The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast
Kirk Visola & Andy Kurtts
1 Creator
1 Creator
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 new about that pretty little design or branding that you just saw.
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Top 10 The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Alex Center, Founder at CENTER, Design Director, Graphic Designer, Packaging & Branding, Part One
The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast
12/17/24 • 38 min
In this episode, Kirk and Andy sit down with the brilliant Alex Center—Brooklyn-based designer, founder of the branding studio Center, and creative visionary behind some of today’s most iconic brands. From his early days designing for Vitamin Water to a decade-long tenure at Coca-Cola, Alex shares his unique journey of building brands that resonate—and yes, there’s even a story about 50 Cent dropping a “you spit hot fire” compliment!
Alex dives into his transition from in-house powerhouse to independent studio founder, giving a candid look into the value of in-house design work. While many designers chase agency dreams, Alex champions the versatility, speed, and breadth of working across all touchpoints of a brand. Whether it’s retail, packaging, or campaigns—Alex reminds us how being in-house shaped his holistic understanding of brands and prepared him to make waves with clients like Liquid Death, New Balance, Kinder Forge, and United Sodas of America.
The conversation heats up when Kirk and Andy unpack Alex’s latest masterpiece: Bero, a non-alcoholic beer brand co-founded with Hollywood’s own Tom Holland. From the elegant design details, iconic gold can tops, and tactile finishes to capturing the essence of premium British pub culture, Bero sets a new gold standard in branding. The team nerds out over the power of differentiation in crowded markets and how good design is both tactile and timeless.
Along the way, Alex shares stories of:
- Breaking the “stigma” of in-house design and why it’s anything but boring.
- The magic of working across multiple expressions of a single brand.
- The delicate balance of “elevating, not alienating” in branding.
- How heritage and modernity shape Bero’s standout look and feel.
Prepare to be inspired by Alex’s passion for brands, his unfiltered takes on design, and his knack for storytelling that makes every project personal. Whether you're a designer, marketer, or just someone who loves beautiful brands, this episode is packed with gems on design strategy, aesthetics, and pushing the creative envelope.
See more of Alex's work here: https://center.design/
Connect with Alex here:
About Kirk and Andy.
Kirk Visola is the Creative Director and Founder of MIND THE FONTTM. He brings over 20 years of CPG experience to the packaging and branding design space, and understands how shelf aesthetics can make an impact for established and emerging brands. Check out their work http://www.mindthefont.com.
Andy Kurts is the Creative Director and Founder of Buttermilk Creative. He loves a good coffee in the morning and a good bourbon at night. When he’s not working on packaging design he’s running in the backyard with his family. Check out Buttermilk's work http://www.buttermilkcreative.com.
Music for Kirk & Kurtts intro & outro: Better by Super Fantastics
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Jake Deleon, founder, Fila Manila & FoundersHeritage.org
The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast
02/23/23 • 38 min
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 using love and heritage from Filipino culture.
Jake is also starting a new initiative, Founder's Heritage, which provides transparency to customers who are looking for authentic and minority-owned products. Jake also talks about the importance of founders owning a significant portion of their company before raising money and provides helpful tips and advice on avoiding common printing mistakes.
Tune in to this unique episode to gain insight into the entrepreneurial and Filipino American experience!
Connect with Jake:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobcdeleon/
Learn more about Fila Manila:
https://filamanila.com/
Learn More about Founder's Heritage:
https://www.foundersheritage.org/
About Kirk and Andy.
Kirk Visola is the Creative Director and Founder of MIND THE FONTTM. He brings over 20 years of CPG experience to the packaging and branding design space, and understands how shelf aesthetics can make an impact for established and emerging brands. Check out their work http://www.mindthefont.com.
Andy Kurts is the Creative Director and Founder of Buttermilk Creative. He loves a good coffee in the morning and a good bourbon at night. When he’s not working on packaging design he’s running in the backyard with his family. Check out Buttermilk's work http://www.buttermilkcreative.com.
Music for Kirk & Kurtts intro & outro: Better by Super Fantastics
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Pete Brennan, Vice President Innovation, Mattson, Natural Products Executive, Brand Strategist & Commercialization, Board Member at Naturally Network
The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast
03/04/24 • 34 min
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 and innovation.
