How did you start your design business? AMA w/ Chris Do

Chris Do sits down with students from Art Center Business Club to answer their questions.
In this episode, Chris goes in-depth regarding the creation of his creative agency, Blind, in Los Angeles, California. It's a story that starts with a freshly graduated Chris Do being presented with the opportunity to start a business (his life dream) by his uncle.
From there, Chris Do expounds on how he got going, Blind's break out moment, how he keeps the work coming, and how he's adapted Blind to keep up in a creative field with ever changing needs and demands.
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_________________________________________________
Need brand strategy help?
Visit Blind LA’s WEBSITE: blind.com
Special Thanks to our Sponsors:
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Jose Caballer: / josecaballer
Chris Do: / thechrisdo
Credits:
Executive Producer- Chris Do
Hosts- Chris Do & Jose Caballer
Director- Aaron Szekely
Cameraman- Aaron Szekely, Andrew Truong
Producer- Aaron Szekely
Editor- Aaron Szekely
Musical Director- Adam Sanborne
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*By making a purchase through any of our affiliate links, we receive a very small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us on our mission to provide quality education to you. Thank you.

[@Arthur-Silva]

I'm not a designer, I don't even want to be a designer nor do I want to work in this field but, I love this channel, there's so much information about business, please keep this alive, I'm sure you're helping a lot of people!

[@thefutur]

Art Silva thanks Art. Appreciate it.

[@iosifnicolae2]

I'm a developer and same as @Art Silva i like when i can learn tips to put into practice.

[@samuelsmartgraphics]

6 years later and still going strong🙏👍💪

[@kasinatharao1246]

"I try to be as giving as I can without hurting myself in the process". This line is beautiful! Something I need to inculcate :)

[@xDaShaanx]

He said in 2016 "we wanna help you grow your business, we wanna help you build campaigns" & this is exactly what futur is doing now. In 2021. That's some serious dedication & I respect that a lot.

[@thefutur]

Thank you 😊

[@YueFoundChan]

I've worked in the Ad industry for about 5 years now and not once have I ever thought about starting my own company. Even though my life didn't go that direction, I've met great people in my journey, people that I can trust. I think I'm ready. Thanks Chris, what you're doing is truly priceless. I can never be more thankful.

[@thefutur]

good luck. be prepared for the highs and lows. stay strong.

[@andriciandu]

"So if I'm looking into something, I do not want to watch you commercial about whatever it is you want to sell me." * add starts playing literally 1-2 seconds later. Pure gold.

[@thefutur]

Irony

[@RedcubeX24]

Looking at new videos, chris is aging really well. I believe that this video, which i just found, is insanely good. Please repost or renew this for all the newer viewers!

[@MaiiyamR89]

How can anyone not like this gold of a content, let alone 22 people. This is one of the most helpful pieces of content out there. Chris doesn't fish around or waste audience time. He provides invaluable information.

[@OliverOsborneMusic]

I haven't watched anything so intensely since 24. I'm in the music industry in Singapore and there is a huge amount that is applicable to what I do. Good shit.

[@thefutur]

Thanks Oliver. I didn't know our show was that intense.

[@brewlian11]

A lot of value here. Especially if you want to go to a senior level from a jr or mid level. Be a problem solver, and not a order taker. cool talk.

[@accorsistudios]

I'll admit (as someone who works by themselves) I have to have fake conversations to hear carefully what I'm struggling to work through. Videos, advice, optimism like Chris goes further than probably even he realizes. Sitting in a remote mountain studio, churning away in that first year can be tough - this helps a great deal. Thanks for be authentic and helpful.

[@thefutur]

we are part of your global design community. here to help michael.

[@thedeputydadbod]

I've been kind of bouncing around watching a lot of different videos about graphic design. To tell you a bit about myself I'm just starting out. I started a KZbin channel and now I run a twitch channel. Through out that time I realized I needed to learn photoshop and get some editing skills. As time went on i've helped other people make their logo's or banners, give advice on production and little things like this. Now, I'm not a big channel by any means but people respected the effort I put in. I may be a bit early in doing this but I've always had it in my head that I can't work for someone else forever. So me and a friend have started our own studio. Yes, this was very early for me to do considering I have no real training other than what I've gleamed from these channels. Your videos are probably the single most helpful resource I've found on the internet. Time, practice, and research are the only things that will help my hard skills but the things you've taught have given me a new way to look at this. At first I started out with the expectation that I'd just be some small local office because that's what graphic design means. But the more I've looked into this and heard you speak the more I realize how wrong I was and how little I valued my own natural skill. Thank you for sharing all this information and for doing this for free. I hope to meet you someday and shake your hand. I'll be waiting until I'm more than the garage company we are currently though. again thank you.

