevate their craft and monetize their creations. Carina provides valuable insights and practical strategies to help artists frame their business and start generating income.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting on your artistic journey, this book offers a comprehensive guide to navigating the art market and building a sustainable career.

Inside, you’ll learn:

How to identify your niche and find your customer.
How to make your product stand out in the online marketplace by developing your own personal style.
How to create products for your customer that are both beautiful and useful.
How to create your personal brand.
Methods for expanding your reach and growing your customer base.
Possible selling vehicles available to artists and designers.

With Carina Gardner’s expert guidance, you’ll gain the confidence and skills needed to transform your passion into a profitable venture.

Available now at Amazon.

Make Art that Sells

Grab your copy and start making art that sells!

Carina also includes a bonus Masterclass for FREE! Click below to get it. Use the code makeart to receive this for free.

www.makeartbook.com

If you have been following along and have never joined a Design Bootcamp, I’m going to encourage you to sign up! It’s 5 hours of workshops and we have live versions going on often so that you can come and ask questions. Go to www.designsuitecourses.com/designbootcamp

#MakeArtThatSells #ArtisticEntrepreneurship #CarinaGardner #ArtBusiness #CreativeSuccess #surfacepatterndesign

Learn the Secret to Turning your Passion into Money with Carina’s New Book “Make Art that Sells” Read More »

Are you a Creator, Surface Pattern Designer, or Crafter, if so join us for our next Design Bootcamp!