UPDATES FROM CARINA Archives -

Carina’s Favorite Halloween Traditions With Her Family

carina update, Holiday Projects / Carina Gardner Team

For me, Halloween is a two-month season that kicks off in September, and it’s full of family traditions.

One of our favorites is watching all the Harry Potter movies from start to finish every fall. While Harry Potter isn’t strictly a Halloween thing (you could argue it fits Christmas, too), we love the magic of those movies. The witch and wizard theme makes them a perfect fit for our fall movie list.

Movie I Love

Our movie list also includes Hocus Pocus and sometimes the Halloweentown movies (anyone remember the mom as April from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles?). Sadly, my kids have outgrown Halloweentown a bit.

A few years ago, the new Muppets Haunted Mansion movie became a must-watch for me. I’m a sucker for all things Muppets, and Will Arnett is so fun in this version. Plus, I love grooving to Dancing in the Moonlight.

Finally, if you’ve listened to my podcast (link), you know I’m obsessed with handing out candy and watching The Wizard of Oz on Halloween night. It’s a tradition my kids love to tease me about. Sometimes, I’ll throw in Meet Me in St. Louis because one Judy Garland movie just isn’t enough, and it helps me get into the Christmas spirit. Plus, who can resist little Tootie throwing flour in Mr. Braukoff’s face?

Through the years…

When my kids were little, one of my traditions was to throw my kids a Potions Party. My kids always looked forward to this event and I’m a little sad we have outgrown it. You can see one of my blog posts from 2012 (12 years ago!) on one of these parties here.

Potion parties have been replaced by corn mazes, Frightmares at Lagoon, and painting pumpkins (I hate making jack o’lanterns). And when I can make it happen, I also really love Oogie Boogie Nights at Disneyland.

And of course, I LOVE crafting for Halloween. I love making villages, decor items, and gifts. For me crafting at Halloween is always a good tradition to have.

What are your family traditions? What makes fall a special time for you?

Happy Hauntings!

Carina.

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Top 5 Unexpected Design Highlights From My Trip to Japan Including Studio Ghibili Park and the Golden Temple

carina update / Carina Gardner Team

Recently I was in Japan and did several Design Around the World videos so you could get a sense of the graphic design in the country.

Hope you enjoy this count down!

Cat Bus

At the Studio Ghibli Park in Nagoya, I stumbled upon a life-sized replica of the Cat Bus from My Neighbor Totoro. Imagine my surprise when I walked into the room and found this massive, whimsical bus that my entire family could climb aboard for photos! The entire park is a treasure trove of design inspiration, full of vibrant colors and beloved characters, but the Cat Bus in the Grand Warehouse truly stole the show.

Tokyo Station Hotel

The Tokyo Station Hotel is more than just a place to stay—it’s a masterpiece of design and architecture. Overlooking the historic train station, our room offered stunning views and the breakfast room featured breathtaking chandeliers. The hallways were adorned with beautiful artwork, making it a must-visit for any designer seeking luxurious inspiration.

Golden temple in Kyoto

After visiting a couple of temples earlier in the day, the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto left a lasting impression with its dazzling gold leaf exterior. The surrounding grounds are equally stunning, offering multiple vantage points to take in this architectural marvel. If you’re an architecture enthusiast, this temple is a must-see. It’s even more breathtaking in person—no video can truly capture its beauty.

Non Mickey Mouse DisneySea

We took our kids to DisneySea, and I was amazed to discover an entire world filled with characters I’d never seen before. Unlike the usual Mickey Mouse-themed attractions, this park features Mickey and Minnie’s adorable stuffed animal friends as the stars. You’ll find these beloved characters everywhere, replacing the traditional Mickey ears with something uniquely Japanese.

Bathrooms!

This might surprise you, but the bathrooms in Japan were one of the biggest highlights of my trip! For first-time visitors, the cleanliness, design, and functionality are nothing short of astounding. From the informative signage to the high-tech bidets, every bathroom—from public restrooms to hotel facilities—was immaculately designed. Some even had stylish wallpaper and other decorative touches. It was a delightful surprise that I wasn’t expecting!

What about you? Have you been to Japan? What surprising designs or experiences did you encounter? Share your thoughts in the comments!

XOXO,

Carina

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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

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Does The Design World Need Your Style? A Make + Design Podcast Gem

Reviews / Carina Gardner Team

A great podcast gem from the Make + Design Podcast is Episode 65 which was created back in November 2021. Carina titled this episode “Does The Design World Need Your Style?”

In Carina’s Design Bootcamp, she is frequently asked the question, “Will my particular style work in the marketplace?” and the answer is a definite yes! Carina has worked with hundreds of designers that are into very specific things, which makes their work unique.

Usually if you like it, there is someone else out there who likes it as well. The small markets exist, and Carina explains that they can be even better than the broad markets. This is because you will know your people on a more personal level. The artwork you create will resonate with them much deeper.

Sometimes the only thing standing in your way of successful sales is the confidence in putting your work out there. Carina explains the lack of an abundance mentality that designers need to have. There is enough room for you, your styles, and your designs!

Carina closes this podcast episode by encouraging all of us to embrace the unique style we have. With correct strategies, you can have success in selling your designs, no matter how unique or specific they are.

Listen to this full podcast episode by clicking here. It is the perfect short, yet inspiring episode to listen to when you don’t have much time.

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Whale Sharks, Japanese Aquariums, and Osaka Castle

carina update / Carina Gardner Team

My visit to the Osaka Aquarium and Osaka Castle turned into an unforgettable double excursion that we squeezed into a single day while in Japan. Initially, I hadn’t planned on stopping in Osaka, but as soon as my daughter discovered that the aquarium had whale sharks, it became a must-visit for our family.

The YouTube video I made about this trip doesn’t fully capture how amazing the aquarium is. The graphic design work was top-notch, with detailed information about all the animals and marine life, and the visuals were stunningly beautiful.

Osaka Aquarium houses not one, but two whale sharks.

The aquarium itself was a masterpiece of design, with beautifully illustrated maps and signage guiding us through the exhibits. The experience kicked off with an immersive underwater tunnel, making us feel as though we were walking on the ocean floor among colorful fish and rays.

As we ascended through the aquarium, we encountered playful otters, seals, penguins, and, of course, the whale sharks. The Pacific Ocean Tank, where these gentle giants swim, was awe-inspiring. Standing before the enormous cylindrical tank, we were captivated by the graceful movements of the whale sharks and the variety of other marine life. The experience felt truly immersive, as if we were right there in the ocean with them.

After enjoying some blue whale ice cream—a fitting treat given our surroundings—we continued through the aquarium, exploring jellyfish exhibits and Arctic marine life. Even the aquarium’s restrooms were noteworthy, with creative designs that kept the immersive experience going. The gift shop was our final stop, where my kids eagerly picked out whale shark plushies as souvenirs.

In the afternoon, after a brief rest at our hotel, my husband and I decided to visit Osaka Castle. This was our only outing without the kids, who needed some downtime since this was definitely a go-go-go trip to Japan.

The walk there was a delightful mix of modern cityscape and historical architecture. We couldn’t resist stopping for a quick snack, which made me feel like Chihiro from “Spirited Away.” There is a huge contrast between the traditional stone walls and moats of the castle against the backdrop of modern Osaka.

Exploring the castle was a journey through time, with each level offering insights into its rich history. Artifacts like letters, armor, and swords brought the past to life, and the intricate design and craftsmanship of the castle were awe-inspiring. The panoramic view from the top was the perfect end to our visit, offering a serene moment of reflection as we looked out over the lush greenery and urban landscape of Osaka.

Before heading back to our hotel, we explored a nearby building filled with shops and eateries, where I tried an adventurous dish: beef and mashed potatoes i

n an ice cream cone. While it wasn’t quite what I expected, it was a fun experiment to cap off an unforgettable day.

Our day in Osaka was a whirlwind of discovery, blending the beauty of marine life with the rich history of Japan. It’s a city that left a lasting impression, and I highly recommend making time to explore it if you ever find yourself in Japan.

Also if you want to see me eating a mashed potato ice cream cone, that at the end of the youtube video!

