In this episode, we're diving into one of the biggest struggles freelancers are facing right now—getting clients to actually respond, give clear feedback, and stick to the original project scope. Nick and Mikelle kick things off by sharing real-world pain points and how this trend is quietly killing timelines, budgets, and creative momentum.

Then, we tackle your most burning questions about client communication: What do you do when a client vanishes mid-project? How do you steer the ship when direction is vague—or constantly changing? And how can you protect yourself from endless revisions and scope creep?

To wrap it all up, we serve up 5 super-practical, battle-tested tips to help you stay in control, set the tone from day one, and keep your sanity (and your schedule) intact.

If you’ve ever felt like a project manager, therapist, and psychic all in one—this one’s for you.

🔥 Designers, listen up—this one’s for YOU.

If you’re creating brand or packaging design for CPG, food & bev, or wellness products, this is the inside scoop you can’t afford to miss. We sat down with real retail buyers and asked them what actually gets a product noticed—and what gets it passed over. Spoiler alert: good design isn’t enough.

🧠 In this fast-paced breakdown, you’ll learn:
• What makes packaging instantly eye-catching (or invisible)
• How color, typography, and structure drive that first impression
• The trends buyers love right now—and the ones they’re sick of
• Why storytelling is your secret weapon (but not in the way you think)
• The #1 design mistake that kills a brand before it even launches
• How to balance sustainability, clarity, and visual punch

Whether you're designing for a client or your own brand, these buyer insights will sharpen your strategy, elevate your work, and help you design packaging that actually sells.

🎯 Want to create packaging that flies off shelves?
Start by thinking like a buyer.

In this episode of The Drop, we’re back with another hot roundup of design news you actually want to know. From bold rebrands to tech shake-ups, industry scandals to the next big thing in type and tech—we’re breaking it all down so you stay in the loop and ahead of the curve.

We’ve handpicked the stories making waves in April 2025—no fluff, no filler. Just the news, trends, and creative shifts that matter to working designers and creatives like you.

🧠 Insightful. 🎯 Actionable. 😏 Occasionally spicy.

Links to everything we mention are below. Let’s get into it.

https://www.designweek.co.uk/nine-creatives-reimagine-wiedenkennedy-londons-logo/

https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/theme-parks/epic-universe

https://gdusa.com/the-design-skills-employers-need-right-now/

https://looka.com/blog/graphic-design-trends/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://www.designweek.co.uk/major-charities-creating-bold-new-brands-as-donor-numbers-fall/

https://www.creativeboom.com/news/earthling-studio-infuses-nostalgic-fun-into-iced-tea-brand-halfday/

https://www.creativeboom.com/inspiration/harvesting-heritage-bna-reimagines-polish-food-brand-dawtona-as-a-slavic-goddess/

https://www.creativeboom.com/news/hip-pop/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2uwy4MDZ_M&t=3s

THE SHOP: deeplygraphicgoods.printful.me