On this episode of The Futur Podcast, Chris Do talks with Scottish visual artist Craig Black about what it takes to reinvent yourself, embrace fear, and build a thriving creative career around your own unique style.
Craig’s journey spans professional football, typography, and ultimately his signature “Acrylic Fusion” technique—a paint-pouring process that’s landed him collaborations with UEFA, FIFA, and Porsche. But behind the global recognition is a story about personal risk, self-initiated projects, and betting everything on his art.
Together, Chris and Craig unpack:
How to pivot when your first career path fails
Why personal projects can lead to global clients
The strategy behind launching at the right cultural moment
Building a family-first lifestyle studio without compromise
Using fear as a compass for growth
This episode is a masterclass in reinvention for creatives, designers, and entrepreneurs who feel stuck and want to break through with their own voice.
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Timestamps
(00:00) - Intro
(00:19) - How Acrylic Fusion was invented
(01:44) - Porsche Taycan project: car as a canvas
(03:49) - Process hacks: breathwork vs failed tools
(08:43) - Leaving football to pursue creativity
(14:44) - The teacher who saved Craig’s career
(20:49) - Designing Rangers FC’s jersey typography
(24:12) - Quitting typography to pursue fine art
(31:22) - Fusion Footballs launch at Euro 2020
(36:53) - Taking risks with little financial safety
(39:20) - Three essentials for creative breakthroughs
(44:32) - Running a family-first lifestyle studio
(47:38) - Final lesson: fear leads to growth
Check out today’s guest, Craig Black:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_craigblack/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigblackdesign/
Website: https://craig.black
Shop: https://craigblack.shop
Fusion Footballs: https://craig.black/projects/fusion-footballs
Check out The Futur:
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Check out Chris Do:
Website: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo
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