<a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1933171/open_sms">Send us a text</a>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:<ul><li>The brand’s unexpected founding story</li><li>What it takes to launch a cannabis beverage in a fast-moving, weirdly regulated space</li><li>Their approach to naming, product design, and mental health advocacy</li><li>Why being “cool” actually matters in CPG branding</li><li>Microdosing vs full-dose THC (and who’s drinking the 10mg cans)</li><li>Lessons from collaborating as design-first co-founders</li></ul>Whether you’re into brand building, THC beverages, or just want to hear how creatives launch real products, this one’s worth your time.Website: <a href='https://drinkfabric.com/'>drinkfabric.com</a>Instagram: <a href='https://instagram.com/drinkfabric'>@drinkfabric</a><a rel="payment" href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kirkandkurtts">Support the show</a>About Kirk and Andy. <a href='http://www.linkedin.com/IN/KIRKVISOLA'>Kirk Visola</a> is the Creative Director and Founder of <a href='http://www.mindthefont.com/'>MIND THE FONT</a>™. 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 <a href='http://www.mindthefont.com/'>http://www.mindthefont.com</a>. <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/andykurtts/'>Andy Kurts</a> is the Creative Director and Founder of <a href='https://buttermilkcreative.com/'>Buttermilk Creative</a>. 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&apos;s work <a href='http://www.buttermilkcreative.com/'>http://www.buttermilkcreative.com</a>. Music for Kirk &amp; Kurtts intro &amp; outro: <a href='https://music.apple.com/us/album/better/1566950740?i=1566950747'>Better</a> by <a href='https://music.apple.com/us/artist/super-fantastics/1554679302'>Super Fantastics</a> Show a little love. Share the podcast with those who may benefit. Or, send us a coffee: <a href='https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kirkandkurtts'>Support the show</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1933171/open_sms"&gt;Send us a text&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In this episode, Kirk and Andy sit down with &lt;b&gt;Haylee Jordan&lt;/b&gt; and &lt;b&gt;Anthony Bradley&lt;/b&gt;, the creative co-founders behind &lt;b&gt;Fabric&lt;/b&gt;, a new microdose THC beverage brand that’s part mellow, part mission-driven.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We get into:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;The brand’s unexpected founding story&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;What it takes to launch a cannabis beverage in a fast-moving, weirdly regulated space&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Their approach to naming, product design, and mental health advocacy&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Why being “cool” actually matters in CPG branding&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Microdosing vs full-dose THC (and who’s drinking the 10mg cans)&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Lessons from collaborating as design-first co-founders&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;Whether you’re into brand building, THC beverages, or just want to hear how creatives launch real products, this one’s worth your time.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Website:&lt;/b&gt; &lt;a href='https://drinkfabric.com/'&gt;drinkfabric.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Instagram:&lt;/b&gt; &lt;a href='https://instagram.com/drinkfabric'&gt;@drinkfabric&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel="payment" href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kirkandkurtts"&gt;Support the show&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;About Kirk and Andy.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='http://www.linkedin.com/IN/KIRKVISOLA'&gt;Kirk Visola&lt;/a&gt; is the Creative Director and Founder of &lt;a href='http://www.mindthefont.com/'&gt;MIND THE FONT&lt;/a&gt;™. 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 &lt;a href='http://www.mindthefont.com/'&gt;http://www.mindthefont.com&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/andykurtts/'&gt;Andy Kurts&lt;/a&gt; is the Creative Director and Founder of &lt;a href='https://buttermilkcreative.com/'&gt;Buttermilk Creative&lt;/a&gt;. 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&amp;apos;s work &lt;a href='http://www.buttermilkcreative.com/'&gt;http://www.buttermilkcreative.com&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Music for Kirk &amp;amp; Kurtts intro &amp;amp; outro: &lt;a href='https://music.apple.com/us/album/better/1566950740?i=1566950747'&gt;Better&lt;/a&gt; by &lt;a href='https://music.apple.com/us/artist/super-fantastics/1554679302'&gt;Super Fantastics&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Show a little love. Share the podcast with those who may benefit. Or, send us a coffee:&lt;br/&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kirkandkurtts'&gt;Support the show&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

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 t...

