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/
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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