In this heartfelt episode, Carina Gardner shares the advice she wishes she could give her younger creative self—back when she was just starting out, full of passion but unsure of the path ahead.

She opens up about the lessons she’s learned along the way, from embracing imperfect work and letting go of the pressure to be “ready,” to the importance of charging what you’re worth and adopting a business mindset early. Carina reflects on how building a successful design career wasn’t about having all the answers, but about being willing to take the next step—even when it felt messy or uncertain.

This episode is packed with encouragement for designers at any stage who need a reminder that their creative journey matters.

💭 What advice would you give your younger creative self?
 Share this episode with a fellow designer who could use a little inspiration today.

About Carina Gardner, Ph.D.:

Carina is the CEO of the University of Arts & Design. The university offers certificates and Masters degrees in the creative fields. Carina is also the CEO of Design Suite, a surface pattern and crafting design program that teaches designers how to create a business as they learn to design. She has designed for Nordstroms, Riley Blake, Silhouette America, Michaels, Hobby Lobby, Deseret Book, and more.

Find out more at https://www.carinagardner.com

Check out her most popular program Design Bootcamp here: http://www.carinagardnercourses.com/designbootcamp

Carina dives into a question that affects every artist and designer at some point: Why does creative potential suffer—even when we’re passionate, talented, and full of ideas?

Carina unpacks the hidden barriers that often hold creatives back—like perfectionism, comparison, fear of failure, and the pressure to “do it all.” Drawing from her own journey as a designer, entrepreneur, and educator, she offers practical insights into how to protect and nurture your creativity over time.

Listeners will walk away with a fresh perspective on how to reclaim their momentum, prioritize meaningful work, and create from a place of confidence rather than fear.

Whether you’re in a creative rut or just feeling the weight of your potential, this episode will help you reset and refocus.

About Carina Gardner, Ph.D.:

Carina is the CEO of the University of Arts & Design. The university offers certificates and Masters degrees in the creative fields. Carina is also the CEO of Design Suite, a surface pattern and crafting design program that teaches designers how to create a business as they learn to design. She has designed for Nordstroms, Riley Blake, Silhouette America, Michaels, Hobby Lobby, Deseret Book, and more.

Find out more at https://www.carinagardner.com

Check out her most popular program Design Bootcamp here: http://www.carinagardnercourses.com/designbootcamp

In this practical and empowering episode, Carina Gardner tackles one of the biggest challenges new designers face: pricing your work when you’re just starting out.

Carina walks listeners through the mindset shifts, mistakes to avoid, and strategies that helped her go from undercharging to building a profitable design business. She shares honest insights about how to set your prices with confidence—even if you’re not sure what your work is worth yet—and why charging too little can actually slow down your growth.

Whether you’re freelancing, creating products, or launching your first design shop, this episode gives you a foundation for making smart, sustainable pricing decisions right from the start.

Perfect for creatives who want to turn their talent into a thriving business without second-guessing every quote or invoice.

About Carina Gardner, Ph.D.:

Carina is the CEO of the University of Arts & Design. The university offers certificates and Masters degrees in the creative fields. Carina is also the CEO of Design Suite, a surface pattern and crafting design program that teaches designers how to create a business as they learn to design. She has designed for Nordstroms, Riley Blake, Silhouette America, Michaels, Hobby Lobby, Deseret Book, and more.

Find out more at https://www.carinagardner.com

Check out her most popular program Design Bootcamp here: http://www.carinagardnercourses.com/designbootcamp

In this dynamic episode, Carina Gardner sits down with designer and entrepreneur Vincent Wanga for an inspiring conversation about what it really takes to lead in the creative world—starting right now.

Together, they explore the key leadership and business-building skills every designer can begin practicing today, regardless of experience. From communicating with confidence to making strategic decisions as a creative business owner, Carina and Vincent break down what leadership looks like when you’re still in the early stages—and how to grow into the kind of entrepreneur your design work deserves.

This episode is filled with mindset shifts, real-world insights, and practical takeaways for creatives ready to step into a bigger role in their business and their brand.

Whether you’re a freelancer, aspiring agency owner, or product-based designer, this is the pep talk (and strategy session) you didn’t know you needed.

About Carina Gardner, Ph.D.:

Carina is the CEO of the University of Arts & Design. The university offers certificates and Masters degrees in the creative fields. Carina is also the CEO of Design Suite, a surface pattern and crafting design program that teaches designers how to create a business as they learn to design. She has designed for Nordstroms, Riley Blake, Silhouette America, Michaels, Hobby Lobby, Deseret Book, and more.

Find out more at https://www.carinagardner.com

Check out her most popular program Design Bootcamp here: http://www.carinagardnercourses.com/designbootcamp