The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast
131 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 days ago - ★★★★★ - 6 ratingsKirk 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.
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Episodes
The Foundations of Design for CPG - Part 1
February 28, 2022 17:00 - 26 minutes - 18.3 MBWhere to start? Well - if you're thinking about launching a product and need some packaging design - then this episode of Kirk & Kurtts would be the PERFECT place to begin. In this 2 part episode, Kirk & Andy discuss some of the foundational elements of a packaging design project - including brand strategy, figuring out what kind of format your product is going into, dielines, etc. In the next episode Kirk & Andy will cover more - and hopefully after you've listened you're ready to hit th...
Kirk & Kurtts #15: Designsplaining: Part One
February 28, 2022 17:00 - 26 minutes - 18.3 MBWhere to start? Well - if you're thinking about launching a product and need some packaging design - then this episode of Kirk & Kurtts would be the PERFECT place to begin. In this 2 part episode, Kirk & Andy discuss some of the foundational elements of a packaging design project - including brand strategy, figuring out what kind of format your product is going into, dielines, etc. In the next episode Kirk & Andy will cover more - and hopefully after you've listened you're ready to hit th...
Kirk & Kurtts #14: e-Commplish Something Pretty
February 14, 2022 23:00 - 34 minutes - 23.5 MBRemember the excitement of getting a package? Neither do we - since we get packages all times of the day everyday - BUT - because of all that volume how do you make an impression with your customers? Enter the eCommerce/shipper design: it's what tells your customers "Damn - that product I ordered has finally got here and I'm so excited!" Or it tells them "What's this sketch anonymous brown box thrown on my porch - I'm going to carefully open it just in case." You can guess which feeling y...
Ecommerce Unboxing & Shipper Design
February 14, 2022 23:00 - 34 minutes - 23.5 MBRemember the excitement of getting a package? Neither do we - since we get packages all times of the day everyday - BUT - because of all that volume how do you make an impression with your customers? Enter the eCommerce/shipper design: it's what tells your customers "Damn - that product I ordered has finally got here and I'm so excited!" Or it tells them "What's this sketch anonymous brown box thrown on my porch - I'm going to carefully open it just in case." You can guess which feeling y...
Mood Board and Design Preparation
February 08, 2022 19:00 - 37 minutes - 25.9 MBEmbark on a design project without a moodboard at your own peril. Whether they're finely tuned canvases of inspiration or slapped together pixelated beautiful messes, moodboards have a place in the creative process. Join Kirk & Andy as they dive into all things moodboard - how to build them, where to look for inspiration, and why they're important. Enjoy! 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 th...
Kirk & Kurtts #13: Current Mood: Board
February 08, 2022 19:00 - 37 minutes - 25.9 MBEmbark on a design project without a moodboard at your own peril. Whether they're finely tuned canvases of inspiration or slapped together pixelated beautiful messes, moodboards have a place in the creative process. Join Kirk & Andy as they dive into all things moodboard - how to build them, where to look for inspiration, and why they're important. Enjoy! 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 th...
Pantone and Color Design Deep Dive
February 03, 2022 17:34 - 33 minutes - 23.1 MBPantone. PMS. Chips. All the swatch books. IYKYK. In this week's episode, Kirk & Kurtts dive into the importance of working with Pantone specified colors - which is literally a universal language among all designers and printers no matter the language. Too many times client's don't like the color they see on screen - but guess what - that doesn't matter - because it's what's on press that matters. And if you're about to hit "print" on 50,000 pouch bags or labels - you're gonna want to be cle...
Kirk & Kurtts #12: Don't be a Pantone in the Butt
February 03, 2022 17:34 - 33 minutes - 23.1 MBPantone. PMS. Chips. All the swatch books. IYKYK. In this week's episode, Kirk & Kurtts dive into the importance of working with Pantone specified colors - which is literally a universal language among all designers and printers no matter the language. Too many times client's don't like the color they see on screen - but guess what - that doesn't matter - because it's what's on press that matters. And if you're about to hit "print" on 50,000 pouch bags or labels - you're gonna want to be cle...
