Passport – Soccer Balls as Art
I first spotted Passport after a posting in our forum asked if there were any more videos of the Sunshine goal. I followed the link that the first time poster used on their profile and landed in a world of soccer balls which feature artwork from three different artists. The whole idea intrigued me, and I contacted Edgar D. Acevedo one of the artists and founders of the project. Edgar turned out to be enthusiastic about my inquires and I wanted to share our conversations with our readers.
Q&A with Edgar D. Acevedo
When and how did the idea for soccer balls as art first originate?
- Having an art background I started looking at soccer from an artists perspective. One day back in 2007 I decided to design a ball, just for fun. I had a lot of fun doing that so I started looking into what it would take to manufacture a quality ball.
When did Passport Soccer make their first balls?
- We completed the first series in the summer of 2010.
What barriers or costs were you faced with in making this project a reality?
- I’ve had to deal mostly with time constraints. PASSPORT was developed during the night hours after I came home from my day job. It took many late nights and weekends to bring this project to light. It has been time well spent.
How hard was it to find a manufacturer of quality soccer balls produced with your designs?
- That took some time. I was looking for a high quality ball in order to obtain sanctioning from the NFHS. For this
the balls have to be tested at an independent lab in order to ensure sure they comply with the specific standards of quality that the NFHS requires.
Was there any difficulties getting the balls back into the US?
- That was not too difficult. The only problem we encountered was when the balls arrived into the U.S. We didn’t know that by law, all products imported into the United States must have a country of origin stamp. Department of costumes gave us thirty days to stamp every ball, otherwise we would not be allowed to sell the merchandise. So over the 4th of July weekend, with the help of a few friends, we inflated, stamped and deflated 1500 soccer balls.
What is your background in soccer and art?
- I’m been drawing art ever since I was a kid. When I moved to the U.S. at age nineteen I found out that in this
country art was a viable career option. That was not the case in Puerto Rico. So I took out some loans and went to art school for 3D graphics and animation. I’m still paying off those loans. I only started playing soccer after I moved to San Diego in Sept 2003. My colleagues from work held weekly pick up games on Tuesdays so I joined them. It was not long before Tuesday games became Tuesdays and Thursdays games. And then Saturdays. To say soccer is an addictive game would be an understatement.
Any plans for new designs in the future?
- Yea absolutely. A few artist friends have expressed interest in designing a ball. It’s hard for me to tell when we will kick start production again. Right now our focus is on marketing the current designs.
- Not one league in particular. I watch whatever game is playing at the time and compulsively fill the DVR with
whatever games I come across on TV. I have big hopes for the M.L.S. There’s no doubt in my mind that the quality of soccer in the U.S. will be at par with that of Europe.
So if your looking for a unique gift for your footie friend that has it all, head over to Passport Soccer.
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