The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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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:

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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 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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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 breakdowns. Listen as they:

• Celebrate standout packaging from brands like Go Brewing, Rogue, and Dunkin’s innovative spiked latte line.
• Discuss the creative risks (or lack thereof) in the seasonal branding world.
• Highlight clever typography, textures, and storytelling elements in limited-time packaging.

The conversation doesn’t stop at beverages! Kirk and Andy also reflect on what makes seasonal designs resonate emotionally with consumers, the importance of nostalgia in marketing, and the missed opportunities of brands playing it too safe.

Crack open your favorite fall drink (pumpkin or not) and join the fun! 🍂✨

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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 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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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, offering valuable insights into the world of design and personal growth.

Connect with Vic:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicleelondon/

View Vic's work:
https://viclee.co.uk/viclee.co.uk/Vic_Lee.html

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 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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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 highlights her work with NA Dossier and collaboration with Haley Jordan.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about mental health, sobriety, and the growing world of non-alcoholic beverages.

Connect with Laura Silverman:

• Zero Proof Nation (https://zeroproofnation.com/)
• LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurasilverman/)

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 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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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/)

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 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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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 luck, perseverance, and passion shape business success in this field, providing a candid look at growing and thriving in Florida's retail landscape.

Connect with Daniel here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dqfpr/

Learn more about Front Page Retail here:
http://www.frontpageretail.com/

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 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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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 about MRC Studio here: https://mrcraleigh.com/

Connect with Mike here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikerosadomrc/

Learn more about Burny Wild's here: https://burnywilds.com/

Listen to the Pencil Pushers website here: https://pencilpusherspodcast.libsyn.com/

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 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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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 innovation. Tune in to uncover the secrets behind Mortal Kombucha’s success and get inspired to inject more creativity into your projects!

Learn more about Mortal Kombucha here: https://drinkmortal.com/

Connect with Becca: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bescka/

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 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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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/

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 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

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 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/

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 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