Sneaker Design Lab: Design Your Own Chucks

What if your sneakers could tell a story? In Sneaker Design Lab, young artists and designers will explore the exciting world of custom design and wearable art. Participants will learn how professional designers turn ideas, interests, and personal experiences into original sneaker concepts. Students Will Learn: * Sneaker design fundamentals * Color theory and visual storytelling * Creative brainstorming techniques * Pattern and graphic design concepts * How artists turn ideas into wearable art * Confidence through creative expression Before the Process: * Prepping the shoe (removing the laces, cleaning the canvas surface fabric, taping off the rubber sole + toe box) * Ensure your workspace has good lighting and is well ventilated Materials: 1. Monochrome (White) Converse All-Star Hi-Tops 2. Fabric paint (I prefer Angelus paints) 3. Fabric mediums (If using Angelus paints - 2-Thin, 2-Soft) 4. Medium + detail brushes (flat, round, line) 5. Angelus Brush Cleaner or Acetone 6. Angelus Matte 4-Coat 7. Heat gun or blow dryer 8. Apron, latex gloves, surgical mask (optional) 9. Paper towels 10. Palette knife for mixing paints 11. Spray water bottle 12. Empty plastic cups/containers for water & cleaning brushes 13. Graphite pencils (2H to HB) for sketching 14. Tombow Mono Zero Erasure 2.3mm or Faber-Castell Kneadable Art Eraser 15. Red Vinyl Masking Tape & Green Painters tape 16. Paint Palette Trays 17. Seam Ripper Tool *These materials are essential for insuring the best design application, preserving the artwork, and protecting it from wear and tear as well as the elements. The art of creating wearable artifacts. Feeling inspired? Through sketching, brainstorming, color exploration, and creative design challenges, students will create their own custom sneaker artwork inspired by their passions, culture, imagination, favorite hobbies, music, sports, animals, or dreams. Along the way, they'll discover how color, symbols, patterns, and storytelling can transform a simple shoe into a unique work of art. This interactive 90 minute workshop encourages creativity, confidence, problem-solving, and self-expression while introducing students to the fundamentals of design thinking and wearable art. Whether they love drawing, fashion, sneakers, or simply creating, participants will leave with original sneaker concepts and the tools to think like an artist an designer. Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns regarding the painting process, materials or any other things that may pertain to this Sneaker Design Lab. *No prior art experience required. Just bring your imagination and get ready to design your own kicks!