Hey Guys,
As some of you know and some may not, I will not be a Mod anymore. Nor will I be able to Mod this Forum as I have done for the last few months. I wanted to say its been a PLEASURE as always to be involved with the Future of Footwear Design as well as others who may have a knack for other Design Futures.
I did want to share this bit of advice as I will continue to be apart of this Forum and Niketalk:
I would suggest that ALL Designers Team Up with Non Designers.. Meaning: I have been working with BP over the last year or so, to help him not only build his Portfolio up.. but Bounce ideas off of him with Visions that I have had for certain Projects I have worked on.
Why? I can't Draw worth two licks and I couldn't try it if I wanted to. However, I have the vision and creativity to write and verbalize exactly what it is that I am trying to create. I can see in my minds eye what it is I have or want but its nearly impossible to translate it into words for most people let alone drawing it up yourself.
Therefore JUST like in the Footwear industry. Its not always the Designer who comes up with the idea and inspiration, alot of it lands in the lap of the PLM to come up with. So those of you who lack the talent to create the body of work yourself. Team up with another who is either honing his skills and you two can grow together OR pick someone you know who is sharp and wants to join in that venture with you.
It becomes the Portfolio of not only the Designer but the PLM as well. The PLM tells the story and inspiration behind the Concept and drawing. The Designer brings it all to life. For aspiring PLMs. Work on your Presentation skills. Work on your Creative Sides. Let EVERYTHING you come in contact with be a possible Inspiration. Read Magazines. Look thru Catalogs. You never know what could be the inspiration for the next greatest Product.
Learn your materials. Get to know Color Palettes. Get to know the Technical Aspects of Footwear. The Midsole the Forefoot. The Heel Cup. Everything. Its just not the prettiness you should concern yourself with. Get to know the Consumer you are building a Product For.
It doesn't take you having to live in the same area as someone else either to be able to team with them. In over a year. BP and I have talked MAYBE 5 times on the phone. But we email or PM with each other as much as needed. Think of it as a Partnership and not competition with each other but the two of you competing against the Industry.
That way when one gets an interview, you are basically interviewing for two people.
I want to keep this thread alive for people who have questions about the Industry OR the positions they want to go after in life. I am ALL about helping and trying to help those who REALLY want to help themselves and don't expect to be given ANYTHING. I have been thru the Drama and thats apart of life. I prefer to be on the helping side so others don't go thru what I have in life.
If I can help BO can somewhere even if I am not there, I will feel good and be happy for him. If thru encouragement and advice I can help any of you land something, I will be just as happy and thankful I could help. For me.. its not about me. I am going to be happy in life. Its all about everyone in this forum wanting to help each other and work together to get to the next level.
You never know. The person you compete against in a DRC or PS contest today may be Hiring you to work with them tomorrow.
Feel free to email me anytime with Questions outside of this thread.
Rocky88@comcast.net
As some of you know and some may not, I will not be a Mod anymore. Nor will I be able to Mod this Forum as I have done for the last few months. I wanted to say its been a PLEASURE as always to be involved with the Future of Footwear Design as well as others who may have a knack for other Design Futures.
I did want to share this bit of advice as I will continue to be apart of this Forum and Niketalk:
I would suggest that ALL Designers Team Up with Non Designers.. Meaning: I have been working with BP over the last year or so, to help him not only build his Portfolio up.. but Bounce ideas off of him with Visions that I have had for certain Projects I have worked on.
Why? I can't Draw worth two licks and I couldn't try it if I wanted to. However, I have the vision and creativity to write and verbalize exactly what it is that I am trying to create. I can see in my minds eye what it is I have or want but its nearly impossible to translate it into words for most people let alone drawing it up yourself.
Therefore JUST like in the Footwear industry. Its not always the Designer who comes up with the idea and inspiration, alot of it lands in the lap of the PLM to come up with. So those of you who lack the talent to create the body of work yourself. Team up with another who is either honing his skills and you two can grow together OR pick someone you know who is sharp and wants to join in that venture with you.
It becomes the Portfolio of not only the Designer but the PLM as well. The PLM tells the story and inspiration behind the Concept and drawing. The Designer brings it all to life. For aspiring PLMs. Work on your Presentation skills. Work on your Creative Sides. Let EVERYTHING you come in contact with be a possible Inspiration. Read Magazines. Look thru Catalogs. You never know what could be the inspiration for the next greatest Product.
Learn your materials. Get to know Color Palettes. Get to know the Technical Aspects of Footwear. The Midsole the Forefoot. The Heel Cup. Everything. Its just not the prettiness you should concern yourself with. Get to know the Consumer you are building a Product For.
It doesn't take you having to live in the same area as someone else either to be able to team with them. In over a year. BP and I have talked MAYBE 5 times on the phone. But we email or PM with each other as much as needed. Think of it as a Partnership and not competition with each other but the two of you competing against the Industry.
That way when one gets an interview, you are basically interviewing for two people.
I want to keep this thread alive for people who have questions about the Industry OR the positions they want to go after in life. I am ALL about helping and trying to help those who REALLY want to help themselves and don't expect to be given ANYTHING. I have been thru the Drama and thats apart of life. I prefer to be on the helping side so others don't go thru what I have in life.
If I can help BO can somewhere even if I am not there, I will feel good and be happy for him. If thru encouragement and advice I can help any of you land something, I will be just as happy and thankful I could help. For me.. its not about me. I am going to be happy in life. Its all about everyone in this forum wanting to help each other and work together to get to the next level.
You never know. The person you compete against in a DRC or PS contest today may be Hiring you to work with them tomorrow.
Feel free to email me anytime with Questions outside of this thread.
Rocky88@comcast.net
:D:D
at the last line of your sig, i had to copy and paste to see what
it said
