Introduction
Growing up in Greenock, Scotland, Craig had two passions that defined his early years: football and drawing. A park across from his home provided the perfect playground for his daytime football adventures, while his evenings were dedicated to sketching anything related to the sport. Little did he know that these childhood interests would shape his future career.
The Football Dream Takes Shape
Craig’s talent on the football field did not go unnoticed. He played for Greenock Morton’s youth team and even received a contract offer during his sixth year of school. However, his mother and his school art teacher, Paul Murray, encouraged him to continue his studies while pursuing his football dreams. An agreement was reached that allowed Craig to complete his Advanced Higher Art and Design before fully committing to football.
A Rocky Road in Football
Despite his initial promise in football, Craig faced challenges and setbacks in his pursuit of a professional career. He found himself playing in youth teams and reserves, unable to secure a spot in the first team or make the move he had hoped for. The joy he once felt on the pitch began to wane, and he knew it was time for a change.
Discovering a New Passion
Craig decided to step away from football and seek something that would bring back the joy in his life. It was during this transition that he reconnected with his old art teacher, Paul Murray, after four years of not seeing each other. Their conversation would change the course of Craig’s life. Paul suggested that Craig explore art and design, and the idea resonated with him.
A Return to Art
Craig enrolled in a course at Glasgow’s Cardonald College, reigniting his passion for drawing and design. While studying, he continued to play for Largs Thistle. During these two years, he realised that his future had shifted away from football. His goal was clear: he wanted to be an artist.
Art Career Takes Flight
After graduating in 2013, Craig moved to London and worked for design agencies, specialising in typography. He even had the opportunity to work on a new typeface for Rangers FC in 2020. However, behind the scenes of his day job, he was quietly building his own art studio in Greenock.
The Fusion of Football and Art
Craig’s breakthrough came when he combined his passions for football and art. He experimented with acrylic paint, creating striking designs by pouring layers of paint over footballs. He marked the Scotland national men’s team’s qualification for the European Championships in 2021 with an artwork that combined the team’s colors and a football.
Acrylic Fusion Goes Viral
He named his creation “Acrylic Fusion” and shared the process of making these unique football artworks through videos and imagery. The concept quickly went viral, leading to commissions from England’s Premier League and football governing bodies like Uefa and Fifa.
A Life-Changing Opportunity
In a remarkable turn of events, Fifa reached out to Craig just nine weeks before the 2022 Qatar World Cup. He was asked to create a customised ball for each of the 32 competing teams and participate in live shows in front of players and staff. His demonstrations included moments like creating a Brazil football with legends Cafu and Roberto Carlos in the audience.
A Family Business and Global Success
Craig’s wife, Ally, joined the business full-time to manage its day-to-day operations. Together, they have expanded their reach to include collaborations with the NBA and NFL. Their journey as a family business has allowed them to travel and make art a central part of their lives.
A Bright Future for Acrylic Fusion
Looking ahead, Craig, Ally, and their three-year-old daughter, Olivia, are set to travel to Australia for an eight-week solo exhibition in Sydney’s Vandal Gallery, marking another milestone in the journey of Acrylic Fusion. Their success story demonstrates that talent and determination can lead to global recognition, even from a home base in Inverclyde, Scotland.
Inspiring Others to Chase Their Dreams
Craig takes pride in his working-class roots and hopes that his story can inspire others to pursue their own dreams. He believes that success can be achieved from anywhere, including one’s hometown, and his journey from football dreams to artistic aspirations.
Feature Image Courtesy: BBC
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