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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 ...
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10 Ton Pod

John Hageman / Manuel Martinez / Kirk Visola

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Three dudes talk about cool shit in regards to art, comics, movies, pop culture, and a menagerie of other goodies. We will sing our praises of what we love, and might touch on a few things that left us feeling a little meh. John Hageman started his professional comics career in 2006 with his weekly webcomic Social Vermyn, which ran until 2013. In 2015, Hageman began co-publishing the Rock and Roll Biographies comic series with ACME Ink. This led to the creation of 10 Ton Press which focuses ...
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On this podcast, Debra Naeve joins us to talk about her former school alumnus, Wayne White while we dive into his documentary "Beauty Is Embarrassing." We also talk about how Debra isn't a witch, and also what makes Wayne White's approach to life and art so refreshing and inspiring. "Art" is creation. It is the means to do and make something you li…
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Send us a text Join hosts Kirk and Andy in this deliciously inspiring episode! We welcome the audacious and innovative Lex Evan, founder, CEO, and chief of Lexington Bakes (LXB), an eco-conscious luxury dessert brand redefining nostalgic treats. With 15 years of experience leading design and strategy for global beauty and wellness giants, Lex has s…
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Send us a text In this episode of the Kirk & Kurtts Design Podcast, Kirk and Andy chat with Sam Fagan, a "Swiss Army knife" of digital design and development. Sam’s skill set spans website design, HTML/CSS coding, WordPress development, project management, and copywriting. Beyond her technical expertise, she’s dedicated to helping small businesses …
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One of the biggest problems...errrrr fun frustrations with doing any type of artwork for clients. We really want to make clients happy, but also realize that sometimes their "vision" may get in the way of the artist interpretation. Such a fine line to walk. Also, Manuel had a chance to be a featured artist at one of his local comic stores on Batman…
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Send us a text Kicking off Season 4 of the K+K show!!! In this episode we welcome Fred Hart, a dynamic designer, strategist, and sneaker aficionado who recently went on his own after nine years at the helm of Interact. Fresh off a major life transition and celebrating his child's first birthday, Fred sits down with Kirk and Andy K, to dive into a c…
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Send us a text Join hosts Kirk Visola, founder of Mind the Font, and Andy Kurtts, founder of Buttermilk Creative, sit down with barcode enthusiast Amber Walls from GS1 US. Amber dives into the fascinating world of barcodes, discussing their vital role in retail, packaging, and supply chains. Amber shares her unique journey into the world of barcode…
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This Chapter deals with the ongoing question that is on everybody's mind, "What is a Comic Convention?" We talk about what conventions are, how the fellas got into them, and what they mean to fans and exhibitors alike. Did you know that Colin Kaepernick is getting into comics using AI? And, that Wondercon in Anaheim used to be in Oakland? I didn't …
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Wow, the Bat turns 85 this year. That is 85 years of different artists, writers, and readers gaining a knowledge and understanding of what Batman has meant to them. On this episode, we will speak towards that evolution of Batman. How he went from a detective, to a weekly serial, to a master detective, a great animated television series, strategist,…
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Send us a text In this episode, hosts Kirk Visola and Andy Kurtts dive into the world of brand strategy and innovation with special guests Rifle Hughes and Glenn Pappalardo from Integral CPG, highlighting the importance of creativity, strategy, and collaboration in building successful brands. Rifle and Glenn share their journey from their days at J…
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Send us a text In this special episode of the Kirk and Kurtz Design Podcast, Kirk Visola and Andy Kurtts welcome the incredibly talented Craig Steckbeck, a creative powerhouse with nearly two decades of experience in the design industry. As the founder and creative director of Mind the Font, Kirk sets the stage with his signature enthusiasm, introd…
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10 Ton Pod's inaugural episode, and we can't think of any other way to kick it off than to find out how our cohosts John and Manuel got into art. Three dudes talk about cool shit in regards to art, comics, movies, pop culture, and a menagerie of other goodies. We will sing our praises of what we love, and might touch on a few things that left us fe…
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Send us a text Join Kirk Visola, founder and creative director of Mind the Font, and Andy Kurtts, founder and creative director of Buttermilk Creative, as they dive into the fascinating world of consumer research with their guest, Rich Moniz. Rich Moniz, founder of Rich Insights, brings over a decade of experience in the research industry. His comp…
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Send us a text Join Kirk and Andy as they welcome the incredibly talented Manuel Martinez. Manuel, an extraordinary illustrator, artist, and concept developer, shares his journey from an academic path to becoming a renowned comic artist. Known for his intricate storytelling and dynamic artwork, Manuel talks about his inspirations, challenges, and t…
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Send us a text In this episode, Kirk and Andy welcome the multi-talented Vic Lee. Vic shares his incredible journey from a successful graphic designer to a renowned mural artist and storyteller. Hear about his creative process, the impact of life experiences, including a close brush with death, and his innovative travel-inspired artworks. Vic’s hum…
