Balancing diapers and deadlines isn’t easy, but it’s possible—and even rewarding. In this episode, Carina Gardner shares how she built a thriving design business while raising kids at home. From time management hacks to mindset shifts, you’ll hear the strategies that kept her creative career moving forward without sacrificing family.
Learn more about Carina at www.carinagardner.com
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
In this heartwarming episode, Carina sits down with her daughter Felicity for a candid chat about growing up with a mom who is a designer and business owner. From behind-the-scenes family moments to design inspiration, this mother-daughter duo dishes the tea on creativity, life, and everything in between. Don’t miss this special glimpse into their world! Full episode available on youtube.com/carinagardner.
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
Right now is the best season for designers to really bulk up their sales. As we prepare for the coming season we need to act more like the ant than the grasshopper in Aesop’s Fable. Learn more about how you can really prepare for winter (literally).
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
This is a recap of the Design Business Conference we held at Ashton Gardens in Lehi Utah in March 2025. The original video can be found at youtube.com/carinagardner. Learn more about what we do in our live events!
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
Do you feel like you are drowning in your design business? Carina uses one way to make sure that she doesn’t spend every day putting out fires in her business. Instead she focuses on the things that are the most important. Use her tactic for getting organized!
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 sits down with daughter Felicity to talk about growing up with a creative business household. Learn some of the sassy and sweet things Carina’s 17 year old has to say about design and business. This episode was originally aired on youtube.com/carinagardner.
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
