The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast

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 first episode here ( https://www.buzzsprout....

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: https://sustainablepackaging.buzzsprout.c...

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 led him to moving his family out to Pal...

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.  Enjoy y'all! Catch up on all episod...

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://www.linkedin.com/posts/nikitaprokhorov_l...

In this episode, the first of two, Kirk & Kurtts have a lively conversation with our good friend Loop Haro, owner of Piggyback Press ( https://www.piggyback.press ) and Fareweather Design ( https://fareweather.design ). We discuss Loop's origin story, running a print shop and design studio... among so many other things. Also - a bonus for our listeners (and reading these show notes!): $20...

In this episode, the second of two, Kirk & Kurtts have a lively conversation with our good friend Loop Haro, owner of Piggyback Press ( https://www.piggyback.press ) and Fareweather Design ( https://fareweather.design ). We discuss Loop's origin story, running a print shop and design studio... among so many other things. Also - a bonus for our listeners (and reading these show notes!): $2...

Shippers, cartons, displays, boxes, .... they go by many names and are an extension of packaging and brand design. They can also look damn cool in the grocery store - if you understand the template and dieline you're working with and leverage the design opportunities. Listen in as Kirk & Kurtts deep dive into these structures and give some tips & tricks on how to work with them. Shout...

Mockups are an essential part of the process for packaging design. In this episode, Kirk & Kurtts discuss when to create mockups, why they're critical to bring your designs to life for clients, and even some tips on how to create them. Kirk's Favorite Mockup Sources: Graphic Pear https://www.graphicpear.com Envato https://www.envato.com/products/ Andy's Favorite Mockup Sources:...

In this episode, Kirk & Kurtts invite friend and fellow designer Nancy Frame on the show to discuss her background, how she got to where she is and her approach to designing packaging. See all of Nancy's work here: https://www.nancyframedesign.com/ and connect with her here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-frame-b1030b4/ Y'all enjoy! Your friends, Kirk & Kurtts Catch up on: All...

In this episode, Kirk & Kurtts dig into the foundations of branding. Designers need a framework and guide to create the best work for brands, but if you as a brand haven't done your groundwork, then we can't create great things for you. And that is literally all we want to do! We discuss restaurant food art direction, how to get your shit together (brand-wise) and why it's so da...

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 des...

This week Kirk & Kurtts are back and discussing all things Expo West with their friend and amazingly talented designer Jamie Panzarella, Brandarella founder & creative director. They discuss the ups and downs of attending the largest natural products trade show held since the pandemic as well as their favorite finds and discoveries from the show. http://brandarella.com/ Listen in - we hope...

In our followup from Part One, Kirk & Kurtts dive right back into the elements needed to make your packaging design project a success. We discuss PDP (principal display panel) elements, back of pack essentials, and the nuances of print specs. Oh and take care of your pre-press team! Listen in and if you have any other questions don't hesitate to reach out: Andy: heyandy@buttermilkcreative...

Where to start? Well - if you're thinking about launching a product and need some packaging design - then this episode of Kirk & Kurtts would be the PERFECT place to begin. In this 2 part episode, Kirk & Andy discuss some of the foundational elements of a packaging design project - including brand strategy, figuring out what kind of format your product is going into, dielines, etc.  I...

Remember the excitement of getting a package? Neither do we - since we get packages all times of the day everyday - BUT - because of all that volume how do you make an impression with your customers?  Enter the eCommerce/shipper design: it's what tells your customers "Damn - that product I ordered has finally got here and I'm so excited!" Or it tells them "What's this...

Embark on a design project without a moodboard at your own peril. Whether they're finely tuned canvases of inspiration or slapped together pixelated beautiful messes, moodboards have a place in the creative process. Join Kirk & Andy as they dive into all things moodboard - how to build them, where to look for inspiration, and why they're important. Enjoy! About Kirk and Andy: Kirk Vi...

Pantone. PMS. Chips. All the swatch books. IYKYK. In this week's episode, Kirk & Kurtts dive into the importance of working with Pantone specified colors - which is literally a universal language among all designers and printers no matter the language. Too many times client's don't like the color they see on screen - but guess what - that doesn't matter - because it's...

Designing an amazing concept is one thing. Bringing it to life and showing your client how it will live out in the real world is a whole other thing. That is the key to giving your ideas their best shot when going into a creative review. In this episode, Kirk & Andy discus how they approach presenting creative ideas, best practices, and tools and tips to help you nail that next concept present...

Behind any great design is about a dozen killed designs. Whether it gets derailed because of a client's subjective feelings or a production detail from prepress - our perfect designs sometimes go off the rails and die a horrible death! Listen in as Kirk and Kurtts talk shop about what they've encountered and how they handled the heartbreak. About Kirk and Andy: Kirk Visola is the Creativ...

In this episode, Kirk & Kurtts take the tradition of making New Year's resolutions and put a design spin on them. Listen in as they discuss what they WILL and WON'T be doing in their design work for 2022. Who knows - maybe it'll inspire you to write your own New Year's Design Resolutions. Enjoy! About Kirk and Andy: Kirk Visola is the Creative Director and Founder of MIND T...

In this episode, Kirk & Kurtts have the incredible honor of chatting with Lisa Laird-Dunn, COO of Laird & Company , America's OLDEST distillery - makers of the famous Applejack. If it isn't part of your holiday (or everyday) bar then you are missing out on one of the most important and historic spirits out there! We discuss their packaging evolution (all 300 years of it!) and how...

In this episode Kirk and Andy discuss the music they design to. For them, it's a spiritual thing - a medium that helps them transcend. It's maybe house techno or heavy metal - or even the Boss - whatever it is you can guarantee music is playing while Kirk and Kurtts are designing. Listen in as they reminisce and share their favorites. Who knows - you might discover your next work jam. Li...

Who else is obsessed with the back of packaging? Anyone? Just us? Well we're talking about it anyways! Because after this episode you'll be flipping over every bag, bottle and box you can find. Join us as we breakdown the elements on the back of pack and discuss the importance of it being well designed. We also share some great resources and examples - linked below: Miller Creative Pinte...

Redesigns...can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em. Amiright? This week Kirk & Kurtts beat a few dead horses discussing redesigns that have launched recently. So pull up your arm chair creative director and join us for our lively discussion!  Links in this episode: Campbell's Soup redesign Burger King redesign Anchor Steam redesign Chobani redesign Sakura Micron r...