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Kirk Visola and Andy Kurtts take a fun look and analysis at branding and design. The fun nuances, textures, colors, and disruption that branding and all that goes with it may take on. Their insight is fun and honest with the hopes of educating those who tune in. And, being small business owners, they face many of the trials and obstacles that others face and speak towards that as well. No matter what, it's always a good time when these two get together and you might learn a little something ...
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Join Kirk and Andy for an engaging conversation with Amanda DeVries. Amanda, a former electrical engineer turned designer, shares her unique journey from the world of engineering to the creative realm of design. Discover how Amanda's background in engineering influenced her design process and how her move to a farm sparked a passion for packaging d…
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Join us on a CPG rollercoaster through Florida with guest Daniel Quinones, founder of Front Page Retail. Daniel takes us on a journey from managing territories for brands like Nabisco and Coca-Cola's Topo Chico, to his company's success in helping brands dominate shelves with smart off-shelf placements and in-store demonstrations. We explore the vi…
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In this episode, Kirk and Andy chat with Mike Rosado, the visionary behind MRC Studio and the innovative Burny Wild's brand. From crafting with pencils by day to rocking the drums by night, Mike shares his dynamic world of design and insights. Dive into a mix of wild tales, artistic insights, and entertainment. If you're all about pushing creative …
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Dive into the effervescent world of kombucha with Becca Schepps, Founder and Creative Director of Mortal Kombucha, on this episode of the Kirk and Kurtz Design Podcast. Discover how Becca's blend of bold creativity and entrepreneurial spirit transformed a playful idea into a thriving brand that challenges the norms of traditional beverage marketing…
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We're joined by Michael Wilson, the founder and CEO of Coppergate Design Company, who navigates the intersections of golf, design, and entrepreneurship with finesse. Dive into Michael's journey from high school art classes to leading his own design agency, exploring the roles of design in storytelling and consumer products, particularly within the …
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Join Kirk & Andy as they welcome Pete Brennan, VP of Innovation at Mattson, for a deep dive into the art of marketing brilliance. With over 20 years of friendship fueling the conversation, Kirk and Pete explore Pete's transformative journey in the marketing world, from his early days as a curious student to becoming a key player in brand management…
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Join Kirk Visola and Andy Kurtts as they dish out the highlights from Andy's recent trip to the Fancy Foods Show in Las Vegas. With a backpack full of stories and a palette for design, Andy takes us through the bustling aisles of the show, sharing his favorite finds and the cool, quirky, and outright delicious products that caught his eye. From vib…
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Kirk and Andy dive into the second leg of Andy's adventure, where he swaps the neon lights of Las Vegas for the warm embrace of Austin, TX. After exploring the Fancy Foods Show, Andy catches up with Jamie Panzarella, friend of the pod. From a heartfelt home visit to celebrating the launch of Blue Zones Kitchen, this episode is all about the joy of …
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Join Kirk and Andy as they take a deep dive into the world of design in 2023. This episode features an unfiltered analysis of the year's most talked-about rebrands, the impact of AI on design, and the quest for authenticity in branding. With special guests Tom Bosch and Mike Amaditz adding their expert insights, the crew explores everything from th…
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Discover a world where design intersects with indigenous heritage in our latest episode featuring Sadie Red Wing, an assistant professor at OCAD University and member of the Spirit Lake Dakota Nation. Sadie shares her inspiring journey, exploring the integration of her cultural roots with contemporary design practices. In this captivating discussio…
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Join us for an insightful conversation with Sari Kimbell, a distinguished figure in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry. In this episode, Sari, known for her extensive experience as a former Whole Foods buyer and an expert in the food sector, delves into the nuances of succeeding in the retail landscape and the art of entrepreneurial thinkin…
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With a strong focus on brand strategy, Haylee designs brands that stand out on the shelf and online. Haylee believes that design should create a connection, which is displayed through my elevated yet approachable aesthetic. She primarily works in the CPG space, designing better-for-you brands for emerging food, beverage, and wellness companies. You…
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Join Kirk Visola and Andy Kurtts on the Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast as they explore the world of sustainable packaging with Brandi Parker, a sustainability packaging concierge nerd and entrepreneur. In this episode, Brandi shares her journey from art and music to sustainable packaging, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in making eco-fr…
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Join Kirk and Andy for a vibrant chat with artist Jess Hess. Dive into Jess's art journey from her early days to her time at RISD, and explore her unique take on art and design. From stunning murals to intricate miniatures, get inspired by Jess's creativity and passion in this insightful episode. See Jessica's work here: http://www.jessicahess.com/…
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🎨 Unwrap the secrets of standout shelves with Kirk and Andy in this design-driven episode! They dive into the art of limited edition packaging design, where brands become collectors' items and every product tells a bold story. 📚 Witness how New Holland and Athletic Brewing have mastered the craft, turning their packaging into coveted canvases that …
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Ready for round two with Chris Do? Dive into the season finale of the Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast where we unpack the magic of right-brain thinking. Ever felt stuck in a design rut? Chris explains how tapping into this intuitive, holistic approach can be the game-changer in navigating our intricate world. But it's not all brain waves and creativit…
