Industry insights from creative directors at some of the worlds biggest brands
Industry insights from creative directors at some of the worlds biggest brands
Industry insights from creative directors at some of the worlds biggest brands
Why Spark Design Academy?
Why Spark Design Academy?
Spark Design Academy is your unique opportunity to access the information, expertise, and skills that can help you reach your goals. With a range of easy-to-follow, convenient courses, why not take this opportunity to finesse your creative skills?
A message from our Director of Education
A message from our Director of Education
Create Your Own Opportunities
Real World Links
Our courses don’t just teach design — they connect learning to life. Learners graduate with accredited qualifications, a professional portfolio, and the ability to articulate ideas clearly and confidently. They gain a real understanding of how creativity drives industries and how design thinking can be applied to solve
real-world problems.
Critical Thinking
Learners analyse briefs, explore brand stories, and evaluate cultural influences before presenting their own original ideas. Through collaboration, discussion, and reflection, they strengthen their ability to question, interpret, and innovate — developing critical and creative skills that are essential across all future career paths.
Wellbeing & Resilience
Each project helps learners build resilience, a positive mindset, and a genuine sense of accomplishment. They learn that progress comes through effort, reflection, and persistence, developing confidence that extends far beyond the classroom and into every area of life — the core pillars of wellbeing.
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?
Discover Our Courses
Spark Design Academy programme’s are designed to expand your skills beyond traditional learning — building creative, communication,
and enterprise abilities that support personal and professional growth.
Our flexible online courses let you explore new interests, gain recognised accreditations, and create real-world portfolios.
These experiences open doors to potential career paths, boost confidence, and help develop skills that last a lifetime.
Football Kit Design
Football Kit Design
From Concept to Reality
At Spark Design Academy, we give learners direct access to the creative minds behind the sportswear industry.
Our flagship course is led by Craig Buglass and Rob Warner — former directors at Nike, Puma, and Umbro, each with a World Cup-winning shirt to their name — offering a rare glimpse into real-world creative careers.
Course Overview
Introduction
- Welcome to the course (0:58)
- Meet Craig & Rob (6:23)
- 3 steps to building a world class kit (0:48)
- Download the course workbook (Workbook)
- Important words and phrases (Workbook)
Research & Concept
- Why Kits Exist - What's the Story? (2:26)
- Why Kit Design Matters? (4:02)
- What makes my kit special? (3:06)
- Research (4:04)
- Start with the end in mind (8:09)
Materials & Manufacturing
- Fabrics 101 (Workbook)
- Innovation (35:26)
- The marketing value of kits (Workbook)
- Culture and identity (Workbook)
- Cold, hard cash (Workbook)
Design & Presentation
- The Voice of the Fans (Workbook)
- Attention to detail (Workbook)
- Colour (50:3)
- Graphics 101 (5:26)
- A Life In Design (Audio - 54:59)
The Final Whistle
- Submitting Your Project (Workbook)
- Campioni Del Mondo (0:52)
- Course Summary (2:40)
- Full Time (1:02)
- END OF COURSE
Introduction
- Welcome to the (0:56)
- What to expect (Workbook)
- Bringing the course to life (Workbook)
- Download the course workbook
Research & Concept
- The future of kits (7:13)
- Innovation (35:11)
- What gets in the way? (6:20)
- Create something meaningful (7:38)
Materials & Manufacturing
- Templates (4:36)
- Unexpected challenges (4:05)
- Financials & costings (9:57)
Designing & Presentation
- Ready to Launch (5:04)
The Final Whistle
- Submitting Your Project (Workbook)
- Campioni Del Mondo (0:52)
- Course Summary (2:40)
- Full Time (1:02)
- END OF COURSE
Introduction
- Welcome to The Advanced Course (2:12)
- Marketing & Money (5:25)
- Innovation (35:26)
Research & Concept
- Performance & Function (7:34)
- Ready to Launch (5:04)
Materials & Manufacturing
- Rules & regulations (Workbook)
- The GTM Process (17:54)
- Counterfeiting & Brand Protection (12:55)
- Development Process (18:34)
- Inside the Factory (12:13)
Designing & Presentation
- Bringing it to life (7:12)
- Collaborations (9:10)
The Final Whistle
- Influencing the influencers (6:54)
- Interviews (12:45)
- Course Summary (2:24)
- END OF COURSE
Sneak Peak Into Our Course
Sneak Peak
Into Our Course
Choosing the right programme isn’t just about what you learn — it’s about the support that surrounds you. Spark Design Academy is built as a complete experience, helping learners develop the skills and confidence to succeed in creative careers.
We can’t wait to welcome you to the academy.
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Meet The Team
Craig Buglass
Co-Founder
Craig is the Founder & Creative Director of Spark Design Academy, with an executive background as Global Creative Director at and number of brands from Nike and Puma to Dunhill and Belstaff. He has led the design of iconic football kits, including World Cup-winning teams, and worked across luxury fashion, sportswear, and athleisure. Today, he channels that experience into Spark Design Academy, sharing industry insight with the next generation of designers.