This episode offers an insider's look at Pete's ability to predict market trends and his role in redefining iconic brands to connect with new audiences. Through stories of collaboration and creativity, listeners will learn about the synergy between design and marketing and the impact of visionary strategies on consumer engagement.
Join us for a masterclass in branding, innovation, and the magic behind creating products that resonate with consumers. Pete's insights provide invaluable lessons for marketers, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in the power of a well-crafted brand story.
Connect with Pete here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-brennan-7028345/
About Kirk and Andy.
Kirk Visola is the Creative Director and Founder of MIND THE FONTTM. He brings over 20 years of CPG experience to the packaging and branding design space, and understands how shelf aesthetics can make an impact for established and emerging brands. Check out their work http://www.mindthefont.com.
Andy Kurts is the Creative Director and Founder of Buttermilk Creative. He loves a good coffee in the morning and a good bourbon at night. When he’s not working on packaging design he’s running in the backyard with his family. Check out Buttermilk's work http://www.buttermilkcreative.com.
Music for Kirk & Kurtts intro & outro: Better by Super Fantastics
Show a little love. Share the podcast with those who may benefit. Or, send us a coffee:
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Michael Wilson: CPG Creative Director, Designer, Coppergate Design Company
The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast
03/19/24 • 36 min
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 golfing world.
Michael shares his insights on the evolution from doodling skateboard deck graphics to mastering branding and packaging in the competitive CPG landscape. His experiences highlight the importance of understanding your audience and leveraging packaging design to tell compelling stories. This episode is a rich blend of industry secrets, personal anecdotes, and professional wisdom for design enthusiasts, golf aficionados, and aspiring entrepreneurs alike. Join us, Kirk Vaisola and Andy Kurtz, as we delve into the creative swing of Michael Wilson's world.
Connect with Michael here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcalvinwilson/
View his work here:
https://www.coppergatedesign.com/
About Kirk and Andy.
Kirk Visola is the Creative Director and Founder of MIND THE FONTTM. He brings over 20 years of CPG experience to the packaging and branding design space, and understands how shelf aesthetics can make an impact for established and emerging brands. Check out their work http://www.mindthefont.com.
Andy Kurts is the Creative Director and Founder of Buttermilk Creative. He loves a good coffee in the morning and a good bourbon at night. When he’s not working on packaging design he’s running in the backyard with his family. Check out Buttermilk's work http://www.buttermilkcreative.com.
Music for Kirk & Kurtts intro & outro: Better by Super Fantastics
Show a little love. Share the podcast with those who may benefit. Or, send us a coffee:
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Brandon Hernandez, Co-Founder/Partner Whole Brain Consulting, CPG operation insights
The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast
04/04/22 • 44 min
In this riveting episode Kirk & Kurtts are joined by the all around rockstar Brandon Hernandez, Co-founder/Partner at Whole Brain Consulting and Board Member at Naturally Boulder. As the title states, while there is some shit given to Kirk, mostly we pick Brandon's wildly experienced brain about the importance of co-packing and setting your products up for scale.
The topics stray from design, but packaging designers should have a working knowledge of the product development process, including basic aspects of the co-packer relationship with their client.
Oh and we also discuss bourbons.
We hope you enjoy!
Brandon Hernandez
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-hernandez-62867230/
Whole Brain Consulting
https://www.whole-brain-consulting.com/
Catch up on: All Episodes
About Kirk and Andy:
Kirk Visola is the Creative Director and Founder of MIND THE FONTTM. He brings over 20 years of CPG experience to the packaging and branding design space, and understands how shelf aesthetics can make an impact for established and emerging brands. Check out their work at http://www.mindthefont.com.
Andy Kurtts is the Creative Director and Founder of Buttermilk Creative. He loves a good coffee in the morning and a good bourbon at night. When he’s not working on packaging design he’s running in the backyard with his family. Check out Buttermilk's work at http://www.buttermillkcreative.com.
About Kirk and Andy.
Kirk Visola is the Creative Director and Founder of MIND THE FONTTM. He brings over 20 years of CPG experience to the packaging and branding design space, and understands how shelf aesthetics can make an impact for established and emerging brands. Check out their work http://www.mindthefont.com.
Andy Kurts is the Creative Director and Founder of Buttermilk Creative. He loves a good coffee in the morning and a good bourbon at night. When he’s not working on packaging design he’s running in the backyard with his family. Check out Buttermilk's work http://www.buttermilkcreative.com.
