A shoe designer, also known as a footwear designer, is a type of fashion designer who specializes in making shoes and boots. In addition to being practical for footing, shoe designs can be original, innovative works of art. Becoming a shoe designer takes talent and skill, but it's something that can be achieved with dedication.
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Method 1 of 5: Plan Your Way
Step 1. Create a 5 year plan
Make a plan for yourself including a number of realistic steps to achieve. Enter the time it takes to reach each step so you can stay focused.
- Be flexible with your plans. It's not something you can't change, so if a new opportunity or contact presents itself, be flexible so you can incorporate a new direction.
- Re-evaluate this plan every year or two. Decide if you are on track or if you need to make adjustments.
Step 2. Decide on your focus
There are many paths you can follow in shoe design. For example, you can design shoes for women, men, children, athletes, and so on. What are you most interested in?
Consider which aspects of the shoe design process interest you the most. Do you love designing shoes but you don't really care about making them? Do you want to actually make your own shoes? Would you like to work for a big company like Adidas or Nike, or would you like to have your own boutique?
Step 3. Get a degree in design
While it's not necessary to earn a degree, a degree can help you develop the skills and contacts that will help you succeed in your industry. Enroll in a 2 or 4 year program at an accredited institution.
Your degree doesn't necessarily have to be in shoe design. Any degree in art or design related would be relevant. This may include shoe design, industrial design, graphic design, art, product design, fashion design, and accessory design, among others
Step 4. Start developing your style
Good shoe designers will have an attractive and original look to their designs. You can start right away developing your own style and brand.
- Limit the elements you can use, such as limiting yourself to three colors, or two kinds of fabrics or materials. It will force you to be creative and innovative.
- Give yourself a task. Shoe designs for different people, for example. What are some similarities that resonate through each design?
- Challenge yourself to create something new every day. New shoe designs every day for a month. You may start to see themes in your shoe designs.
Step 5. Find inspiration in the world
You may have a tendency to look to shoe designs and other designers for inspiration, but this runs the risk of copying designs. Find inspiration in the arts or other areas of the world. Christian Louboutin, for example, has drawn from archeology to influence some of his designs.
Step 6. Learn about the industry
There is something more profound in shoe design than just drawing pictures. Industry is roughly divided into three parts: design or creative, manufacturing, and retail.
- Design/creative: This is the division where you create your designs. But this involves more than just sketching a shoe on paper; it also involves creating patterns, and for some designers, using or creating original (last) shoe prints to determine shoe sizes (lasts are shoe prints, usually made of high-quality plastic or resin/resin).
- Manufacture: This is the division that turns your design into a real pair of shoes. Learn about the manufacturing chain, from material selection to production.
- Retail: This is the division that sells your shoes. Understanding the retail side includes understanding what consumers are looking for; this is the person who will wear your shoes. Who are the consumers you expect to be your target? Also consider what stores and what shoppers are looking for and how your shoes can fit their needs.
Step 7. Track the current trend
Keeping up with the industry and trends in footwear will help you know where you can lead and stand out. It is a competitive industry and being on top of the trends is a must.
Read design and fashion magazines to keep up with trends
Method 2 of 5: Building Your Related Abilities
Step 1. Sketch a lot
One of the most important abilities a shoe designer has is the ability to imagine something and translate it onto paper. The goal here is not to copy what you have seen. Instead, you have to imagine a shoe and pour it into a sketch.
Sketches don't necessarily have to be done on physical paper. You can use the software to create your shoe designs
Step 2. Learn how to use software for design
Shoe design is not all done with pencil and paper sketches. You will need to know software for design, such as Adobe Creative Suite. This includes PhotoShop, Illustrator, InDesign and other programs. You can recreate your paper sketches on a computer.
Also learn how to use a computer-aided design (CAD) program. This will allow you to create 3D digital designs
Step 3. Learn how to design shoe patterns
When you study the different parts that go into making a shoe from a design sketch, you'll have a better understanding of the entire shoemaking process. Make patterns for different types of shoes.
Step 4. Build a portfolio
Collect your best shoe designs that demonstrate your abilities and flexibility as a designer. Aim for 20 designs for the physical portfolio and 30 for the online portfolio. Keep the content fresh by updating your portfolio once in a while with new work.