Of course, if you want to see more, there is nothing like video! Watch my Design Around the World adventure here

XOXO,

Carina

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Highlights from Make + Design Episode 60: Why Carina Created her Design Bootcamp and Design Suite

Reviews / Carina Gardner Team

Back in November 2021, Carina made a podcast episode explaining more of the “why” behind her Design Bootcamp and Design Suite. This is an episode that everyone needs to listen to! The full title of the episode is called “Why I Created My Design Bootcamp and Design Suite Programs and How It Can Help You”.

Before Carina had begun the process of creating these programs, she noticed problems in the marketplace that were affecting the success of designers. With the strategies she came up with, she started to implement them into her own designing and selling.

Along with her strategies, Carina also shared how long ago, she used to teach small design classes at a place called JessicaSprague.com. The people in her classes weren’t necessarily coming out of it saying “I am a designer!”. Carina wanted to make a lasting impact to internalize potential.

Design Bootcamp was created for the purpose of Carina being able to have personal relationships with designers. There is a true impact when Carina is able to critique and give pointers. She has noticed real success from this!

From that point, some people notice the frameworks that are stated in Bootcamp actually help them make money. That’s where the Design Suite program comes in. This year-long program condenses what would be four years of a graphic design degree. Carina explains that it is so intense, yet at your own pace, and so powerful.

Even with all of the Design Suite members, there is still one-on-one time to know what needs to be done for individual progress. Carina expresses the gratitude she feels in being able to work with so many amazing women that have been so heavily impacted from these programs.

Design Suite is an investment, Carina explains. Unlike any other program, you can make money while you are in the program. That being said, not everyone will flourish in this program, which is why Carina encourages all who come into Design Suite to start through Bootcamp. This allows people to know what Carina teaches and how she does things.

Carina often mentions the motto to “work smarter, not harder”, which is essentially the whole outcome from Design Bootcamp and Design Suite. There are very few designers that do what she does, and Carina wants to share with anyone willing to learn her tactics!

Not only has it been life changing for those in the programs, it has been life changing for Carina as well. If you want to join a Design Bootcamp, you can visit this link: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/designbootcamp

To listen to this full podcast episode, visit this link: https://makeanddesign.com/?p=370

Highlights from Make + Design Episode 60: Why Carina Created her Design Bootcamp and Design Suite Read More »

The Difference That Design Suite Has Made For Aja Fillmore

Reviews / Carina Gardner Team

Aja Fillmore, one of Carina’s design coaches, joined Carina on her Make + Design Podcast to discuss her successes in design. You can watch the full podcast on YouTube and at https://makeanddesign.com

When she first began to design, Aja started out by doing a lot of things at once (digital scrapbooking, fabric repeats, printables, etc). She emphasized, “I was trying to do it all my first year, which was not a good idea, because that is not what Carina teaches you to do. She teaches you to pick one thing and focus in on that.”

However, Aja was still managing to make about $400 a month. Carina mentioned how she was very impressed with that, but saw her potential to do even more. She encouraged her to change platforms, and her area of focus, and Aja started making $2400 a month with her artwork!

“Being in the program has really pushed me to do better and go after the big stuff,” Aja explains. Joining Design Bootcamp and then Design Suite made all the difference for her. She talked to Carina before joining and said, “I’ve got the design piece, but I don’t know how to make money with it,” and Carina gave her the tools to succeed.

Going into the unknown was hard for Aja, but so worth it. Carina and her discussed the importance of shifting your mindset to just go for it. So many people out there are afraid to take the next step, but it is exactly what they need.

Later into their discussion, Carina asked Aja what her biggest win has been in the program. Aja says, “It has been the community other than the money aspect. The community that is here is the most amazing and supportive, and we’re always cheering each other on and here for each other when we have lows as well…”

Over time, Aja has taken over the Marco Polo group chat for the community as well. It is a free app where you can send in videos and interact with one another. She talked about the relationships that have grown from that group, and the difference it has made in women’s lives.

Just like Aja, you as well can change your design business through Design Bootcamp and Design Suite. Join the wonderful community to be uplifted and supported!

To watch the YouTube video, visit this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MqzpUz1g3s&t=68s.

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Design Around the World: Ghibli Park in Nagoya, Japan

carina update / Carina Gardner Team

If you’re a fan of Studio Ghibli’s enchanting films like my family is, you need to check out Ghibli Park in Nagoya, Japan! We had loads of fun here on our Japan trip.

Ghibli Park offered us a magical experience through the beautiful designs and art that filled the place. The park is divided into several themed areas that are unique and so much fun. It highlighted the amazing animated films that make Studio Ghibli so historic and popular.

The park did a great job at showing the historical background of the filmmaking, context, and behind the scenes of films. There was a fabulous area my family went through with film posters, food, and interactive areas.

Some of our favorite spots we went to had characters you could pose next to for movies like Spirited Away (the first film my family watched and made us fall in love with these films), My Neighbor Totoro, Ponyo, The Boy And the Heron, and others! This photo is from the Ponyo themed area:

Around every corner there were great examples of the films and surroundings that were so detailed. Some of my favorite designs that I noticed here were the wallpapers! The bathroom wallpapers were stunning, and I had to grab a few shots of them as I observed.

We ended our time in the Grand Warehouse in the gift shop where you could find incredibly cute stuffed animals, games, and other lovely things. It was a long and fun day! If you haven’t watched any of Studio Ghibli’s films, I highly recommend giving them a shot!

To get a more detailed description and visual experience of Ghibli Park, watch the YouTube video of this adventure by following this link: https://www.youtube.com/@carinagardner/videos

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Make & Design Podcast Gem: Borrow A Little Confidence From Someone Who Believes In You (Episode 40)

Reviews / Carina Gardner Team

The Make & Design Podcast has been going on for a few years now, and this was one of the episodes back in 2021! This is the perfect podcast episode to listen to when you only have about 10 minutes to spare, and need a little boost of motivation and confidence.

Carina explains the difficulty in having confidence in yourself as a designer and in general. She begins by talking about having someone else believe in you to give you a little “kick” to continue in your successes.

It’s okay to let someone else believe in you, it will take you further. If you rely 100% on someone else that you’re gonna make it, that’s different and ineffective. You just need that cheerleader for an extra boost of confidence!

Carina gives an example of her husband, Josh, having the quiet confidence and optimism in her that she would be just fine. This helped her so much in her first few years making hardly any money. It gave her a push that she could make her dreams happen.

Hold onto and lean on those who support you and cheer you on. Allow that to motivate you and boost your own confidence in your abilities. Carina often emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with people who will be there for you, rather than cause doubts and negativity.

To listen to this full podcast episode, visit this link

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Design Around the World: Kyoto Japan Tour

carina update / Carina Gardner Team

My family and I booked a tour through Kyoto Japan to most efficiently see everything in the time we had there! It was incredibly beautiful to see the temples, nature, and other parts of this city.

The tour we went on took us to four different places: Fushimi Inari Temple, the UNESCO World Heritage Sites Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kinkakuji Temple, and Arashiyama.

There were plenty of food and shopping stands at our first stop before getting to the grounds of the Fushimi Inari Temple. We saw the famous shrine of the Kami Inari, the deity of good harvests and business success. This is one of the most popular images of Japan.

We were obsessed with all of the tiny details in these places. The temples and shrines are beautifully designed and decorated, along with the gates leading up to them! Seeing design in a Japanese culture in real life was so amazing to me.

The Kiyomizu-dera Temple was next, and our favorite part was probably the Otowa waterfall. We got to drink the water of this waterfall as it is sterilized by UV light. It’s supposed to have healing qualities and attract good fortune!

At the Kinkakuji Temple, we were blown away by how beautiful and golden it was! It is one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks and is also known as the Golden Pavilion. The top two floors are covered in gold leaf, which was incredibly designed, not only looking beautiful, but having meaning behind it to represent purity.

Our final stop was at Arashiyama. This is a bamboo grove and forest that was stunning! I noticed a lot of great signs and detailed patterns of many buildings as we walked into the park. The bamboo stalks get up to 30 meters tall, and it was breathtaking to see in person.

If you want to watch the YouTube video of our Kyoto tour, click here It was such a beautiful part of the Japan trip my family did!

