Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast

In our latest episode, Kirk Visola (he/him) and Andy Kurtts continue their chat with Alex Center, founder of CENTER, to discuss what it takes to create brands that truly resonate. From Ayoh Foods! to BERO, Alex shares the process behind crafting products that feel both nostalgic and fresh. Tune in to hear about: - How Molly Baz’s love of classic sandwich shops inspired the design for Ayoh! - Balancing familiarity and innovation to create timeless brands. - The behind-the-scenes process of building trust with clients and turning ideas into reality. - What it’s like to launch two major brands in just 30 days—and why collaboration is the key to success. Check it out here: https://lnkd.in/e2yAAXfC #KirkAndKurttsPodcast #BrandDesign #CreativeProcess #ConsumerBrands #DesignStrategy #PodcastEpisode #BrandingInsights

What. A. Year. We've laughed, we’ve cried (mostly from laughing), and most importantly, we’ve built some seriously epic moments together. Here’s a quick (and slightly unhinged) year in review: We published 22 episodes! That's a ton of great conversations. Us and David Hasselhoff: very popular in Germany. Thanks to the fine folks (or possibly just one very smart folk) who reside in Frankfurt, Germany for being the most dedicated listeners in the WORLD. Wow! Special shout out to Greensboro (thats all my downloads), Battle Creek, Michigan (we see you Rifle Hughes), Guyton, Georgia, and all our friends down in Austin! Thanks for listening day in and day out! Top episodes: we've been so lucky to have chatted with so many great guests this year - but these episodes in particular resonated with our audience: 1. Fred Hart - That's no surprise - Fred shared his unique approach to strategic design and it's a killer episode- catch up here: https://lnkd.in/ezp6QVRx 2. Pete Brennan - what a great convo around innovation and CPG: https://lnkd.in/eEV8KYGE 3. Amber Walls - deep dive into UPCs - fascinating world of Amber's: https://lnkd.in/eStFjNd6 4. Integral CPG, Rifle Hughes & Glenn Pappalardo - Rifle & Glenn share their new journey and approach into Integral CPG: https://lnkd.in/eEYGYdEp 5. Amanda DeVries, RGD - Beyond talented designer and part time farmer/engineer, Amanda shared some of her fave projects with us and gave insights into her creative process: https://lnkd.in/eHVSKPCB Just shy of 2000 downloads makes our hearts full - we're so thankful for all our listeners and especially our guests. We're ALREADY cooking up some great new episodes for 2025 - can't wait to continue on this journey! If you're traveling this holiday season go ahead and catch up on all 22 episodes from this year - and when you're done reach back into the archive.

On the latest Podcast, Kirk Visola (he/him) and Andy Kurtts sit down with Brooklyn-based designer and founder of CENTER, Alex Center. From designing for Vitamin Water / Coca-Cola to launching the premium non-alcoholic beer brand BERO alongside Tom Holland (freaking Spider Man!), Alex shares his journey of building brands that stand out. We chat with Alex about: The real value of in-house design (hint: it’s anything but boring). How BERO sets a new gold standard in non-alcoholic beer branding. Why great design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about experience. If you love design, branding, or just nerding out over gold can tops and tactile finishes, this one’s for you. Give it a listen here: https://lnkd.in/eKwwAc3w #DesignPodcast #Branding #PackagingDesign #KirkAndKurtts #AlexCenter #Bureau #DesignExcellence #CreativeInspiration

Have you ever wondered how a passion for design can transform into a thriving business? In the latest episode of the Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast, we sit down with the inspiring Lex Evan® 🍫🍪 Evan, founder, CEO, and chief of LEXINGTON BAKES . Lex’s journey is a testament to bold creativity, resilience, and following your curiosity. From a stellar 15-year career in brand strategy and design at global powerhouses like Johnson & Johnson to launching an eco-conscious luxury dessert brand, Lex shares it all:  Turning Instagram brownies into a $5K pre-sale in five days.  Using storytelling and strategy to differentiate in the crowded CPG market.  The ups and downs of entrepreneurship (and why they wouldn’t trade the journey).  Insights into supporting women and gender minority leaders in business.  This episode is packed with inspiration for designers, entrepreneurs, and anyone with a dream of making something truly impactful. Listen now: https://lnkd.in/eKF86mRn #DesignPodcast #Entrepreneurship #LexingtonBakes #BrandStrategy #Sustainability #DesignThinking #CreativeJourney  

In our latest episode, Kirk Visola (he/him) and Andy Kurtts sit down with digital powerhouse Samantha Fagan —a true "Swiss Army knife" of design and development. From HTML and CSS coding to strategic branding for nonprofits, Sam’s expertise covers it all. Sam’s journey highlights the importance of finding (and being) a mentor in creative fields. From garden adventures in West Virginia to a fun Star Wars debate, we cover it all. Don’t miss this episode if you’re navigating design, development, or digital branding and looking for practical advice on balancing creativity with strategy. Listen here: https://lnkd.in/eYtDh8JW #DesignPodcast #DigitalStrategy #Mentorship #WebDesign #CreativeIndustries #KirkAndKurttsPodcast #SmallBusiness

