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

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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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

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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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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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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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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 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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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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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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