Today we’d like to introduce you to Carina Gardner
Hi Carina, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I went to BYU for my undergraduate degree in communications after which I earned a Master’s and Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota in design. My first big contracts was with scrapbooking company My Mind’s Eye and fabric company Northcott. I went on to be the Creative Director of Cartabella Scrapbooking Company, run a coloring book company, distribute a line of sewing patterns, create a dishware and art print line at Deseret Book, design fabric for Riley Blake, and create die cuts for Silhouette America.
In 2021, I started my professional development program Design Suite, which teaches creatives how to create businesses using the practical methods I developed for myself. Through the seventeen courses and weekly meetings in this program, we were able to develop curriculum for a university.
I am now also the founder and CEO of the University of Arts & Design. Our first cohort begins Fall 2024 with a Master of Arts in Design Business and Design Certificate program.
My work has been featured in Michaels, Hobby Lobby, AC Moore, Deseret Book, Nordstrom, Riley Blake, Sawgrass, Northcott, Echo Park Paper, Cartabella Paper, to name a few.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As a designer, my passion has always been rooted in creation, so stepping into the role of CEO for two companies has been both an intriguing and challenging journey. Developing team members and aligning them with the company’s broader vision is crucial, and it becomes evident that not everyone will be the right fit. One of the most challenging aspects of this journey has been making the tough decisions to let go of team members, especially in a company experiencing rapid growth like mine.
Leading a team is distinctly different from leading a program, presenting its own set of challenges. Gaining insights into what works and what doesn’t has been a journey of trial and error. I’ve made many mistakes along the way and will undoubtedly make more because learning something new is an ongoing process.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Design Suite is a program that equips creatives with the skills needed to build a profitable business. It was developed in response to a noticeable gap in the creative industry, where marketing and business skills are often overlooked. It features 17 courses, weekly meetings, and a strong designer community. The program covers a wide range of creatives, helping novice designers develop essential software skills as well as assisting experienced design professionals in generating a steady income from their businesses.
The University of Arts & Design* is a private university currently offering a Master of Arts in Design Business and an Undergraduate Design Certificate. Both programs are 36 credit hours and four semesters to complete. The first cohort will begin fall 2024. UAD is a higher education school licensed in Utah and accepting students in 23 states at this time. The university focuses on outcome based learning meaning that we strive to help students understand how to develop skills that are useful in the real world.
*We are currently in the process of changing the name from The University of Arts and Design Business to the shortened University of Arts and Design. By the time your article comes out, the change will have been finalized.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
For collaborations, my design programs, or university, you can reach out to my team at carina@carinagardner.com. I speak at several events every year in both the craft, design, and business realms. You can also visit me at www.carinagardner.com and find out more about my programs/courses, university, live events, and more there.
You can also check out Carina’s Make and Design Podcast (available to the public) and Design Your Life Podcast (exclusive at https://www.designsuitecourses.com/designevents
Pricing:
- UAD Tuition: $475 per undergraduate credit hour $575 per graduate credit hour – We offer one of the most inexpensive MA programs available! at about $20,000.
- Design Suite: We only accept members who have attended a Design Bootcamp, which is $27
- Design Suite: $7,500 to $18,000 depending on the program chosen
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.carinagardner.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carinagardner
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carina.gardner.designs
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/carinagardner
- Other: www.designsuitecourses.com (university url coming soon)