[@thefutur]

we'll keep making videos til the day we can meet in person.

[@mequable]

This is the second video I watch where Chris shares how long he's been in the business, and it's always fascinating to see a person like that. Especially in the other video, where he showed his portfolio. It it SO interesting to imagine what is like being 20+ years in the business and seeing design evolve.

[@thefutur]

Evolve or get left behind.

[@OmJhody]

so much insight from this single video thanks Chris.

[@alaamohamedfouedderdour12]

There's so much value in these words

[@adriansomoza]

Man. This is pure gold. Thanks for sharing!

[@petermwale6795]

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 The Futur is the best.

[@9h4h4h4h]

Without a doubt some of the best content i've seen online, straight forward, beneficial, and thought provoking. Your insight will make me more successful.Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@thefutur]

+Robert Berube You're welcome Robert! Part 3 is coming out this weekend.

[@prakharmathur619]

Thank you! I don't even know what else to say anymore. I have learnt so much in the past 4 months from Chris and the Futur, that I can't even describe it. Just Thank You!!!

[@thefutur]

You’re very welcome

[@jonidegu]

I've been consuming content and learning a lot from The Futur for quite sometime now. To give context, I'm not exaggerating when I say that I binge The Futur content on a daily basis. But while watching the video, I don't know why I suddenly teared up, maybe I felt something ignited in me-hope, passion, drive, focus. Or better yet, direction. Thank you, thank you, thank you so much, Chris. I felt like I crossed a threshold.

[@iceloc1994]

Just listening to you speak about your own buisness experience is pretty insperating and enlightening. Could personaly watch you videos all day.

[@LevAshin]

It's amazing to watch the transformation Chris has done within 5 years! So different in todays videos than on this one! So much confidence today!

[@gabrielugochukwu489]

Amazing. Thanks for shaping me in the business of design.

[@geechaney8051]

Why does almost every word out of Chris' mouth give me so much value?

[@DorlenSabbath]

DM’d Chris, and now I’m here🖤

[@davidsalva9407]

Still watching 5 yrs later, there's a value in every minute of this video o

[@steinmil]

@19:50 Great point. Once you begin knowing and trusting your skills you really need just do your own stuff.

[@kaelienie]

I love that you said, "I try to give as much as I can without hurting myself in the process." YES! Thank you. I feel validated in the times where I have helped Arts Councils and community groups and also the times where I have had to say no. Also, I think you're great.

[@thefutur]

+Kaelie Nielsen Thanks Kaelie. On the journey to self realization and mindfulness, I've discovered that helping others doesn't come free. It means that sometimes, you have to put your own dreams on hold. It can feel very rewarding but it shouldn't come at a sacrifice to your own progress and happiness. Learning to say "no" is one of the hardest things I've had to learn.

[@shhhhhhhhhh11]

THE most helpful channel on KZbin. Completely rethinking my strategies because of this content. Thank you Chris!

[@thefutur]

thanks Ryan!

[@HowardWimshurst]

That was some amazing insight. Thank you so much Chris!

[@thefutur]

You bet. 2 more episodes are on their way.

[@laviniam7742]

Wow. This has been one of the most useful things I've watched in a while. It's really cool to find someone who can articulate so well the things that I'm already aware of but have a hard time explaining myself. Thanks Chris! I'm obsessed with this channel now.

[@thefutur]

Hi. Thanks for being obsessed.

[@sachinrathor686]

you guys are doing great thing by providing us this kind of content. thank you so much man. 10000 appritiation you almost build my future. always greatfull.

[@freem4nn129]

Chris pours gold guys, thank you sir

[@jayce5421]

The inspiration you're story gives, will expand so many more young minds! Good job and thanks!

[@thefutur]

Thanks JC! Hope so.

[@Jc-si6pj]

He’s a really good teacher

[@thefutur]

Ty

[@DesignCode360]

Beautifully articulated Chris.