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Design Around the World: Warner Brothers Studio Tour in Tokyo, Japan!

carina update / Carina Gardner Team

My family are huge Harry Potter fans, and so we had to take a tour of the Warner Bro’s Studio on our Japan trip! It was so worth it, and so cool to see the inside scoop of how they filmed the Harry Potter movies.

I was so impressed with the designs found all over this place. As soon as you walked onto the property, there were beautiful sculptures. I noticed paper cut out designs, wallpapers, incredible architecture matching the movies, the clothing of the actors, and other details that went into creating the Harry Potter world.

The experience itself was incredible as you toured through this place. The work and details that went into creating all of this does not go unnoticed. Throughout the tour, there were short films you watch in different rooms to make you feel like you are in the Harry Potter world. It was so impressive.

After the Forbidden Forest, there was an outdoor area with exhibits and a cafe. We had some butter beer, pot pie, and a huge dessert. Again, so many small details everywhere!

My favorite part about the tour was probably the graphic design elements that I was able to see. They were some of the most inspiring that I’ve seen. Towards the end of the tour, there was a spot with all the graphic designs of the logos, plaques, posters, wooden signs, and great typography.

If you’re ever thinking about going to one of the Harry Potter Studios, go! They have one in Orlando, Hollywood, and Beijing as well!

If you want to watch my YouTube video on this experience, you can click the link here! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyhOZJgC4JM

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Design Around the World: Tokyo City with Carina

carina update / Carina Gardner Team

After the day my family and I spent at DisneySea, we headed into the city to check it out and I loved it. Here are a few highlights!

We stayed at the Tokyo Station Hotel. It was established in 1915, showing Japan’s rich cultural heritage. The artwork and architecture was beautiful!

Our first day in the city was spent doing a lot of walking. I was blown away by how clean this city is! It was also relatively quiet considering how big of a city it is. The futuristic vibe is so interesting and fun. I saw so many things that caught my designer eye like photographs, uniform arches, and big signs (that I can’t read of course).

We went to a lot of shops that were themed for Anime, Pokemon, Japanese pop culture, Hello Kitty, Sylvanian families (Calico Critters), and others! We got a lot of souvenirs. The designs in these places were so inspiring.

At one of the stores, there was a section of Studio Ghibli stuff, which my family is a big fan of. There were these paper theater products you could purchase, and make crafts of characters from these animated movies. Seems like a fun Glowforge, Silhouette, or Cricut project!

After stopping for some food at some stands and a cat cafe, we went to the Senso-ji Temple! I understand now why this place is so famous for getting so many tourists. This is Tokyo’s oldest and most significant Buddhist temple. The signs and symbols were stunning, as well as the giant lanterns! One of the things I loved most about this place was the signage and images with clean shapes and lines. Truly a magical place for a designer!

Lastly, I wanted to highlight the Imperial Gardens. It felt like Central Park in New York City. Although you can’t go into the Imperial Palace except on certain events of the year, we walked these grounds and enjoyed the lush scenery. I enjoyed this incredible city so much.

If you’ve ever been to Tokyo, let me know what your favorite sites were! Also be sure to visit my YouTube channel for the video of this stop on our trip at https://www.youtube.com/@carinagardner

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Design Around the World: Universal Studios and DisneySea in Tokyo, Japan!

carina update / Carina Gardner Team

Back in June, my family and I went to Japan! We went to so many fun destinations, but I wanted to highlight our time in Tokyo DisneySea and Universal Studios in Osaka in this blog post.

First DisneySea! It was our first full day in Japan. Tokyo DisneySea is divided into seven themed areas, known as “ports of call,” each offering a distinct experience and atmosphere including the

Mediterranean Harbor which was Italian themed.
American Waterfront which is early 20th century New York and New England.
Lost River Delta which is of the Ancient Central American ruins.
Port Discovery which is a futuristic marina.
Mermaid Lagoon which is an underwater kingdom from the little mermaid.
Arabian Coast which is Arabian nights.
Mysterious Island which is Jules Verne-inspired.

Waiting in all the lines gave me plenty of time to take inspiration for my creative ideas. The park was filled with visuals and scenes that were interesting and fun to look at. One of the best places to get inspiration as a designer is by going into the shops!

As for Universal Studios in Osaka, this was the last stop on our trip. I noticed so many different signs, symbols, ambiance, and use of general design principles here.

I love the bold font that they generally use for the Universal Studios logo. If you have a big enough audience and people know who you are, your branding can be more attentive and less restrictive!

We visited Nintendo world, Hero Academia, Harry Potter, Sesame Street, and Hello Kitty themed lands in the park! All of them had a variety of different designs and sights to see. We loved the rides and interactive stuff we could do at each spot.

My family and I would highly recommend going to both of these places in Japan! It was eye-opening as a designer to be in this part of the world. If you want to watch the YouTube videos for both of these places, visit my Youtube channel!

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

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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

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Design Around the World – Rijksmuseum

carina update / Carina Gardner Team

The Rijksmuseum of Amsterdam lived up to why it’s so famous, and I wanted to share some highlights here on the blog about it!

In my YouTube video that I made for this stop on my trip, I mostly highlighted the paintings I really loved or found interesting. Some of my favorites included the Van Gogh self portrait, a colorful shop window by Isaac Israels, a portrait by Therese Schwarz, the forest scene by Koekkoek, and many more.

The art-historical library in the Rijksmuseum is the largest library in the Netherlands, and I got to go and see this as well! This is a working library and there were people actually down in the bottom working which was so cool to me. I loved its brink-red and gold polychrome cast-iron colonettes. The walls are decorated with painted foliage. It was mesmerizing as a designer to see!

There was also this oversized dollhouse that I wanted to highlight since I showed a lot of it in my YouTube video and on Instagram! The details of this dollhouse were breathtaking and so fun to analyze.

The dollhouse had moldings on the walls and ceilings, the tiny furniture and all the beautiful little pieces like cushions, paintings, ruffles, and murals. There was dishware and tile. Every room was so brilliantly created.

The cherry on top from that day was meeting up with one of my Design Suite members who happened to be in Amsterdam that day as well. Check out my Instagram or YouTube to see more photos and videos of the Rijksmuseum! I loved my time there so much.

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Make and Design Podcast: Podcast Gems

Reviews / Carina Gardner Team

Highlights from Episode 44 of the Make + Design Podcast: Sacrifice leading to growth!

Carina’s Make + Design podcast has been going on for a few years now. It’s full of inspiration and realities of being a designer and owning a business!

Episode 44: “To Do Something Great, There Must Be Sacrifice”, is an older episode being highlighted today in hopes of providing advice for those struggling with the big sacrifices of designing and running a small business.

Carina explains that she sees sacrifice as an investment. Not just in a financial aspect but in all aspects of life. When we think of sacrifice as an investment, there is so much room for change and growth as individuals.

An example Carina gave of this in the podcast is the decision to have children. That is a huge sacrifice! However, being a mother has changed Carina into a better human being, and she has reaped the reward of the sacrifice to have children.

The same goes for designing, especially joining the Design Suite program. Not only do you sacrifice money, but you sacrifice time and hard work. Time is finite and can be extremely hard to give up. However, being in this program provides you with so many new skills and growth!

Think of the investment with the current sacrifice in your life right now. You are learning new skills, becoming who you are supposed to be, and growing. It’s all going to be worth it!

To listen to this full podcast episode, visit https://makeanddesign.com/?paged=43. Keep up with Carina’s podcast to have new episodes every week full of inspiration!

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

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Design Around the World: Amsterdam City Highlights

blog, carina update / Carina Gardner Team

I wanted to feature a few more things that I loved in the city of Amsterdam on my recent trip there. I went with my friends Nikki and Natalie who also own companies, and it was such a great getaway. Be sure to read my other blog posts about the trip, and watch my Design Around the World videos on YouTube!

The city of Amsterdam is a global hub for creativity and innovation. It’s filled with iconic architecture, art, and urban planning. There is an old world charm and contemporary flare that sets it apart from the rest of the world.

I stayed in Hotel Nobleman. Each room was themed. Mine had dark walls, camel colored leather, a copper bathtub, gold detailing everywhere, and mini stroopwafels left for me every day! I highly recommend staying there, it was so much fun. The design features of this hotel had to be some of my all time favorites from the trip.

