It’s the most wonderful time of the year—the Deeply Graphic Designcast’s annual Holiday Gift Guide for Designers! Join Nick and Mikelle as they share their favorite picks for the 2024 holiday season, packed with ideas to inspire, delight, and surprise the designers in your life (or yourself!). From must-have tools and books to quirky finds and splurge-worthy gadgets, there’s something for every creative on your list.

This festive tradition is our longest-running episode for a reason, so grab some cocoa, get cozy, and tune in for all the holiday cheer and design goodness. Whether you’re shopping for a colleague, a friend, or dropping hints to Santa, we’ve got you covered!

And don’t miss the very end, where we debut our holiday-inspired podcast theme song—you won’t want to miss it!

LINKS

Why does nostalgia in design feel so good? In this episode, we explore the resurgence of retro in branding and packaging and why it’s capturing the hearts (and wallets) of consumers today. From the psychology behind nostalgia to standout examples like Chobani’s earthy, vintage look and Burger King’s playful retro rebrand, we dive deep into how brands are using the past to shape their future.

We’ll also share tips for experimenting with nostalgia in your own work, the risks of overdoing it, and when retro just isn’t the right fit. Whether you’re a designer curious about this trend or a brand strategist looking to connect more meaningfully with your audience, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. Tune in to discover how to make nostalgia work for you!

In this episode, I dive into how designers can stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of AI. While AI continues to shape the creative industry, there are four essential human traits—emotional intelligence, cultural awareness, taste, and judgment—that still give us a competitive edge. I share real-world examples, explore how AI falls short in these areas, and provide actionable tips on how you can harness these traits to elevate your creative work. Tune in for insights on how to future-proof your career and continue making meaningful, human-centered design.