Front and Center

Verònica Fuerte is the Founder and Creative Directress of Hey, the world-renowned studio based in Barcelona. The studio has been at it since 2007, now 18 years, producing some of the most vibrant, lively, and thoughtful work in the entire industry. They specialize in developing creative strategies and visual languages for clients worldwide. Verònica and Hey are doing a lot of cool stuff! They have Hey Studio, Hey Shop (which creates a wide range of products), the Women at Work Podcast, and several collaborations that lean into the product design space. She is on several prestigious boards and participates in numerous speaking engagements around the world. Verònica is impressive! We had a great time talking to her, and we’re excited to share it with you! Enjoy! 

Today, we welcome David Heasty to the show! David is the co-founder of Triboro, which he founded in 2008 alongside his wife, Stefanie Weigler. They create design solutions for clients in publishing, art, fashion, music, lifestyle, and for cultural institutions. They've made excellent work with partners like Nike, MoMA, Paul McCartney, Prince, Marc Jacobs, and Justin Timberlake's William Rast, to name a few. David sits with us and shares some of the ethos he's developed over 17 years of running the studio, along with plenty of stories about the work and the journey along the way. 

Alex and Kevin are here to bring you their bottom-of-the-barrel takes on the hottest design story we’ve seen since Jaguar: Cracker Barrel. In classic form, Alex is pro-rebrand, and Kevin is against the modernization;  the two go back and forth in a spirited debate. They also discuss Caitlyn Clark’s new logo, Notre Dame Football’s new Irishman, America’s first-ever Creative Director, and more!

Alex and Kevin welcome Liliana Soorin Kim from the studio to the podcast! Liliana is currently an intern at CENTER and is in her podcast era! We briefly recap our offsite, talk a little baseball, and discuss Alex's training regimen before diving headfirst into this week's topics (mainly food and beverage related) on empty stomachs (brave). We talk about Man Cereal, Nicotina beverage, Chipotle x Carvel, Oscar Mayer EveryBun Pack, Heinz Ketchup Smoothie, Graza offering glass, IHOP Dubai Chocolate Pancake, the McDonaldland meal, and more! 

Alex and Kevin bring the heat as they run through the most exciting stories happening in the world of design and branding. The two dudes talk about Oreo x Reese’s, High Noon x Celsius, the La-Z-Boy rebrand, Not so great Jeans, a new glass bottle designed for the beach, and more!

Emunah Winer and Margaret Kerr-Jarrett, creative masterminds and co-founders of Nihilo, share their journey from humble Midwest beginnings to launching impactful brands like Esther Rum. They discuss the challenges of balancing careers and family life with wit and charm. The duo emphasizes the importance of emotional connections in branding, reflecting on their Jewish roots as they inspire resilience in their work. They also dive into the evolution of branding, stressing authenticity and creativity in creating unique products that resonate with consumers.

In this lively discussion, hosts delve into the amusing escapades at Citi Field, including unique food and famous mascot antics. They share laughter over a CEO's viral moment that sparked ironic reactions about corporate leadership. The buzz around Coldplay is explored, particularly its marketing evolution fueled by social media. Creative marketing stunts from various brands are examined, along with challenges faced by Jaguar Land Rover's rebranding efforts, all while reflecting on the emotional depth in songwriting.

Alex and Kevin share their holiday tales, from thrilling moments at Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest to reflections on summer activities. They dive into the chaotic joys of city life and streaming dilemmas with Netflix. Brand discussions light up the chat, highlighting Stella Artois' Wimbledon cans and TripAdvisor’s snazzy rebranding. Amusing rental car mishaps spark laughter, while they explore celebrity name changes and upcoming movie teasers. The blend of humor and commentary makes for a delightful listening experience!

Join Alex and Kevin as they humorously dive into the wild world of competitive eating and celebrity culture. They tackle everything from the absurdity of the Hot Dog Eating Contest to the quirky collaboration of Linkin Park and Haribo. The hosts also reflect on nostalgic snacks and career shifts in the industry, alongside critiques of trendy cookie brands. Expect laughs as they explore the influence of celebrities on food marketing and share personal anecdotes about work-life balance and the chaos of retail!

Diego Guevara, a multidisciplinary Creative Director at Nike and a passionate advocate for community and design, shares fascinating insights into his creative journey. He discusses the power of cultural immersion in fostering teamwork and creativity. Diego reflects on his viral passion project for Inter Miami FC, detailing the unique identity he crafted for the club. He emphasizes the importance of pursuing passion projects and mentorship in design, while celebrating the vibrant spirit of Miami and its impact on his work.