Everywhere you go in Amsterdam, there are bikes, reflecting the historic city’s commitment to environmental stewardship, which I loved. I learned there are more bikes than people in The Netherlands which is so interesting!

Overall, the city itself was so amazing. I know why it’s so famous now! I was filled with new design inspirations by coming to see this part of the world. Stay tuned for my blog post about the Rijksmuseum coming up!

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

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Dive Into One of Carina’s Old Podcast Episodes with Gems That Can Help You in Your Designing!

Reviews / Carina Gardner Team

During the very first month of Carina’s podcast episode 20 has some great advice for those struggling in their creating and designing.

The title of this episode is called “What Those Negative Thoughts Are Doing To Your Creativity” Here are some highlights that you can benefit from! If you want to watch the full podcast episode, there is a link at the bottom of this post.

There are different ways that designers deal with negativity. Those who have doubts and negative thoughts, but get their work done anyway. They tend to keep going through the process with no breathers. Then, there are those who are immobilized by doubtful or negative thoughts, and sometimes can’t continue with their work.

Carina explains that everyone needs to find their happy place regardless of who you are. Take a second to breathe and calm down so you can feel better. For Carina, that’s watching a TV show. It is very normal and important to take breaks as a designer so you don’t experience burnout.

Negativity can begin within yourself as well as come from other people. Don’t let people who don’t know your craft or design work tell you what to do or tear you down. Don’t let them talk you into not doing something. You know yourself!

As creators, designers, makers, etc. you are pleasers. You want to create things that people love, which can be difficult mentally when someone is tearing your work down. Carina explains the importance of communication and boundary setting.

Having your own personal cheerleaders is also so important! When people cheer you on, you want to create more and more. Build an environment surrounded by people who love you and your creative work, not those who are negative critics.

Lastly, it’s normal to have creative blocks! Carina’s advice is to take a break when this happens. Move forward when you feel stuck. Decision fatigue is a real thing. When you make a decision and continue on, the creativity starts to flow.

Designing and creating is hard work! By following these tips from Carina, it can solve a lot of issues with motivation, doubt, and others so that you can continue to be successful in your work!

If you want to listen to more of Carina Gardner’s podcasts, visit this website

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Design Around the World: Amsterdam Tulip Highlights!

carina update / Carina Gardner Team

What would a trip to The Netherlands be without seeing the tulips? I absolutely loved going to this famous site in Europe. Here are some highlights of how it went!

The Keukenhof Gardens are about a 45 minute drive from Amsterdam, and during that drive I was able to take a look at some design elements in the signs, architecture, and colors all around. We passed some really cool buildings that amazed me.

As soon as we got to the gardens, this amazing entryway greeted us. It was much more modern than the other architecture I had seen in the city.

The garden itself is known as the “Garden of Europe” and is one of the most visited attractions in The Netherlands. We went during the last week of the season, but still got to see some beautiful tulips. There are also hedges, other flowers, and food attractions at the gardens!

We went inside a cafe due to rain, and I got to see some eye-catching fonts and designs for bathrooms, food, light fixtures, and others. We also got to look at the famous flower shows in pavilions all throughout the gardens, showing arrangements and designs to inspire people for their own gardens and designs.

Another highlight was that we got to go during the 75th anniversary of the gardens! There was a sign entirely made out of tulips that was very impressive. A pavilion we went inside had more clothing, logos, and historic facts for the 75th anniversary as well.

After the Keukenhof Gardens, we went over to see some historic windmills, a clog making store, and other historic buildings. The preserved windmills and architecture were fascinating to me. Learning and seeing why this country is so popular was a great experience! If you are able to, you will not regret going to The Netherlands!

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

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Design Around the World: San Antonio Riverwalk Highlights

carina update / Carina Gardner Team

Hello all! I recently visited the San Antonio Riverwalk and wanted to give a rundown of what I thought as I explored there. Be sure to watch the YouTube video I made of my experience as well! The YouTube link is at the bottom.

I stayed at the Omni La Mansion Del Rio hotel. Walking out of the back door of the hotel takes you straight to the Riverwalk. I highly recommend staying there!

As soon as I walked out to the Riverwalk, I noticed the patterns, colors, symbols, and signs all around me. With the Hispanic background that this place has, it truly is such a great example of design and culture intermixing.

The architecture was a mix of old and new which was really interesting to me. It told the story that this historic place continues to live on while becoming slightly modernized as time goes on. There is old stone wall and new cement wall right next to each other, along with young palm trees and mature cypress trees.

The signage was also fun to analyze, especially through a designer’s eyes! There are individual designs for each sign, which I saw a lot of on the Riverwalk. Each sign portrays a different connotation!

Cutouts of symbols that were on the boats floating along the river were so beautiful. I didn’t have time to ride the boats, but the designs were so well fit with the Hispanic culture. Symbols are such an important element in design!

I loved my time in San Antonio! Be sure to watch this Design Around the World Youtube video to see more about the Riverwalk! YouTube video

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You Don’t Want to Miss Carina Gardner’s Weekly VIP Newsletters!

UPDATES FROM CARINA / Carina Gardner Team

CGVIP newsletters from Carina Gardner are always brimming with exciting opportunities and resources for the creative community. To stay in the loop with information, and to boost your creative mind, these emails are just for you.

Highlights from the CGVIP newsletters include:

Upcoming events and workshops to sign up for. These provide extremely beneficial tips and tricks on specific design categories that you can implement in your own work!
Upcoming camps to join, such as the Sublimation Camp, Design Bootcamp, and others.
Carina’s work you can purchase, such as her book: “Make Art that Sells”, her Etsy shop sales, her Amazon storefront, her Daily Planner, and more. There is a link provided to purchase whatever it may be!
Podcasts released recently/highlighted podcast of the week.
Featured YouTube video of the week.
Information about Design Suite you can sign up for.
Freebies you get! There is a SVG + Fabric freebie you get with each newsletter that can come in handy for you.

Want to sign up to be on the CGVIP Newsletter? You can gain access to multiple different freebies and stay informed! Click here

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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.

Amazon Link

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.

Amazon Link

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

Amazon Link

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.

Amazon Link

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!

Amazon Link

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.

Amazon Link

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.

Amazon Link

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.

Amazon Link

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.

Amazon Link

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

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Design Around the World with Carina at San Antonio’s Famous Market Square

blog, Reviews / Carina Gardner Team

I have exciting news for all of you! In my recent YouTube short video, I was in San Antonio on the beautiful Riverwalk, announcing a new series I’m starting: Design Around the World! I’m talking about design in specific cultures and areas of the world. I’m starting off the series in Market Square in San Antonio, Texas.

My first stop on this adventure was at the Mi Terra Café. As I looked around, every detail told a story in the restaurant. It was so beautiful and vibrant inside!

The Mi Terra Café is a feast for creative designer’s eyes. The art and design is “expressive, yet friendly”. The traditional Mexican culture is prominent to this area of Texas. We see it in the designs on the buildings and signage.

Stepping into Market Square, also known as “El Mercado”, I was in awe of the vibrant colors and intricate designs. The deep-rooted Hispanic heritage was clear from the logos, colors, and products being sold. My favorite design at Market Square was a large window with the main logo, a Mexican hat, guitar, and medium blue background. The bright colors were beautiful but blended so well.

I loved all the Hispanic clothing patterns I saw as well. The embroidery is extremely impressive, along with the intricate patterns and craftsmanship. The designs are symmetrical which bring balance to the designs. There were intricate patterns on the vases, table lines, tiles, benches, and other spots as well at Market Square!

By getting outside and taking a look at the creations around us, you can have your personal “light-bulb” moments to create beautiful and unique things!

For more information, watch the full video on Market Square here or on my youtube channel.

If you’ve enjoyed this blog post and my Design Around the World series, you can visit my platforms from these links:

Youtube: www.youtube.com/@carinagardner

Website: https://carinagardnershop.myshopify.com/

Design Bootcamp sign up: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/designbootcamp

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Carina’s Trip to the Greek Islands: A Review of Rhodes, Lipsi, Kos, and Santorini

blog, carina update / Carina Gardner Team

I’m trying to get better at updating you on some of the fun things in my life, and this post has been long overdue. You should see more posts and videos from me that inspire my creativity, in the hopes that it inspires you too!

