Design Studio 3 Day Intensive
Learn how to uplevel your designs to become unforgettable. Join the 3 Day Intensive!
November 2–4, 202610am–12Pm MT / 12pm–3pm ET
The Intensive Begins In
$97 early bird until doors open
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Sellable Design
Taught Live by
Dr. Carina Gardner
Why do some of your designs sell and others do not?
Learn how to make create design work in Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop and Procreate (and others!) that is unforgettable by seeing the missing things that helps a product sell. Carina frames your work in the eyes of ‘good, better, best’ so you can create work that markets itself.
This three day workshop is great for beginners, intermediate, and advanced designers with a combination of lecture and software instruction.
See the 3 day schedule ↓
This is for you if...
The Intensive is built to work at every level at the same time. Sessions use a mix of lecture and software techniques in all different softwares to help you create your best work. Become not only a well rounded designers (with great software skills) but an exceptional designer who's work truly sells.
Beginners
You want to be taken step by step and not left behind. Learn early in your career what you need to do to create unforgettable designs.
Hobbyists ready to sell
You make beautiful things for yourself and you're ready to make work that's actually worth selling. Stop relying on your 'gut' and starting making work that cuts above the noise.
Intermediate designers
You can use the tools. What you want now are the techniques that separate competent work from unforgettable work.
Advanced designers
You want speed, a sharper eye, and finished pieces that will enhance to your portfolio. Get out of your rut and come think outside the box.
University of Arts & Design Curious
You have been wanting a proper education that will help you build a design or art business but want a first step that is simple.
Anyone tired of blending in
You've been wondering why your products aren't selling. It's time to stand out.
The Schedule
Three Days, Lifetime Access
Every session is live at 10:00am MT (12:00pm ET) and runs 2 hours. Show up, follow along, and leave each day with business and software skills.
Design Studio 3 Day IntensiveNovember 2–4, 2026 · 10:00–12:00am MT/12:00-2:00pm ET3 live sessions
Day 1Monday, November 2 · 10am MT/12pm ET
See Your Work the Way a Buyer Sees It
Good vs. Best: The Unforgettable Audit
Learn the handful of things that separate designs that get scrolled past from designs that get purchased, then see how we take something simple in Illustrator and level it up.
Day 2Tuesday, November 3 · 10am MT/12pm ET
Start From Scratch
Designs That Win
Follow along in real time as Carina builds a design from scratch, with decisions explained as they happen so you can repeat them on your own work.
Day 3Wednesday, November 4 · 10am MT/12pm ET
Learn About Products That Sell
The Product Formula
Understand what makes a design actually sell. Take a design and decide why it works and how to make it better.
What You Get
Everything in your ticket.
- Three live, step-by-step sessionsNovember 2, 3 & 4 · 10:00am–12:00pm MT (12:00–2:00pm ET)
- Taught live by Dr. Carina GardnerEvery click on screen, with questions answered as you go
- Every level, every sessionBeginner through advanced, in the same room
- Replays of all three daysCan't make a session live? Lifetime access pdf available
Your Instructor
Dr. Carina Gardner
Designer · Creative Director · University President
Carina holds a Ph.D. in Design from the University of Minnesota and has spent over 17 years licensing her art and patterns including dishware, jewelry, prints, clocks, sewing patterns, and seasonal décor sold through Nordstrom, Riley Blake Designs, Silhouette, and 500+ independent boutiques and museums across the U.S.
She previously served as Creative Director for Carta Bella Scrapbook Paper and founded the children’s brand Mini Lou, carried by Nordstrom and Peek Clothing. She is the founder of Design Suite and the University of Arts & Design.
Through the Make and Design Podcast, Carina has spent years teaching hobbyists and crafters how to build a real design business. Get ready for three fun-filled mornings in the Design Studio!
All three sessions are taught live by Carina herself.
Can't make every session live?
Replays of all three days are included with your ticket, so if life gets in the way of a morning, nothing is lost. Watch it back, follow along, and finish your designwork on your own schedule.
The Intensive Begins In
$97 early bird until doors open · Nov 2, 2026 at 10:00am MT/12:00PM ET
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Early Bird
One Ticket
Regular Price$197
$97
One-time payment · All three days + replays/lifetime access
Save $100 · 50% Off
Design Studio 3 Day Intensive
November 2–4, 2026 · 10:00–12:00pm MT. Three live sessions and 6 hours of software and marketing content.
- 3 live step-by-step sessions (2 hours each)
- Taught live by Dr. Carina Gardner
- Live every day
- Replays of all three days & Lifetime Access
Get my ticket for only$97$197
This is the lowest price the Intensive will be. When it begins on November 2, 2026 at 10:00am MT, tickets go to $197. Already enrolled in Design Studio Live 2027? The Intensive is included with your enrollment.
When exactly is the Intensive?
Monday, November 2 through Wednesday, November 4, 2026. Each session runs live from 10:00 to 12:00pm Mountain Time (12:00 to 3:00pm Eastern). Replays are included if you can't make a session.
What if I'm a complete beginner?
You're exactly who this was built for. Every session is step by step and shows every click, so nobody gets left behind. And because the same session also carries the advanced technique, more experienced designers get plenty out of it too.
What if I miss a live session?
Nothing is lost. All three days are recorded, and the replays are included with your ticket, so you can catch up and finish your designs on your own schedule. You will be given a pdf with lifetime access to the videos.
What software do I need?
We will be designing using Adobe Illustrator and possibly some Photoshop. If you're on a different tool, you can still follow the design decisions and apply them in whatever you use. Recordings will help you do the lessons after the live sessions end.
How much time does it take?
Plan on 2 hours a day for three days, plus whatever time you want to spend finishing your own version between sessions. The whole point of the Intensive is that you leave with design work that is better you started with OR if you are beginning, your first pieces!
Why does the price go up on November 2?
$97 is the early bird ticket. It's Carina's way of rewarding the people who commit early and show up ready. When the Intensive begins on November 2, 2026 at 10:00am MT, the ticket goes to its regular price of $197.
I'm enrolled in Design Studio Live 2027. Do I need a ticket?
No. Design Studio 3 Day Intensive is included with your Design Studio Live 2027 enrollment. Watch your email for your access details, and don't buy a ticket here.
Can I get a refund?
No. Since this is a digital product there are no refunds. If you can't attend live, the replays are included so you can still complete the Intensive.
Three mornings from now, your work either looks the same, or it looks unforgettable.
I can't wait to build alongside you and watch one design go from good to best in just three days.
Get My Ticket
See you November 2nd! XOXO, Carina
Design Studio 3 Day Intensive · Nov 3–5 · $47 early bird until Nov 3
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