[@thefutur]

+DesignCode360 Thank you!

[@MarkSavant]

Great great video. Will watch multiple times. 🙂🙏

[@nkanyisozoza3080]

thank you CHRIS DO

[@Collins_Ngetich]

wow! this is very motivating. THANK YOU

[@thefutur]

Thanks Collins for commenting and for the positive feedback.

[@cofa4011]

Impressive pedagogic skills man ! You are a mentor ! ;) Good job and thank you very much for sharing andhelp us get the best out of ourself and of our time !!! :)

[@JosephLouisTan]

Dropping words of wisdom as usual Chris!! Love the car mechanic and Doctor analogies :) we need to change the mindsets of designers and clients that we are problem solvers. We are consultants. We are the experts. And that's why clients come to us for solutions. Thanks Chris. Looking forward to Ep. 2!

[@thefutur]

Thanks Joseph.

[@StephenLee529]

Awesome story Chris, 20+ years in business and you are still going strong. I really enjoyed that.

[@thefutur]

20 years young. Loving where we are going.

[@magicsmoke6000]

Tons of value. Thank you for posting this.

[@thefutur]

It's long so thanks for watching.

[@shawn2296]

This is how i spent my time after work watching your amazing channel if i knew this was here before i would have my business running by now. Thank you so much

[@thefutur]

Glad to help. Shawn.

[@marekgrajczynski3524]

Chris "The Scalpel" Do. Another valuable lesson. Thanks, buddy!

[@adhikakristyanto1998]

Chris Do, Seth Godin, Gary Vaynerchuck, Victor Antonio, Zig Ziglar what an amazing people for business,marketing,and sales thank you #thefuturishere

[@rylewx]

Very good flow Chris. Much appreciation and respect.

[@thefutur]

Thank you.

[@harrietc.1404]

Another amazing and educational video, guys!

[@benmoussahatim215]

Inspiring, as usual, thank you

[@michaelyakutis7311]

These videos are super validating, reassuring, and inspiring. Thanks for sharing these!

[@thefutur]

Michael Yakutis you're welcome 😊

[@dom1w0w]

Inspiring. Thank you for the insight

I love watching and rewatching those beautiful videos. Thanks for sharing your success stories. Blind and the biggest reinvention. I feel good watching and listening to that. Great goals and dreams and hopes. Great success stories.

[@thefutur]

Thank you 🙏

[@benjaminkralj]

Chris Do is amazing. Iam learning so much from your videos guys. Just a big thank you for your effort to put these things out in the open. Please continue.

[@thefutur]

+Benjamin Kralj Thanks Benjamin! We are going to being ramping up with more episodes in the near future and experiment with formats.

[@leonard0104]

yes, totally agree with u mate, thank god he gave us Chris!

[@raftudela8478]

This is an amazing video! Very motivating and well explained. Thanks for making it Chris (and team).

[@thefutur]

Raf Tudela you're welcome RAF.

[@scurlcube]

Really great man, we all appreciate your content! Thanks!

[@thefutur]

scurlcube thanks. Where are you watching from?

[@scurlcube]

Chicago

[@thefutur]

scurlcube Windy City.

[@_tommykuo]

Really nice video, and the analogy was perfect. Thanks!

[@thefutur]

Thanks. EP.2 coming.

[@introfy]

This is inspiring and very informative. Thank you Chris.

[@thefutur]

+introfy You bet!

[@jonathanbates8742]

You are always inspiring Chris Do!

[@thefutur]

Thanks Jonathan.

[@jaimeguerrero4473]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Really helpful information. Love the channel.

[@thefutur]

Thank you Jaime.

[@jessicabreedendesigns6670]

This was amazing - thanks for sharing your story with us! As a brand identity designer that is currently working on creating her own business, this was so ON point!

[@thefutur]

Thank you. Glad my story resonated with you.

[@MyFlyParadise]

Thank you for the advice Chris!

[@thefutur]

you're welcome.

[@mrpixelgrapher]

The Chris do here is honest and brutal with the facts the experience and struggle is visible. The present videos have better production quality and compressed value. Though I loved this ❤️

[@jessicaahn661]

Be the change, right? I empathize wholly with your BIG MESSAGE. You're a beacon of light for the future generation. I greatly appreciate the insights and transparency that is consistent in your videos. I wish you great happiness and success! Namaste...