This week, Kirk Visola (he/him) and Andy Kurtts sit down with Fred Hart, who is embarking on a new chapter in an already accomplished career. Fred’s journey into design is all about passion, strategy, and relationships. From growing up in Hawaii sketching sneakers to co-founding one of the most impactful packaging design agencies, his path is a blend of creativity, business acumen, and love for the craft. We hit all the highlights: Sneaker Love: Hear Fred's early inspirations from basketball sneakers and how a love for slam dunks and design led to a thriving creative career. The Art of the Sell: How understanding your client's business language can elevate your design work to a whole new level. Relationship Matters: The best design work comes from strong client relationships—Fred shares his tips on balancing creative vision with client needs. Creative Strategy: Why every great designer needs to think like a strategist, and how Fred managed to merge both worlds seamlessly. Tune in now! https://lnkd.in/ezp6QVRx #designpodcast #branding #packagingdesign #designstrategy #KirkandKurtts #podcast #designlife #sneakerhead #creativebusiness #relationshipbuilding #creativedirector

This week, Kirk Visola (he/him) and Andy Kurtts dive into the fascinating world of barcodes with Amber Walls, a leading expert from GS1 US. In our latest episode, appropriately titled "Cornholes, Coupons, and Codes", Amber shares her journey into the barcode universe (yes, it all started at a Cornhole game!) and how barcode technology is transforming retail, packaging, and supply chains globally. From the evolution of the iconic UPCs to the future of 2D scanning and QR codes, this episode is packed with information every designer, retailer, and business owner should know. Whether you're curious about how those little black-and-white lines impact your day-to-day shopping or want to geek out over the tech behind it—we cover it all! Key Takeaways: - The history and future of barcode technology - How standards and tech streamline the retail experience - Fun insights into Amber’s passion for all things barcodes! 🎙️ Listen now and join us as we uncover the hidden stories behind the everyday tech we often overlook: https://lnkd.in/eDcZ_hMq #PodcastEpisode #Barcodes #RetailTechnology #QRcodes #UPC #GS1 #DesignPodcast #PackagingDesign #Ecommerce #SupplyChainSolutions #Entrepreneurship #CreativeBusiness

A new Kirk + Kurtts episode is here, and it’s packed with insights you don’t want to miss! This week, Kirk Visola (he/him) and Andy Kurtts chat with Rifle Hughes and Glenn Pappalardo from Integral CPG to explore the dynamic world of brand strategy and innovation. Ever wondered how to balance creativity with strategic thinking? How to break down silos and foster collaboration across different teams? Or how to navigate the complex landscape of brand building in today’s competitive market? This episode has all the answers! Key Takeaways: - The power of cross-functional collaboration in driving innovation - How to integrate creative thinking into every stage of brand strategy - Real-world examples and actionable advice from industry leaders Whether you’re a designer, marketer, entrepreneur, or just passionate about creativity and strategy, this episode is for you! 🔗 Listen here: https://lnkd.in/gF4NgDic Join us on this journey as we dive deep into the minds of two brilliant strategists and uncover the secrets to successful brand building. Don’t miss out—tune in today! #Podcast #BrandStrategy #Creativity #Innovation #DesignThinking #Collaboration #Marketing #Entrepreneurship #KirkAndKurttsPodcast #IntegralCPG #LinkedInLearning

In our latest episode, Kirk Visola (he/him) and Andy Kurtts sit down with the awesome Craig Steckbeck, a creative director with nearly two decades of experience in the design industry. Craig has spent his career raising the creative bar, from building memorable brands to solving complex design challenges across various industries. What You’ll Discover in This Episode: - Craig's journey from design school to becoming a creative leader in the industry. He was a huge part in the brand development of Sweet Leaf Tea. - The role of empathy in design and why it’s crucial for successful projects. - Insights into Austin's thriving creative community and the impact of the SKU mentoring program on startup brands. - The unique processes Craig uses to bring big ideas to life, and how they differ across industries. Whether you’re a designer, a brand strategist, or just someone who loves hearing creative stories, this episode has something for you. 🔗 Tune in now and get inspired! https://lnkd.in/eVQKHa7A #Podcast #Design #Creativity #BrandStrategy #DesignThinking #EmpathyInDesign #CreativeProcess #SKUProgram #KirkAndKurttsPodcast #NewEpisode

Check out our latest episode, as Kirk Visola (he/him) and Andy Kurtts dive deep into the fascinating world of consumer research with our special guest, Richard Moniz 👀, founder of Rich Insights Research. 🌟 Rich brings over a decade of experience in the research industry, specializing in innovative techniques like eye tracking, facial coding, and other neuro and emotive methodologies. His mission? To help brands understand their shoppers and make a positive impact on our planet. 🌍 In this episode, you'll discover: 🔍 How eye tracking and advanced research techniques provide a deeper dive into consumer behavior. 👁️ The impact of physical differences and distractions on shopper eye patterns. 📊 The importance of demographic insights in product marketing. 📦 Practical advice for brands to improve shelf presence and product appeal. 🛒 Real-world examples of successful packaging redesigns informed by eye tracking data. Rich shares his journey from construction to founding Rich Insights, emphasizing the importance of understanding consumer behavior and leveraging advanced research techniques to compete with industry giants. He also explains how even small brands can access these insights affordably through online platforms. Join us for this engaging conversation filled with valuable insights that can help your brand stand out in a crowded marketplace. Whether you're a seasoned marketer or just starting out, this episode offers actionable takeaways to enhance your brand strategy and consumer understanding. 🎧 Listen now and transform your brand strategy with insights from one of the industry's leading experts: https://lnkd.in/eaKuQG8P #Podcast #ConsumerInsights #EyeTracking #MarketingStrategy #Branding #CPG #PackagingDesign #MarketResearch #KirkAndKurttsPodcast #RichInsights