Creative Director Patrick Carter Appears on The Deeply Graphic Designcast

63 Visual founder and creative director Patrick Carter was invited to appear on The Deeply Graphic Designcast to share his perspective on building and running an independent graphic design studio. The conversation with Nick Longo explores the lessons, decisions, and experiences that have shaped more than 16 years of operating 63 Visual in Jacksonville Beach, Florida.

For designers, creative business owners, and anyone interested in the business behind the work, the episode offers a look at how experience changes your approach to clients, projects, and long-term success.

Listen to Patrick Carter on The Deeply Graphic Designcast on Spotify.

Lessons from 16 Years of Running a Design Studio

Since founding 63 Visual in 2010, Patrick has helped businesses communicate who they are through brand identity, logo design, website design, packaging, and print. Along the way, running an independent studio has brought lessons that extend well beyond the design process.

The episode centers on how those experiences shape a sustainable creative business. What deserves your attention? Which opportunities are worth pursuing? How do you recognize the work and relationships that support the kind of studio you want to build?

These questions become increasingly meaningful as a design business matures. Creative ability remains essential, but so do judgment, communication, and a clear understanding of where your time makes the greatest difference.

Choosing the Right Clients and Creative Projects

One of the themes of the conversation is learning to be more intentional about the projects you take on. For an independent graphic design studio, each commitment influences the quality of the work, the client experience, and the direction of the business.

Recognizing a strong fit means considering more than the deliverables. Shared expectations, mutual trust, and an appreciation for the creative process all help establish productive working relationships. Learning when to say no creates room to give the right projects the attention they deserve.

Defining Success as a Creative Business Owner

The conversation also explores how a designer’s definition of success evolves. After more than 16 years in business, there is a different perspective on which goals matter and which pressures are worth letting go.

For 63 Visual, this is an opportunity to reflect on the choices behind the studio and share that experience with the broader design community. Honest conversations about running a creative business can be valuable whether you are starting a freelance career or refining an established practice.

Thank You to The Deeply Graphic Designcast

Thank you to The Deeply Graphic Designcast (@dgdcpod) for the invitation and to Nick Longo (@longodesigns) for leading such a thoughtful conversation. We appreciate the opportunity to share Patrick’s experience and contribute to a community that cares about both great design and the people creating it.

Listen to the full episode on Spotify.

About 63 Visual

63 Visual is an independent graphic design studio based in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. Founded in 2010 by Patrick Carter, the studio provides brand identity, logo design, website design, packaging, print design, and illustration for businesses looking to build a distinctive and consistent visual presence.

Follow Patrick Carter (@pcarterdesign) for more design work and updates.