SCAD
Since April 2022, my alma mater, SCAD has launched a new sneaker design program that is accessible to their students as a minor. In an effort to create energy behind the new program, I was given the opportunity to conduct a two week workshop in Atlanta where I introduced two groups of high school students to sneaker design.
CLASS
Sneaker design encompasses a board range of disciplines such as sketching, technical drawings, and rapid prototyping. To make the workshop impactful yet simple, class focused on two main factors that are constant in sneaker design regardless of the discipline applied: consumer research and storytelling. The workshop was structured around the art of storytelling through graphics and color. Students will finalize their concepts by customizing a pair of toddler shoes.
STUDIO
To resemble the work environment within the sneaker industry the students were separated into groups. Each group selected a theme where they were to identify their consumer and develop a story. Once their story was finalized and approved, students were challenge with creating a collection as a team while still being held accountable for their individual designs. Students went through the ideation process by using CAD print outs of an adidas’ Stan Smith and Forum before finalizing their designs.
The students ideated using CAD print outs. The CAD templates changed from a Stan Smith to a Forum to resemble the panels on their shoe more accurately. Students then selected their most favorable design and began to customize their shoes.
MEET THE STUDENTS
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Carter
GROUP (WEEK 1): GRAFFITI
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Celeste
GROUP (WEEK 1): GRAFFITI
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Ana
GROUP (WEEK 1): VINTAGE DINER
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Marcellus
GROUP (WEEK 1): VINTAGE DINER
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Tiara
GROUP (WEEK 1): VINTAGE DINER
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Jackson
GROUP (WEEK 2): ARCADE
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Katie
GROUP (WEEK 2): ARCADE
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Morgan
GROUP (WEEK 2): ARCADE
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Christian
GROUP (WEEK 3): THRILLER
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Madison
GROUP (WEEK 2): THRILLER
PROCESS
(COMING SOON) The process booklet will give you a deeper understanding into how I structured the lesson plan to teach my students about Sneaker Design: The Art of Storytelling Thru Color and Graphics. It also captures a playbook I created to decipher the difference between customization done from a manufacturing and individual point of view.