Ink Design Runner

Background

I wanted to explore how I could combine my intricate sketchbook ink patterns with my footwear designs. After looking into manufacturing processes like CNC milling and digital embroidering, I landed on laser cutting and laser engraving to create my designs.

Outcome

The Ink Design Runner features a seamless one-piece, handcrafted leather upper with laser-engraved patterning. The natural materials ensure that the shoe is breathable and lightweight, and that the leather will mold to the wearer’s foot over time.

Creativity is often sparked by boredom, and when I get bored, I like to draw detail-rich patterns. 

Doodling intricate patterns in my pocket sketchbook is a very cathartic and meditative activity for me. The designs are never planned out, and I let the forms of each shape inform and dictate one another. This is a very “stream of consciousness” process, where I let spontaneity of imperfections guide the designs.

I wanted to create and incorporate an intricate pattern for a footwear project, so I started working on designs that fit into the shape of the upper I had designed.

Feeling that my initial design explorations were too rigid and symmetrical, I started to overlay ink patterns over the upper silhouette. Embracing asymmetry, randomness and dynamic movement allowed for more playfulness when deciding upon a final design.  

Before creating my final physical design, I wanted to explore form, stitching detailing and construction methods in a looks-like footwear prototype.

After finalizing on a silhouette form and pattern, I had my designs laser engraved into leather uppers and tongues.