[@thefutur]

Namaste indeed. Thank you.

[@ChristylBenford]

Great content and information as usual! Thanks for this.

[@thefutur]

you're welcome Christyl.

[@christrip]

I love your content and how its evolving. All of it is good though. All good in a different ways.. I suppose bc I am growing with the channel. Taking everything from top to bottom but in different approaches, touching on different aspects within the same topics.. these lately are personal and wonderful.. Altogether filling in gaps. Love this channel!

[@thefutur]

Thanks Chris. Glad to hear your feedback and it's nice to watch each other grow. We are enjoying your channel as well.

[@KeaDaCreative]

wished I found this video in August 2016... but I'm learning these things he's talking about through trial and error right now. and there's stuff he mentioned that are very key to the stage I'm at now... great video!! 👍

[@thefutur]

hi kay. you found us now.

[@mkalimikidadi2597]

Such a grt channel Inspiring! Can't stop listening 2 U very helpful!

[@thefutur]

pace yourself Mkali

[@RyanMcAlee]

"When I want to learn how to cut something out in Photoshop, I do not want to watch your commercial about whatever it is you want to sell me." - the video paused to play an ad. The timing was so perfect I burst out laughing.

[@thefutur]

Haha. Irony.

[@etmargallo]

Lol, mine was a Wix ad, same exact spot, I know how to build my own website damnit! Lol

[@victorchisun]

Amazing Chris! Really helpful!

[@thefutur]

Thanks.

[@dododesigners]

Chris, this is some invaluable insights you're offering. Thanks a bunch!

[@thefutur]

You're welcome. Anything else you want to ask Jon?

[@dododesigners]

+The Skool Network Have you always gone beyond what's expected of you?

[@thefutur]

+Jon Bennallick I try to every time. It's how you grow and gain more clients.

[@dododesigners]

+The Skool Network Super! Thanks Chris.

[@brandontabona9591]

Thank you guys for this very informative video, i learnt alot, and i'm sure my mindset will adjust accordingly

[@thefutur]

Thanks Brandon.

[@JJWong22]

Thank you 🙏 a Futur video a day keeps ignorance at bay 🤩

[@thefutur]

You bet!

Thanks, Chris -- you rock! :)

[@AheartFixedInChrist]

Always Awesome Content ♥️

[@timmcneill5299]

Just resigned from an agency, planning on freelancing but treating my work as an agency business. Everything said in this video I have experienced, and its a breath of fresh air knowing its i'm not alone in this process... Gonna dissect all your videos and improve myself... thank you

[@thefutur]

Good luck Tim. Know that you are not alone.

[@aslamnajeem]

Thanks for the great insight, Chris!

[@thefutur]

Episode 2 coming out tonight.

[@ProfessorBRB]

I go back to the days of print design when we did it all by hand. They called us "wrists", as you say, order takers. Now everything is in flux so we must ask "Why?" when a client comes for a brochure (for example). They might need something completely different. Everything that you said here is true. There is no choice but to become strategic thinkers if we want to serve our clients well.

[@thefutur]

In the "old days", designers were few and were able to control price based on supply and perceived value. Now, the Internet has made the marketplace global and powerful computers and software have eroded the barriers to entry. The only choice for designers to be paid what they're worth is to speak the language of business.

[@FerminJeff]

I just learned about you by searching how to start a web and graphic design company and came across you. I love how you speak and your philosopy on the business of design. To me you are like a cornerstone of the new design industry. I have applied your blueprint to my blueprint and have had some great outcomes. I may have heard the many way of how to start a design company but the way you explain it is very much needed. If you could put a series of the design startup, I would support. I seen a video where you were explaining how your at the bottom of the food change and I believe you are the top of the food change because the new generation is in tune with what you are teaching. Keep up the good work you are needed in the industry!

[@thefutur]

Fermin Jeff hello and thank you for your comment. So glad to hear that you're having success. If I have any part of that then that's the biggest validation that we are doing something right.

[@FerminJeff]

Do Chris have an online school

[@thefutur]

we are working towards that goal.

[@999tricks]

So true! I love working with business people compared to creative people too because of the same reason explained here :D

[@williamhawkins1215]

This was great, thank you Chris. I’m really interested in your process for naming ‘Blind’ and ‘thefutur’. Any videos on that?

