Creative direction at the 2026 FIFA World Cup: Carlos Navarrete Patiño
Carlos Navarrete Patiño Global Creative Director, Show Director, Production Designer and Costume Designer working with Balich Wonder Studio joined Domus Academy students for an energetic conversation about creative direction, live events and building a career through curiosity and collaboration.
Drawing on projects including ceremonies at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, he shared a personal perspective on turning ideas into experiences. His invitation to students was to stay open to unexpected paths, learn how things are made and value the people who help make them possible.
Navarrete Patiño described a career that moved from stage design into costumes, props, video, creative direction and production. Each transition began with recognising a need and learning how to contribute.
For students still defining their professional direction, his experience offered reassurance. What they study today can provide the foundation for many different roles, with new interests and experiences shaping the journey.
Navarrete Patiño encouraged students to observe what a project needs and take initiative. He recalled proposing solutions beyond his assigned role, opening opportunities to develop new skills.
“What’s missing? Do it. And then get that yes.”
He also spoke about accepting projects of every scale: “Why? Because every single one is a teaching opportunity.”
His message was to approach unfamiliar opportunities with curiosity. A small project can bring valuable experience, introduce new collaborators and lead to something much greater.
For Navarrete Patiño, a compelling idea must be supported by an understanding of materials, construction, budgets and production.
He recalled experimenting with fabrics to learn how they behaved before making costume decisions. The same practical curiosity applies to stages and ceremonies: designers need to ask questions, test possibilities and learn from the people who build their work.
For students, this made research a hands-on process that connects imagination with execution.
Navarrete Patiño shared his experience as creative director for ceremonies at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, coordinating teams and performers across Mexico, Canada and the United States. Bringing together costumes, staging, scripts and choreography within strict operational timings showed students the complexity behind large-scale live events.
“Every little thing that I’ve done in my life has gotten me to this.”
His account connected years of learning across disciplines with the ability to take on new responsibilities and deliver a shared creative vision.
Throughout the talk, Navarrete Patiño acknowledged the volunteers, performers, makers and colleagues who had shaped his projects and career.
“It’s about people, guys. You’re not alone. You are not alone.”
He encouraged students to share knowledge and support others’ development. Helping collaborators grow was central to his understanding of creative leadership.
FAQs - Frequently asked questions
What did Carlos Navarrete Patiño discuss at Domus Academy?
He discussed creative direction, live events, interdisciplinary careers, production challenges and collaboration, drawing on his professional experiences and answering students’ questions.
What advice did he share with young designers?
He encouraged students to take initiative, research how their ideas can be realised, remain humble and build strong relationships with collaborators.
Why is collaboration important in creative direction?
Navarrete Patiño described creative projects as collective efforts. Bringing together different skills and perspectives helps teams develop ideas, solve practical problems and support one another’s growth.