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Send us a text Join hosts Kirk and Andy as they chat with Laura Silverman, a mental health advocate and non-alcoholic beverage enthusiast. Laura shares her journey to sobriety at 24 and her passion for promoting sober living through her projects, Zero Proof Nation, Booze Free in DC, and the Sobriety Collective. In this episode, Laura discusses the …
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Send us a text Join Kirk and Andy for an engaging conversation with Amanda DeVries. Amanda, a former electrical engineer turned designer, shares her unique journey from the world of engineering to the creative realm of design. Discover how Amanda's background in engineering influenced her design process and how her move to a farm sparked a passion …
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Send us a text Join us on a CPG rollercoaster through Florida with guest Daniel Quinones, founder of Front Page Retail. Daniel takes us on a journey from managing territories for brands like Nabisco and Coca-Cola's Topo Chico, to his company's success in helping brands dominate shelves with smart off-shelf placements and in-store demonstrations. We…
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Send us a text 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 pu…
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Send us a text 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 bev…
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Send us a text 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, particula…
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Send us a text 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 b…
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Send us a text 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 hi…
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Send us a text 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 ab…
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Send us a text Join Kirk and Andy as they take a deep dive into the world of design in 2023. This episode features an unfiltered analysis of the year's most talked-about rebrands, the impact of AI on design, and the quest for authenticity in branding. With special guests Tom Bosch and Mike Amaditz adding their expert insights, the crew explores eve…
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Send us a text Discover a world where design intersects with indigenous heritage in our latest episode featuring Sadie Red Wing, an assistant professor at OCAD University and member of the Spirit Lake Dakota Nation. Sadie shares her inspiring journey, exploring the integration of her cultural roots with contemporary design practices. In this captiv…
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Send us a text Join us for an insightful conversation with Sari Kimbell, a distinguished figure in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry. In this episode, Sari, known for her extensive experience as a former Whole Foods buyer and an expert in the food sector, delves into the nuances of succeeding in the retail landscape and the art of entrepre…
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Send us a text With a strong focus on brand strategy, Haylee designs brands that stand out on the shelf and online. Haylee believes that design should create a connection, which is displayed through my elevated yet approachable aesthetic. She primarily works in the CPG space, designing better-for-you brands for emerging food, beverage, and wellness…
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Send us a text Join Kirk Visola and Andy Kurtts on the Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast as they explore the world of sustainable packaging with Brandi Parker, a sustainability packaging concierge nerd and entrepreneur. In this episode, Brandi shares her journey from art and music to sustainable packaging, highlighting the challenges and opportunities i…
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Send us a text Join Kirk and Andy for a vibrant chat with artist Jess Hess. Dive into Jess's art journey from her early days to her time at RISD, and explore her unique take on art and design. From stunning murals to intricate miniatures, get inspired by Jess's creativity and passion in this insightful episode. See Jessica's work here: http://www.j…
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Send us a text 🎨 Unwrap the secrets of standout shelves with Kirk and Andy in this design-driven episode! They dive into the art of limited edition packaging design, where brands become collectors' items and every product tells a bold story. 📚 Witness how New Holland and Athletic Brewing have mastered the craft, turning their packaging into coveted…
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Send us a text Ready for round two with Chris Do? Dive into the season finale of the Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast where we unpack the magic of right-brain thinking. Ever felt stuck in a design rut? Chris explains how tapping into this intuitive, holistic approach can be the game-changer in navigating our intricate world. But it's not all brain wave…
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Send us a text PART ONE: On this episode of the Kirk & Kurtts Design Podcast, we're joined by none other than Chris Do, a heavyweight in the design and branding game. If you've ever wondered how a personal feud could spawn an iconic car brand like Lamborghini, you'll want to hear this. We also dive into Google's 10x rule—because in Silicon Valley, …
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Send us a text On this episode of the Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast, we dive into the world of design with guest Barney Abramson. We kick off with the impact of fast-changing trends on branding and how social media is a game-changer. Then we dig into networking essentials for new designers, focusing on platforms like LinkedIn and Slack. Barney also …
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Send us a text In this episode of the Kirk and Kurtts Design Podcast, Kirk and Andy discuss the process of press checking in printing. They share their experiences visiting a large scale print facility, the impressive machinery and efficiency they witnessed, and the importance of press checks in ensuring the accuracy and quality of printed material…
