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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 lettering and design shaped her career. She walks us through her journey—from starting in screen printing to navigating the challenges of freelancing and ultimately honing her niche in sports branding and custom typography. We dive into: ✅ The impact of early artistic influences and how Lindsay’s dad’s craft set the foundation for her career ✅ The evolution of her work, from offset printing to digital illustration and custom lettering ✅ How she balances branding, illustration, and lettering to create unique, memorable logos ✅ The power of self-initiated projects and why personal work can attract dream clients ✅ Lessons learned from building a sustainable freelance business ✅ Why animation and 3D design are next on her creative radar Lindsay also shares insights into her design process, how she captures the essence of a brand, and the importance of presenting work in context to help clients see the bigger picture. Plus, we geek out over the Omaha Supernovas, her sports branding projects, and what it’s like to see Jason Derulo rocking one of her designs. If you’re a designer looking to carve out your niche, embrace creative exploration, or break into sports branding, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. 🔗 Learn more about Lindsay Meredith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindseykm/ View her work here: https://www.lindseykm.com/ Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a fellow creative!  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

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 shares his personal struggle with burnout, the mental and physical toll of constant hustle, and how he rebuilt himself—one small step at a time. 🚀 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ The cost of chasing external validation and redefining success. ✔️ Jake’s breaking point at Expo West—and why it changed everything. ✔️ How hypnotherapy helped him regain control and mental clarity. ✔️ The power of showing up, making real connections, and being present. ✔️ Why authenticity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a competitive advantage. From family business dynamics to building an emotional brand that resonates, this episode is packed with raw insights, hard-earned lessons, and straight-up real talk. Whether you’re a founder, creative, or just someone grinding toward their goals, Jake’s story is a must-listen. 💡 Final Thought: “All that matters is where your two feet are.” – Jake Karls 👉 Tune in now and let it rain! 🎧🔥 📍Get your Mid-Day Squares fix: mid-daysquares.com 📍Connect with Jake here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-karls-653106ba/ 🎙️ Don’t forget to rate, review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it! 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

Send us a text What 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 legendary H&H Bagels from NYC. • The challenges of scaling from a small passion project to multiple locations and a frozen bagel empire. • The historic significance of Boychick’s flagship location, which was the original home of Noah’s Bagels, and how she got the founder’s blessing to continue the tradition. • How Boychick stands out, not just for its bagels, but for its bold social justice stance and commitment to inclusivity. Why listen? Whether you’re a bagel purist, a food entrepreneur, or a branding enthusiast, Emily’s story is an inspiration. It’s a masterclass in following your passion, perfecting your craft, and building a business that resonates deeply with people. Key takeaways: • Great branding meets great product. How the Boichik aesthetic became a symbol of quality and authenticity. • The bagel battle is real. Why Emily believes we’re entering a new wave of bagel wars and how she plans to win. • Managing rapid growth while keeping company culture intact. Insights into leadership, trust, and empowering a team. Don’t just take our word for it—get yourself a Boichik Bagel (especially the frozen ones if you’re not in the Bay Area). Follow and subscribe to the Kirk and Kurtts Design Podcast for more deep dives into creativity, business, and the stories behind the brands we love. Connect with Emily here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-winston-8392672/ 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

Send us a text This 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 •Joel’s love for alternative movie posters and storytelling Whether you’re a designer, an artist, or just someone trying to make something meaningful, Joel’s story will leave you inspired and ready to tackle your own creative challenges. Connect with Joel here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-herrera-ux/ 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

Send us a text In 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 reverence for classic sandwich shops inspired *Ayoh!*’s nostalgic yet modern design.The unique approach of making new brands feel like they've been around forever—and why it's a winning formula.The collaboration process at Center Design: stakeholder interviews, team synergy, and blending client vision with expert execution.Alex's thoughts on balancing pressure, passion, and creativity when working on high-stakes projects.\Kirk and Andy also geek out over the Americana vibe behind Ayoh! and sandwiches as a universally loved staple, sharing their own sandwich-making rituals and thoughts on the role of nostalgia in branding. Whether you're a designer, a brand enthusiast, or just someone who loves a good sandwich (with the perfect mayo, of course), this episode is packed with inspiration and laughs. As Alex puts it, "Design is a team sport," and this conversation is proof of that collaborative magic. See more of Alex's work here: https://center.design/ Connect with Alex: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexcenter/ 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

Send us a text In 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 powerhouse to independent studio founder, giving a candid look into the value of in-house design work. While many designers chase agency dreams, Alex champions the versatility, speed, and breadth of working across all touchpoints of a brand. Whether it’s retail, packaging, or campaigns—Alex reminds us how being in-house shaped his holistic understanding of brands and prepared him to make waves with clients like Liquid Death, New Balance, Kinder Forge, and United Sodas of America. The conversation heats up when Kirk and Andy unpack Alex’s latest masterpiece: Bero, a non-alcoholic beer brand co-founded with Hollywood’s own Tom Holland. From the elegant design details, iconic gold can tops, and tactile finishes to capturing the essence of premium British pub culture, Bero sets a new gold standard in branding. The team nerds out over the power of differentiation in crowded markets and how good design is both tactile and timeless. Along the way, Alex shares stories of: Breaking the “stigma” of in-house design and why it’s anything but boring.The magic of working across multiple expressions of a single brand.The delicate balance of “elevating, not alienating” in branding.How heritage and modernity shape Bero’s standout look and feel.Prepare to be inspired by Alex’s passion for brands, his unfiltered takes on design, and his knack for storytelling that makes every project personal. Whether you're a designer, marketer, or just someone who loves beautiful brands, this episode is packed with gems on design strategy, aesthetics, and pushing the creative envelope. See more of Alex's work here: https://center.design/ Connect with Alex here: 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

Send us a text In 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 breakdowns. Listen as they: Celebrate standout packaging from brands like Go Brewing, Rogue, and Dunkin’s innovative spiked latte line.Discuss the creative risks (or lack thereof) in the seasonal branding world.Highlight clever typography, textures, and storytelling elements in limited-time packaging.The conversation doesn’t stop at beverages! Kirk and Andy also reflect on what makes seasonal designs resonate emotionally with consumers, the importance of nostalgia in marketing, and the missed opportunities of brands playing it too safe. Crack open your favorite fall drink (pumpkin or not) and join the fun! 🍂✨ 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