The Futur with Chris Do

Douglas Davis, an educator and creative strategist, shares his inspiring journey from a small Southern town to a design career. He discusses the crucial role of parental support and art education in his resilience. Douglas emphasizes the importance of pursuing passions over profit and navigating financial struggles while nurturing creativity. He highlights the vital connection between design and business, urging creatives to understand strategy. Douglas also reflects on his latest projects and the theme of managing fear in his visual essays.

Ognjen Topic, a three-time Muay Thai world champion and graphic designer, shares his remarkable journey from war-torn Bosnia to America. He discusses the powerful connection between the mindset required in martial arts and creative fields like design. Ognjen emphasizes how fear can be harnessed as a motivator, offering insights on resilience and mental focus in high-stakes situations. He reflects on the impact of the pandemic on training, balancing dual passions, and the intricate relationship between artistry and athleticism.

Dive into the significance of specific goal-setting for creatives and discover how creativity extends beyond traditional boundaries. Explore the transformative power of openness and feedback, and why embracing individuality is crucial for growth. Uncover the challenges faced by introverted creatives in self-marketing and the importance of a service-first approach. Learn about the AIDA framework and its role in modern marketing. Finally, understand the impact of storytelling in connecting with audiences and fostering genuine engagement.

Kirsty Minns, Executive Creative Director at Mother Design in London, shares her fascinating career journey in branding. She emphasizes the importance of personal growth and the value of not comparing oneself to others. Kirsty discusses her shift from problem-solving to actively seeking creative challenges and how curiosity drives her work. She advocates for adaptability and continuous learning as keys to professional development. With a focus on individuality and resilience, Kirsty inspires listeners to embrace their unique paths and cultivate their skills.

Freddie Ost, founder of SNASK, a creative agency known for its bold approach to design, shares his unique journey of personal growth and identity shaped by adoption. He discusses the impact of emotional vulnerability and authenticity in creative work, alongside his transition from psychology to entrepreneurship. The conversation also explores the balance between passion and financial stability, the challenges of navigating bureaucracy in the workplace, and the importance of generosity in sharing ideas. Expect laughter, tears, and inspiring insights!

Join Cole Schafer, a creative writer and founder of Honey Copy, as he dives into the craft of copywriting with humor and insight. Discover how he left a stable agency job for the unpredictability of manual labor, which sparked his passion for writing. Cole shares his unique blend of poetry under the alias January Black and discusses the art of storytelling in marketing. Learn how to write compelling cold emails and the significance of authenticity, all while embracing creativity's spontaneity!

Kirby Ferguson, a filmmaker and the mind behind the documentary series "Everything is a Remix," delves into the nature of creativity and originality. He argues that humans naturally copy and remix ideas, a process crucial for innovation. The conversation explores how borrowing can spark new creations and the often hypocritical disdain for imitation. Kirby shares insights on the emotional impact of creative works, the art of balancing passion and business, and encourages aspiring artists to embrace their fears and experiment freely.

Lauren Schwendimann, interaction design lead at Waymo, shares her insights on human-centered design in the realm of autonomous vehicles. She discusses the critical need for user trust and transparency in driverless technology, highlighting its social implications. Schwendimann also reflects on her journey from athlete to designer, emphasizing mentorship's role in shaping careers. The conversation delves into designing for humanity and the skills essential for successful UX design, advocating for technology that empowers and enhances user experience.

In this engaging conversation, Dan Mall, founder of Superfriendly and expert on design agency strategies, reveals the unique structure of his globally distributed design team. He discusses the ethics of various pricing models and invites listeners to ponder the moral implications of value-based versus hourly billing. Dan shares insights from his career journey, reflecting on youthful arrogance and the importance of self-awareness in creative practice. The episode offers valuable perspectives on pricing strategies that resonate with freelancers and agency owners alike.

In this insightful discussion, Dr. Christine Looser, a branding expert and head of business at the Minerva Project, teams up with Chris to explore the complexities of branding. They dissect the interplay between human evolution and perception in brand identity. Listeners will be intrigued by their take on the elusive nature of brand control, the role of emotional connections, and how cultural nuances shape brand relationships. With engaging examples from companies like Apple and Nike, they emphasize that authentic branding is more about perceptions than just narratives.