The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast

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 conversation. And, Andy and Kirk can sa...

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, and thank you for listening.  Send us Fan Mail...

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.nikitaprokhorov.com/ Lea...

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 the evolution of in-house design teams over the yea...

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 Send us Fan Mail 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 exper...

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 brand she has been working with from start to fin...

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, and how being kind and empathetic towards people...

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 t...

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....

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 mind set when it comes to working with clie...

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 being a successful designer working with some...

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/ ) Send us Fan Mail 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 experience to the packaging...

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 are in his blood). He also shares his perspecti...

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 his site: Adam Peek is a father of 5...

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 Rabbit Hole. It's a great discussion with...

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 the sparkling water space. We break down t...

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 (Justin and Kat) gained extensive...

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 was made. And, as usualy, Kirk trust Andy and...

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 "great work solves all problems." And,...

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 they recognize some of the best startups i...

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.com Enjoy y'all! Ca...

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 elite Brand Identity Designer status. You can vi...

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 Evelio's Package Design Unboxd here ( https...

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 Kirk and Andy Kirk Visola is the Creati...

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 - all the while becoming a ca...