Kirk & Kurtts #11: Allow My Presentation to Introduce...My Presentation
January 26, 2022 22:00 - 46 minutes - 32.2 MBDesigning an amazing concept is one thing. Bringing it to life and showing your client how it will live out in the real world is a whole other thing. That is the key to giving your ideas their best shot when going into a creative review. In this episode, Kirk & Andy discus how they approach presenting creative ideas, best practices, and tools and tips to help you nail that next concept presentation. Enjoy! Links mentioned in the episode la croix concept exploration by Kirk: https://www.min...
The Importance of Presentation Design
January 26, 2022 22:00 - 46 minutes - 32.2 MBDesigning an amazing concept is one thing. Bringing it to life and showing your client how it will live out in the real world is a whole other thing. That is the key to giving your ideas their best shot when going into a creative review. In this episode, Kirk & Andy discus how they approach presenting creative ideas, best practices, and tools and tips to help you nail that next concept presentation. Enjoy! Links mentioned in the episode la croix concept exploration by Kirk: https://www.min...
Kirk & Kurtts #10: You're Killing My Design, Smalls
January 19, 2022 21:57 - 35 minutes - 24.3 MBBehind any great design is about a dozen killed designs. Whether it gets derailed because of a client's subjective feelings or a production detail from prepress - our perfect designs sometimes go off the rails and die a horrible death! Listen in as Kirk and Kurtts talk shop about what they've encountered and how they handled the heartbreak. 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...
Killed Designs
January 19, 2022 21:57 - 35 minutes - 24.3 MBBehind any great design is about a dozen killed designs. Whether it gets derailed because of a client's subjective feelings or a production detail from prepress - our perfect designs sometimes go off the rails and die a horrible death! Listen in as Kirk and Kurtts talk shop about what they've encountered and how they handled the heartbreak. 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...
Design New Year's Resolutions
January 11, 2022 20:38 - 37 minutes - 25.5 MBIn this episode, Kirk & Kurtts take the tradition of making New Year's resolutions and put a design spin on them. Listen in as they discuss what they WILL and WON'T be doing in their design work for 2022. Who knows - maybe it'll inspire you to write your own New Year's Design Resolutions. Enjoy! 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 sh...
Kirk & Kurtts #9: Viva la Resolution!
January 11, 2022 20:38 - 37 minutes - 25.5 MBIn this episode, Kirk & Kurtts take the tradition of making New Year's resolutions and put a design spin on them. Listen in as they discuss what they WILL and WON'T be doing in their design work for 2022. Who knows - maybe it'll inspire you to write your own New Year's Design Resolutions. Enjoy! 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 sh...
Lisa Laird, President at Laird & Company, a family-owned distillery, famous for Apple Brandy
December 24, 2021 18:46 - 47 minutes - 32.6 MBIn this episode, Kirk & Kurtts have the incredible honor of chatting with Lisa Laird-Dunn, COO of Laird & Company, America's OLDEST distillery - makers of the famous Applejack. If it isn't part of your holiday (or everyday) bar then you are missing out on one of the most important and historic spirits out there! We discuss their packaging evolution (all 300 years of it!) and how they maintain brand consistency into today. Lisa Laird-Dunn provides amazing insight into how Laird & Company has...
Kirk & Kurtts #8: This is a Laird Conversation
December 24, 2021 18:46 - 47 minutes - 32.6 MBIn this episode, Kirk & Kurtts have the incredible honor of chatting with Lisa Laird-Dunn, COO of Laird & Company, America's OLDEST distillery - makers of the famous Applejack. If it isn't part of your holiday (or everyday) bar then you are missing out on one of the most important and historic spirits out there! We discuss their packaging evolution (all 300 years of it!) and how they maintain brand consistency into today. Lisa Laird-Dunn provides amazing insight into how Laird & Company has...
