The Sweet Life of a Designer Summit

Who is this for: Crafters, Designers, Artists, Surface Pattern/Textile Designers, and Creative Business Owners
Dates: April 16-18, 2025  THREE DAY VIRTUAL EVENT

Time: 8AM MST – New classes will be released each day of the conference and available for 24 hours!

Check out event schedule (via email and our community) for LIVE SESSIONS, including AND SO MUCH FUN! (coming to you live from Carina’s new Barn! – see youtube for more on that! 
GAMES
GIVEAWAYS
INSPIRATION


New Free Workshop

How to Get More Customers For Your Creative or Maker Business

+ Discover the biggest marketing mistake creatives make (and how to fix it

+ Learn Carina’s top 5 methods for attracting more customers

+ Explore new ways to reach more customers and grow your business


Carina’s New Book Make Art That Sells Is Available!

For artists, designers, and creatives who have struggled to understand how to create a business from their work, Carina breaks down how to make art that sells into a single formula. Learn a little more about Picasso, Rockwell, Van Gogh, and more in this book!

Available in Hard Cover, Paperback, Audible, and Kindle.



Start Your Encore Career

Want to become a fabric, paper, or craft designer?

Design Bootcamp is a $27 one-week workshop to help you learn what YOU have to do to build a a money making design business.

If you are interested in Design Suite, Design Bootcamp is required to enroll.

Design Profit & Proper Book

If you are struggling to make money as a designer, this book will walk you through the things you need to do to become profitable.

Make and Design Podcast

Ever wonder what happens behind the scenes or a creative’s life? Join me for my semi-weekly podcast to hear about design, making, crafting, mindset, tips, and so much more! Listen on your favorite platform!

Design Your Life Podcast

This podcast which used to be exclusively for Design Suite and the University of Arts & Design gives you the inside scoop on what we are seeing in the industry and how business is going. $33 Monthly Subscription. Cancel anytime.

Get Your FREE Ticket to Our Next Summit

We hold four summits a year and you are invited for FREE!

All Access pass available for most events!

Request Dr. Carina to Speak At Your Next Event

Dr. Carina Gardner has a fresh approach to designing and running creative businesses. Her tactical presentations offer valuable tips and a transformative ideas that energizes students, faculty, and creative business owners.


Watch Our New Series: Sweet Life of a Designer

Join Carina as she share the creative journey of a designer
from crafting stunning patterns to building a thriving brand. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out.

this series will give you an inside look at the design world, business tips, and a little sweetness along the way. Let’s design a life you love!

How Do You Create Your Own Possibility Book?

Build your dream book of possibilities! This is a living document that you add to during your year.

Everything You Need in One Place!

I put together a list of all my planners, journals, products I used or like in a single place for you on Amazon! Enjoy!

Design Around the World: Amsterdam City Highlights

I wanted to feature a few more things that I loved in the city of Amsterdam on my recent trip there. I went with my friends Nikki and Natalie who also own companies, and it was such a great getaway. Be sure to read my other blog posts about the trip, and watch my Design Around the World videos on YouTube! The city of Amsterdam is a global hub for creativity and innovation. It’s filled with iconic architecture, art, and urban planning. There is an old world charm and contemporary flare that sets it apart from the rest of the…

Read More
Silhouette Design Store JOANN Stores