EPISODE / 014

June 3, 2024

Chris Do

Creative. Strategist. Loud Introvert

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“I help creatives build businesses and business leaders build brands.”

– Chris Do

In this episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Chris Do (a recovering graphic designer), a renowned Emmy Award-winning designer, CEO, and Founder of The Futur.

Chris has dedicated his career to helping creatives build successful businesses and guiding business leaders to create compelling brands.

In this episode, Chris shares his journey from being a first-generation immigrant to becoming a leading figure in the design world.

He dives deep into the importance of building a personal brand, the evolution of graphic design, and practical tips for creatives to stand out in a crowded market.

Perfect episode for business owners and creatives alike.

Key Points:

Building a personal brand is crucial for both business leaders and creatives.
Differentiation is more important than being better in the market.
Understanding and addressing business goals is key to successful design.
Effective branding involves more than just aesthetics; it’s about strategy.
Leveraging storytelling and personal experiences can elevate your brand.

Guest Bio

Chris Do is an Emmy award-winning designer, director, CEO and Chief Strategist of Blind and the founder of The Futur—an online education platform with the mission of teaching 1 billion people how to make a living doing what they love.

He currently serves as the chairman of the board for the SPJA, and as an advisor to Saleshood. He has also served as: advisory board member for AIGA/LA, Emmys Motion & Title Design Peer Group, Otis Board of Governors, Santa Monica College and Woodbury University.

He has taught Sequential design for over 15 years at ArtCenter College of Design as well as Otis College of Art and Design. Additionally, he has lectured all over the world including: AIGA National Design Conference, Birmingham Design Festival, Awwwards New York/San Francisco/Amsterdam, AIGA Miami, The Design Conference Brisbane, Creative South, Digital Design Days Milan/Geneva, Lu Xun Academy Fine Art Dalian, Motion Conference Santa Fe, VMA Design Conference, MIT Boston, Bend Design Conference, Graphika Manila, Create Philippines, Rise Up Summit Cairo, RGD Design Thinkers Toronto, California Institute of the Arts, LA Art Institute, Otis College of Design, UCLA, MGLA, Cal State Los Angeles/ Northridge, Post Production World, Adobe Video World and San Diego University.

His firm’s work has been recognized by national and international organizations such as: the Emmy’s, Clio, Effie Gold, Huffington Post, Lynda.com, Webbie, Communication Arts, London International Awards, One Show, British D&AD, AICP 20, Pictoplasma, How, 72 dpi, L.A. Weekly, Boards, Res 10, Type Director’s Club (20, 22, 23, 26), IDN, Addy Awards, BDA, Create, Stash (2, 12, 22, 24, 35, 43, 65), Creatie Augustus 2010, Motion Design, Asia Image, Brief, 365 AIGA Year In Design 26, Art Director’s Club, Motionographer, New York Festivals, B Brand, PPaper, I.D., and Print.

Mr. Do has given talks and conducted workshops on: Sales, Negotiations, Value Based Pricing, Mindset, Branding, Graphic & Motion Design, Social Media Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Business Management, and Client Relations.

Guest Links/Offer

Community & Training for Creatives: TheFutur
Personal Page: Chris Do
Youtube: TheFutur

About the Host

Paul Povolni (aka Voppa) is the founder of Voppa Creative and a creative leader with more than 30 years of experience working with organizations and teams around the world. His career spans brand strategy, design leadership, and creative direction, with a focus on helping organizations clarify who they are, how they lead, and how they communicate with intention.

Paul has led multidisciplinary teams in the development of award-winning branding and design systems across a wide range of industries. His work consistently connects strategy to execution, ensuring that brand expression reflects both organizational purpose and internal culture.

In addition to his consulting work, Paul is an experienced coach and speaker. He works with leaders, executives, and creative teams to strengthen decision-making, build creative confidence, and cultivate cultures rooted in clarity and accountability. His speaking engagements and workshops are grounded in practical frameworks shaped by decades of real-world leadership experience.

Paul is also the host of the Headsmack Podcast, where he interviews world-class thinkers, strategists, creatives, and business leaders from around the globe. The podcast explores branding, leadership, creativity, and culture through candid, in-depth conversations that challenge assumptions and sharpen thinking.

Through his consulting, speaking, and coaching, he equips clients to lead with Clarity, Creativity, and Culture—aligning vision with execution and purpose with performance.