Yesterdays post regarding @jaetips brought up some interesting discussion…taking it to a place I wasn’t really sure it was going to go…kinda made me think…I consider myself a bit of a sneaker ‘savant’, but hell if I don’t feel like an absolute know-nothing from time to time.
A debate went on about whether or not a colorway flip can actually be considered design and I thought it was interesting because, I think, it’s ALL connected.
I have friends that take existing silhouettes and design them with different colors and materials.
I have other friends that draw pictures of conceptual shoes that never see production.
I have other friends that work with the majors to build out whole new models.
I know people who actually claim to be designers but actually do none of the above.
I know people who can pinpoint subtle changes on a sneaker from a mile away. And can turn a ‘meh’ shoe into something pretty spectacular with a single addition or subtraction.
What about those who sole swap for fun? Is that not a form of design?
And what about the people who actually cut and sew and make the molds for said sneakers?
Everyone has a part.
Does that make anyone any lesser than or more than another? What makes someone a ‘great sneaker designer’ and someone else just a ‘sketch artist’?
Imo…it all takes talent and it all requires different levels and layers of skills…seems like a pretty vast network of folks to get something made…and even vaster to get it sold…what says you?