Send us a text James Barnard didn’t start out in design. He originally wanted to work in the music industry. But after a detour through web development and publishing design in London, he found his true calling: logo and identity design. In this episode, Kirk and Andy talk with James about his path from learning Photoshop at a data entry job to designing for major UK newspapers and building his own studio in Australia. They dive into how James refined his creative process, how he manages client ...
Jun 03, 2025•41 min•Season 4Ep. 14
Send us a text Kirk and Andy sit down with Anna Sison — a Brooklyn-born creative force helping CPG brands grow through sharp, strategic packaging and brand design. With over 20 years in the industry, Anna brings big-agency experience with a nimble studio mindset, combining her deep cultural perspective with a sharp eye for design that works on shelf and connects with consumers. In this episode, Anna shares her creative origin story, the challenges of being a double minority in the design world, ...
May 12, 2025•44 min•Season 4Ep. 13
Send us a text Design isn’t just about how something looks — it’s about how it feels . In this second conversation with brand designer and icon genius Selma Qui, Kirk and Andy go deep on how her approach to branding has evolved from crafting precise, geometric visuals to building experiences that leave a lasting emotional mark. Selma opens up about her creative process, the shift from designer to experience-maker, and why she now chooses to work only with brands and people who align with her val...
Apr 22, 2025•30 min•Season 4Ep. 12
Send us a text Mike Perry has had a wild ride through the world of design. From cropping football players at NBC Sports to launching award-winning liquor brands with his agency, Tavern, Mike brings real craft, deep industry knowledge, and an obsession with the details that most people ignore. In this episode, Kirk and Andy dig into the intersection of creativity, commerce, and booze—specifically how alcohol packaging isn’t just design, it’s storytelling, strategy, and sculpture in one. Mike shar...
Apr 09, 2025•59 min•Season 4Ep. 11
Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Dan Forster , an award-winning lettering artist and designer with over 25 years of experience. Dan has crafted stunning custom lettering for brands, agencies, and clients worldwide, but his journey into the world of type wasn’t a straight path—it was shaped by frustration, perseverance, and an unexpected return to his roots. Dan shares the story of his late father, a renowned lettering artist, and how clearing out his dad’s studio after his passin...
Mar 13, 2025•57 min•Season 4Ep. 10
Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Lindsay Meredith, a brand and visual designer specializing in custom-crafted design through lettering and illustration. Lindsay’s work has been featured in Logo Lounge and includes collaborations with major names like Hasbro, Nickelodeon, LeapFrog, Disney, and professional and collegiate sports organizations. From growing up watching her father pinstripe cars to becoming an expert in brand identity, Lindsay shares how her early exposure to letteri...
Feb 25, 2025•48 min•Season 4Ep. 9
Send us a text The Rainmaker is back! In this powerhouse episode, Jake Karls , co-founder of Mid-Day Squares , joins Kirk and Andy for an unfiltered conversation about entrepreneurship, identity, burnout, and the journey back to balance . Jake’s infectious energy and passion have fueled Mid-Day Squares’ rise from a startup to a $47 million business. But with success came immense pressure , a relentless pursuit of “winning” , and ultimately, a wake-up call that forced him to reassess everything. ...
Feb 16, 2025•56 min•Season 4Ep. 8
Send us a text What makes a bagel legendary? Is it the texture, the crust, the chew, or the history behind it? In this episode, we’re diving deep into the story of Emily Winston , the founder of Boichik Bagels , a Bay Area sensation bringing old-school New York flavor to the West Coast. In this episode, you’ll hear: • How Emily went from being a mechanical engineer at GM , working on car doors, to a full-fledged bagel artisan. • The emotional connection behind recreating her taste memory of the ...
Jan 31, 2025•58 min•Season 4Ep. 7
Send us a text This week on the Kirk & Kurtts Design Podcast, we’re joined by Joel Herrera—visual communicator, illustrator, painter, storyteller, and former Duke art professor. Joel shares how his love for comic books and a family steeped in creativity shaped his journey as an artist. We dive into: •The accidental (and slightly annoying) way Joel discovered his talent •Why every artist feels like their work isn’t good enough •The importance of putting your art out there—even when it’s scary...
Jan 22, 2025•49 min•Season 4Ep. 6
Send us a text In part 2, Kirk and Andy continue chatting with Alex Center, founder and creative force behind Center Design, to discuss the art and strategy of building iconic brands like Ayoh! mayonnaise and BERO beer. From the high stakes of crafting products for big-name personalities like Molly Baz to designing a "lived-in yet fresh" aesthetic, Alex dives deep into the challenges and joys of creating consumer packaged goods that feel both timeless and trendy. Highlights: How Molly Baz's reve...
Dec 23, 2024•28 min•Season 4Ep. 5
Send us a text 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...
Dec 17, 2024•38 min•Season 4Ep. 5
Send us a text In this festive fall edition, hosts Kirk and Andy get together for their annual pumpkin-themed design review. With their signature wit and charm, the duo explores the bold, bizarre, and beautiful world of pumpkin-inspired product packaging and branding. From Andy’s critique of a pumpkin-spiced spiked latte with questionable flavors but stellar design, to Kirk’s enthusiasm for non-alcoholic craft beers with spooky seasonal vibes, this episode is packed with insightful design breakd...
Nov 25, 2024•40 min•Season 4Ep. 4
Send us a text 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'...