Last August (2023), I took a trip with my husband and two of my kids (my third was taking summer classes and did not come) to the Greek Islands. My brother-in-law is from the small island of Lipsi, and we wanted to meet his family as well as attend his sister’s Greek wedding.

The overall trip took about two weeks, and we visited the following islands: Rhodes, Lipsi, Kos, and Santorini. We also spent a short amount of time in London. It was our European stop before getting to the Mediterranean.

If you’ve ever thought about going to the Greek Islands, here are a few highlights of the trip that will hopefully help you plan something really fabulous. As stated, this was a family trip and therefore had to be kid-friendly. We had a teenager in high school and a 5th grader. My sister-in-law, who met us in Lipsi, traveled with their three girls who were all under the age of 6. She definitely had a harder time than me traveling since her children were younger than mine.

But I digress.

Rhodes

First of all, every island we visited was so different and so beautiful. We were on Rhodes while the forest fires were burning. However, we had booked a hotel on the other side of the island before we even knew the fires were happening.

Rhodes was a magical place to kick off our tour of some of the Greek Islands. The first thing we did when we arrived was head down to the hotel’s beach while the sun was setting. After 24 hours of traveling, this moment on the beach made the lengthy flights worth it!

There is something amazing about breathing deeply at sunset with people you love on a beach.

Favorite things on Rhodes:

Valley of the Butterflies: This was amazing! You are in a grove of trees and walk a path with water while thousands of butterflies perch in the cool shadows of the trees. None of my pictures did this amazing phenomenon justice.
Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes: The flooring rockwork was my favorite here. Talk about quilt pattern inspiration!
The Town of Lindos: We had a great time wandering the alleyways one evening in the little town of Lindos. We originally went to see the bay where supposedly St. Paul came in when he visited Rhodes. The town is a mix of small alleyways full of dessert and dinner spots. My kids enjoyed the knick-knacks and trinkets around every corner.
The Beaches: There are really a lot of great beaches but noticeably at the resort we stayed at. We stayed at the Apollo Hotel which had a lovely beach and pool area. My kids also loved the buffet-style breakfast every morning.

Lipsi

I’ll always have a special place in my heart for Lipsi. We got there by ferry and were greeted by my three nieces. There is nothing like seeing family in a totally different country on the other side of the world.

Meeting everyone in this town was so fun. We had the best beach day with my sister and brother-in-law. Finally, being able to experience a Greek wedding was incredible!!! If you have a chance to ever do this, I cannot recommend it enough. It was everything you think it is supposed to be. When Josh went to grab some breakfast at 8 a.m. in the morning, the wedding was still going on (we gave up at 2 a.m.).

Kos

We were in Kos more as a passing through than anything else. You have to fly to Athens to get to Santorini but there are no airports on Lipsi. So we took a ferry from Lipsi to Kos. From Kos, we flew to Athens and then Santorini.

At Kos, we hit up the Tree of Hippocrates and then spent the day at the Lido Waterpark I think the most embarrassing moment of my life happened at that waterpark (No, I’m not going to tell the story but you can imagine it. Just think “loose swimsuit” and “fast slide.”).

Santorini

My kids said that this was their favorite island for just hanging out. We stayed on the west side of the island on the cliffs in one of those famous cave hotels with its own hot tub. There are many of these spots and many are called “apartments” not hotels.

There were no beaches close by, so Santorini was more about eating out, shopping, and planned activities. I used Get Your Guide for most of my bookings the following:

Here are the direct links for what we did:

Horseback Riding

Catamaran Cruise

While on Santorini, I also did one of those Flying Dress photoshoots. I was hoping it would work for the Make Art That Sells book cover, but I ended up not using them. I’m still glad I did the shoot because it was a fun experience.

If you have been thinking of doing a family trip to the Greek Islands, make sure and add a few days of downtime into your trip. It also took us 3 days to not take naps during the day (jetlag with kids took a lot longer to combat than I thought).

Even though we had activities planned, we also prioritized shopping, eating, hanging out, and going to the beach. Sometimes on vacations I like to plan a lot of activities to make sure we see and do everything on our bucket list, but this is one of those vacations where the scenic route is nice. We went slow. We had a luxuriously easygoing breakfast most mornings. We took naps.

Basically, I rested. Because I did that, I came back from this trip ready to get back to designing and creating!

Have you ever wondered what really makes art sell? Carina lays out how you need to start thinking like a customer to create art that consistently is bought. Click here to learn more

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Julie Thompson Mastering Design and Sales Together

Reviews / Carina Gardner Team

On a recent podcast episode, Carina Gardner spoke with Design Suite member Julie Thompson on the mind blowing success she has had in her businesses paired with her designing skills. Not even a year into the program, Julie Thompson took flight and was able to make 200 sales in one month.

“It felt really difficult and overwhelming at first,” Julie explains, “so it just really helped seeing… all the different trainings. That helped give me more confidence to be able to do this… And once I did it, it was crazy how I was like ‘oh this isn’t so bad’… it just gave me the momentum to keep going.”

When Julie realized she can do more than she thought she could, that’s when her confidence increased. Therefore she got a lot done, resulting in a lot of business success. “I think the biggest thing is just trying to be consistent and trying to keep uploading,” Julie states.

In regards to what the program has done for Julie, she says, “I think the accountability for me is a big one… knowing at the end of the week I have to post whether I did it or not… knowing I have some timelines just to kind of help keep me going has been huge… I’ve never had as much concentrated instruction and help.”

Like Julie, you can join a Design Bootcamp and be greatly benefited. When Julie joined the program, she said, “I just saw one of your Instagram ads… I felt just totally lost… I had no clue [how to make designs marketable]… so I joined your bootcamp, and basically by the second day I’m like ‘yeah I’m totally doing this’,” she said.

Live bootcamp was so special and magical, as Julie described it. Meeting all of the incredible women she did and building those long lasting friendships provides her with a great network that will benefit her in her business.

“It really is a good place to understand what we do,” Carina explains about bootcamp, “we never want people to be confused about why we do what we do and how we focus on sales, because we think design and sales should go together.”

Going forward, Julie plans to build up her Etsy shop and website, increase her design skills more, and work more in the freelancing jobs that came about through this program. By pairing design and sales, there will be a great amount of success to your business. Julie is a perfect example of this.

Julie says about joining the program, “If you’re questioning, just do it, it’s amazing. I feel like this has been such a blessing in my life, and I’m so thankful for Carina and all that she just gives and gives. It’s just been such a great experience for me.”

To join a Design Bootcamp and get yourself onto a path like Julie’s, click on this link: https://www.carinagardnercourses.com/…

You can find Julie’s shops on Etsy here

To watch the full podcast on YouTube, click here

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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

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Top 3 Interviews with Carina

Interviews, UPDATES FROM CARINA / Carina Gardner Team

Join us as we learn about three amazing people who are really good at making things and coming up with ideas. They each have their own cool stories about how they got to where they are in the design world. We’ll hear all about Lisa Baldwin, David Meikle, and Farren Celeste in special interviews by Carina.

1- The Last 45 Days of Success with Lisa Baldwin

In this exclusive interview, Carina engages in a candid conversation with Lisa, a former Design Suite member turned Design Coach, delving into Lisa’s inaugural year as a designer and the significant sales milestones she achieved.

Lisa reflects on how her professional trajectory underwent a transformative shift upon her decision to embrace the Design Suite platform following her departure from the banking sector.

Fueled by a potent blend of passion and creativity, Lisa thrived within the program, ultimately establishing three thriving Etsy shops. Dive deeper into Lisa’s inspiring journey by following the link provided for more insights into her story! Watch the interview here

2- Interview with Asteroid City Artist David Meikle

In this engaging video, Carina conducts an interview with her esteemed friend and colleague, David Meikle, a renowned designer and illustrator of exceptional talent. David’s notable achievements include his acclaimed creation of the iconic Utah signs and his recent collaboration in crafting the picturesque landscapes featured in “Asteroid City,” the latest cinematic masterpiece by Wes Anderson

For a glimpse into the captivating posters designed for this remarkable film, click here!

