Sneakerology

A journal of different designs about sneakers

DESIGN STORY:

AESTHETICS | FUNCTION | MEANING

These designs are completed for many design briefs about shoes. In general, each of them differs a lot from each other; some are for vulcanized sneakers, some are casual slip-ons. I also played along with materials to learn more about modeling and rendering in 3D.

DESIGN PROCESS:

IDEAS | CONCEPTS | COLORS

Most of these are either design concepts or design directions, not being chosen for the final solution of the product. I gather them together as an "Experimental Folder", containing ideas and render expercises.

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DESIGN CONCEPTS:

MOODBOARD | IDEAS | SKETCHES

This is a collection of product sketches, designs and prototypes from projects I participated in. It's an overview of the whole process, from brainstorming ideas to finalizing the designs.

URBAS Tropical Vibes

A colorful pastel concept

PATTAS Vulcanization

Inspired by the process of making Vulcanized rubber in shoe-making

VINTAS Military Patch

Concept inspired be military uniform and camoflague

VINTAS Corduroy Lichen

Inspired by the beauty of Lichen organisms

VINTAS Corduroy Lichen

Techpack for the concept, stating color, material and details for production

VINTAS Military Patchwork

Techpack for the concept, stating color, material and details for production

VINTAS Military Patchwork

Techpack for the concept, stating color, material and details for production

PATTAS Vulcanization

The printed pattern on the main fabric was a digitallized version of the chemical structure of sulphur and rubber molecules bonding and creating cross-links, to achieve improved elasticity, resilience, tensile strength, viscosity, hardness and weather resistance.

VINTAS Corduroy

This collection features the use of corduroy fabric as the main material.

URBAS Tropical Vibes

This collection feature a bright, summer-inspired range of sneakers. Colorful, youthful and vibrant, this becomes a perfect holiday essential footwear idea.

VINTAS Military Patchwork

This collection focused on the idea of "layered material" - hence the term "Patchwork". To make it more special, a distinctive pixelated camo pattern was created, along with unique patches and fabric pieces.

VINTAS Corduroy Lichen

This collection brought human closer to nature, as it is inspired by the color and texture of lichen living organisms, mostly found in tropical forests. The design idea was to use earthly and green color combinations to create harmony between 5 different models.

VINTAS Military Patchwork

Sketch for the concept, stating color, material and product overview

VINTAS Corduroy

Different color options inspired from vintage color tones and retro aesthetics.

VINTAS Military Patchwork

Sketch for the concept, stating color, material and product overview

RESEARCH:

QUESTIONS | ANSWERS | SOLUTIONS

Research is another important aspect of Footwear Design. In order to improve the user experience with the product, many technical aspects have to always be improving. Researching and finding new methods of developing the product is always a priority.

Insole research was conducted to study the Insole market and manufacturers, and to find a way to improve the quality of the insole. Redesign stage was crucial to develope the product.

Last research was conducted to create a more organized and easy-to-understand knowledge regarding the very "blueprint" part of sneakers production. Different types of last were studied and analyzed. With a clearer understanding of the production process, the designer can make better decisions in regards of the shape of the shoes.

Pattern research was carried out on a regular basis. The goal was to make the best combination of fabric pieces on a main shape. For this researching stage, thumbnail sketches were made, then send to factory to make the prototypes. It would then be reviewed and modified through revisions.

MODELING:

DIMENSIONS | SHAPES | ACCURACY

3D modeling is essential to the design process. For complicated and new ideas, it is more easy to visualize them in 3D before deciding which design direction to take.

Experimental visualization to create concept and mood for product. Trying new and innovative materials to produce outstanding looks.

Technical 3D contruction. Precise in shape for product visualization. This step is important in determine the size and dimension before mass production.

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT:

PROTOTYPES | DEVELOPES | REVISIONS

Making prototypes, making revisions, changing information in between the design department and the manufacturer is one of the final stages of designing the product.

Many prototypes were produced and tested in order to create the best solution for the design demand. Sometimes, adjustments had to be made, according to the available material and technology at the time.

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MORE TO COME

THE JOURNEY DOES NOT STOP HERE

Stay tuned for more updates, as I am still in the process of developing myself as a footwear designer. There is a lot of new information to learn. Exciting adventures ahead.