A Shoe Designers Journey
Photo: Bree McCool Photography
I love this time of year. Feeling the holiday vibes strong this year. Maybe because I’m not going to NY, and China. It feels so good!
Around the close of a year, I start to reflect on my year. It mainly consists of me being hard on myself on what I didn’t do. I’m trying this time around to think about what I’m grateful for. I feel that for the last five years I’ve been coasting because I was comfortable. That is so not me. I’m the type of person that will put everything in storage and move to another country. That’s what I did 14 years ago when I decided to go freelance. Although I was comfortable for the last five years, I’m grateful for how much I’ve learned. The less than ideal situation made me stronger and pushed me to be creative in ways that I have not experienced.
Back in August, I shared that I left a consistent work opportunity that I had for five years. Due to circumstances that arose the decision to leave made it easier to take the leap, and move on.
Since then I’ve taken some time off to clear my head, moved, worked on my portfolio, and worked on a few projects. I’ve been teaching, had the time to illustrate for myself, and have done quite a bit of business/marketing development.
The projects I’ve taken on have been quite satisfying. On a creative level they are amazing. What I’ve enjoyed most was doing everything from start to finish (sourcing factories, pricing, other non -design related tasks)
For many years, I resisted working with brands who were not established. I had it in my mind that it was not going to go anywhere. For many it didn’t as I did work with a few. However, I realized in most recent projects that what I’ve learned in my career and the contacts I’ve made over the years, I’ve been able to share with these brands so that they can navigate thru starting their business. I didn’t realize my knowledge, and experience was far more than designing. This in return has given me lots of confidence and strength. Kind of a lot to learn in just 4 months, no?
I also came to another realization while I was working on my portfolio. The type of product I’ve been designing is not really me. I would say this is true for many creatives. How many times do you get to design for brands you wear? It’s rare. However, the beauty of working freelance is going after projects you like. I wouldn’t say I was not going for them on purpose. I was just busy with my main client and letting that be the focus of my attention.
So, what’s the point of all of this, well I feel like I finally had an “aha” moment with my pending question the last five years, “What the f**K am I doing?” I feel like I’m not 100 % on the answer of what am I doing, but I’m very close. Some things I’m focusing on changing, and would like to put out to there;
1. Continue working on projects with companies who want to start a shoe line. Work as a designer for these brands, and assist with product development, factory sourcing, transportation, costing, etc.
2. Collaboration with brands that I connect with whether it be their brand story, or product lines. Get back into the athletic arena as that is how I started in my design career.
3. Work on my illustration and develop a style. See where that leads me next. I noticed it’s a huge passion of mine, and I would like to make this an extension of my design career.
4. Create personal projects and share them to get feedback to grow as a designer.
5. Be open and share who I am as a person, and designer thru my social media channels. Don’t be afraid to put stuff out there, and get negative feedback. It’s a way to grow.
There are other things I’d like to do but frankly, I have a long list, and I’d like to take baby steps. I do feel quite overwhelmed. I’m excited to put this new outlook into place. Something happened today that has gotten me to take that first step!
Ok, so I’ve rambled, and I probably lost you by now, but maybe not. Maybe you’re going thru your own life changes, and can relate? Or you already went thru it and have some feedback. Nonetheless, I’d love to hear it! Thanks for reading, and I hope you’ll join me in this new adventure!