Our Founders
Our Founders
Craig Buglass and Rob Warner didn’t just work in the industry; they shaped it. From Nike and Puma to Umbro and Lululemon,
they bring decades of high-level creative direction
directly to your screen. At Spark, you aren’t just a student; you are an apprentice to the best in the business.
Designer of the iconic 2002 World Cup-winning Brazil kit. Craig has served as Creative Director for global giants including Nike, Puma, and Stone Island. With a career spanning Dunhill and Belstaff, he brings elite-level craftsmanship to the Spark pathway.
500+ learners worldwide have already used Spark Design Academy
to accelerate their creative journey — why not you?
500+ learners worldwide have already used Spark Design Academy
to accelerate their creative journey — why not you?
The Spark Toolkit
What you’ll gain from us
Our NCFE Customised Qualifications empower you to build a professional-grade portfolio featuring the exact “Tech Packs” used by major sportswear brands. Beyond technical skills, you will master an evidence-based design framework to confidently justify creative decisions in any boardroom, while gaining lifetime access to a global alumni network of industry professionals and career opportunities.
The Spark Methodology
Professional Reasoning
We move beyond “looking good.” We teach you the research and cultural logic required to justify every stitch to global stakeholders.
Industry-Standard Portfolio
Graduate with a portfolio that speaks the language of recruiters. Our projects are designed to mirror real-world briefs from top-tier brands.
Global Network
Join a community of over 500 learners across 60 countries. Distance is no barrier to world-class mentorship.
Meet The Team
Craig Buglass
Co-Founder
As former Global Creative Director for Nike, Puma, Dunhill, and Belstaff, Craig has designed some of the world’s most iconic football kits and luxury apparel. He now channels his executive experience into Spark, providing the next generation of designers with the high-level industry insight needed to succeed at the top.
Rob Warner
Co-Founder
With over 20 years’ experience at brands including Puma, Umbro, and Lululemon, Rob has designed performance apparel for World Cup winners and Olympic athletes. At Spark, he focuses on bridging the gap between education and industry, equipping students with both design principles and the professional grit needed to build a successful career.
Emma Ledger
Director of Education
With over 30 years of international leadership experience, Emma is a former Principal within the acclaimed Cognita group and a British Schools Overseas inspector. At Spark, she oversees curriculum innovation and accreditation, building inclusive, future-focused pathways that ensure our learners graduate with both professional insight and globally recognised qualifications.
Gareth Stevens
Commercial Director
With over 20 years’ experience in sales leadership and brand strategy at Telefónica, Gareth specialises in bridging creative talent with commercial opportunity. He focuses on connecting our academy with global industry partners, ensuring students gain the practical insights and professional networks necessary to turn their design passion into a viable career.
Alex McMillan
Digital Director
With over 20 years of experience at leading brands like O2 and Telefónica, Alex is a specialist in creative strategy and brand development. He translates his extensive digital expertise into crafting engaging, industry-relevant course content for Spark, ensuring students have a dynamic and modern learning experience as they kick-start their global design careers.
Joe Carter
Digital Technology Specialist
A forward-thinking technologist with a background in software development and digital systems, Joe drives the technical infrastructure of Spark Design Academy. He focuses on building cutting-edge platforms and integrating the smart tools that enhance student learning, ensuring the academy remains at the forefront of digital design and educational technology.
Contact Us
