March 27, 2020

Canceled Con is a free creative event on April 4-5 from 8AMpdt-8PMpdt. It will be streamed LIVE at CanceledCon.com. We will have special guests from the community, portfolio reviews, and even some giveaways. It’s going to be a chill vibe with a variety show structure with everything from design tutorials to yoga instruction. Come join the community and let's come together, alone.#CanceledCon #CreativeIsOverParty

March 27, 2020

I'm bringing my design class online! 2 new classes each week, plus special guest designers every night. New videos every Tuesday & Thursday. Plus, demonstrations and tutorials as well! 

January 01, 2020

Download my LinkedIn Bootcamp presentation!

January 01, 2020

As shown on Adobe Live, this is my Brand Positioning Worksheet to help you develop your next branding project!

January 01, 2020

Rolling right along with our design specialty series, this week we got to talk to illustration & branding specialist Jordan Wilson. We talk about how he got into this world, and he’s got lots of great advice for anyone thinking about or trying to break into the niche.

We also zag a bit — and talk about whether or not you can be TOO niched in your focus. And more importantly, what to do about it if you find yourself in that position.

We also answer a new listener question about spec work, and if it’s useful when padding out the ol’ portfolio.

January 01, 2020

Remember how we said a few episodes back that it would be cool to highlight some cool niches that are out there for designers? Well, we made that happen, and here’s our first such episode.

This week, we’re joined by Ryan Wheaton, an independent designer who specializes in BEER! Specifically beer branding and packaging. Not only is this a super sexy niche to be a part of right now, but there seems to be a lot of opportunity in it, and that is only growing.

So listen as we pick Ryan’s brain about what it took to get there, and the advice he gives to anyone out there who may be considering a similar move.

We also answer a new listener question about professional designations, and how to choose which one is right for you.

January 01, 2020

Do you run your design career passively, waiting for good things to happen, or do you grab it by the horns and make the good stuff happen? If you’re in the first camp, we’re going to try to change your thinking up a bit.

Today, we’re joined by designer and conference organizer Matt Dawson. Not happy with the way things were going, he made a conscious decision to change it  — and he’s been reaping the rewards ever since.

We also answer a new listener question about how to get on the right path toward being a creative director… and if that’s even the right decision.

January 29, 2018

We’ve reached a milestone — 150 episodes, and we have all of you, our loyal listeners to thank! As you know, the whole gang recently traveled to Las Vegas for the Adobe Max conference. We got to meet a bunch of listeners (and get drunk with a few too,) and we also got some fantastic listener questions from our booth.

In this episode, we’ll finally answer those questions. Keep ’em coming guys! Email your listener questions to wes [at] thedeependdesign.com, and we’ll try to answer it on an upcoming episode, Here’s to the next 150!

January 01, 2020

With every new year brings a new resolution — so what about being BRAVER in your design career?

We are once again joined by the myth, the man, the legend, content specialist Aaron Wrixon. Aaron is here to talk about his brand new content framework that’s designed to make you stand out in the crowded field of design. You’ll learn how to effectively set yourself apart from the competition this year and beyond.

We also get a bit sidetracked on Aaron’s recent Nicolas Cage obsession, which we fully support.

January 01, 2020

With 2017 winding down, it’s time to take a look at the year that was, and the trends that we predict will continue to dominate the graphic design world in 2018. So sit back, close your eyes and visualize all the trends we go over, and download resident overachiever Nick’s handy pdf guide of the trends he talks about.

November 28, 2017

Just in time for Cyber Monday, we present our annual designer gift guide! Listen as the gang lists off the things we’ll be asking for this year, because getting cool stuff is really what the holiday season is all about. And Nick will apparently be buying every. single. thing. We also answer a new question, and give a little portfolio advice to a listener who lives in an area where there isn’t much demand for her skills.

