The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast

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...

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 techn...

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 co...

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...

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 favor...

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,...

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 demogra...

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,...

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...

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 insig...

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 i...

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 el...

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...

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 the controversy over major brand redesigns to t...

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 discussion, she delves into her experiences at NASA, her ro...

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 thinking. Listeners will be treated to a journey through...

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 can find her dreaming up my next trip, snacking o...

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 evolu...

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/ Send us Fan Mail Support the show...

🎨 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 capture hearts and fly off shelves. 🚀 Kirk...

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 creativity—relationships take center stage too. We div...

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...

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 mental toll the industry can take and shares tips f...

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 touch on the differences between offset printing an...

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 focused on a common goal. Tune in for an insightfu...