Alison Black traded her career as a mental health nurse in a Scottish prison to become Managing Director of Craig Black Studio, joining her husband in building one of the world's most distinctive visual art businesses. In this revealing conversation, Alison shares how she overcame self-doubt to bring her unique skillset—from deescalating challenging situations to delivering difficult news with grace—into the creative industry.
She discusses the realities behind the glossy brand collaborations, the intensity of running a family business where perfection is non-negotiable, and how working with prisoners taught her perspective that stress in the creative world pales in comparison to real-world problems.
From art Nashville residencies to Disney collaborations, Alison offers an honest look at what it takes to support creative excellence whilst maintaining boundaries, raising their daughter Olivia in the studio, and proving that sometimes the best person for the job comes from the most unexpected background.
Key Takeaways
- Transferable skills from intense environments like mental health nursing—including interpersonal communication, deescalation, and giving difficult feedback—can be invaluable in creative business management
- Setting clear expectations from the start prevents problems later; being honest about what's achievable builds trust more than overpromising
- Self-doubt often stems from feeling like an outsider, but the creative community's welcoming nature and willingness to help can quickly transform imposter syndrome into confidence
- Running a family business requires strict boundaries between work and family time, though the flexibility to travel together and be present for children makes the challenges worthwhile
- Perspective matters; asking "did anyone die?" helps recalibrate stress levels and reminds us that creative challenges, whilst real, aren't life-threatening
- Working as a husband-wife team succeeds when roles are clearly defined and each partner plays to their strengths rather than trying to do everything
- Brands value confidence and expertise; suggesting better ideas outside the brief often wins trust rather than just delivering what's requested
- Building a support network including mentors and peers who genuinely want you to succeed is essential when entering a new industry
- Perfectionism drives quality; refusing to compromise on standards or miss deadlines, whilst demanding, creates the reputation that attracts premium opportunities
- Exposing children to creative possibilities from a young age, from studio craft days to major brand collaborations, shows them what's possible without forcing a particular path
Daring Creativity. Daring Forever. Podcast with Radim Malinic
daringcreativity.com | desk@daringcreativity.com
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