The Deeply Graphic Designcast - DGDC

Most rebrands look good on the surface. This one actually meant something.
In this episode, we go inside the rebrand of Shear Revival with Zach, Nader, and Tom, breaking down what it really takes to evolve a brand without losing its core. From early conversations and living room brainstorms to building a full visual system, this wasn’t a quick refresh, it was a thoughtful reset rooted in clarity, collaboration, and craft.
We get into what most designers and founders miss about rebranding, why it’s more than just a logo, and how the right process can actually move a business forward. If you’ve ever thought about rebranding, or you’re in the middle of one right now, this is the real playbook.

Here are the links for Nader:www.nbdco.comwww.instagram.com/nbdco_
Here are Zach's links:[email protected]/shearrevivalwww.tiktok.com/@shearrevivalyoutube.com/@shearrevival

In a world where everything looks clean, polished, and technically perfect, why does so much of it feel forgettable? In this solo episode, Nick Longo breaks down the growing tension in the design industry, where great-looking work is no longer enough, and audiences are starting to question what’s real, what’s human, and what actually stands out.

Pulling from current industry conversations and real creative trends, this episode explores why showing your process, your thinking, and even your imperfections is becoming a serious advantage. From the rise of mixed-media and raw aesthetics to the increasing skepticism around AI-generated work, Nick dives into what it really takes to build trust, stand out, and create work that actually connects.

If you’ve ever felt like your work is getting lost in a sea of “pretty good,” this episode is your wake-up call. Because in today’s landscape, authenticity isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s the edge.

What does creative leadership actually look like today?In this episode, Kiser Barnes breaks down the evolution of brand building, from traditional top-down models to inclusive, bottom-up creative cultures that empower teams to thrive. He shares how diverse life experiences shape stronger creative perspectives, why innovation is about building better experiences instead of chasing technology, and how curiosity fuels long-term growth.You’ll learn why generosity of time is one of the most underrated leadership skills, how personal passions sharpen creative output, and why culture, not control, builds brands that last. If you’re ready to move beyond just making work and start shaping teams, experiences, and impact, this conversation will challenge how you think about leadership in design.Kiser Links:Website: https://www.redantler.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiser_barnesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiserbarnes/Tom:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tlauro_design/

Feeling stuck in your creative journey?** 🤔 It's a common struggle, especially in today’s fast-paced world. In our latest podcast episode, Stacey Panousopoulos shares insights from her 20 years with AIGA New York. Discover how to navigate the challenges of feeling overwhelmed and find your way back to inspiration! 💡✨
What’s your go-to strategy when you hit a creative block? Let’s chat in the comments!
#CreativeJourney #AIGANewYork #DesignCommunity #Inspiration #Podcast #MentalHealth #CreativeBlock #DesignThinking #StayInspired

Graphic design has been taking a beating online, from AI panic and low-paying job posts to burnout culture and social media negativity. In this episode, Nick Longo pushes back on the noise and stands up for the design industry with clarity, optimism, and long-game thinking.

Rather than denying the real challenges designers face, this conversation reframes them through a more honest lens. Nick breaks down why graphic design is still a viable and meaningful career, how AI and easy design tools are changing the work without replacing designers, and why the job market feels broken at the execution level but not at the leadership level. He also addresses client misconceptions, revision culture, designfluencers, and burnout, while offering a more grounded way to think about longevity, value, and growth in a creative career.

This episode is about separating signal from noise, reclaiming pride in the profession, and reminding designers that the industry isn’t collapsing, it’s evolving. If you’ve ever questioned your career choice after scrolling social media, this one’s for you.