72 episodes

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. 

The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast Kirk Visola & Andy Kurtts

    • Arts
    • 5.0 • 9 Ratings

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. 

    Mike Rosado, Illustrator, Creative Director, Owner at MRC Brand Design. Host of The PENCIL PUSHERS Podcast. Founder of BURNY WILD'S

    Mike Rosado, Illustrator, Creative Director, Owner at MRC Brand Design. Host of The PENCIL PUSHERS Podcast. Founder of BURNY WILD'S

    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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    • 47 min
    Becca Schepps, Creative Director & CPG Founder, Mortal Kombucha & Fortnight Collective

    Becca Schepps, Creative Director & CPG Founder, Mortal Kombucha & Fortnight Collective

    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:
    Support the show

    • 44 min
    Michael Wilson: CPG Creative Director, Designer, Coppergate Design Company

    Michael Wilson: CPG Creative Director, Designer, Coppergate Design Company

    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

    • 36 min
    Pete Brennan, Vice President Innovation, Mattson, Natural Products Executive, Brand Strategist & Commercialization, Board Member at Naturally Network

    Pete Brennan, Vice President Innovation, Mattson, Natural Products Executive, Brand Strategist & Commercialization, Board Member at Naturally Network

    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

    • 34 min
    Austin, TX Visit and Podfest Report Bonus Episode

    Austin, TX Visit and Podfest Report Bonus Episode

    Kirk and Andy dive into the second leg of Andy's adventure, where he swaps the neon lights of Las Vegas for the warm embrace of Austin, TX. After exploring the Fancy Foods Show, Andy catches up with Jamie Panzarella, friend of the pod. From a heartfelt home visit to celebrating the launch of Blue Zones Kitchen, this episode is all about the joy of reconnecting with old friends and making new ones in the creative and CPG worlds. Andy's stories from Austin to the PodFest in Orlando are a reminder of how personal connections and genuine conversations can turn professional journeys into personal ones. So, grab a comfy seat as we share laughs, insights, and the kind of stories that make you feel right at home.
    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

    • 19 min
    Specialty Foods Association Winter Fancy Foods Special Report: Part One

    Specialty Foods Association Winter Fancy Foods Special Report: Part One

    Join Kirk Visola and Andy Kurtts as they dish out the highlights from Andy's recent trip to the Fancy Foods Show in Las Vegas. With a backpack full of stories and a palette for design, Andy takes us through the bustling aisles of the show, sharing his favorite finds and the cool, quirky, and outright delicious products that caught his eye. From vibrant pickle dips that pop off the shelf to elegant tea tins that whisper sophistication, this episode is like a walking tour through a designer's dream pantry. Andy also gives us a peek behind the curtain of the specialty foods world, sharing insights from his panel participation and the buzz around the show floor. Whether you're a foodie, a design lover, or just in for a good story, this episode is packed with tasty tidbits and design delights that'll leave you hungry for more.

    Brands discussed:

    The Drinks Bakery: https://www.thedrinksbakery.com/
    Papalote Salsa: https://papalotesalsa.com/
    La Narval: https://lanarval.com/
    Brook37 Tea: https://brook37.com/
    Plucky Pickle Dip: https://www.pluckypickledip.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

    • 34 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
9 Ratings

9 Ratings

goochua ,

Variety

I love the variety of guests and authentic insight into areas of the industry from true working professionals.

d84838383 ,

LOVE

Super packaging geniuses, it’s a great listen

Doodlebug4567 ,

So informative and fun!

Kirk and Andy are so awesome and I love listening in to their show!

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