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Send us a text In this episode of the Kirk and Kurtts Design Podcast, hosts Kirk Visola and Andy Kurtts chat with special guest Gage Mitchell, founder of Modern Species. They discuss the fear of failure and the importance of taking action and trying new things. They also touch upon building communities and the challenges of holding people accountab…
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Send us a text What an honor it was for us to land this guest. AJ Visola is an up and coming storyboard artist and illustrator based in LA California, who just happens to be Kirk's kid. This podcast gets into their origin story, what they are learning at their school for Autistic people Exceptional Minds, and what their plans are for the future. It…
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Send us a text We are back and flying solo, well duo, this episode. On this show, we talk about brand authenticity. What it is, how it works in the every day world, and how people can see right through a disingenuous brand. So, brush off your corporate PRIDE logos and polos, and get ready for a fun ride. As always, be sure to catch up with us on pr…
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Send us a text Our very good friend Nikita Prokhorov stops back by to chat with us about all things design. On the show, we discuss Nikita's "36 Days of Type" entries, the importance of doing self initiated projects and sharing (or not sharing) sketches with clients. We also get a peek into Kirk's 30 Day's of Type project. See Nikita's work here: h…
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Send us a text In this episode of the Kirk and Kurtts Design podcast, Kirk and Andy are joined by special guest David Ziegler-Voll, a veteran of the in-house creative industry. They discuss the importance of good design principles, the role of in-house design teams, the value of trust, and the challenges of designing for specific communities. They …
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Send us a text On this episode, Andy and Kirk speak with...Kirk. Kirk details his new job of working at the Monterey Bay Aquarium as a Sr. Brand Designer. And, as you might guess, it's otterly amazing. Learn more about MBA at montereybayaquarium.com Support the show About Kirk and Andy. Kirk Visola is the Creative Director and Founder of MIND THE F…
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Send us a text In this episode of the Kirk and Kurtts, we talk with guest Meghan Martin, co-founder of Here and Now Studios. We discuss the importance of trust between clients and designers, ways to support female-led brands, and the value of investing in quality design. Meghan also shares insights into her design process and current projects, incl…
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Send us a text In this episode, Kirk and Andy interview Cristina Donado, the founder of Wagon Design Studio. Cristina shares her journey of starting her own business, the challenges she faced, and how having a supportive team played and plays a crucial role in her success. The conversation also touches upon the importance of being bilingual in the …
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Send us a text In this podcast episode, Kirk and Andy discuss their experiences attending Expo West. We talk about the different brands we saw and which ones stood out to us for their unique or innovative booths and products. We also touch on the challenges facing smaller brands in the natural products industry and the importance of community and s…
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Send us a text This week Kirk & Kurtts are joined by Jake from Fila Manila as he dives into his story of being a first-generation Filipino American entrepreneur and business owner. Hear about his startup experience as a former founder, his experience living in DC and his mission to raise up Filipino culture. Jake discusses the unique twist he adds …
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Send us a text In this episode Kirk & Kurtts are joined by special guest, Jena Garlinghouse. She's the Co-founder, Client Director for Herefor Studio, and they dive into topics such as client services, relationships, business strategies, and the evolution of brand design. Jena shares her approach to creating brand worlds, decoupling brands from log…
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Send us a text Join Kirk & Kurtts as they sit down with designer & illustrator Roxanne Bradley-Tate. From her early beginnings in art school to her current work in creating design with impact, Roxanne shares her insights and experiences in the world of design. Get a behind-the-scenes look at her creative process and learn about the challenges and t…
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Send us a text Part 2 of Kirk & Kurtts' conversation with the amazing Max Wastler. We continue chatting with Max about life and business. Connect with Max: Max Waster on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxwastler/) Support the show About Kirk and Andy. Kirk Visola is the Creative Director and Founder of MIND THE FONT™. He brings over 20 years…
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Send us a text This week Kirk & Kurtts are chatting with renaissance man Max Wastler. Andy has been following Max for over a decade now and his writings and advice on his blog, All Plaid Out, helped him navigate the world of finding your own style while working in-house at a corporate job. Listen in as Max shares how he came about loving retail and…
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Send us a text On this episode, Kirk was joined by Adam Peek, the Packaging Pastor. Adam talks about trends he sees in the packaging field, why his rap name was "Kandy Kane" when he was younger, about coaching his kid (and business partner) AJ's basketball team, and the constant flux of packaging standards that are continually being updated and mai…
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Send us a text What can we say about Evelio Mattos? Other than, he is one of the most talented packaging structure designers out there. Aside from being a great person, he is always on top of his game in regards to technology and staying current. And in this episode, Evelio welcomes Kirk and Andy into the world of AI. And oh boy, is it a deep dive …
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