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PART ONE: On this episode of the Kirk & Kurtts Design Podcast, we're joined by none other than Chris Do, a heavyweight in the design and branding game. If you've ever wondered how a personal feud could spawn an iconic car brand like Lamborghini, you'll want to hear this. We also dive into Google's 10x rule—because in Silicon Valley, playing it safe…
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On this episode of the Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast, we dive into the world of design with guest Barney Abramson. We kick off with the impact of fast-changing trends on branding and how social media is a game-changer. Then we dig into networking essentials for new designers, focusing on platforms like LinkedIn and Slack. Barney also dishes on the m…
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In this episode of the Kirk and Kurtts Design Podcast, Kirk and Andy discuss the process of press checking in printing. They share their experiences visiting a large scale print facility, the impressive machinery and efficiency they witnessed, and the importance of press checks in ensuring the accuracy and quality of printed materials. They also to…
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In this episode of the Kirk and Kurtts Design Podcast, hosts Kirk Visola and Andy Kurtts chat with special guest Gage Mitchell, founder of Modern Species. They discuss the fear of failure and the importance of taking action and trying new things. They also touch upon building communities and the challenges of holding people accountable and staying …
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What an honor it was for us to land this guest. AJ Visola is an up and coming storyboard artist and illustrator based in LA California, who just happens to be Kirk's kid. This podcast gets into their origin story, what they are learning at their school for Autistic people Exceptional Minds, and what their plans are for the future. It's always a fun…
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We are back and flying solo, well duo, this episode. On this show, we talk about brand authenticity. What it is, how it works in the every day world, and how people can see right through a disingenuous brand. So, brush off your corporate PRIDE logos and polos, and get ready for a fun ride. As always, be sure to catch up with us on previous podcasts…
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Our very good friend Nikita Prokhorov stops back by to chat with us about all things design. On the show, we discuss Nikita's "36 Days of Type" entries, the importance of doing self initiated projects and sharing (or not sharing) sketches with clients. We also get a peek into Kirk's 30 Day's of Type project. See Nikita's work here: https://www.niki…
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In this episode of the Kirk and Kurtts Design podcast, Kirk and Andy are joined by special guest David Ziegler-Voll, a veteran of the in-house creative industry. They discuss the importance of good design principles, the role of in-house design teams, the value of trust, and the challenges of designing for specific communities. They also touch on t…
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On this episode, Andy and Kirk speak with...Kirk. Kirk details his new job of working at the Monterey Bay Aquarium as a Sr. Brand Designer. And, as you might guess, it's otterly amazing. Learn more about MBA at montereybayaquarium.com Support the Show. About Kirk and Andy. Kirk Visola is the Creative Director and Founder of MIND THE FONT™. He bring…
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In this episode of the Kirk and Kurtts, we talk with guest Meghan Martin, co-founder of Here and Now Studios. We discuss the importance of trust between clients and designers, ways to support female-led brands, and the value of investing in quality design. Meghan also shares insights into her design process and current projects, including a major b…
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In this episode, Kirk and Andy interview Cristina Donado, the founder of Wagon Design Studio. Cristina shares her journey of starting her own business, the challenges she faced, and how having a supportive team played and plays a crucial role in her success. The conversation also touches upon the importance of being bilingual in the design industry…
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In this podcast episode, Kirk and Andy discuss their experiences attending Expo West. We talk about the different brands we saw and which ones stood out to us for their unique or innovative booths and products. We also touch on the challenges facing smaller brands in the natural products industry and the importance of community and support. Check t…
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This week Kirk & Kurtts are joined by Jake from Fila Manila as he dives into his story of being a first-generation Filipino American entrepreneur and business owner. Hear about his startup experience as a former founder, his experience living in DC and his mission to raise up Filipino culture. Jake discusses the unique twist he adds to the market u…
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In this episode Kirk & Kurtts are joined by special guest, Jena Garlinghouse. She's the Co-founder, Client Director for Herefor Studio, and they dive into topics such as client services, relationships, business strategies, and the evolution of brand design. Jena shares her approach to creating brand worlds, decoupling brands from logos, and her min…
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Join Kirk & Kurtts as they sit down with designer & illustrator Roxanne Bradley-Tate. From her early beginnings in art school to her current work in creating design with impact, Roxanne shares her insights and experiences in the world of design. Get a behind-the-scenes look at her creative process and learn about the challenges and triumphs of bein…
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Part 2 of Kirk & Kurtts' conversation with the amazing Max Wastler. We continue chatting with Max about life and business. Connect with Max: Max Waster on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxwastler/) Support the Show. About Kirk and Andy. Kirk Visola is the Creative Director and Founder of MIND THE FONT™. He brings over 20 years of CPG experi…
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This week Kirk & Kurtts are chatting with renaissance man Max Wastler. Andy has been following Max for over a decade now and his writings and advice on his blog, All Plaid Out, helped him navigate the world of finding your own style while working in-house at a corporate job. Listen in as Max shares how he came about loving retail and design (both a…
