The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast
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.
The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast
Amber Walls, Senior Director, Global Standards at GS1 US
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 barcodes, starting at a Cornhole game during a digital coupon conference — because who knew Cornhole could lead to a career in barcodes? Amber explains her role at GS1 US, where she works with businesses worldwide to streamline identification and barcode technologies. She also shares quirky anecdotes about her personal collection of barcode-themed items, even joking about barcode tattoos!
Listeners are taken on a journey through the history and future of barcodes. Amber talks about how barcode technology has evolved from the 1960s and 1970s to today, remaining an essential part of modern retail. Whether you’re shopping in a store or ordering online, barcodes play a critical part in everything that goes on the shelf. The trio also touches on how barcodes will continue to impact industries, with a particular focus on 2D scanning technology and the future potential of QR codes.
Amber’s passion shines through when she reveals her admiration for the early innovators of barcode technology, comparing them to the founding fathers of the system we rely on today. The episode wraps up with discussions on the technical aspects of barcodes, the importance of UPCs (Universal Product Codes), and some fun insights into how packaging design and barcodes come together in real-world applications. Kirk and Andy chime in with their own experiences dealing with barcode creation for their clients, adding a practical perspective to the conversation.
Whether you’re a design pro, a tech enthusiast, or just someone who’s curious about the little black-and-white lines on everything you buy, this episode delivers a perfect blend of humor, insight, and technical expertise.
Tune in for a deep dive into the world of barcodes and stay for the laughs as Kirk, Andy, and Amber decode the hidden complexities behind the everyday technology that keeps retail running smoothly.
Connect with Amber here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-walls-94594b1ab/
Learn about GS1 US:
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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