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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 understand
• Using “brand nouns” to align early and avoid wasted work
• The importance of giving clients time to process designs
• How one viral TikTok post unlocked a steady stream of client leads

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 barnard.co and @barnardco on Instagram

Connect with James on LinkedIn

Follow Kirk at mindthefont.com.

Follow Andy at buttermilkcreative.com.

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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

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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 design
• Navigating agency life as a woman of color
• The difference between good design and good delivery
• Why “ugly” packaging can still sell — and what makes it work
• Her favorite recent project helping modernize traditional Chinese medicine

This 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

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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 aesthetics
• How a deep discovery process shapes her creative direction
• The role of trust and energy in working with founders
• Her battle with imposter syndrome — and how she talks herself through it
• Why personal values matter more than ever in design partnerships

Check 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