[@206jacinto]

Wooow... awesome video!! 👌🏻 always great advice!!

[@thefutur]

206jacinto thank you. 👍🏼

[@solortus]

I can't imagine Chris being in his 40s he looks like he's in his 20s lol

[@aeliayousaf]

how can someone dislike videos like these...great video Chris!

[@thefutur]

They don't like my face or voice I suppose.

[@borgXmeister]

True! I can relate being an "order taker". :)

[@casperfigge]

have use some hours to hear your stuff.. but this i really can hear and feal it . and man you can teal it on the point. love your way to explain things. is like a Lego brick theory.. like you just build on though life. born with dyslexia and have some part Spadic paralysis in my legs..i sit alot at home. so really love to hear your stuff instead off to be needed to read a book !! ty for it !!

[@jonathandacanha1894]

"I do NOT want to watch your commercial about what you want to sell me" ...Up pops a commercial. Hehe, found that amusing. ...and yes I am angry with the advertiser and no I cant remember what drink they were advertising. Thank you Chris for your awesome perspective.

[@cinemah8252]

Looking this in 2020 it'l evergreen af.

[@teronholtman2560]

Great video, Great advice! Looking to start my own multimedia and marking firm, really getting alot out of this channel, great work guys keep it coming*

[@thefutur]

Thanks Teron. Good luck.

[@niacreatives7691]

I have learned a lot,thank you#The process...

[@thefutur]

Yes! You're welcome.

[@germgeneration]

spot on!

[@Some.Travels]

I LOVE THIS CHANNEL!

[@thefutur]

Yay!

[@spiritlaker8919]

Miigwetch for the advice.

[@natealspaugh8587]

THIS IS SO GOOD.

[@thefutur]

Thank you Nate.

[@stevenyilin385]

Thanks for being such a value giving example for everyone out there. Have u ever thought of maybe starting an agency for creatives or a platform where creatives can connect and help and refer each other?

[@thefutur]

We have the pro group.

[@jecamartinez]

“I was looked at as an internal resource at the end of a decision-making cycle” UGHHH SOOO TRUE!!! I also worked at an agency (lasted 9 months) and I felt like my work was a commodity and it was just about making graphics to fill our clients’ social media accounts, with no real passion/inspiration behind them other than “5 clients want social media posts everyday for the month, so 5 clients x 30 days = make 150 social media posts by the next day" I'd try to suggest more creative things like GIFs and stop motion, but I was turned down because they take too much time :(

[@christiancalligraphycorner139]

wow, that's awesome. 21 years. you guys must be doing something right. I thought the dollar shave club and pooperi commercials were ingenious. You are very right in a sense that commercials address almost dead.

[@thefutur]

Those 2 videos are not the standard commercials. They are designed to be funny explainer videos and did not air on Tv.

[@thefutur]

You are right. Those videos are the future.

[@ninaanderson9318]

I fucking love you Chris.

[@thefutur]

luv u 2.

[@charlezdesigns3689]

Awesome video

[@thefutur]

Charlez Designs thanks Charlez.

[@vigneshmoorthy6047]

Great speech! Man you really good in body language.!!

[@thefutur]

Thanks. You mean being expressive with my hands?

[@vigneshmoorthy6047]

+The Skool Network Yes, I don't know who you are before watching this video.. but listened to your speech till the end and followed you on Twitter for your future updates. very inspiring! keep going :)

[@thefutur]

+Vignesh Moorthy thanks. How did you know me before?

[@vigneshmoorthy6047]

+The Skool Network Just subscribed to this channel before couple of months before.. but not really into it. After listening to your personal experience and your tips.. I really enjoyed looking into every videos.

[@thefutur]

thanks for sharing Vignesh. it helps me to know what video we produce that connects us with our audience.

[@Mgarcia472]

Great mechanic reference

[@trantientho]

Great lesson from Chris :) I have a question: How do you make the shift from an order taker to an advice giver/problem solver? On our part, we (designers) can change our perspective, but what about how others view designers/creative people? I work at a corporation where designers lie at the very end of the order chain, and whenever I start to question my superiors about design decisions, these people see me as a joke. "Just do what I told you to". I want to make a change in this system but it's hard to figure out where to start.

[@thefutur]

you start by asking bigger questions that go beyond what something looks like. The why questions start to change the dialogue between you and your client.