On episode 10 of The Next Level Tom chats with John Boran Jr. about shifting careers from the agency world into higher education. They discuss the need for more practicing professionals in the education sector, and how volunteering your time and knowledge can benefit your personal work.

Socials: @multioculartype | @johnboranjr

Portfolios: multioculartype.co | johnboranjr.com

Books: Designing Type - Karen Cheng, The Shape of Design - Frank Chimero as available for free on Franks website, Unreasonable Hospitality - Will Guidara.

Guest: Cole Friedman | colefdesign.com

Freelancers, beware! In this episode, we’re joined by designer and creative thinker Cole Friedman to break down the 5 biggest mistakes freelancers make, and how to stop making them. Whether you're new to freelancing or knee-deep in client chaos, these lessons are essential for protecting your time, sanity, and creative confidence.

We talk red flags, revision traps, deposit disasters, and the sneaky ways client feedback can mess with your self-worth. Cole shares real-world experiences, practical advice, and mindset shifts that will help you take control of your process and lead with confidence.

💥 Topics We Cover:

• When to stop letting the client run the show
• How to spot (and handle) problem clients early
• Why endless revisions are killing your workflow
• Detaching your value from client opinions
• The non-negotiable contract terms every freelancer needs

This one’s packed with sharp takes, real talk, and plenty of laughs. If you’ve ever said “I wish I knew that sooner,” this episode is for you.

We teamed up with The Unapologetic Designer podcast for a special crossover episode featuring Kenzi and Marisa from The Brief Collective, and we’re getting real about the money side of design.

We’re diving into the mindset shifts it takes to break free from the “starving artist” myth and start booking the kind of high-ticket clients that actually value what you bring to the table. From positioning yourself like a pro to navigating imposter syndrome and confidently raising your rates, we’re laying it all out.

Whether you’re just starting out or trying to level up, this one’s packed with hard truths, actionable tips, and plenty of laughs along the way.

🎙 Topics we cover:

• What high-ticket really means
• Breaking the low-pay cycle
• Attracting premium clients (without being salesy)
• The confidence game in creative biz
• Saying no to bad-fit projects
• Personal stories + battle-tested strategies

Subscribe, comment, and tell us: What’s one limiting belief you’ve had to unlearn as a creative?

Free Pricing Guide: https://thebriefcollective.thrivecart.com/graphic-design-pricing-guide/

Free Six Figure Designer Community: https://www.skool.com/six-figure-graphic-designers/about

Design Biz Academy University: https://thebriefcollective.com/course-university

Our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thebriefcollective

Wix Studio: www.wixstudio.com

2025 Logo Trend Report w/ Bill Gardner
We’re back with the one and only Bill Gardner of LogoLounge to break down the real story behind this year’s logo trends. From emotional storytelling to the rise of activist branding, we explore how design is responding to a chaotic world—and why imperfection might just be the new perfection.

We talk about the evolving role of AI (spoiler: it’s not replacing us), the power of motion and bold color, and the shapes, styles, and type choices that are showing up across the branding landscape. You’ll also hear how to spot overused trends, how to bring clients into the design conversation, and what makes a trend worth using—or skipping.

If you're a designer looking to level up your branding game or just love geeking out on logo theory, this one’s for you.

Follow Along: https://www.logolounge.com/trend/2025-logo-trend-report

Logo Lounge Website: https://www.logolounge.com

Brand New Website: https://www.underconsideration.com/brandnew/

Wix Studio: www.wixstudio.com

The Drop – Episode 4: Your Design Career, UpgradedIn this month’s edition of The Drop, we’re serving up four stories every modern designer needs to hear:🧠 Why design is now a must-have skill in today’s workplace💸 The smartest (and newest) ways designers are making money in 2025🤖 ChatGPT-4o—revolutionary tool or just more AI hype?🎯 A practical guide to landing better clients, fasterIt’s everything you didn’t know you needed—until now.Links to all the stories below. Let’s go.For more info on Wix Studio: https://www.wixstudio.comLinks to Articles:https://www.lifewire.com/canva-magic-studio-helps-employees-digital-design-8707602?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://www.manypixels.co/blog/get-a-designer/graphic-design-price?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/is-chatgpt-4o-the-end-for-graphic-designers?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://www.manyrequests.com/blog/client-acquisition-guide?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://fourthwall.com/blog/how-to-make-money-as-a-graphic-designer-10-strategies-for-2025?utm_source=chatgpt.com🚀 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dgdcpod/🚀 Explore more at: linktr.ee/dgdcpod🚀Our Shop: deeplygraphicgoods.printful.me#GraphicDesign #DesignPodcast #CreativeBusiness

Hosted by Tom Lauro

In this episode of The Next Level, Tom sits down with Nader Boraie, Chief Creative Officer of NBDco., a design studio known for building holistic brands out of New Jersey and New York. With over 15 years in design and art direction, Nader has carved a path that blends visual storytelling with the rhythm and emotion of music.

Together, they dive into how music has influenced their creative journeys—from mixtapes to mood boards—and explore how a passion for sound has shaped their design sensibilities. They talk candidly about the highs and lows of working on music-focused design projects, share tips on how to attract clients in the music world, and offer up strategies for curating a portfolio that resonates with artists, labels, and creators.

To close things out, Nader answers our signature “Next Level” questions, sharing the advice he’d give to his younger self, the insight that changed the game for him, and what’s next on his horizon.

Whether you're a designer with a beat in your heart or just curious about the creative crossover between music and design, this one’s worth turning up.

www.nbdco.com

www.instagram.com/nbdco_

For More Information on Wix Studio:

https://www.wix.com/studio

In this episode, Nick sits down with longtime friend and fellow brand designer Chris Porter to talk about giving back to the creative community, from mentoring young designers and supporting student programs to helping with grants and industry advocacy.We’re diving into how you can show up, share your experience, and create real impact without needing a big platform or a fancy title. If you’ve ever wondered how to leave a legacy that goes beyond your portfolio… this one’s for you.We also touch on Adobe’s new Creative Career Center and why tools like this are game-changers for the next generation of creatives.https://www.behance.net/resources?tracking_source=nav20https://www.babygrand.co/🚀 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dgdcpod/🚀 Explore more at: linktr.ee/dgdcpod🚀Our Shop: deeplygraphicgoods.printful.me#GraphicDesign #DesignPodcast #CreativeBusiness

Inspired by love, legacy, and the hunger to create something real.

In this episode, we sit down with Connór Lock, designer, artist, and self-taught chef, who walked away from the expected path and leaned hard into the fire. What started in his mother’s kitchen turned into a life of storytelling through food, driven by resilience, love, and a deep refusal to play by anyone else’s rules.We talk about the emotional fuel behind his work, how design still shapes his cooking, and the powerful legacy of a tortilla with butter. Connór is currently competing in the Favorite Chef contest, and after hearing this conversation, you’ll know exactly why he’s one to watch.Vote for Connor Here: https://favchef.com/2025/connor-lockIG: @HeyStaahjwww.staahj.comIG: @7avisualcraftsmanwww.followseven.com