Beyond the Lines: A Conversation Between FUTURA and VERDY on LEGO® Bricks and Creative Freedom.

In 2026, “LEGO® NINJAGO®” from the LEGO Group celebrated its 15th anniversary since the series’ debut. To mark this milestone, FUTURA—a legend who pioneered the New York graffiti scene—was appointed as the official creative collaborator and co-art creator. FUTURA is reportedly the first living artist to form a partnership with the LEGO Group. Coinciding with the unveiling of “Ninja of the Futura”—a work that blends his signature character, Pointman, with the LEGO® NINJAGO® universe—a conversation took place between FUTURA and VERDY, with whom he shares a close friendship. During the conversation, three art pieces were on display: FUTURA’s reinterpretations of the popular characters Kai, the Fire Ninja, and Nya, the Water Ninja, as well as his original character Pointman—all inspired by the LEGO® Ninjago universe.
They’ll talk about how they met, the thoughts they’ve poured into their characters, and the “freedom” that LEGO® bricks teach us.

Photo_Takaki Iwata
Text_Ryo Tajima (DMRT)
Edit_Hiroshi Yamamoto

Think outside the box! Sometimes it’s important to think outside the box.

FUTURA: We had a really fun conversation with VERDY today. Before we wrap up, is it okay if I share just one more thing with our younger readers who are reading this article?

—Please!

FUTURA: When I was a kid, I used to be careful not to color outside the lines. This color for the hat, this color for the pants, this color for the flower—you know how it goes. But my mom told me, when I was little, “Don’t let the lines define you. Go outside the lines.” In a way, this is my approach to life and creativity. Don’t let yourself be confined by the boundaries you’re given—feel free to step outside the lines. There’s a saying, “Think outside the box.” Simply put, it means not getting stuck in a rut and maintaining a flexible mindset. I’m sure VERDY feels the same way. While this message is directed at children, it also applies to our future as adults. After all, people never stop creating.

VERDY: Yes, I agree.

FUTURA: We’re both passionate about what we do, aren’t we? I think that passion is reflected in our work—and in the sheer volume of it. VERDY creates a tremendous number of works and is always keeping his hands busy. That’s why I respect VERDY so much. Of course, the same goes for other artists as well. They just keep doing their own thing relentlessly. It might not always be planned, but there’s simply a beautiful energy to it. I really love that kind of energy.

VERDY: I think that’s a really cool way of thinking. I think FUTURA feels the same way—I, too, want to keep pursuing my own unique style of expression and create lots of things that excite me. And by the way, your mom is the best!

FUTURA: Thank you. He really was a cool guy.

Build freely using only the pieces at hand, without relying on the instructions. FUTURA’s approach to LEGO® bricks perfectly aligns with his mother’s advice: “Think outside the box.” “Ninja of the Futura,” which brought his unique sense of freedom to the LEGO® Ninjago® world as it celebrated its 15th anniversary, may also be a creation born from that very “outside the box” mindset.