Haylee Jordan & Anthony Bradley, Co-Founders at FABRIC

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1933171/open_sms">Send us a text</a>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:<ul><li>Growing up around lettering and storefronts in Evanston</li><li>Why Right Way lost a big client — and what they learned</li><li>How digital tech and design-forward thinking rebuilt the business</li><li>What it’s like to balance creative craft with production at scale</li><li>The problem with clients who think signs are just another invoice line</li></ul>Whether 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 <a href='https://www.rightwaysigns.com'>rightwaysigns.com</a>.Follow us and leave a review if you’re enjoying the show.<a rel="payment" href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kirkandkurtts">Support the show</a>About Kirk and Andy. <a href='http://www.linkedin.com/IN/KIRKVISOLA'>Kirk Visola</a> is the Creative Director and Founder of <a href='http://www.mindthefont.com/'>MIND THE FONT</a>™. 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 <a href='http://www.mindthefont.com/'>http://www.mindthefont.com</a>. <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/andykurtts/'>Andy Kurts</a> is the Creative Director and Founder of <a href='https://buttermilkcreative.com/'>Buttermilk Creative</a>. 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&apos;s work <a href='http://www.buttermilkcreative.com/'>http://www.buttermilkcreative.com</a>. Music for Kirk &amp; Kurtts intro &amp; outro: <a href='https://music.apple.com/us/album/better/1566950740?i=1566950747'>Better</a> by <a href='https://music.apple.com/us/artist/super-fantastics/1554679302'>Super Fantastics</a> Show a little love. Share the podcast with those who may benefit. Or, send us a coffee: <a href='https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kirkandkurtts'>Support the show</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1933171/open_sms"&gt;Send us a text&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We dive into:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Growing up around lettering and storefronts in Evanston&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Why Right Way lost a big client — and what they learned&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;How digital tech and design-forward thinking rebuilt the business&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;What it’s like to balance creative craft with production at scale&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;The problem with clients who think signs are just another invoice line&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;Whether you’re a designer, business owner, or someone who just loves seeing good design in the wild, this one’s for you.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Thanks again to Alex for joining us. Check out Right Way at &lt;a href='https://www.rightwaysigns.com'&gt;rightwaysigns.com&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Follow us and leave a review if you’re enjoying the show.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel="payment" href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kirkandkurtts"&gt;Support the show&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;About Kirk and Andy.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='http://www.linkedin.com/IN/KIRKVISOLA'&gt;Kirk Visola&lt;/a&gt; is the Creative Director and Founder of &lt;a href='http://www.mindthefont.com/'&gt;MIND THE FONT&lt;/a&gt;™. 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 &lt;a href='http://www.mindthefont.com/'&gt;http://www.mindthefont.com&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/andykurtts/'&gt;Andy Kurts&lt;/a&gt; is the Creative Director and Founder of &lt;a href='https://buttermilkcreative.com/'&gt;Buttermilk Creative&lt;/a&gt;. 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&amp;apos;s work &lt;a href='http://www.buttermilkcreative.com/'&gt;http://www.buttermilkcreative.com&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Music for Kirk &amp;amp; Kurtts intro &amp;amp; outro: &lt;a href='https://music.apple.com/us/album/better/1566950740?i=1566950747'&gt;Better&lt;/a&gt; by &lt;a href='https://music.apple.com/us/artist/super-fantastics/1554679302'&gt;Super Fantastics&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Show a little love. Share the podcast with those who may benefit. Or, send us a coffee:&lt;br/&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kirkandkurtts'&gt;Support the show&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

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 ...