3-Paper Flowers with Farren Celeste

In this insightful interview, Carina engages in conversation with Farren Celeste, a remarkable designer and former nurse. Driven by a desire for autonomy in her schedule and inspired by her family’s relocation to Europe, Farren embarked on a journey to establish an international business venture. She discovered her niche in expanding her digital enterprise by offering exquisite paper flower files and tutorials.

Explore further details about Farren’s innovative work by visiting her website at https://farrenceleste.com/

Watch the video here

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

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Our Mission and Core Values at Carina Gardner Inc

UPDATES FROM CARINA / Carina Gardner Team

Design Suite was born out of Carina’s desire to teach creatives how to run their own profitable businesses.

Her own design education taught her how to be a great designer but did not teach her how to take her skill and turn it into a livelihood. That is how the education system is structured and Carina Gardner Inc. exists specifically to fill in the gaps and empower designers to actually make money with art.

Throughout the 15 years Carina has been building her multi-six figure design businesses, she has discovered the missing components necessary for success in this industry.

Gap 1: Design education needs speed. Design education needs to be swift enough to keep up with consumer demands. The courses in Design Suite are developed to address this because they are continually updated to include new, emerging platforms and ideas. Much emphasis is placed on what is hot in the marketplace today. In addition to course updates, weekly and monthly meetings are offered which help keep members up to speed with changes in the industry.

Gap 2: Early integration to understand profitability. Practical principles of online marketplaces must be integrated into the early stages of education to impart profitability insights. While the traditional education model has many benefits, the knowledge of how to place products in front of customers is lacking. The Design Suite model encourages designers to learn by doing. Instead of creating for fictional companies, designers are creating designs for a real company. Online marketplaces have made it possible for new designers to test their products as well as to be profitable at the same time. Design Suite students emerge from the program with a working AND selling portfolio.

Gap 3: Adaptability. The development of critical thinking skills is imperative for adapting to market changes, ensuring that skills remain relevant in evolving marketplaces. The online marketplace changes every year. Not only do customer’s desires and buying habits change, but software and technology has made numerous changes as well. This is why Design Suite offers a large number of courses ranging from easy to expert on a wide range of topics. These courses help teach different types of products and marketplaces so that a designer can pivot as needed.

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

The focus in Design Suite is to expedite the design process at a considerably lower cost than that of a traditional four-year university. The overarching mission of Carina, the coaches and the team at CGI is to strive to achieve high standards in education, problem solving, and assistance provided to the members. The success of each designer is of the highest importance and the team is committed to working toward results with each member.

From multiple, progressive learning levels to live meetings and coaching, the Design Suite program is a comprehensive program that makes it a fit for both new designers and experienced designers alike.

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Leah Loret de Mola’s Continuing Journey with Design Suite: Finding Fulfillment Through The Challenges of Hard Work

Reviews / Carina Gardner Team

Thanks to Carina Gardner’s Design Bootcamp, Leah Loret de Mola was able to take her already creative path, and find further skill and success in her career. Leah discusses with Carina in this podcast about her journey in joining the program and how helpful it truly has been.

Beginning the podcast, Leah starts out saying, “I found Carina Gardner Bootcamp and did the live bootcamp and it basically really fit with my experience because I knew Illustrator. It was like one step ahead of having to start over again.”

Leah began her journey with some limited knowledge in designing, but didn’t know what to do with it. For those who have some creative and designing experience already, your journey can be very similar to Leah’s! She goes on explaining her experience in committing to do Design Bootcamp:

“It was great. It was one hour every day, five days a week. I made sure I scheduled it like an appointment as something I had to do. I loved the live bootcamp, I’ve only done it live so I can’t speak for anything else, but it made a difference because it was really interactive in terms of the chat, and Carina speaking to people that were there live and answering questions on the spot. I think the exciting part for me was building a career in design, and I just didn’t know how to get there, and here was Carina saying ‘I will get you there, and this is how to do it!’… It was just so exciting… I could do it on my own time and grow my business for myself, versus having to work for someone else.”

The Design Bootcamp was an enjoyable and knowledge-filling experience for Leah, and will be for anyone who is committed to it like her. The price of Design Bootcamp is extremely worth it for those who apply what they have learned from it. Leah, for example, was able to make money almost immediately from her creations after joining the program. Throughout the rest of her journey over the past months, there has been on and off success, making the process difficult, but fulfilling.

“I was really lucky, I got some sales at the beginning. I worked really hard in the program for 6 months… it really paid off because I’ve been able to breathe for a little bit and still be able to feel like I’m not missing out on some designs that are up right now as I struggled with where to go… eventually it’ll get there but it’s hard.” Carina chimed in on this conversation by saying, “All of us have to get used to the sucky feeling before the win comes because there’s no such thing as overnight success.”

Just like Leah, those who are persistent and stick with the process will find great success, personal fulfillment, and satisfaction in their work. Any idea of a product to create and sell can be brought to life through Design Bootcamp, and the Design Suite Mastermind program that Leah joined. Although it is a challenging task to take on, there is so much to gain from these resources of becoming a profitable designer.

Overall, Leah has described her journey so far by saying, “it’s been quite a rollercoaster, I didn’t know what to expect… I feel like I can sit here now and say it doesn’t seem like I did a lot, but when I thought about where I was last year at this exact time before I joined the program when I was just figuring out what to do, and I look now, it’s a huge accomplishment. Regardless of sales, it’s just more like that first step to hopefully getting past the first year. I would say it’s been a huge year of building and just seeing where I want to go, and it’s changed and it’s pivoted and I’ve struggled with a lot because you’re really testing ‘how hard do I want to work?’ and ‘how bad do I want this?’ because you’re putting in a lot of time… it’s just a lot of committing… it says a lot about where you’ll go long term.”

By joining the Design Bootcamp, you can unlock your creativity further, no matter how much experience you do or don’t have! To sign up for a bootcamp like Leah, click here

To look at Leah’s work, you can access her website here

To watch the full interview with Leah and Carina, click here

Leah Loret de Mola’s Continuing Journey with Design Suite: Finding Fulfillment Through The Challenges of Hard Work Read More »

Don’t Miss These Carina Gardner YouTube Episodes

UPDATES FROM CARINA / Carina Gardner Team

Discover a world of creativity and insight with Carina’s YouTube episodes. From unraveling the secrets of crafting repeat patterns for tumbler sublimation projects to redefining success in surface pattern design, Carina’s expertise shines through in every episode. Join her as she teaches with practical advice, unconventional strategies, and invaluable tips to elevate their designs and thrive in the competitive landscape of pattern design. Take advantage of these enlightening episodes – watch now and unlock your creative potential!

How to Create a Repeat Pattern for a Tumbler Sublimation Project

In her episode titled “How to Create a Repeat Pattern for a Tumbler Sublimation Project,” Carina Gardner delves into the intricacies of crafting repeat patterns tailored specifically for tumbler sublimation projects. With a step-by-step approach, she demystifies the process, empowering viewers to unleash their creativity onto this versatile canvas. From selecting the perfect motifs to mastering the art of seamless repeats, Gardner’s guidance equips enthusiasts with the tools needed to elevate their designs to new heights.

Watch the video here

Episode 118: 3 Ways You Can Become the Best Surface Pattern Designer (That You Haven’t Heard Before)

In Episode 118, titled “3 Ways You Can Become the Best Surface Pattern Designer (That You Haven’t Heard Before),” Carina Gardner embarks on redefining the essence of excellence in surface pattern design. Starting from conventional wisdom, she unveils three unconventional yet effective strategies for aspiring designers to carve their niche in the industry. Through a blend of practical advice and insightful stories, Carina inspires viewers to overcome limitations and embrace their unique creative identities.

Watch the episode here.

3 Ways to Earn Money As a Surface Pattern Designer

In her episode on “3 Ways to Earn Money As a Surface Pattern Designer,” Carina Gardner explores the different ways in which designers can monetize their craft. From licensing agreements to product development and beyond, she illuminates the path toward financial sustainability in a competitive landscape. With a keen understanding of industry dynamics, Gardner empowers designers to navigate challenges and seize opportunities, transforming their passion into a lucrative profession.

Watch the episode here.