Nov 15, 2024•49 min•Season 4Ep. 3
Send us a text In this episode of the Kirk & Kurtts Design Podcast, Kirk and Andy chat with Sam Fagan, a "Swiss Army knife" of digital design and development. Sam’s skill set spans website design, HTML/CSS coding, WordPress development, project management, and copywriting. Beyond her technical expertise, she’s dedicated to helping small businesses and nonprofits turn customers into passionate fans by creating strategic, engaging digital experiences. Sam shares her journey from New York to Ar...
Oct 28, 2024•55 min•Season 4Ep. 2
Send us a text Kicking off Season 4 of the K+K show!!! In this episode we welcome Fred Hart, a dynamic designer, strategist, and sneaker aficionado who recently went on his own after nine years at the helm of Interact. Fresh off a major life transition and celebrating his child's first birthday, Fred sits down with Kirk and Andy K, to dive into a conversation packed with creativity, culture, and career reflections. Fred’s journey into design started with a love for sneakers and basketball, growi...
Sep 30, 2024•52 min•Season 4Ep. 1
Send us a text Join hosts Kirk Visola, founder of Mind the Font, and Andy Kurtts, founder of Buttermilk Creative, sit down with barcode enthusiast Amber Walls from GS1 US. Amber dives into the fascinating world of barcodes, discussing their vital role in retail, packaging, and supply chains. Amber shares her unique journey into the world of barcodes, starting at a Cornhole game during a digital coupon conference — because who knew Cornhole could lead to a career in barcodes? Amber explains her r...
Sep 16, 2024•42 min•Season 3Ep. 82
Send us a text In this episode, hosts Kirk Visola and Andy Kurtts dive into the world of brand strategy and innovation with special guests Rifle Hughes and Glenn Pappalardo from Integral CPG, highlighting the importance of creativity, strategy, and collaboration in building successful brands. Rifle and Glenn share their journey from their days at JPG, where they met and began collaborating on projects, to founding Integral CPG—a brand strategy powerhouse dedicated to helping companies innovate a...
Aug 29, 2024•41 min•Season 3Ep. 81
Send us a text In this special episode of the Kirk and Kurtz Design Podcast, Kirk Visola and Andy Kurtts welcome the incredibly talented Craig Steckbeck, a creative powerhouse with nearly two decades of experience in the design industry. As the founder and creative director of Mind the Font, Kirk sets the stage with his signature enthusiasm, introducing Craig, a designer whose mission is to elevate the creative bar, not just for his team, but for clients and vendors alike. Craig’s journey in the...
Aug 16, 2024•43 min•Season 3Ep. 20
Send us a text Join Kirk Visola, founder and creative director of Mind the Font, and Andy Kurtts, founder and creative director of Buttermilk Creative, as they dive into the fascinating world of consumer research with their guest, Rich Moniz. Rich Moniz, founder of Rich Insights, brings over a decade of experience in the research industry. His company helps brands understand their shoppers through advanced techniques like eye tracking, facial coding, and other neuro and emotive methodologies. Ri...
Aug 08, 2024•37 min•Season 3Ep. 19
Send us a text Join Kirk and Andy as they welcome the incredibly talented Manuel Martinez. Manuel, an extraordinary illustrator, artist, and concept developer, shares his journey from an academic path to becoming a renowned comic artist. Known for his intricate storytelling and dynamic artwork, Manuel talks about his inspirations, challenges, and the evolution of his artistic career. In this lively and candid conversation, Kirk and Andy dive into Manuel's creative process, his experiences with e...
Jul 30, 2024•42 min•Season 3Ep. 18
Send us a text In this episode, Kirk and Andy welcome the multi-talented Vic Lee. Vic shares his incredible journey from a successful graphic designer to a renowned mural artist and storyteller. Hear about his creative process, the impact of life experiences, including a close brush with death, and his innovative travel-inspired artworks. Vic’s humor shines through as he discusses his stand-up comedy and unique lettering style. This episode is a blend of inspiration, humor, and heartfelt moments...
Jun 27, 2024•38 min•Season 3Ep. 17
Send us a text Join hosts Kirk and Andy as they chat with Laura Silverman, a mental health advocate and non-alcoholic beverage enthusiast. Laura shares her journey to sobriety at 24 and her passion for promoting sober living through her projects, Zero Proof Nation, Booze Free in DC, and the Sobriety Collective. In this episode, Laura discusses the importance of non-alcoholic options in social settings, her favorite brands, and the evolution of the non-alcoholic beverage industry. She also highli...
Jun 09, 2024•43 min•Season 3Ep. 16
Send us a text 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 chall...
May 20, 2024•47 min•Season 3Ep. 15
Send us a text 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 vibrant Florida market, its unique demographics, and how Daniel's team of 27 navigates the dynamic CPG sector. We'll also dive into how l...
Apr 30, 2024•39 min•Season 3Ep. 14
Send us a text 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 boundaries and embracing the unexpected, this episode’s blend of art, adventure, and genuine banter is your perfect match. Learn more a...
Apr 23, 2024•47 min•Season 3Ep. 13
Send us a text 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. From explosive beginnings to navigating the complexities of consumer packaged goods, Becca's journey is a masterclass in branding and...
Apr 14, 2024•44 min•Season 3Ep. 12
Send us a text 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 ...
Mar 19, 2024•37 min•Season 3Ep. 11
Send us a text 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...
Mar 04, 2024•34 min•Season 3Ep. 10
Send us a text 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 reconnecting with old friends and making new ones in the creative and CPG worlds. Andy's stories from Austin to the PodFest in Orlando ...
Feb 26, 2024•20 min•Season 3Ep. 9
Send us a text 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 vibrant pickle dips that pop off the shelf to elegant tea tins that whisper sophistication, this episode is like a walking tour through a ...
Feb 26, 2024•35 min•Season 3Ep. 8