Alex Perry, CEO of Right Way Signs, LLC

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1933171/open_sms">Send us a text</a>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:<ul><li>How to build a clean logo design process clients understand</li><li>Using “brand nouns” to align early and avoid wasted work</li><li>The importance of giving clients time to process designs</li><li>How one viral TikTok post unlocked a steady stream of client leads</li></ul>James 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 <a href='https://barnard.co/'>barnard.co</a> and <a href='https://www.instagram.com/barnardco/'>@barnardco on Instagram</a>Connect with James on <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesrbarnard/'>LinkedIn</a>Follow Kirk at <a href='https://mindthefont.com/'>mindthefont.com</a>.Follow Andy at <a href='https://buttermilkcreative.com/'>buttermilkcreative.com</a>.Enjoying the show?Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a designer who’s figuring out their own creative process.<a rel="payment" href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kirkandkurtts">Support the show</a>About Kirk and Andy. <a href='http://www.linkedin.com/IN/KIRKVISOLA'>Kirk Visola</a> is the Creative Director and Founder of <a href='http://www.mindthefont.com/'>MIND THE FONT</a>™. 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 <a href='http://www.mindthefont.com/'>http://www.mindthefont.com</a>. <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/andykurtts/'>Andy Kurts</a> is the Creative Director and Founder of <a href='https://buttermilkcreative.com/'>Buttermilk Creative</a>. 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&apos;s work <a href='http://www.buttermilkcreative.com/'>http://www.buttermilkcreative.com</a>. Music for Kirk &amp; Kurtts intro &amp; outro: <a href='https://music.apple.com/us/album/better/1566950740?i=1566950747'>Better</a> by <a href='https://music.apple.com/us/artist/super-fantastics/1554679302'>Super Fantastics</a> Show a little love. Share the podcast with those who may benefit. Or, send us a coffee: <a href='https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kirkandkurtts'>Support the show</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1933171/open_sms"&gt;Send us a text&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;They also discuss:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;How to build a clean logo design process clients understand&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Using “brand nouns” to align early and avoid wasted work&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;The importance of giving clients time to process designs&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;How one viral TikTok post unlocked a steady stream of client leads&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;James 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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Follow James at &lt;a href='https://barnard.co/'&gt;barnard.co&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href='https://www.instagram.com/barnardco/'&gt;@barnardco on Instagram&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Connect with James on &lt;a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesrbarnard/'&gt;LinkedIn&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Follow Kirk at &lt;a href='https://mindthefont.com/'&gt;mindthefont.com&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Follow Andy at &lt;a href='https://buttermilkcreative.com/'&gt;buttermilkcreative.com&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Enjoying the show?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a designer who’s figuring out their own creative process.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel="payment" href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kirkandkurtts"&gt;Support the show&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;About Kirk and Andy.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='http://www.linkedin.com/IN/KIRKVISOLA'&gt;Kirk Visola&lt;/a&gt; is the Creative Director and Founder of &lt;a href='http://www.mindthefont.com/'&gt;MIND THE FONT&lt;/a&gt;™. 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 &lt;a href='http://www.mindthefont.com/'&gt;http://www.mindthefont.com&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/andykurtts/'&gt;Andy Kurts&lt;/a&gt; is the Creative Director and Founder of &lt;a href='https://buttermilkcreative.com/'&gt;Buttermilk Creative&lt;/a&gt;. 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&amp;apos;s work &lt;a href='http://www.buttermilkcreative.com/'&gt;http://www.buttermilkcreative.com&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Music for Kirk &amp;amp; Kurtts intro &amp;amp; outro: &lt;a href='https://music.apple.com/us/album/better/1566950740?i=1566950747'&gt;Better&lt;/a&gt; by &lt;a href='https://music.apple.com/us/artist/super-fantastics/1554679302'&gt;Super Fantastics&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Show a little love. Share the podcast with those who may benefit. Or, send us a coffee:&lt;br/&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kirkandkurtts'&gt;Support the show&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

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 clie...

James Barnard, Logo Designer, Design Educator

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1933171/open_sms">Send us a text</a>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:<ul><li>Growing up as a first-gen creative and finding identity through design</li><li>Navigating agency life as a woman of color</li><li>The difference between good design and good delivery</li><li>Why “ugly” packaging can still sell — and what makes it work</li><li>Her favorite recent project helping modernize traditional Chinese medicine</li></ul>This one’s packed with insight, honesty, and a whole lot of laughter. Don’t miss it.Connect with Anna here: <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/annaisonconsultant/'>https://www.linkedin.com/in/annaisonconsultant/</a><a rel="payment" href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kirkandkurtts">Support the show</a>About Kirk and Andy. <a href='http://www.linkedin.com/IN/KIRKVISOLA'>Kirk Visola</a> is the Creative Director and Founder of <a href='http://www.mindthefont.com/'>MIND THE FONT</a>™. 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 <a href='http://www.mindthefont.com/'>http://www.mindthefont.com</a>. <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/andykurtts/'>Andy Kurts</a> is the Creative Director and Founder of <a href='https://buttermilkcreative.com/'>Buttermilk Creative</a>. 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&apos;s work <a href='http://www.buttermilkcreative.com/'>http://www.buttermilkcreative.com</a>. Music for Kirk &amp; Kurtts intro &amp; outro: <a href='https://music.apple.com/us/album/better/1566950740?i=1566950747'>Better</a> by <a href='https://music.apple.com/us/artist/super-fantastics/1554679302'>Super Fantastics</a> Show a little love. Share the podcast with those who may benefit. Or, send us a coffee: <a href='https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kirkandkurtts'>Support the show</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1933171/open_sms"&gt;Send us a text&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Expect real talk about:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Growing up as a first-gen creative and finding identity through design&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Navigating agency life as a woman of color&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;The difference between good design and good &lt;em&gt;delivery&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Why “ugly” packaging can still sell — and what makes it work&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Her favorite recent project helping modernize traditional Chinese medicine&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;This one’s packed with insight, honesty, and a whole lot of laughter. Don’t miss it.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Connect with Anna here: &lt;a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/annaisonconsultant/'&gt;https://www.linkedin.com/in/annaisonconsultant/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel="payment" href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kirkandkurtts"&gt;Support the show&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;About Kirk and Andy.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='http://www.linkedin.com/IN/KIRKVISOLA'&gt;Kirk Visola&lt;/a&gt; is the Creative Director and Founder of &lt;a href='http://www.mindthefont.com/'&gt;MIND THE FONT&lt;/a&gt;™. 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 &lt;a href='http://www.mindthefont.com/'&gt;http://www.mindthefont.com&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/andykurtts/'&gt;Andy Kurts&lt;/a&gt; is the Creative Director and Founder of &lt;a href='https://buttermilkcreative.com/'&gt;Buttermilk Creative&lt;/a&gt;. 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&amp;apos;s work &lt;a href='http://www.buttermilkcreative.com/'&gt;http://www.buttermilkcreative.com&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Music for Kirk &amp;amp; Kurtts intro &amp;amp; outro: &lt;a href='https://music.apple.com/us/album/better/1566950740?i=1566950747'&gt;Better&lt;/a&gt; by &lt;a href='https://music.apple.com/us/artist/super-fantastics/1554679302'&gt;Super Fantastics&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Show a little love. Share the podcast with those who may benefit. Or, send us a coffee:&lt;br/&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kirkandkurtts'&gt;Support the show&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

