What requirements are needed prior to attending college to become a Footwear Designer?
There are no precise prerequisites. Most important are passion and intuition. One must be open-minded and know that there is a constant learning process. Anyone with these innate abilities is eligible to enter a footwear design program.
What can one expect to learn in a footwear design program?
Shoe design students obtain a comprehensive view of the footwear industry, as well as all the essential elements of what it takes to succeed. They learn how to express both creative talents and technical skills while acquiring a working knowledge of how to design, produce, merchandise and market footwear.
What college has the most internationally renowned Footwear Design program?
FIDM, Los Angeles, California, is closely connected to the Italian and American industries, both in the technical and design fields, and encourages international design projects with footwear companies who produce throughout the world. Their program covers both the design, illustration, technical drawing, basic pattern drafting, marketing and merchandising aspects of this industry.
Ars Sutoria, Milan, Italy, is world renown for its full immersion program in pattern drafting design.
Cordwainers, London, England, has an excellent reputation for the formation of Footwear Designers. Their program concentrates on the art and craft of shoe making and design but less emphasisis put on the marketing and merchandising of footwear.
What special skills are necessary to be a Footwear Designer?
Some of the special skills needed include a knowledge of basic footwear pattern drafting, illustration and technical drawing, computer skills and marketing competencies. These skills are taught in a good Footwear Design program.
What talents does a Footwear Designer need?
A Footwear Designer should be curious and be able to spot current and new fashion trends. Paramount is the ability to visualize, conceptualize, and create.
Where do most Footwear Designers work?
Most designers either have their own company or design for another company using their name on the label, e.g. "Designed by Sandra Choi for Jimmy Choo".