FOOTWEAR DESIGN COURSES

What you’ll learn, step by step

Lesson 1 – Introduction & Inspiration
I’ll start by sharing my path as a designer and how I built a career in footwear.
We’ll talk about everything that happens before you even start sketching: observation, influences, research, and how to build a rich mental library of ideas.
We finish with a Q&A so you can ask me anything about the industry, your goals, or your portfolio.

Lesson 2 – Preparing Before Sketching
Before a good sketch comes a good vision.
You’ll learn how to:

• Visualize your design clearly

• Think about shape, proportion, and function

• Build a focused mood board that guides your project

Lesson 3 – Sketching Phases & Tools
We’ll break down the different phases of sketching, from loose thumbnails to more precise views.
I’ll show you how to choose and use the right tools—pens, markers, paper, or digital—so you gain confidence and speed in your drawing.

Lesson 4 – Taping the Upper & Presentation Prep
You’ll learn how to tape an upper according to your sketch, a key step in footwear design—especially for more complex shoes.
We’ll talk about how to translate your 2D idea onto a 3D last and how to prepare that work so it’s ready to present to a client or team.

Lesson 5 – All Views of the Design
Here we focus on building a complete design: lateral, medial, top, bottom, back views, and key details.
You’ll see what’s necessary to make your design readable for the next stages and how to think ahead toward technical specifications.

Lesson 6 – Fast & Effective Rendering
I’ll show you a simple, efficient rendering technique I developed myself—perfect for making your design look professional without spending hours in Photoshop.
This is about communicating form, materials, and story clearly to clients, managers, or factories.

Lesson 7 – Technical Specs for the Factory
We’ll cover the fundamentals of creating tech specs: what factories need to see, how to label and organize information, and how to avoid misunderstandings in production.
By the end, you’ll understand how to bridge the gap between design and manufacturing.

Lesson 8 – Design Studio Mindset & Teamwork
Design is not just about drawing—it’s about attitude and collaboration.
We’ll talk about:

• How to work well with your team

• How to communicate with other departments (marketing, development, factory, sales)

• How to handle frustrations and feedback in a professional way

Duration: 6 weeks

• Sessions: 8 live online lessons, 2 hours each

• Format: Small group, interactive, with time for questions and personal feedback

• Who it’s for: Aspiring footwear designers, product designers, design students, or anyone who wants to understand how real shoes are created in the industry

By the end of the course, you’ll have a complete, clearly presented footwear concept and a much deeper understanding of the real design process—from first spark of inspiration to factory-ready handoff.