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 worl...

Anna Ison, CPG Packaging & Brand Designer, Founder at Auros Design Studio, Strategic FMCG Packaging & Branding Design Consultant

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1933171/open_sms">Send us a text</a>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:<ul><li>Why Selma prioritizes experience over aesthetics</li><li>How a deep discovery process shapes her creative direction</li><li>The role of trust and energy in working with founders</li><li>Her battle with imposter syndrome — and how she talks herself through it</li><li>Why personal values matter more than ever in design partnerships</li></ul>Check out Selma&apos;s work here:<a href='https://selmamakui.com/'>https://selmamakui.com/</a><a rel="payment" href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kirkandkurtts">Support the show</a>About Kirk and Andy. <a href='http://www.linkedin.com/IN/KIRKVISOLA'>Kirk Visola</a> is the Creative Director and Founder of <a href='http://www.mindthefont.com/'>MIND THE FONT</a>™. 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 <a href='http://www.mindthefont.com/'>http://www.mindthefont.com</a>. <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/andykurtts/'>Andy Kurts</a> is the Creative Director and Founder of <a href='https://buttermilkcreative.com/'>Buttermilk Creative</a>. 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&apos;s work <a href='http://www.buttermilkcreative.com/'>http://www.buttermilkcreative.com</a>. Music for Kirk &amp; Kurtts intro &amp; outro: <a href='https://music.apple.com/us/album/better/1566950740?i=1566950747'>Better</a> by <a href='https://music.apple.com/us/artist/super-fantastics/1554679302'>Super Fantastics</a> Show a little love. Share the podcast with those who may benefit. Or, send us a coffee: <a href='https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kirkandkurtts'>Support the show</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1933171/open_sms"&gt;Send us a text&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Design isn’t just about how something looks — it’s about how it &lt;em&gt;feels&lt;/em&gt;. 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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;🎧 Episode highlights:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Why Selma prioritizes &lt;em&gt;experience&lt;/em&gt; over aesthetics&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;How a deep discovery process shapes her creative direction&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;The role of trust and energy in working with founders&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Her battle with imposter syndrome — and how she talks herself through it&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Why personal values matter more than ever in design partnerships&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;Check out Selma&amp;apos;s work here:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://selmamakui.com/'&gt;https://selmamakui.com/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel="payment" href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kirkandkurtts"&gt;Support the show&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;About Kirk and Andy.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='http://www.linkedin.com/IN/KIRKVISOLA'&gt;Kirk Visola&lt;/a&gt; is the Creative Director and Founder of &lt;a href='http://www.mindthefont.com/'&gt;MIND THE FONT&lt;/a&gt;™. 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 &lt;a href='http://www.mindthefont.com/'&gt;http://www.mindthefont.com&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/andykurtts/'&gt;Andy Kurts&lt;/a&gt; is the Creative Director and Founder of &lt;a href='https://buttermilkcreative.com/'&gt;Buttermilk Creative&lt;/a&gt;. 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&amp;apos;s work &lt;a href='http://www.buttermilkcreative.com/'&gt;http://www.buttermilkcreative.com&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Music for Kirk &amp;amp; Kurtts intro &amp;amp; outro: &lt;a href='https://music.apple.com/us/album/better/1566950740?i=1566950747'&gt;Better&lt;/a&gt; by &lt;a href='https://music.apple.com/us/artist/super-fantastics/1554679302'&gt;Super Fantastics&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Show a little love. Share the podcast with those who may benefit. Or, send us a coffee:&lt;br/&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kirkandkurtts'&gt;Support the show&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

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 v...

Selma Makui, Brand Designer & Creative Director Revisit

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.&nbsp;

The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast

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