The Futur with Chris Do

Ben Burns, CFO of The Futur and a self-taught designer, shares his remarkable journey from military and police service to the creative industry. He candidly reveals why he chose to fire all his clients, emphasizing the need for boundaries. The conversation touches on the significance of meaningful professional relationships and the struggles of balancing work-life dynamics. Ben also reflects on the influence of his childhood experiences and the transformation of his career, highlighting personal growth and the power of making bold choices.

Andrea Stern, a photography representative with over two decades of experience, dives into the challenges photographers face in today’s competitive landscape. She discusses strategies for overcoming career stagnation and the impact of social media on professional success. The conversation emphasizes the importance of adapting to market changes and embracing creative evolution, such as incorporating multimedia skills. Listeners gain insights on personal branding, authentic connections, and maintaining artistic integrity in their careers.

Karen Wang, a former struggling artist turned dice-making millionaire, shares her remarkable journey from financial insecurity to launching a wildly successful Kickstarter campaign that raised over $2 million. She discusses the emotional rollercoaster of managing skyrocketing demand and the complexities of fulfilling orders while navigating the challenges of manufacturing. With insights into the creative process, community engagement, and the importance of perseverance, Karen offers a behind-the-scenes look at the dice-making industry and the pitfalls of instant success.

Karen Wang, founder of Dispel Dice—a luxury dice-making company that raised over $2 million in a groundbreaking Kickstarter—shares her inspiring journey from feeling lost to finding fulfillment through Dungeons & Dragons. She recounts her transition from art school dropout to entrepreneur, revealing the emotional challenges of balancing passion with family expectations. Karen also reflects on her early experiences at anime conventions and the tension of pursuing a creative career amidst personal insecurities and societal pressures.

In this engaging conversation, Tim Maleeny, the President and Chief Strategy Officer at Havas and a mystery novelist, dives into the thrilling yet competitive world of advertising. He shares insights on creative collaboration, stressing the importance of trust and effective communication. Tim discusses how authenticity and emotional storytelling can enhance agency-client relationships, while emphasizing the need for curiosity and likability. With over twenty years in the industry, he reveals the delicate balance between creative integrity and client demands, making for a compelling discussion.

In this conversation, Pat Flynn, an acclaimed podcaster and author of 'Superfans,' discusses how job loss propelled him toward entrepreneurship. He shares insights on navigating failure, the importance of mastermind groups, and how helping others can change your life. Pat emphasizes the role of collaboration in personal growth, the emotional challenges of public speaking, and the unpredictability of success in content creation. With humor and honesty, he highlights the need for resilience and community engagement in any journey.

Mo Ismail, a solopreneur and video marketing expert, joins filmmaker Rodrigo Tosca for a thought-provoking discussion. They explore the origins of personal beliefs and challenge inherited dreams shaped by upbringing. Topics include reframing goals and the transformative power of accountability in pursuing one's passions. The duo emphasizes the journey of personal growth through incremental progress and the importance of storytelling in connecting with audiences. With humor and authenticity, they invite listeners to reflect on their beliefs and aspirations.

Tom Hirst, a freelance web developer and pricing mentor, dives into the often-awkward topic of how to price creative work. He explores various billing methods—hourly, fixed, and value-based—while revealing the ethical nuances behind each. Hirst emphasizes the importance of clear project outcomes and upfront payments, illustrating how perceived value can shift client relationships. He shares strategies for building a social media presence and highlights innovative pricing models that entice early adopters, all aimed at redefining how freelancers think about and communicate their worth.

In this engaging discussion, Abby Guido, an assistant professor of graphic and interactive design with an MBA and her own design practice, dives into the evolution of design education. She highlights the critical need for designers to grasp business fundamentals, asserting that their creative decisions impact the bottom line. Abby and Chris tackle the balance of hard and soft skills in curricula, the importance of a clear portfolio, and the value of critical thinking. They also share insights on empowering designers to confidently navigate their careers and recognize their worth in the industry.

In this insightful discussion, Adam Morgan, Executive Creative Director at Adobe, shares his journey and insights on the multifaceted role of a creative director. He emphasizes that becoming a creative director is less about honing your craft and more about leadership and effective communication. Adam outlines nine steps to success, highlighting the importance of empathy and continuous learning. He encourages listeners to reflect on whether this career path aligns with their strengths and aspirations.