How She Built This

A real look at creative entrepreneurship

On this episode of The Next Level, Tom Lauro sits down with Ashley Burke, the creative force behind Steady Hand Cafe & Collective in Bradley Beach, NJ. What began as a mobile coffee cart soon evolved into a vibrant brick-and-mortar café, and a full expression of Ashley’s artistic vision, entrepreneurial spirit, and deep love for community.

Ashley shares her early beginnings as a working artist and barista, and how those dual paths eventually merged into something bigger. She opens up about navigating the transition from side hustle to business ownership, the growing pains of scaling a creative idea, and the importance of trusting your gut, especially when you don’t have all the answers.

They also explore how Steady Hand Cafe’s branding came to life through color, playfulness, and a childlike sense of wonder. But at its core, the café is a space built to uplift others, whether that’s through inclusive hiring, collaborating with local makers, or creating a culture where self-expression is always welcome.

If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to build something meaningful from scratch, or how to stay creatively fueled while doing it, this conversation delivers.

Key Takeaways:

• Ashley Burke is the founder of Steady Hand Cafe, which began as a creative side project.
• Her background in art and design heavily influenced the cafe’s branding and aesthetic.
• The cafe stands out for its colorful, playful identity and unique flavor profiles
• Inclusivity, collaboration, and community support are foundational to the business.
• Ashley shares advice on pivoting with purpose, embracing uncertainty, and growing sustainably.
• She encourages creatives to trust their instincts, lead with heart, and build with intention.
• Steady Hand is more than a coffee shop, it’s a living, breathing creative collective.

https://www.steadyhandcollective.com

https://www.instagram.com/steadyhandcafe

https://www.wixstudio.com

Iconic to Ironic

Cracker Barrel just dropped their iconic logo—and designers are not okay.

In this episode of The Deeply Graphic Design Cast, we unpack the massive rebrand, the rise of minimalist “debranding,” and why legacy brands are trading story for simplicity. What are we losing in the name of flexibility and scale? And more importantly—how can you avoid the same mistakes?

Whether you’re a freelance designer, art director, or just a branding geek—this episode gives you a full playbook for navigating high-stakes rebrands without killing what makes a brand special.

👀 Topics Covered:

• Cracker Barrel’s controversial new logo

• Why so many brands are “debranding”

• The emotional cost of losing legacy

• When minimalism works—and when it doesn’t

• A step-by-step rebrand checklist for designers

🎯 Your Rebrand Survival Kit: [link to downloadable PDF or checklist]

💬 Let us know in the comments: What’s your take on the new Cracker Barrel logo? Is this evolution—or erasure?

Link to the Checklist:

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/760ssvtaun7q4mt2ywotl/Legacy_Rebrand_Survival_Checklist.pdf?rlkey=f21m3xgyjwmkof4dwfhgfaovr&dl=1

#CrackerBarrel #Rebrand #DesignPodcast #LogoDesign #BrandingTips #Minimalism #DesignFails #DGDC #DeeplyGraphicDesignCast #DesignCommunity

🎙️ Rise Without Permission

Turning doubt into creative fuel with Rob Bedford

In this episode, we sit down with designer and creative strategist Rob Bedford to unpack what it really means to be an underdog—and how that label can become your ultimate advantage. From being overlooked to outworking everyone in the room, Rob shares the moments that shaped his mindset and how carving his own path gave him the freedom to break the rules and rewrite the playbook.

We talk about staying hungry, being underestimated, and why not coming from the “establishment” might be the best gift you’re ever given. Whether you’ve felt like an outsider, been counted out, or just needed a reminder that you don’t need permission to rise—this episode is for you.

Call to Action: What part of your creative journey are you still waiting for permission to own?

Connect with Rob:

www.juiced.studio
www.juiced.supply

For more info on Wix Studio:

www.wixstudio.com

This week, Nick is joined by guest co-host Steven Overturf for a brutally honest creative career check-up. Together, they put portfolios, personal brands, and online profiles under the microscope , asking the tough question every designer should: “If I weren’t me… would I hire me?” Expect plenty of laughs, hard truths, and actionable tips as they swap stories, share quick stats, and call out the subtle red flags that might be holding you back. You’ll walk away with a game plan (and a little homework) to make sure your next client, recruiter, or collaborator says “yes.”

RSVP to Nick’s 3 Creative Mornings Talks, Starting August 12:

https://linktr.ee/longodesigns

Check out Steven’s Behance Page:

https://www.behance.net/OverturfDesignStudio

Check out Wix Studio:

https://www.wixstudio.com

In this special solo episode, we’re tackling the unexpected—one creative curveball at a time. From vanishing clients to surprise layoffs, tech fails to team shakeups, these listener-inspired questions cover the real-life chaos that freelancers, in-house designers, and studio owners face every day. I’ll break down each scenario, share personal insights, and offer comeback strategies you can actually use. Because let’s be honest… nothing ever goes exactly as planned—and that might just be your advantage.

Persistence wins. Silence doesn’t. In this episode, we’re joined by designer and creative hustler Myles Mendoza to talk about what it really takes to move your career forward—especially when things aren’t going your way. From getting laid off to chasing dream projects, Myles shares how persistence (and a well-timed DM) can open doors that talent alone won’t.

We dive into:

• Why “a closed mouth doesn’t get fed”

• Reaching out with confidence after setbacks

• Turning pop-culture passion into paid work

• Networking that actually feels human

If you’ve been waiting for permission to ask, pitch, or push through—this is it.

Myles' website: https://www.mylesmendoza.com/

Myles on IG: / mendozacreative

🚀 Follow us on Instagram: / dgdcpod

🚀 Explore more at: linktr.ee/dgdcpod

🚀Our Shop: deeplygraphicgoods.printful.me

#GraphicDesign #DesignPodcast #CreativeBusiness

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.