Design & Music Inspiration
December 15, 2021 22:00 - 38 minutes - 26.4 MBIn this episode Kirk and Andy discuss the music they design to. For them, it's a spiritual thing - a medium that helps them transcend. It's maybe house techno or heavy metal - or even the Boss - whatever it is you can guarantee music is playing while Kirk and Kurtts are designing. Listen in as they reminisce and share their favorites. Who knows - you might discover your next work jam. Links from the episode: Above & Beyond Group Therapy (one of Andy's faves) The Boss KCRW Radiohead - Ev...
Kirk & Kurtts #7: Design by Discotheque
December 15, 2021 22:00 - 38 minutes - 26.4 MBIn this episode Kirk and Andy discuss the music they design to. For them, it's a spiritual thing - a medium that helps them transcend. It's maybe house techno or heavy metal - or even the Boss - whatever it is you can guarantee music is playing while Kirk and Kurtts are designing. Listen in as they reminisce and share their favorites. Who knows - you might discover your next work jam. Links from the episode: Above & Beyond Group Therapy (one of Andy's faves) The Boss KCRW Radiohead - Ev...
Back of Pack Packaging Design
December 07, 2021 20:38 - 39 minutes - 27.4 MBWho else is obsessed with the back of packaging? Anyone? Just us? Well we're talking about it anyways! Because after this episode you'll be flipping over every bag, bottle and box you can find. Join us as we breakdown the elements on the back of pack and discuss the importance of it being well designed. We also share some great resources and examples - linked below: Miller Creative Pinterest Oatly Examples Support the show About Kirk and Andy. Kirk Visola is the Creative Director and F...
Kirk & Kurtts #6: Baby Got Back of the Pack
December 07, 2021 20:38 - 39 minutes - 27.4 MBWho else is obsessed with the back of packaging? Anyone? Just us? Well we're talking about it anyways! Because after this episode you'll be flipping over every bag, bottle and box you can find. Join us as we breakdown the elements on the back of pack and discuss the importance of it being well designed. We also share some great resources and examples - linked below: Miller Creative Pinterest Oatly Examples Support the show About Kirk and Andy. Kirk Visola is the Creative Director and Fou...
Kirk & Kurtts #5: 60% of the Time, Redesigns Work Everytime
November 23, 2021 17:27 - 49 minutes - 34.3 MBRedesigns...can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em. Amiright? This week Kirk & Kurtts beat a few dead horses discussing redesigns that have launched recently. So pull up your arm chair creative director and join us for our lively discussion! Links in this episode: Campbell's Soup redesign Burger King redesign Anchor Steam redesign Chobani redesign Sakura Micron redesign (by Kirk!) Support the show About Kirk and Andy. Kirk Visola is the Creative Director and Founder of MIND THE ...
Packaging & Branding Redesigns
November 23, 2021 17:27 - 49 minutes - 34.3 MBRedesigns...can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em. Amiright? This week Kirk & Kurtts beat a few dead horses discussing redesigns that have launched recently. So pull up your arm chair creative director and join us for our lively discussion! Links in this episode: Campbell's Soup redesign Burger King redesign Anchor Steam redesign Chobani redesign Sakura Micron redesign (by Kirk!) Support the show About Kirk and Andy. Kirk Visola is the Creative Director and Founder of MIND TH...
Kirk & Kurtts #5: 60% of the Time, Redesigns Works Everytime
November 23, 2021 17:27 - 49 minutes - 34.3 MBRedesigns...can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em. Amiright? This week Kirk & Kurtts beat a few dead horses discussing redesigns that have launched recently. So pull up your arm chair creative director and join us for our lively discussion! Links in this episode: Campbell's Soup redesign Burger King redesign Anchor Steam redesign Chobani redesign Sakura Micron redesign (by Kirk!) About Kirk and Andy: Kirk Visola is the Creative Director and Founder of MIND THE FONT™. He brings...
Kirk & Kurtts #4: Call Outs, Violators, and Bugs, OH MY!!
