Q1. Could you please tell us a bit more about your background, what made you become a footwear designer?
A1. I decided quite early that I wanted to follow my passions in life rather than work in an unfulfilling career and have hobbies. I would rather enjoy what I do every day and have my work be an extension of who I am. It’s a long-term decision and involves a lot of sacrifice, but I am happy with the decision so far. To be a designer fulfils my creative energies and provides the satisfaction that comes from creating a physical object that people enjoy interacting with. Before I decided to become a designer I was studying commerce and law.
Q2. Briefly tell us about the design process of footwear.
A2. Our shoes are all handmade in small quantities (often only a single customised pair). We don’t use any CAD design software or automated machinery or use injection moulding. I sketch the lasts, and they are shaped by hand. A sample is made and then we adjust. Then I sketch the designs and we make a pattern based on those designs. Again a sample is made and then we adjust. After that I look at materials, leathers, colours and finishings for the shoe and sketch a colour mock-up. If I’m happy, I’ll make a sample using those materials and colours. Voila!
Q3. Your career highlight?
A3. I don’t think I have had my career highlight yet. There’s hopefully a long way to go. If I had to choose one so far, I would say being recognised by TCB as Australia’s best shoe designer and winning a free retail store in Brisbane’s TCB Centre.
Q4. How does your job influence your life? (in other words, how do you look at footwear?)
A4. I look at footwear as a story and a feeling. Anyone can copy anyone, and usually do it cheaper. So the look or fashion is actually less important to me. The story of who designed the shoes, who made the shoes, what their experience is, how they made them and using what materials impacts how I feel about wearing the shoes a lot.
Q5. Where do you think the future of footwear design is heading in the next 5 years?
A5. I don’t know where the future of footwear design is heading in the next 5 years. I can tell you where I will be going though. I want to do a lot of customised shoes and shoes made specifically for a single customer. It provides the greatest satisfaction to the customer, the designer and the cobbler. It also minimises waste and environmental impact. I believe for people to feel a connection to their shoes, they need to feel a connection with the designer and the cobbler. That is just not possible on a mass-produced scale.
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