January 01, 2020

Have you ever wondered how to set yourself or your design agency apart from the competition? Wonder no more, because in today’s episode, we have a very special guest who will shed some light on the subject. Content strategist and copywriter Aaron Wrixon is in the house, and will show you how to stand out, and put your best self front and center. Whether you’re a solopreneur, running an agency, or a micro-agency, these tips will be hugely beneficial as you go into 2018. We also answer a listener question about what/how much you need to provide your web developer with to properly communicate your designs.

January 01, 2020

Check out my 3 part series on Adobe Live, talking about Packaging Design Process. We had a great time designing a fictitious branding project and used Adobe Dimension for the first time!

January 01, 2020

We talk "all thing" Adobe Creative Cloud & Adobe Max with Cheif Strategist Michael Chaize!

October 07, 2017

14 Cannons is celebrating our Grand Opening with a party on October 7th from 12 PM to 11 PM. Please join us on Saturday for live music, special gifts while supplies last, and $5.00 pours of our flagship Tyrannicide craft beer on Saturday. RSVP with your email address below.

August 01, 2017

Having a strong team will give your brewery and brand a healthy platform to succeed and grow. Nic Bortolin and Nick Longo ( longodesigns.com ) join the show to talk about building their 14 Cannons team in the early days before opening. Before you open your doors is a crucial time to plan out build your strong team so that you can get off to a good start.

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July 29, 2017

One of our very first shows was about proposals, but we’ve gained a lot of knowledge since those early days, and we have a lot of new proposal tips to share with you. Listen as the gang talks about all aspects of the proposal process, including the writing process, things to include, and how to properly deliver a proposal to a prospect.

Yes, a proposal done right can mean a lot of upfront (sometimes unpaid for) work. But if you do it right, it will pay off, big time. We also answer a new listener question about niching while still advertising that you have generalist capabilities.

June 28, 2017

t’s that time of year again. The smell of freshly cut grass in your nose, the taste of vodka with just a splash of lemonade on your tongue, and the sweet sounds of Bill Gardner talking about this year’s logo design trends all up in your earbuds! That’s right kiddies, it’s time for the 2017 LogoLounge Trend Report, and we’ve got it all right from the source.

May 20, 2017

 I'm so proud to announce that jerfbar.com is finally launched! We had the pleasure of designing this awesome brand of clean eating snack bars. Shipping on all orders is free, even the Sample Variety Pack. Please visit the site now and try their delicious plant-based bars.

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May 17, 2017

Be sure to check out my write up on this past year as a design instructor at California State University, Northridge.

July 20, 2017

Join us for a great night of creative professionals, freelancers, design students and small agency owners. A fantastic networking opportunity, bringing these groups together under one shared passion.. Dribbble.

May 04, 2017

Nick Longo from Longo Designs and co-host of The Deeply Graphic Designcast joins to discuss content planning for new beer packaging and labels.

January 01, 2020

I'm back on the Grits and Grids Podcast talking about this semester's design class, highlighting their branding work. We also talk a little about getting into the workforce and what it takes to maintain relevance as a designer.

February 07, 2017

Local and successful content creators talk about the power of storytelling and how they use it in their various creative endeavors.

January 30, 2017

Out packaging for That's It Nutrition featured in this great article and interview.

February 11, 2017

Start or advance your career in today’s top tech fields at General Assembly LA's Career Lab. Professionals at all experience levels can explore new paths to success in the competitive fields of web development, data, user experience design, and digital marketing. dFor an entire evening, connect with LA’s industry experts and learn how to boost your position, land your next gig, and kickstart a career change in tech. No matter your current role or field, this career event will arm you with the motivation and tools you need to find or pursue your passion. 

January 01, 2020

Host Josh Hoffman talks with Nick Longo, a creative executive with more than 20 years in the design and retail industry, as well as the founder of Longo Designs.

January 03, 2023

I had the opportunity to chat with Joseph Szala from the Grits + Grids Podcast. We talked about how to get ready for the new year ahead. We also talk a bit about my student's feature article on his blog.

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