Balancing Creative Integrity with Commercial Work

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

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