Carina’s YouTube episodes encapsulate a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for pattern designers of all levels. Through her step-by-step approach, practical advice, and insightful anecdotes, she empowers viewers to unleash their creativity, overcome challenges, and thrive in the competitive landscape of pattern design. Don’t miss out on these episodes – watch now and embark on a journey toward realizing your full creative potential.

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

Don’t Miss These Carina Gardner YouTube Episodes Read More »

Episode 417: Illustration for Meetings with Ashton Rodenhiser

blog, Interviews, PODCAST, Reviews / Carina Gardner Team

Welcome to the Make and Design Podcast Episode 417: Illustration for Meetings with Ashton Rodenhiser.

On this podcast episode Carina chats with Ashton Rodenhiser, a professional sketch-noter who provides graphic notes in the form of drawings in meetings, strategic planning sessions or conferences. Basically any place where someone is conveying information to a group or having a conversation about something.

Carina learns about the fascinating process of taking notes using drawings in order to more clearly remember the ideas and information presented in meetings. Ashton can do this in all types of business environments and industries. She does research for each environment to make sure she has some background on the company before she meets with her client.

Carina and Ashton discuss Ashton’s process and how she knows what type of graphic to use while doing it on the fly. Ashton explains that she has a bank of images in her mind that she already knows how to draw and is able to quickly pull from those images. She explains that building your muscle memory in this way allows you to draw similar things to illustrate similar ideas. Sometimes she uses icons in one presentation and a lot of people in others. Combining her sketching skills with humor is one of the things that attracts clients, she says.

Sketchnotes combine text and simple images to communicate information quickly and memorably. Notetaking done this way is scientifically proven to help notetakers retain

information eight times better than just the traditional writing method. It allows the observer to view the conversation in illustrations while they are listening to the presentation of information. This enables the listener to engage in the moment as well as allowing them to have something tangible to refer back to after the meeting is over.

Ashton has built an entire career of attending meetings to help communicators clearly explain processes, ideas and information while helping listeners clearly understand the message. She also teaches others interested in using this method how to listen, synthesize ideas and translate them into drawing form. Listen in if you are interested in learning more about this fascinating subject.

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

Episode 417: Illustration for Meetings with Ashton Rodenhiser Read More »

Dawn K’s Journey of Creativity, Passion, and Profit with Design Suite

blog, Reviews / Carina Gardner Team

In a world where the pursuit of creativity often takes a backseat to the demands of daily life, Dawn K gives

inspiration on a podcast with Carina Gardner by sharing her heartfelt journey of pursuing her dreams. This led to the unexpected events of making money, along with the success and fulfillment that has changed her life.

Dawn’s story resonates deeply with anyone who has ever felt the tug of creative longing amidst the chaos of everyday responsibilities. She had always been one who loved to sew and create, and wanted more from it. She explains the process she went through of deciding to go for it and make the time:

“I was looking at Instagram and saw an ad from [Carina Gardner Inc.] and I said ‘okay, I’ve been saying I want a way to make money from this room… and this could be an option’. I was skeptical, but I said, ‘given the cost, I don’t have much to lose, and let’s go for it.’ And I went through Design Bootcamp, and each day I was tuning in after work, sometimes I’d watch if I had a lunch break, if I had a little bit of time I’d try to watch. And each day I went, ‘oh my goodness, oh this is amazing!’ and there were so many breakthroughs… also just what the possibilities were and what that potential was. And the fact that I felt like I didn’t know how to get there a year ago… to know that there was a way to do it is really what got me hooked and it got me to sign up, and it changed my life.”

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

The journey that Dawn went on from a hesitant skeptic to a thriving entrepreneur is a testament to the transformative power of the Design Suite program. By doing Design Bootcamp, and then moving on to Design Suite, was huge for Dawn. It allowed her to have time to create all of the projects she had been dreaming of for a long time. She brought a business to life out of it while still having a 40 hour week job as well. Passion was ignited, and she was committed. Design Suite truly is an excellent way to spark the fire of creativity, and bring it into action.

“I’m now making money, and when I started Design Suite, I was looking at all the people who are or who were where I am now… I would start looking up everybody going, ‘oh my goodness oh my goodness oh their work is so good, and look what they’ve accomplished!’ I didn’t think I would be in that same position, but if you put in the work and you put in the time, and you’re consistent about it, you can accomplish more than you ever thought possible,” Dawn eloquently says.

Not only were her dreams made a reality, but there were benefits of making money, and personal progress that came from it. Dawn states that, “In terms of what attracted me to Design Suite it was… the mentorship… being able to turn stuff in and get better every single time is huge for me in terms of progress… It was a personal choice that what I really wanted to do was fabric design, and I found that, through Design Suite.”

Overall, the decision that Dawn made to join the Design Suite program, and follow her dreams led to incredible outcomes and happiness she wouldn’t have otherwise found. Not only personal fulfillment and growth, but an open door to making money from her own designs, shortly after joining Design Suite. To end the podcast, Dawn closed with some words to anyone who is considering the design bootcamp or Design Suite by saying, “If you want a creative career, and you’re on the fence, and you’re listening to this podcast, check out Design Bootcamp. If you’re unsure, but you know you really want it and have the grit, just go for it, it is worth it, and it’s life changing.”

Interested in design bootcamp just like Dawn was? Here is the link she followed to sign up! https://www.designsuitecourses.com/designbootcamp?ref=https%3A%2F%2Fcarina-gardner-32e8.mykajabi.com%2Fa%2F2147517829%2FzAfwGmrU

You can find Dawn’s work from her Etsy profile here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/dawnkdesigns/?etsrc=sdt

If you want to watch the entire video with Dawn K and Carina Gardner, follow this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TACMev4AiIo

Or listen to the podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2040698/13865727-episode-372-life-changing-creativity-with-dawn-k.mp3?download=true

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

Dawn K’s Journey of Creativity, Passion, and Profit with Design Suite Read More »

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

#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 »

Turning Creativity into Cash: Simone Bowles’ Profitable Journey with Design Suite

COURSES, Design Lessons, Interviews, PODCAST, Reviews, Video / Carina Gardner Team

Simone Bowles, a two-year Design Suite member, discusses with Carina Gardner about the incredible success and money she has made after joining the program in this podcast. She begins by talking about how she chose a career that was not quite creative enough for her.

Simone states, “I read this book by Julia Donaldson called the Artist’s Way, and she said that a lot of people who were creative go into careers that are almost creative.” In a world brimming with opportunities, the journey of fulfilling one’s creative and entrepreneurial aspirations can often feel like a daunting task. Simone took a leap of faith that many are afraid to do, leaving her past career and pursuing her creative dreams by joining the Design Suite program, tailored for aspiring designers who want to make money with their creations.

“In terms of actual graphic design, I knew nothing,” Simone explains, “I came from a world that was so different. [I felt like] the imposter, like ‘how am I going to do this?’ …But then I [remembered] that they chose me for a reason… It grew me in so many ways… and if you were to ask me the year before ‘would I do freelance graphic design’, it would be a definite no… I thought it would be so hard.”

Simone went into the program with hardly any experience of creative design. However, as the process went on for her, passion was ignited, breathing life into her artistic visions. She quickly found a love for what she was doing. She explained that, “This is for me, I want all of the things,” as the program went on for her. After the first year of the program, there was so much that Simone learned. She felt the strong desire to continue for another year, allowing her to make lots of money from this. “Honestly I feel like I can call myself a designer now… once you do, the jobs come!” Opportunity was met with hard work, and Simone’s work took off.

When talking about her success, Simone stated, “Just be open to the path that [comes] to you. If you try to go down one road you get so much resistance… I made the money within my second year [of the program]… I made enough to pay for the kids’ school tuition which isn’t cheap… and that was in my second year!”

After the decision was made to pursue this dream of Simone’s, she was rewarded. Design Suite is the catalyst for inspiration to make money, and Simone did just that in her second year of the journey. She was extremely grateful and emotional over the success she has reaped in the podcast when explaining the money she made to pay for the tuition of her kids’ educations. You truly get what you pay for when you join the Design Suite courses, along with opportunity and fulfillment bursting at the seams.