Rob Warner
Co-Founder
Rob is the Co-Founder of Spark Design Academy, with over 20 years’ experience in fashion and design across global brands including Puma, Umbro, and Lululemon. His work has ranged from performance sportswear worn by World Cup-winning teams and Olympic athletes to lifestyle collections for international markets. At SDA, he focuses on bridging the gap between creative education and professional practice— helping students understand not just design principles, but how to navigate the realities of building a successful career in the design industry.
Emma Ledger
Director of Education
Emma is the Education Director of Spark Design Academy, bringing over 30 years of international leadership experience in schools across the UK, Spain, and the UAE. A former Principal within the highly acclaimed Cognita group, she has led schools to outstanding outcomes and is accredited as a British Schools Overseas inspector and safeguarding lead. Known for driving innovation in curriculum design, governance, and accreditation, Emma now applies her expertise to Spark Design Academy focusing on building inclusive, future-focused pathways that equip the next generation of designers with both professional insight and recognised qualifications.
Gareth Stevens
Commercial Director
Gareth is the Commercial Manager of Spark Design Academy, with over 20 years’ experience in sales leadership, brand strategy, and customer acquisition. Having spent two decades at Telefónica leading growth and retention programmes, Gareth now applies his expertise to bridge creativity with commercial opportunity. At SDA, he focuses on connecting education with industry—ensuring students gain the practical insight to turn passion into real career pathways.
Alex McMillan
Digital Director
Alex is a creative professional with over 20 years of experience in the design industry, having worked with leading companies including O2 and Telefónica. His career spans creative strategy, design leadership, and brand development, delivering impactful work across technology, communications, and digital experiences. Today, Alex is utilising his experience to bring Spark Design Academy into the digital age—shaping and crafting course content that is engaging, relevant, and fun for students, helping them kick-start their design careers across the globe.
Joe Carter
Digital Technology Specialist
Joe is a forward-thinking technologist with a passion for innovation and problem-solving. With a strong background in software development and digital systems, he plays a key role in driving the technical side of Spark Design Academy. From building and maintaining cutting-edge platforms to integrating smart tools that enhance student learning, Joe ensures that the academy stays at the forefront of digital design and technology.
Meet The Team
Craig Buglass
Co-Founder
Craig is the Founder & Creative Director of Spark Design Academy, with an executive background as Global Creative Director at and number of brands from Nike and Puma to Dunhill and Belstaff. He has led the design of iconic football kits, including World Cup-winning teams, and worked across luxury fashion, sportswear, and athleisure. Today, he channels that experience into Spark Design Academy, sharing industry insight with the next generation of designers.
Rob Warner
Co-Founder
Rob is the Co-Founder of Spark Design Academy, with over 20 years’ experience in fashion and design across global brands including Puma, Umbro, and Lululemon. His work has ranged from performance sportswear worn by World Cup-winning teams and Olympic athletes to lifestyle collections for international markets. At SDA, he focuses on bridging the gap between creative education and professional practice— helping students understand not just design principles, but how to navigate the realities of building a successful career in the design industry.
Emma Ledger
Director of Education
Emma is the Education Director of Spark Design Academy, bringing over 30 years of international leadership experience in schools across the UK, Spain, and the UAE. A former Principal within the highly acclaimed Cognita group, she has led schools to outstanding outcomes and is accredited as a British Schools Overseas inspector and safeguarding lead. Known for driving innovation in curriculum design, governance, and accreditation, Emma now applies her expertise to Spark Design Academy focusing on building inclusive, future-focused pathways that equip the next generation of designers with both professional insight and recognised qualifications.
Gareth Stevens
Sales Director
Gareth is the Commercial Manager of Spark Design Academy, with over 20 years’ experience in sales leadership, brand strategy, and customer acquisition. Having spent two decades at Telefónica leading growth and retention programmes, Gareth now applies his expertise to bridge creativity with commercial opportunity. At SDA, he focuses on connecting education with industry—ensuring students gain the practical insight to turn passion into real career pathways.
Alex McMillan
Digital Director
Alex is a creative professional with over 20 years of experience in the design industry, having worked with leading companies including O2 and Telefónica. His career spans creative strategy, design leadership, and brand development, delivering impactful work across technology, communications, and digital experiences. Today, Alex is utilising his experience to bring Spark Design Academy into the digital age—shaping and crafting course content that is engaging, relevant, and fun for students, helping them kick-start their design careers across the globe.
Joe Carter
Digital Technology Specialist
Joe is a forward-thinking technologist with a passion for innovation and problem-solving. With a strong background in software development and digital systems, he plays a key role in driving the technical side of Spark Design Academy. From building and maintaining cutting-edge platforms to integrating smart tools that enhance student learning, Joe ensures that the academy stays at the forefront of digital design and technology.
Partnerships
ZXY International – Our
Global Apparel Partner
ZXY International – Our Global Apparel Partner
ZXY brings decades of expertise in apparel manufacturing, material innovation, and sustainable fabric sourcing directly into the learning experience. This partnership gives students unique insight into the real-world processes behind garment creation—bridging the gap between design education and industry practice, and equipping future designers with the knowledge to create products that are both innovative and production-ready.
Ready to learn something new?
Every learner’s needs are different, so your course experience should be too.
Whether you’re looking for a short programme or a full-length course, we’ll tailor the content, delivery format, and pricing to fit your schedule and goals.
Enquire today to explore a package designed just for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
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