I've been involved in the entire design process: from consultations, fittings, design, illustration, painting, development, management & finishing. Having personally worked on hundreds of pairs, here are a few of my favorites which I evolved from concept to finished product.
My satisfaction as a designer is to gather all the pieces of the puzzle and make sense of them based on the client's constraints (and desires). However, the best part of the job is creating a special piece for a client to enjoy for many years to come.
Neon Jackalope Desert
Neon, Metallic, Fringe, & Sparkle on top of some heavy duty vibram, only for the most fabulous Diva to ride on their matching motorcycle.
Inspiration, Design, Assembly Details
With a client as fabulous as "Diva Amy", the only rule is: there are no rules.
So when she wanted to add to a new pair to her Rocketbuster collection inspired by her spirit animal, we opted for her usual neon palette in an over-the-top design crafted with traditional cut-and-sewn techniques. Rather than using paint to achieve the vibrance, we doubled-up the longevity of this design with inlay/overlay leather—ready for the wear and tear caused by her matching motorcycle.
Charley Harper
The final product includes a rattlesnake that wraps down onto the foot and a saguaro cactus up the back of the boot that also doubles as a back closure.
Process photos of the Charley Harper project
Boots that are meant to honor someone's legacy is a precious and rewarding process.
The estate of the late Charlie Harper commissioned a pair of boots in celebration of his life. Having free range over of a plethora of beautiful illustrations done by this artist, and with the final form being a western cowboy boot, I opted for his works involving flora and fauna of the desert region. The end result was meant to tour museums and eventually be auctioned off to a lucky fan.
Botanical
Soft and delightfully tasty for the eyes, this boot was inspired by botanical illustrations.
Botanical Process photos
The reason for a custom boot varies.
Is it for the tailored fit? Is it for a vintage style they want for themselves? Or is it to have something 100% unique and never seen before?
The boot can take a very artful form, and The Botanical boot is exactly that. Inspired by scientific illustrations and paper art, this organic medley of fruits rendered in a soft palette turned out delightful for the eyes.
The Talavera Boot
THE ONE THAT STARTED IT ALL, FEATURING TILES THAT GO ONTO THE FOOT.
WARM & VIBRANT AMERICANA
While there are some clients with a very specific vision for their boots, a common scenario is "I WANT IT ALL!"....even when it means they all do not necessarily jibe together. Hence, the Talavera boot, its the "life story" boot or a pair of "all of my favorite things". Inspired by Talavera tiles, this boot design offered clients a customizable puzzle which allows us to present dozens of objects or stories into a clean meaningful mosaic, unified by a palette that is special to the client.
A cool color palette filled with a love for the world & its animals, finished with navy gator on the foot.