Music for Kirk & Kurtts intro & outro: Better by Super Fantastics
Show a little love. Share the podcast with those who may benefit. Or, send us a coffee:
Support the show
EXPO WEST: Where Kirk Met Andy & discuss designs from the show
The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast
03/22/23 • 52 min
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 the show notes below for the brands we mention in the episode.
10:33
https://www.biarte.com
11:56
http://www.pozole.com
15:18
www.chamberlaincoffee.com
16:09
https://jibbycoffee.com/
17:25
https://flowerheadtea.com/
19:21
https://www.wavy-wonders.com/
24:13
https://www.drinklocalweather.com/
27:27
https://hotpotqueen.com/
29:35
https://bellybrainfoods.com/
32:06
https://us.threespiritdrinks.com/
33:44
https://www.withcococktails.com/
35:15
https://avecdrinks.com/
45:08
https://www.bolani.co/
About Kirk and Andy.
Kirk Visola is the Creative Director and Founder of MIND THE FONTTM. He brings over 20 years of CPG experience to the packaging and branding design space, and understands how shelf aesthetics can make an impact for established and emerging brands. Check out their work http://www.mindthefont.com.
Andy Kurts is the Creative Director and Founder of Buttermilk Creative. He loves a good coffee in the morning and a good bourbon at night. When he’s not working on packaging design he’s running in the backyard with his family. Check out Buttermilk's work http://www.buttermilkcreative.com.
Music for Kirk & Kurtts intro & outro: Better by Super Fantastics
Show a little love. Share the podcast with those who may benefit. Or, send us a coffee:
Support the show
Chris Do, Creative Director, Design Strategist, Educator, Coach: Part One
The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast
09/25/23 • 43 min
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 is the riskiest move. And speaking of risks and rewards, we delve into the tricky terrain of packaging design. With consumers' attention spans shrinking, your product has a split second to make an impression on the shelf. Chris gives us the lowdown on how to do it right.
Ever think you're too introverted to take center stage? Chris Do's personal journey from behind-the-scenes to media frontman proves otherwise. We chat about the potent combination of storytelling and branding, particularly in the attention-scarce landscape we're navigating today.
Don't miss this thought-provoking conversation where we cover everything from crafting compelling narratives to standing out in an overcrowded market.
Learn more about Chris here:
https://thefutur.com/people/chris-do
Connect with Chris here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/
About Kirk and Andy.
Kirk Visola is the Creative Director and Founder of MIND THE FONTTM. He brings over 20 years of CPG experience to the packaging and branding design space, and understands how shelf aesthetics can make an impact for established and emerging brands. Check out their work http://www.mindthefont.com.
Andy Kurts is the Creative Director and Founder of Buttermilk Creative. He loves a good coffee in the morning and a good bourbon at night. When he’s not working on packaging design he’s running in the backyard with his family. Check out Buttermilk's work http://www.buttermilkcreative.com.
Music for Kirk & Kurtts intro & outro: Better by Super Fantastics
Show a little love. Share the podcast with those who may benefit. Or, send us a coffee:
Support the show
Brandi Parker: Creative Sustainability | Brand-Level Sustainability Consultant | Fractional Sustainable Materials & Packaging Expert | Owner
The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast
11/30/23 • 44 min
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-friendly changes in the industry. Discover the evolution of materials like seaweed-based plastics and delve into the complex relationship between sustainability, profitability, and environmental impact. This enlightening discussion offers valuable insights for anyone interested in design, sustainability, and the future of packaging.
Connect with Brandi here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandi-parker-6a6667b/
About Kirk and Andy.
Kirk Visola is the Creative Director and Founder of MIND THE FONTTM. He brings over 20 years of CPG experience to the packaging and branding design space, and understands how shelf aesthetics can make an impact for established and emerging brands. Check out their work http://www.mindthefont.com.
Andy Kurts is the Creative Director and Founder of Buttermilk Creative. He loves a good coffee in the morning and a good bourbon at night. When he’s not working on packaging design he’s running in the backyard with his family. Check out Buttermilk's work http://www.buttermilkcreative.com.
