In 1987, Gardner joined forces with Sonia Greteman and Susan Mikulecky to found American Institute of Graphic Arts Wichita.
He presents logo trends annually at HOW Design Live and has participated in speaking engagements in countries around the world including Russia and India.
His works and writings regarding corporate identity, environmental graphics and three-dimensional design have been published in numerous books,[6] periodicals[7] and podcasts.
[8] Gardner has published multiple books including LogoLounge 1-11[9] and Logo Creed, a textbook for identity designers.
[10] In September 2014, Gardner received the first-ever AIGA Wichita Fellow Award for his contributions to the local, national and international creative community.