A footwear designer should possess many “tools” — some concrete and some abstract. Also know that some “tools” have to be learned while others are innate. It is important to remember a tool is simply a means to aid in accomplishing a task: Sometimes you have to find new tools for a new task. Here’s a list of 10 Essential Tools Every Aspiring Sneaker Designer Should Possess.
9. Material Manufacturing
This is an underrated tool. Your inspiration is just as important as being able to think of new ideas. You have to know where to look for good inspiration; I consider it a tool because it isn’t easy to find new sources. In a way I think it is an innate quality that can’t be taught. Some people are just fine looking at what is easily available to them. Many people pay exuberant amounts of money to have someone tell them what to be inspired by. What doesn’t seem to click with those two people that they are looking at the exact same “inspiration” that every designer and creative on the planet is looking at. We all visit the same sites, shop at the same stores and travel to similar places. Therefore I try to find my own trends, sometimes even create the trend. I like the challenge of staying ahead of the curve. I also believe that this tool is what keeps you relevant and having a long career. If you keep looking at the same shit, you are going to keep designing the same shit. Don’t do that, push yourself to find sources that only a few have seen. And if it hasn’t been seen yet, create it!
8. Problem Solving
This is a tool that is becoming more and more important every season. Footwear has evolved quite quickly since 2008 and it is primarily because of the advancement of material engineering and how neakers are manufactured. It is very important to have some knowledge on how a shoe is created. It is way more than just sewing and gluing. The best thing about understanding the manufacturing process is that once you have a grasp of it, you will have thoughts on how to improve it and therefore evolve it to the next level and create something entirely new.