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The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast

Kirk Visola & Andy Kurtts

96 episodes

2 weeks ago

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 clie...

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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 clie...

Show more...

Episodes (20/96)

The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast

James Barnard, Logo Designer, Design Educator

Send us a text James Barnard didn’t plan on becoming a freelancer. He didn’t even want to work for himself. But after years inside big UK agencies — building brands for Wimbledon, Virgin, and Disney — life pushed him into independence. And it stuck. Now, with over 200K followers across platforms and a solo studio model that works on his terms, James has become a recognizable voice in branding. Not just for the work, but for the honesty. In this episode, Kirk and Andy talk with James about the...

1 month ago

41 minutes

The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast

Anna Ison, CPG Packaging & Brand Designer, Founder at Auros Design Studio, Strategic FMCG Packaging & Branding Design Consultant

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 worl...

2 months ago

44 minutes

The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast

Selma Makui, Brand Designer & Creative Director Revisit

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 v...

2 months ago

30 minutes

The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast

Mike Perry, Chief Creative Officer & Founder 🍻 Leading TAVERN

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 s...

3 months ago

59 minutes

The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast

Dan Forster, Lettering Artist and Type Designer

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 pass...

4 months ago

57 minutes

The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast

Lindsey Meredith, Logo/visual Brand Identity Designer, Letterer, Illustrator

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 lett...

4 months ago

48 minutes

The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast

Jake Karls, Co-Founder & Rainmaker of Mid-Day Squares

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. He...

5 months ago

55 minutes

The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast

Emily Winston, Founder & CEO of Boichik Bagels, Engineer

Send us a textWhat 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 lege...

5 months ago

57 minutes

The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast

Joel Herrera, Artist, Illustrator, Poster Designer, UX Designer, Product Designer, Instructor, Teacher

Send us a textThis 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•J...

5 months ago

49 minutes

The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast

Alex Center, Founder at CENTER, Design Director, Graphic Designer, Packaging & Branding, Part Two

Send us a textIn 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...

6 months ago

27 minutes

The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast

Alex Center, Founder at CENTER, Design Director, Graphic Designer, Packaging & Branding, Part One

Send us a textIn 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 p...

7 months ago

38 minutes

The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast

Autumnal Beers & Jeers, Pumpkin Beer Review

Send us a textIn 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 break...

7 months ago

40 minutes

The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast

Lex Evan, Founder, CEO & Chef at LEXINGTON BAKES, Designer, Creative

Send us a textJoin 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...

8 months ago

48 minutes

The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast

Samantha Fagan, Website Strategist and Developer, Web Design, UX/UI, and WordPress Expertise

Send us a textIn 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 A...

8 months ago

54 minutes

The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast

Fred Hart, Creative Consultant & Design Strategist at Hart Brands, Advisor, Mentor

Send us a textKicking 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...

9 months ago

51 minutes

The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast

Amber Walls, Senior Director, Global Standards at GS1 US

Send us a textJoin 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...

10 months ago

41 minutes

The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast

Integral CPG, Rifle Hughes, Co-founder, Glenn Pappalardo, Co-Founder, Strategy & Innovation for Food and Beverage Brands

Send us a textIn 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 ...

10 months ago

40 minutes

The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast

Craig Steckbeck, Creative Director, Mentor, Chief Marketing Officer & Director of Innovation

Send us a textIn 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 th...

11 months ago

42 minutes

The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast

Richard Moniz, Founder Rich Insights Research, Eye-Tracking & Neuro & Emotive Methodologies for Small and Mid-size CPGs

Send us a textJoin 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. R...

11 months ago

37 minutes

The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast

Manuel Martinez: Concept artist and illustrator at The Symbol Syndicate

Send us a textJoin 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 ...

11 months ago

41 minutes