November 16, 2021 17:01 - 38 minutes - 26.5 MBWhether you call them callouts, violators, or bugs - we all notice them! They are a necessary evil on all packaging design and Kirk & Kurtts are here to break them down for you. These design elements can help you stake your claim in a crowded category and speak directly to you target consumer. But when is too much? Or not enough. Listen in as we dissect these creature features and give you the inside scoop from a packaging designer's perspective. Links featured in this episode: 6:51 - Ch...
Call Outs, Violators, and Bug Design
November 16, 2021 17:01 - 38 minutes - 26.5 MBWhether you call them callouts, violators, or bugs - we all notice them! They are a necessary evil on all packaging design and Kirk & Kurtts are here to break them down for you. These design elements can help you stake your claim in a crowded category and speak directly to you target consumer. But when is too much? Or not enough. Listen in as we dissect these creature features and give you the inside scoop from a packaging designer's perspective. Links featured in this episode: 6:51 - Ch...
FDA Guidelines & Design - what to know
November 09, 2021 17:00 - 38 minutes - 26.4 MBThis week we're all about the requirements: statement of identity, net weight, nutrition facts panel, ingredients statement...and so on. In this episode you'll learn why these annoying (but necessary) elements of packaging design are so damn important and hear a cautionary tale of an inexperienced packaging designer who didn't follow the guidelines (spoiler alert: they have to go back to the drawing board.) We also share our tips & tricks so you never get tripped up by these regulations ag...
Kirk & Kurtts #3: What the FDA?!?!
November 09, 2021 17:00 - 38 minutes - 26.4 MBThis week we're all about the requirements: statement of identity, net weight, nutrition facts panel, ingredients statement...and so on. In this episode you'll learn why these annoying (but necessary) elements of packaging design are so damn important and hear a cautionary tale of an inexperienced packaging designer who didn't follow the guidelines (spoiler alert: they have to go back to the drawing board.) We also share our tips & tricks so you never get tripped up by these regulations ag...
The Great Pumpkin Beer Design Review
November 02, 2021 17:26 - 50 minutes - 34.6 MBOh man, it's that time of the year again. Get your PSL ready to go. Actually, get your PSB ready to go. That's right. We break down the time of year when all of the specialty pumpkin beers come out. What opportunities arise from doing this? What is the allure about pumpkin beer packaging? Below is the time when we break down some fun packaging and discuss key elements for each, how they are exacted in the design, and what is necessary to convey that it is a pumpkin beer. These are the...
Kirk & Kurtts #2: It's the Great Pumpkin...Beer
November 02, 2021 17:26 - 50 minutes - 34.6 MBOh man, it's that time of the year again. Get your PSL ready to go. Actually, get your PSB ready to go. That's right. We break down the time of year when all of the specialty pumpkin beers come out. What opportunities arise from doing this? What is the allure about pumpkin beer packaging? Below is the time when we break down some fun packaging and discuss key elements for each, how they are exacted in the design, and what is necessary to convey that it is a pumpkin beer. These are the...
Kirk & Kurtts #1: The brand is Ugly, but the packaging is not
October 25, 2021 21:46 - 30 minutes - 20.7 MBIn our first episode, Andy and Kirk talk about the brand Ugly Sparkling Water and Bruiladdich's Classic Lady Single Malt Islay Scotch. We also discuss and debrief Expo East and Andy's quick walkthrough. Listen in. Have some fun. And hope you learn a bit. Kirk & Kurtts is a fun and sometimes blunt discussion in regards to packaging, what it's like to be a small business owner, and life in general. Every week is different, and every week is fun. Support the show About Kirk and Andy. Kirk Vis...
Welcome to the Kirk & Kurtts Design Podcast
October 25, 2021 21:46 - 30 minutes - 20.7 MBIn our first episode, Andy and Kirk talk about the brand Ugly Sparkling Water and Bruiladdich's Classic Lady Single Malt Islay Scotch. We also discuss and debrief Expo East and Andy's quick walkthrough. Listen in. Have some fun. And hope you learn a bit. Kirk & Kurtts is a fun and sometimes blunt discussion in regards to packaging, what it's like to be a small business owner, and life in general. Every week is different, and every week is fun. Support the show About Kirk and Andy. Kirk V...