Be flexible with your plan. This isn’t written in stone, so if a new opportunity or contact presents itself, be flexible so you can incorporate a new direction. Reevaluate this plan every year or two. Determine if you’re on track or if you need to make adjustments.
Consider which aspect of the shoe design process appeals to you most. Do you love designing shoes but you don’t care about actually making them? Do you want to actually make your own shoes? Do you want to work for a big company like Adidas or Nike, or do you want to own your own boutique?
Your degree doesn’t need to be in shoe design. Any degree in an art- or design-related field will be applicable. These might include shoe design, industrial design, graphic design, art, product design, fashion design, and accessory design, among others. [3] X Research source
Limit the elements that you can use, such as restricting yourself to three colors, or two types of fabric or material. This will force you to be imaginative and innovative. Give yourself assignments. Design shoes for different types of people, for example. What are some similarities that resound through each design? Challenge yourself to create something new every day. Design a new shoe every day for a month. You may start to see themes in your shoe designs.
Design/creative: This is the division where you create your design. But this involves more than sketching a shoe on paper; it also involves pattern making, and for some designers, using or making original lasts to determine shoe fit (lasts are reproductions of the foot, usually made of high-quality plastic or resin). [6] X Research source Manufacturing: This is the division that turns your design into an actual pair of shoes. Learn about the chain of manufacturing, from selection of materials to production. Retail: This is the division that sells your shoes. Understanding the retail side involves understanding what consumers are looking for; these are the people who will be wearing your shoes. Who are the consumers you’re hoping to target? Also consider what stores and buyers are looking for and how your shoes might suit their needs.
Read design and fashion magazines to keep up with trends.
Sketching doesn’t have to be done on physical paper. You might use design software to create your shoe designs.
Also learn how to use computer-aided design (CAD) programs. These will enable you to create 3D digital designs.
Include a designer’s statement, in which you talk about your influences and inspirations. Also include an up-to-date resume.
Check with your favorite companies to see what their internship requirements are. Some internships are not paid, but they may offer college credit in exchange for your work. It is best to receive some remuneration for your work if possible.
This might also give you good contacts for manufacturing your own shoe designs, when you get to that point.
Bring business cards with your contact information printed on them. This will help people remember your name and make it easy to contact you if an opportunity comes up. You may not want to restrict yourself completely to shoe-related events. Art events more generally, for example, will be gathering places for artistically minded people who may be in a good position to help you move up in the industry.
Be sure to plan a time and location that is convenient for the designer. This is not an interview for a job. You are presenting yourself as someone interested in learning more about the industry, rather than as someone looking to be hired on the spot.
Some examples related to shoe design include: Industrial Designers Society of America,[9] X Research source American Institute of Graphic Arts,[10] X Research source American Apparel and Footwear Association,[11] X Research source and Association of Sewing and Design Professionals[12] X Research source Many professional organizations have regional or local chapters and student chapters.
For example, thin-soled shoes with thin leather are more often manufactured in Portugal, while heavier-soled, rounded shoes are more often made in England or Hungary. [14] X Research source Shop around for a manufacturer. Take your design to a few different manufacturers and ask them to make a sample shoe. Compare these to find the best choice for you.
