
How to Take Creative Risks and Win w/ Craig Black | Ep 386
The Futur with Chris Do
The Self‑Initiated Football Project and Object Work
Craig introduces his Fusion Footballs, explains which pieces are for sale, and outlines price ranges and large-scale commissions.
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.
Register for AdobeMax using the code FUTUR25 for $400 off a full pass.
See you there! https://max.adobe.com/?cgen=7RZ35VGK&mv=other
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:
Website: https://www.thefutur.com/
Courses: https://www.thefutur.com/shop
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/
Podcasts: https://thefutur.com/podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/
Twitter: https://x.com/thefuturishere
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere
Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere
Check out Chris Do:
Website: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesign
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/
Twitter:https://x.com/thechrisdo
TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdo
Threads:https://www.threads.net/@thechrisdo
Zaap: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo
Clubhouse:https://www.clubhouse.com/@thechrisdo
Behance: https://www.behance.net/chrisdo
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices