On Tuesday, April 5th, I attended the Elevated Sneaker Design panel with four amazing creatives straight from the sneaker design industry: Zaneta Harne, Cesar Idrobo, Carson Whittaker, and Quintin Williams. Besides being in the sneaker design industry, these four artists have another thing in common: they are all SCAD alumni.
Sneakers are a cultural symbol for so many, no matter where in the world you live. It has become more important than ever for many to rock a good shoe game, and these four designers have influenced the space heavily — now, SCAD students will be able to as well.
Sneaker culture has grown into a global $80 billion industry, expanding the need for aspiring creatives to take a seat at the table. SCAD launched its new minor program in Sneaker Design during the panel to support students’ growing interest in sneakers.
Harne, Idrobo, Whittaker, and Williams are shaping the future of sneaker design. From brainstorming sustainable sneakers to being able to prototype through virtual and augmented reality, this is only the beginning. Although a niche talent, sneaker designing starts with something all of us creatives are constantly searching for: inspiration. It was so interesting to see a glimpse inside the panelists’ minds regarding their inspiration. Williams discussed how influential the design of sports cars is to him, while Harne uses the environment around her as inspiration.
Whether it be in the fashion and beauty industry, the sneaker design industry, or any other creative field, making connections is essential. Williams discussed how he and Idrobo both graduated from SCAD’s undergrad program in 2011, and they ended up working together in their jobs years later. Knowing each other made their work that much easier.
With all of them being the best in their field, it is no surprise when they talk about the various collaborations as well as celebrities they have been able to work with. Harne discussed his collaboration with Beyoncé. A dream. Whittaker left his mark at Reebok, Idrobo at Adidas, and Williams even started his own brand, Q4 Sports. All their journeys are unique yet connected through hard work and dedication to their craft.
Idrobo ended with a profound piece of advice for all students, “Be knowledgeable of every step of the process to get to the place you desire to be in. Trust the process and trust the journey.” Idrobo currently works for Yeezy. He is a great example of pushing through, starting from square one and working his way to the top. We work so incredibly hard at SCAD, creating the work we do for a reason, for something so much bigger than us. So, as Cesar Idrobo says, and “trust the process.”
Words by Amanda Applebaum
Graphic by Fai McCurdy.