Music for Kirk & Kurtts intro & outro: Better by Super Fantastics
Show a little love. Share the podcast with those who may benefit. Or, send us a coffee:
Support the show
Amanda DeVries, RGD, Creative Director & Designer at Eye Candy Design, Instructor
The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast
05/20/24 • 47 min
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 design. With a focus on simplicity, elegance, and fun, Amanda's work stands out in the design community. Tune in to hear about the challenges she faced, the lessons learned, and her advice for aspiring designers.
This episode is filled with insights on the intersection of logic and creativity, the importance of niching down, and the joys of working on projects that merge technology and nature. Whether you're a designer, an engineer, or someone in between, this episode offers valuable takeaways and inspiration.
Highlights:
- Amanda's transition from electrical engineering to design
- The impact of living on a farm on her packaging design career
- The advantages of having an analytical background in creative fields
- The importance of niching down and how it transformed Amanda's business
- Insightful discussions on managing client expectations and effective communication
Connect with Amanda DeVries:
- LinkedIn Profile (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadevries/)
- Website (https://www.eyecandydesign.ca/)
About Kirk and Andy.
Kirk Visola is the Creative Director and Founder of MIND THE FONTTM. He brings over 20 years of CPG experience to the packaging and branding design space, and understands how shelf aesthetics can make an impact for established and emerging brands. Check out their work http://www.mindthefont.com.
Andy Kurts is the Creative Director and Founder of Buttermilk Creative. He loves a good coffee in the morning and a good bourbon at night. When he’s not working on packaging design he’s running in the backyard with his family. Check out Buttermilk's work http://www.buttermilkcreative.com.
Music for Kirk & Kurtts intro & outro: Better by Super Fantastics
Show a little love. Share the podcast with those who may benefit. Or, send us a coffee:
Support the show
Lex Evan, Founder, CEO & Chef at LEXINGTON BAKES, Designer, Creative
The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast
11/15/24 • 48 min
Join hosts Kirk and Andy in this deliciously inspiring episode! We welcome the audacious and innovative Lex Evan, founder, CEO, and chief of Lexington Bakes (LXB), an eco-conscious luxury dessert brand redefining nostalgic treats. With 15 years of experience leading design and strategy for global beauty and wellness giants, Lex has seamlessly blended their passion for storytelling, sustainability, and creativity into every bite of LXB's award-winning offerings.
Dive deep into Lex's journey from design school overachiever to CPG visionary as they share the unexpected path that led them from corporate design at Johnson & Johnson to establishing a premium dessert brand. Learn about the trials, triumphs, and lessons of building a startup, how ADHD shaped their creative process, and why supporting women and gender minority leaders is at the core of their mission.
Whether you're a design enthusiast, an aspiring entrepreneur, or just a fan of brownies, this episode is packed with insights on navigating ambiguity, balancing brand strategy with bold risks, and embracing the joy of creation. Plus, discover how Lex turned a casual Instagram post into a thriving business with a little hustle and a lot of heart.
Connect with Lex here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexevan/
Buy some brownies here:
https://lexingtonbakes.com/
About Kirk and Andy.
Kirk Visola is the Creative Director and Founder of MIND THE FONTTM. He brings over 20 years of CPG experience to the packaging and branding design space, and understands how shelf aesthetics can make an impact for established and emerging brands. Check out their work http://www.mindthefont.com.
Andy Kurts is the Creative Director and Founder of Buttermilk Creative. He loves a good coffee in the morning and a good bourbon at night. When he’s not working on packaging design he’s running in the backyard with his family. Check out Buttermilk's work http://www.buttermilkcreative.com.
Music for Kirk & Kurtts intro & outro: Better by Super Fantastics
Show a little love. Share the podcast with those who may benefit. Or, send us a coffee:
Support the show
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FAQ
How many episodes does The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast have?
The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast currently has 87 episodes available.
What topics does The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast cover?
The podcast is about Branding, Design, Podcasts, Arts, Cpg and Food.
What is the most popular episode on The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast?
The episode title 'Max Wastler, Builder of Brands, Products & Stories - Part 2' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast?
The average episode length on The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast is 42 minutes.
How often are episodes of The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast released?
Episodes of The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast are typically released every 10 days, 21 hours.
When was the first episode of The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast?
The first episode of The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast was released on Oct 25, 2021.
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