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On this episode, Kirk was joined by Adam Peek, the Packaging Pastor. Adam talks about trends he sees in the packaging field, why his rap name was "Kandy Kane" when he was younger, about coaching his kid (and business partner) AJ's basketball team, and the constant flux of packaging standards that are continually being updated and maintained. From h…
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What can we say about Evelio Mattos? Other than, he is one of the most talented packaging structure designers out there. Aside from being a great person, he is always on top of his game in regards to technology and staying current. And in this episode, Evelio welcomes Kirk and Andy into the world of AI. And oh boy, is it a deep dive into Alice's Ra…
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If you haven't had Aura Bora™ Herbal Sparkling Water, then you are missing out. Well, you definitely won't miss out on this stellar interview with co-founder Paul Voge (even though we really wanted Maddie Voge. Just jokes) as he details how Aura Bora got off the ground. Aura Bora has some of the best flavors and artwork on the shelf out there in th…
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Justin and Kat of Wilder& graced us with their presence on our podcast. It was truly a treat having them on. Their origin story, or as Justin would call it "The birth of an MCU villain", is one that is as unique as it is entertaining. Their approach is very open, and their chemistry is undeniable. From their site: "Throughout the years, they’ve (Ju…
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Well, we did it again. We decided to partake in Andy's love of pumpkin beer and do another tasting/packaging design critique of various pumpkin deliciousness. We also interject with various pumpkin facts along the way. Pumpkin beer has a long history and Andy breaks down why he loves, not only the beer, but the process in how and why pumpkin beer w…
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Chad Cheek. The man who just decided one day to get into running a successful design agency. Well, it's not quite that simple. Chad breaks it down in an easily digestible way for us to understand. This conversation goes deep on so many levels, yet the most important thing that we got from this (other than Chad being an amazing person), was that "gr…
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StartUp CPG is where Andy and Kirk met, and how they began their podcasting venture. It's a great company and they help young CPG brands succeed. They give young brands the opportunity to shine, elevate it to decision-makers who matter, and connect them to those who have done it before. Every year, StartUp CPG does their annual Shelfie Awards where…
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This episode goes back to some nostalgia for us as we talk to the Creative Director of North Carolina's PBS affiliate, Brad Stephens. Brad details his journey as a creative, but also what it's like to hang out with Pirates...oh yeah. It's a wild and fun journey hearing Brad's experience. Give it a listen. And check out Brad's work here: IG: iambrad…
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Selma Makuii is an amazing Brand Identity Designer and she was kind enough to join us from Iran. Yes, Iran. The former teacher turned designer details her journey as to how she got there. Now, keep in mind, most people don't just decide to become a designer, but her background in photography, as well as her innate talent, has propelled her into eli…
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This week Kirk & Kurtts chat with the amazing Evelio Mattos (https://www.linkedin.com/in/eveliomattos/), a packaging rock star, structural designer, and podcast host. We hear about how Evelio came up in the design world, his approach to creating structures, and he even shares some awesome projects for cool clients like Lady Gaga. Catch up with Evel…
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This week Kirk & Kurtts went across the pond to chat with Claire Coullon (https://dribbble.com/op45) to discuss her beautiful artistry of hand lettering. Listen in as she discusses her origin story, sources of inspiration and process for creating beautiful designs. Enjoy y'all! Catch up on all episodes here: https://kirkkurtts.buzzsprout.com About …
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On this week's episode, Kirk & Kurtts are catching up with the incredible Jake Karls (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-karls-653106ba/), Co-Founder of Mid-Day Squares (https://www.middaysquares.com/). Jake shared his journey working with his sister & brother in law to build an incredible brand, one that doesn't follow any of the traditional rules -…
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In part two, Jessica Frease. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-frease-09724a139/) continues to share her background in design. She also shares her mental health struggles with Kirk & Kurtts and how creatives, especially women creatives, face unique challenges working in-house. We talk family, kids and getting shit done. Catch up on Jessica’s fir…
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In this episode, Kirk & Kurtts catch up with their friend and sustainable packaging expert Cory Connors (https://www.linkedin.com/in/cory-connors/). They discuss the importance of thinking intentionally about your packaging, opportunities for being more sustainable, and creating good habits around responsible recycling. Find Cory's podcast here: ht…
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In this enlightening episode, Kirk & Kurtts chat with Tom Bosch of Bosch Studios (https://www.bosch-studios.com) about what got him into design, his trial by fire in the retail world, and his path to running his own studio with his wife. We talked about how finding success in the corporate world doesn't always equal success and how that experience …
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This week Kirk & Kurtts sit down with Fernando Arendar (https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernandoarendar/), founder of Nitid Studio (https://www.nitidstudio.com/) , a branding agency specializing in the CPG space. Fernando shared his unique approach to design which involves the intersection of consumer psychology and science to create objective results.…
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In this episode Kirk & Kurtts chat with our friend Nikita Prokhorov, an amazing designer and letterer. Nikita discussed his love and extreme talent for creating ambigrams and the intersection of design & architecture. We learned about his origin story and his approach to creativity. We also discussed the launch of his project, Laseriginals™ https:/…
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