Not only did Simone make a great amount of money, she also built incredible relationships with those in the Design Suite community, which is huge. Simone goes on to say, “It’s key… I just know people I can go to who are now friends of mine… in the sewing world… in the patent world… in the papercraft world… that is gold.” She continues by saying, “There’s so many things [that make Design Suite good value]… It really is the community and the information… Design Suite has those supports.”

From all across the globe, there are members of the Design Suite program, and these members build one another up, offer advice, help, and friendship, taking things to a more meaningful level through this program. This brings that human connection that is missing in a lot of programs.

The opportunities are endless when becoming a member of Design Suite and embarking on the journey, allowing for personal and professional growth. The program serves as a catalyst for self-discovery, empowering individuals to leverage their strengths and carry out their niches in the creative landscape. Simone Bowles is an excellent example of this coming to reality.

To access Simone’s business and creations, you can follow her on Instagram: @_simonebowles_ or find her on Etsy: SBPARTYPRINTABLES.

If you want to watch the entire interview with Simone here:

Or listen to the podcast here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2040698/14510635-episode-415-making-money-as-a-designer-with-simone-bowles.mp3?download=true

Turning Creativity into Cash: Simone Bowles’ Profitable Journey with Design Suite Read More »

Christmas Houses Tea Towel Tutorial

blog, CRAFTS, Ink Club, Tutorials / Carina Gardner Team

Create these fun tea towels as a gift or for your house for Christmas! Heat transfer does the trick for the simple but Christmas-y project!

What you need

Silhouette or Cricut Machine
Heat-Transfer Vinyl Assorted Colors
Household Iron
House Cut File (provided)
White Dish Towels (in Amazon shop link below)
Hook Weeding Tool

Many of the items I used I have archived in my influencer store on Amazon here if you want the exact product: https://www.amazon.com/shop/carinagardner

Please note that some of the links here may be affiliate links.

Join the app to get access to this month’s download. Past bundles available at https://carinagardnershop.myshopify.com/ for $9.99

Join the App for free here:: https://ink-club.passion.io/

Watch the Tutorial Here:

Christmas Houses Tea Towel Tutorial Read More »

Haunted Mansion Tutorial

blog, CRAFTS, Silhouette, SVG, Tutorials, Video / Carina Gardner Team

Have you ever wanted to create a giant Haunted Mansion?

Now is your chance! This beautiful project comes together on a standard 12’’ cutting machine even though it turns out extra large.

You will love all of the ghost and pumpkin detailing that bring this project to life.

This project makes an awesome centerpiece for your Halloween party, or great decoration for your entryway all month long.

be sure to tag us @carinagardnerinkclub so that we can share your awesome work!

Here’s what you’ll need:

Silhouette or Cricut Machine
Assorted Cardstock
Hot Glue Gun
Gluestick
Distressing Ink, if desired

Join the app to get access to this month’s download. Past bundles available at https://carinagardnershop.myshopify.com/ for $9.99

Join the App for free here:: https://ink-club.passion.io/

Watch the tutorial here:

Haunted Mansion Tutorial Read More »

Skeleton Family Costume Tutorial

blog, CRAFTS, Silhouette, SVG, Tutorials, Video / Carina Gardner Team

This project creates fun for the whole family and you will have a Halloween costume that you’ll never forget!

Use your Cricut or Silhouette machine to cut out skeleton bones for each of your family members.

You can even add fun accents like flowers, bowties and more!

After you make this project, be sure to tag us @carinagardnerinkclub so that we can share your awesome work!

Here’s What you’ll Need:

Silhouette or Cricut Machine
Heat-Transfer Vinyl White
Heat-Transfer Vinyl Assorted Colors
Household Iron
Skeleton Family zip file (provided)
Blank Black Shirts
Hook Weeding Tool

Join the app to get access to this month’s download. Past bundles available at https://carinagardnershop.myshopify.com/ for $9.99

Join the App for free here:: https://ink-club.passion.io/

Watch the Tutorial Here:

Skeleton Family Costume Tutorial Read More »

Metal Skinny Tumbler Sublimation Project

blog, CRAFTS, Tutorials, Video / Carina Gardner Team

Today I’m showing you the difference between sublimating a white tumblers vs. a metal tumbler. The difference was a huge surprise to me!

I’m using the following equipment:

HPN Signature Series 2-in-1 Automated Sublimation Mug and Tumbler Press
Sawgrass SG500

Click here. Copy and paste the equipment I am using above.

https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1137072&u=3278573&m=77504&urllink=&afftrack=

You can find all of my new crafting videos at www.youtube.com/carinagardner.

Metal Skinny Tumbler Sublimation Project Read More »

Secret Skinny Tumbler Sublimation Project

blog, CRAFTS, Tutorials, Video / Carina Gardner Team

I’m sharing a fun project I did for some of my friends. I made some mistakes along the way but over all found the process simple and fun!

The biggest challenge was remembering to put the paper on the correct way! I made two tumblers—including my own—upside down! Whoops!

I recommend for this project a Saw Grass Printer and Mug Press. In particular I am using the

HPN Signature Series 2-in-1 Automated Sublimation Mug and Tumbler Press
Sawgrass SG500

Click here. Copy and paste the equipment I am using above.

https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1137072&u=3278573&m=77504&urllink=&afftrack=

You will also want Adobe Illustrator for this project. I recommend looking more into Adobe products here:

http://clkuk.tradedoubler.com/click?p=264355&a=3228985&g=22804962

You can find all of my new crafting videos at www.youtube.com/carinagardner.

Secret Skinny Tumbler Sublimation Project Read More »

September Ink Club Tutorials

blog, SVG, Tutorials / Carina Gardner Team

Last month we came out with our new bundle and it is now available in our store. Past bundles can always be purchased from our shop.

Please know that our best pricing is always for our Ink Club Membership!

To join the membership, you can download the ink club app onto your phone from Google Play or iTunes Apps. Just search “Ink Club.” You can also sign up on your computer here: https://ink-club.passion.io/

Use the same sign in to go back and forth between your computer and phone to watch the new tutorials and download the new bundle each month!

We provide the tutorials and past bundles to those of you who still want to get these products at an insanely great price! Normally this bundle would be purchased from my other shops for $50- $150. So even past bundles are a steal of a deal!

Here are this bundles tutorials!

Introduction to September Bundle:

Autumn Card September Tutorial:

Hoodie Heat Transfer Tutorial:

T-shirt Heat Transfer Tutorial:

Join the membership for the current bundle at just $4.99 a month for your Cricut and Silhouette machine.

September Ink Club Tutorials Read More »

Spooky Halloween Projects That you can Make with Your Family!

blog, CRAFTS, SVG, Tutorials, Video / Carina Gardner Team

Have you joined our Cricut and Silhouette bundle membership? $4.99 for our Generously Spooky Halloween Files for the Month of October!

Join the app to get access to this month’s download. Past bundles available at https://carinagardnershop.myshopify.com/ for $9.99

Join the App for free here:: https://ink-club.passion.io/

We can’t wait to see what you make!

Spooky Halloween Projects That you can Make with Your Family! Read More »

October Ink Club is All About Halloween!

blog, Silhouette, SVG, Tutorials / Carina Gardner Team

I’m so excited to introduce the Ink Club bundle this month! Here’s what we are up to:

1. Haunted Mansion Tutorial
-Create your very own haunted mansion to decorate a table, mantle, or other area in your house!

2. Framed Haunted House Tutorial
-Make this antique-looking haunted house poster using vinyl and a few other basic materials!

3. Skeleton Family Costume Tutorial
-Make this easy and adorable skeleton costume for yourself and/or your family!

4. Framed Owl Tutorial
-Create this vintage, spooky owl poster by simply using vinyl and a few other materials!

5. Framed Skeleton Tutorial
-Complete your framed Halloween poster collection with this flower crown skeleton poster!

As always, you can download the ink club app onto your phone from the Google Play or iTunes Apps. Just search “Ink Club.” You can also get it on your computer here: https://ink-club.passion.io/

Use the same sign in to go back and forth between your computer and phone to watch the new tutorials and download the new bundle each month!

Joining the membership is just $4.99 a month for $50-$100 worth of designs for your Cricut and Silhouette machine. Past bundles can be purchased from our shop. Please note that our BEST price is always to our membership!

October Ink Club is All About Halloween! Read More »