The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast

Kirk Visola & Andy Kurtts
  • 5.0 (9)
  • DESIGN
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Kirk Visola and Andy Kurtts take a fun look and analysis at branding and design. The fun nuances, textures, colors, and disruption that branding and all that goes with it may take on. Their insight is fun and honest with the hopes of educating those who tune in. And, being small business owners, they face many of the trials and obstacles that others face and speak towards that as well. No matter what, it's always a good time when these two get together and you might learn a little something new about that pretty little design or branding that you just saw. 

  1. Tamer Kattan: Professional Standup Comedian & Brand Strategist

    JAN 8

    Tamer Kattan: Professional Standup Comedian & Brand Strategist

    Send us a text We couldn't think of a better way to celebrate our 100th episode than by sitting down with Tamer Kattan.  Tamer details his professional experience from intern to  stand up comic, the trouble with having a name that rhymes with "hammer", and a life that is filled with taking risk, and following your passion.  This is one of our most fun and eclectic podcast to date, and we can't thank you all enough for joining us on this journey thus far. Thanks again to Tamer for joining us, and be sure to follow him on social. LinkedIn Instagram You Tube 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

    45 min
  2. Haylee Jordan & Anthony Bradley, Co-Founders at FABRIC

    10/22/2025

    Haylee Jordan & Anthony Bradley, Co-Founders at FABRIC

    Send us a text In this episode, Kirk and Andy sit down with Haylee Jordan and Anthony Bradley, the creative co-founders behind Fabric, a new microdose THC beverage brand that’s part mellow, part mission-driven. Haylee and Anthony walk us through how Fabric went from concept to cans, the chaos of startup pivots, and why good design can’t be an afterthought — even when the product’s not done yet. From the gold-topped packaging to their public benefit corporation status, Fabric is trying to do things differently, on purpose. We get into: The brand’s unexpected founding storyWhat it takes to launch a cannabis beverage in a fast-moving, weirdly regulated spaceTheir approach to naming, product design, and mental health advocacyWhy being “cool” actually matters in CPG brandingMicrodosing vs full-dose THC (and who’s drinking the 10mg cans)Lessons from collaborating as design-first co-foundersWhether you’re into brand building, THC beverages, or just want to hear how creatives launch real products, this one’s worth your time. Website: drinkfabric.com Instagram: @drinkfabric 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

    53 min
  3. Alex Perry, CEO of Right Way Signs, LLC

    10/06/2025

    Alex Perry, CEO of Right Way Signs, LLC

    Send us a text This week, Kirk and Kurtts sit down with Alex Perry, CEO of Right Way, to talk about the evolution of signage from hand-painted murals to high-tech branding experiences. With deep roots in the sign painting world (his dad is still doing murals at 75), Alex shares the real story behind Right Way’s growth from a one-man shop to a trusted signage partner for brands like Nike, Starbucks, and Hilton. We dive into: Growing up around lettering and storefronts in EvanstonWhy Right Way lost a big client — and what they learnedHow digital tech and design-forward thinking rebuilt the businessWhat it’s like to balance creative craft with production at scaleThe problem with clients who think signs are just another invoice lineWhether you’re a designer, business owner, or someone who just loves seeing good design in the wild, this one’s for you. Thanks again to Alex for joining us. Check out Right Way at rightwaysigns.com. Follow us and leave a review if you’re enjoying the show. 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

    54 min
  4. James Barnard, Logo Designer, Design Educator

    06/03/2025

    James Barnard, Logo Designer, Design Educator

    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 client expectations, and why sharing design tutorials on social media became his most powerful business driver. They also discuss: How to build a clean logo design process clients understandUsing “brand nouns” to align early and avoid wasted workThe importance of giving clients time to process designsHow one viral TikTok post unlocked a steady stream of client leadsJames also shares how he balances teaching with client work, why he prioritizes clarity over perfection, and how community sharing has improved both his practice and the industry at large. If you want to sharpen your logo design workflow or learn how to attract clients by teaching what you know, this one’s packed with ideas you can apply. Follow James at barnard.co and @barnardco on Instagram Connect with James on LinkedIn Follow Kirk at mindthefont.com. Follow Andy at buttermilkcreative.com. Enjoying the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a designer who’s figuring out their own creative process. 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

