February 2011
33 posts
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Crossing fingers and everything else I can cross
Wrote to another shoe designer in my area to see if I can work for her. She seems really cool and I could learn a lot.
I really hope I hear back from one of the shoemakers I’ve written to. I would be so happy working a job- ANY job, even a shitty one- if I could learn about the shoemaking business in the process.
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Business
I think I have a really solid idea of what I want my shoemaking business to look like in a few years. I’m really excited by my theoretical business model, and it would be both economically viable and allow me to maintain control over most of my business without involving lots of investors to help fund the initial costs.
I’m actually really excited and confident that I can do this in...
January 2011
37 posts
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Photo shoots
Today I’m doing my first photo shoot in a long while with Merkley. I believe it’s for his new book, provided he likes the outcome, of course. I will be wearing the world’s tiniest thong and not much else.
After posing in front of the general public of San Francisco (sorry in advance people around us!), I hope to take my new purple and red shoes out for a mini photo shoot of my...
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Supplies
I’ve been working on putting together a list of the tools I know I need and don’t have. Some of them I can’t seem to find anywhere in the US. Some are only on ebay. But so far, here is my slowly growing list of shoemaking tools and supplies. Thank god for amazon.com universal wishlists.
As far as I can tell, the basics I need are:
-A few pair of Lasts -Matching heels -Flatbed...
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You know I’m serious about this whole shoemaking thing when for the first time in my life buying shoes has taken a back seat to saving for classes and shoemaking tools.
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“Henry Ford “Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more...”
– Henry Ford (via joanna-ga)
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Back before I found myself unemployed, I ordered a pair of latex Craig Morrison shoes which just arrived in the mail moments ago. The smell of the latex and patent leather was DELICIOUS when I opened the box.
Now, studying how they are made I think I can figure out how to make some latex boots…. I know a few designers who would be interested in that fact, so I felt the need to share. ;)
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Studio Space
The next step in getting a lot of practice in is setting up a small studio space with a couple of basic machines, a pair of lasts and lots of sand paper. So, San Francisco, I am seeking cheap, small studio space in the not-so-distant future (as in, after I get a job). I am happy to share space with cool people- in fact I think I would prefer it. They just need to be aware that I will occasionally...
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I’m feeling so happy and confident and fulfilled as a designer right now. And all these doors are suddenly opening for me, and I couldn’t have made this happen without the help of people who donated to my classes. I cannot express how grateful I am to you all.
THANK YOU!!
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T.A.
Although I do not know very much about the real limitations of shoe design, I do know how to think in 3d and draft patterns. Today the class was working on patterning our shoe designs, and one of my classmates was really struggling with the concept. I did my best to explain the process and why each step was important, and by the time I asked her to explain it back to me, she clearly understood it....
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Whew! I’m exhausted. First day of shoemaking class was so exciting! We spent all day learning to measure feet and understanding the bones of the feet. So much info and my brain is dead but I’m totally thrilled!
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Shoemaking Class....
Tomorrow morning I begin my first road trip alone to Oregon where I will be taking the first shoemaking class. I am nervous and incredibly excited! I will be taking photos and extensive notes during the class, so I’ll try to post updates whenever I have a free moment this week.
And let me thank you all one final time for helping make this financially possible. You’ve been amazing!!! I...
About Me
Haven’t been posting here lately… I’ve been working on setting up a proper portfolio and updating my resume.
The hardest part about putting your portfolio online is writing the About Me section. After realizing I was just spewing bullshit, my About Me section has boiled down to:
“I’m so damn awesome that you cannot resist my designy charms, bitches. Now hire me to...
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Incredibly kind people!
Shoemaking class begins next Saturday, the 16th. So far my incredibly generous friends have helped me raise $250 (see below) towards the costs of the class and living expenses. To help close the gap I’m selling stuff on amazon and ebay, but that’s all I’ve managed to come up with. Any suggestions on how I can raise more this week would be greatly appreciated!
UPDATE** Oh wow, I’m up to...
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An Awesome Letter of Recommendation
An awesome letter of recommendation from my last design job! Thank you (you know who you are…)
“I worked with Rachael twice: once indirectly while she reported to one of my leads as a reliable production artist and once years later directly as a key member of my visual development/ concept art team where she was instrumental in designing realistic and authentic clothing designs for a...
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