Include a designer's statement, where you talk about your influence and inspiration. Also include a recent curriculum vitae
Method 3 of 5: Building Your Curriculum Vitae
Step 1. Get an internship program
An internship is an opportunity for you to work with a designer and assist them in the day-to-day work of making shoes. It may also open you up to other roles within the shoe company that you didn't consider before
- Check your favorite companies to see what their internship requirements are.
- Some internships are unpaid, but they can offer college credit in exchange for your work. Better to get some pay for your work if possible.
Step 2. Work in retail
Working in a shoe store or the shoe department of a large department store will open you up to a wide variety of customers and sellers. After all, these are the core people your shoes will come into contact with every day when you are the designer yourself. Start the business from the ground up by gaining some experience on the trading side.
Step 3. Work in shoe manufacturing
Just like retail, working in manufacturing will give you a lot of insight into how shoes are manufactured. You get to see how decisions are made and how the shoes are actually put together.
It can also give you a good contact for manufacturing your own shoe designs, when you get to that stage
Step 4. Start over as an assistant
Design assistant, pattern maker, sketch assistant and production assistant are different types of beginner jobs that allow individuals to work directly with shoe designers. Through these positions, you can help turn shoe designer ideas into actual images and patterns.
Method 4 of 5: Networking in Your Field
Step 1. Grow your professional network
Start attending openings, exchange events, exhibition events, professional associations and so on. Dress smartly and introduce yourself to others. Don't be pushy, but focus on chatting to people in a friendly way.
- Bring a business card with your contact information printed on the card. This will help people remember your name and make it easier to contact you if an opportunity arises.
- You may not want to limit yourself completely to shoe-related events. More mainstream arts events, for example, would be a gathering place for artistically minded people who might be in a good position to help you move up the ranks in the industry.
Step 2. Go to an informational interview
An informational interview is an opportunity to talk to someone who does the type of job you want to do. Contact a shoe designer and arrange a time to talk about the industry and their work.
- Be sure to plan a time and location that works for the designer.
- This is not an interview for a job. You represent yourself as someone interested in learning more about the industry, rather than someone looking to be hired on the spot.
Step 3. Join a professional organization
A professional organization is a network of people who participate in the same profession. These organizations frequently host conferences, advocate for policy, advance education and professional development, and provide awards. Most are member based, and you will have to pay an annual fee to join.
- Some examples related to shoe design include: the Industrial Designers Society of America, the American Institute of Graphic Arts, the American Apparel and Footwear Association, and the Association of Sewing and Design Professionals.
- Many professional organizations have regional or local chapters and student chapters.
Step 4. Find a mentor
Regularly speaking with someone who has had a solid career in shoe design can give you great insight and advice as you progress on your trajectory. You may find mentors through professional organizations, internships or through university design programs.
Method 5 of 5: Design Yourself
Step 1. Get in touch with the industry
Do your research to find a good, reliable industry that can produce the quality shoes you're looking for. In addition, their manufacture must produce shoes that represent what you have designed. Industries can vary widely, even within the limits of the types of shoes they usually design.
- For example, thin-soled shoes with thin leather are more often made in Portugal, while heavier soles, rounded shoes are more often made in England or Hungary.
- Drive around looking for industry. Take your designs to different industries and ask them to make shoe samples. Compare these to find the best option for you.
Step 2. Do an exhibition event
Exhibition events are events where you sell your work (shoes, accessories, and dresses are sold at most fairs) in a boutique or shop. You attend fairs and, talk and sell to customers. These usually last from a few hours to a few days, and offer special deals on your items that might not normally be available in stores. They are excellent promotional events, helping to spread your name.
Step 3. Pair up with a boutique or shop
Find a local boutique that has an aesthetic that complements your shoe design style. Ask if they would like to sell your shoes in their shop. Normally the store will ask for a percentage of the sale in exchange for selling your shoes.
Step 4. Sell your shoes online
Set up an online store, either through your own website or through a website storefront, such as Etsy. This is usually the easier first step to selling your own shoes, than opening your own shop.
