What’s In And What’s Out in Design

2024 came in with a bang and the design world has been a buzz. Now that we are 4 months into the year, here are some of the things we are seeing.

Peach Fuzz came in strong as Pantone’s 2024 color of the year while Etsy says that romance is taking center stage. We are seeing both of these things coming to fruition within only a few months of the year.

So what do we see trending hard? Feminine and girly are certainly at the forefront, but you will also see hardworking textures like denim come to center stage. 

As always, do not be afraid of niches with loyal followings. We continue to see heightened response to designers and artists who know who they sell to. This includes the science nerd all the way to the charmed jewelry enthusiasts.

For those that want to battle AI’s image sameness we are seeing in the market, simply step out with your own style. We see homegrown, personally-made, and artist-aware becoming an even more valuable aspect of customers who want to purchase from real designers and artists.

 

As always no matter what the trend, we love designers who are true to themselves. That authenticity always shines through especially as they create smart, consistent business practices. 

 

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

 

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

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.

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The Power of Calling Yourself a Designer

Why do you need the confidence to call yourself a designer?

What is a Designer? What makes someone a designer vs. not a designer? To me a designer is one that takes a concept and brings it to life in various forms. So, if you are creating and putting things together then you are a designer, no matter your skill level.

As designers we all have varying styles, talents, and creative skill sets which make us different from each other, but we all have at least one thing in common and that is the title of “designer.” But why is there a hesitancy to fully embrace this title? Is it fear of judgment, or simply a lack of confidence, or something else? This is something that I hear all the time, “I have Imposter Syndrome”, “Am I good enough”, and “I’m not nearly as good as so and so!” These are all limiting beliefs that will inevitably hold you back if you let them or listen to them. However, it’s time to embrace this title and acknowledge the importance of confidently owning your identity as a designer. Here’s why:

Validation of Your Craft

By calling yourself a designer, you’re not just acknowledging your own abilities, but also validating the countless hours of learning, practice, and dedication you’ve invested in your craft. It’s a recognition of your skills and expertise in shaping ideas, solving problems, and creating impactful visuals that resonate with your audiences. Even if you are just starting out, we learn by doing and everyone has to start somewhere.

 

Empowerment and Self-belief

Confidence breeds success. When you confidently proclaim yourself as a designer, you are more willing to take on new challenges, push your boundaries, and pursue opportunities that align with your passion. This type of thinking will take you places that you may never thought possible. Believing in your abilities opens the door to growth, allowing you to unleash your full potential. When you lack that confidence, you are more likely to stay stagnant and not move forward because you are too scared to try. Many successful designers are where they are today because they had the confidence in themselves to create a career that they love.

 

Credibility in the Industry

Clients, collaborators, and employers are more likely to trust and respect you when you confidently present yourself as a designer. Your self-assurance communicates professionalism and competence, creating confidence in others that you have the skills and expertise to deliver exceptional results. This credibility can lead to more fulfilling projects, higher-quality clients, and increased opportunities for career advancement.


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

 

Inspiration for Others

Your confidence as a designer not only benefits yourself but also inspires those around you. By proudly owning your identity and showcasing your work with confidence, you become a role model for aspiring designers who may be struggling with their own self-doubt. Your journey serves as a beacon of hope and encouragement, showing others that it’s possible to overcome obstacles and thrive in the creative industry. Whether it’s sharing insights, collaborating on projects, or mentoring aspiring designers, your confidence enables you to make meaningful connections and foster a supportive environment where creativity can flourish.

 

So, to all the talented individuals out there who hesitate to call themselves designers, it’s time to shed the doubts and embrace the title with pride. Your creativity, passion, and dedication are what define you as a designer, and by confidently owning your identity, you unlock a world of possibilities for yourself and inspire others to do the same. We all have something to bring to the table with our unique talents. Remember, you are not just a designer—you are a visionary, a problem solver, and a creative. And in my opinion the world could use a little more creativity in it.

 

Is your dream to become a designer? Join our next Design Bootcamp to find out how.

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

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

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

Do you consider yourself a designer but looking to level up? Or are you a creator and want to make your own designs? In the virtual world we live in, the demand for skilled graphic designers is higher than ever before. Instead of spending money on designs, there are plenty of ways to make/save money on your own designs.

There’s no better way to work, than to love what you do and to make money at it. If any of this sounds like you, and you’re passionate about art, design, creativity and making money, then Design Bootcamp could be an excellent way to move to that next level and a pathway to meet your goals as a designer.

What is a Design Bootcamp?

A Design Bootcamp program is an intensive five-day training designed to equip you with practical skills and mindset needed to set you up for success.  Design Bootcamp specifically, covers a multitude of topics including design principles, industry standard software tools like Adobe Illustrator, how to make money as a designer, mindset and the steps needed to succeed.

 

 


Why choose Design Bootcamp?

Our time together offers a creative learning environment that is intense but fun and offers you the knowledge to ramp up your graphic design career with inspired direction for next steps.

Our Design Bootcamp offers hands-on learning through practical applications that allow you to see how to create designs that are industry standard level so that you can then apply those skills to your design business.

As the instructor for Design Bootcamp, Carina’s experience in the industry comes from many years and areas of design and experience. For example, she has a Master’s Degree in Design; she’s been a College Professor, Creative Director; and is currently a Surface Designer, Paper, Clipart, SVG Designer, and more.  In Design Bootcamp, Carina combines all that knowledge and skill and pours that into this bootcamp. 

 

Is Design Bootcamp right for you?

If you are passionate about design, creativity, making money at it, and looking to thrive in a creative environment, spending some time in Design Bootcamp could be the best launchpad for your design career.

Are you ready to jump in? We would love to have you join us for our next Design Bootcamp. We look forward to getting to         know you and your goals.

 

Click here to join today.

https://www.designsuitecourses.com/designbootcamp

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