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

    05/12/2025

    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 world, and how she’s rewriting the rules of branding with cultural integrity and bold simplicity. She talks candidly about breaking out of agency life, founding her own studio, and why she’s manifesting collaborations with legacy Asian brands looking to expand into the U.S. market. Expect real talk about: Growing up as a first-gen creative and finding identity through designNavigating agency life as a woman of colorThe difference between good design and good deliveryWhy “ugly” packaging can still sell — and what makes it workHer favorite recent project helping modernize traditional Chinese medicineThis one’s packed with insight, honesty, and a whole lot of laughter. Don’t miss it. Connect with Anna here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annaisonconsultant/ 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

    44 min
  6. Selma Makui, Brand Designer & Creative Director Revisit

    04/22/2025

    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 values. We talk about imposter syndrome, client trust, and how art, photography, and personal memory all shape her distinctive visual language. It’s a thoughtful and inspiring conversation with one of the most intuitive and intentional brand designers working today. If you’ve ever felt stuck pushing pixels, Selma’s journey might be exactly what you need to hear. 🎧 Episode highlights: Why Selma prioritizes experience over aestheticsHow a deep discovery process shapes her creative directionThe role of trust and energy in working with foundersHer battle with imposter syndrome — and how she talks herself through itWhy personal values matter more than ever in design partnershipsCheck out Selma's work here: https://selmamakui.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

    30 min
  7. Mike Perry, Chief Creative Officer & Founder 🍻 Leading TAVERN

    04/09/2025

    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 shares his journey from designing promos for MLS and NHL to building branding for Budweiser, Guinness, Pabst, and Smirnoff. He breaks down the thinking behind the recent Old Grand-Dad 16 redesign, how to work with (not against) label regulations, and why the back-of-pack matters just as much as the front. You’ll hear about: • The unglamorous start at NBC Sports—and what you can learn from cropping out athletes • The power of legacy marks and why Tavern’s “modern heritage” philosophy works • What designers get wrong about spirits packaging • Building client trust on brand revivals like Old Crow and Old Grand-Dad • Why design teams should always go through the archives • How bottle structure influences perceived value (and pricing psychology) • When you shouldn’t follow hierarchy—and how to know when to break the rules If you’ve ever wanted to get into spirits branding, or if you’re a packaging nerd who can’t stop redesigning your bourbon shelf in your head, this episode will hit. Mike also talks about the highs and heartbreaks of launching new brands, working with master distillers, and the weird joy of seeing your beer can design in a trash pile after a party—because it means someone loved it. We’ll definitely have him back for a full deep dive into beer design. This is part one. You’ve been warned. Follow Mike’s work at  https://tavern.agency/ and see the Old Grand-Dad 16 case study for yourself. Connect with Mike here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikelperry/ 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

    59 min
  8. Dan Forster, Lettering Artist and Type Designer

    03/13/2025

    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 passing led to a creative revelation. We talk about his early struggles with drawing letters, his detour into graphic design, and the moment he realized that lettering was his true calling. We also dive into: ✔️ The painstaking process behind mastering letterforms (and why drawing a single Helvetica “a” for hours was a turning point). ✔️ His time at top agencies like Elmwood and the leap into freelancing. ✔️ The evolution of lettering in branding and why some iconic wordmarks, like Kahlúa, needed a refresh. ✔️ How he approaches complex lettering projects—including a 30-day masterpiece that landed in Communication Arts. ✔️ The importance of showing process work to clients and why observing letterforms is just as crucial as drawing them. ✔️ The push-and-pull between modern digital tools and the lost art of hand-lettering. We wrap things up with a discussion on the blandification of branding (looking at you, Johnson & Johnson) and the challenge of preserving craft in a world moving toward simplicity. Plus, Dan shares why he thinks it’s never too late to change career paths and go all-in on what you love. If you’re into typography, branding, or just love hearing about the obsessive world of letterforms, this episode is a must-listen. More about Dan Forster: www.danforster.com Connect with Dan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danforster/ 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

    57 min
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5
out of 5
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About

Kirk Visola and Andy Kurtts take a fun look and analysis at branding and design. The fun nuances, textures, colors, and disruption that branding and all that goes with it may take on. Their insight is fun and honest with the hopes of educating those who tune in. And, being small business owners, they face many of the trials and obstacles that others face and speak towards that as well. No matter what, it's always a good time when these two get together and you might learn a little something new about that pretty little design or branding that you just saw. 

Information

  • Creator
    Kirk Visola & Andy Kurtts
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    99
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast