We first posted this pair of Nike Dunk Mid Pro SB Griptape Grey last month, but just wanted to remind you guys that they are available this month at Nike SB accounts. They feature a black / purple upper over a suede and denim mix. The suede takes up residence on the toe cap, lace stays, and the heel cap, while the denim holds down the side panels. A purple Nike Swoosh contrast the side panels and helps build toward the white outsole.
These are Nike Blazer Mid’s I created for my color class final. We had to implement what we had learned the semester into a 2D or 3D design. I have always been a shoe fanatic but after discovering several ‘shoe customizers’ or artists, I was inspired to try my hand at it. The shoe design was probably the easiest of the process. I choose a Monochromatic design inspired by an earlier project from the semester. I also decided to experiment with simultaneous contrast (the blue hues surrounded by different backgrounds make the color appear lighter or darker). I also decided to design a with a point of emphasis in mind, the Nike Swoosh. I felt that it was important to keep this branding (even though it is hard to see) on the shoe. I did this by making an implied swoosh on each side of the shoe where the original branding was.
My next hurdle was the process of painting the shoes. Since it was my first time I had to purchase all my materials. This included the paint, more specifically the leather paint (Angelus Brand Acrylic Leather Paint), as well as the chemical used to treat the leather (Acetone). Before I started my painting process I researched different methods to creating a wearable design. While some methods varied slightly they all seemed to be alike. First I used a cotton ball to remove the factory finish on the shoe and open the pores of the leather to better accept the leather paint. Next I painted one side of the shoe black for the black background I wanted. I then masked the Nike Dunk shoe with masking tape to mask the areas I did not want to paint Blue and also to make sure my square were even. Yes, I measured out each square and cut each piece of masking tape to the exact width I wanted (I am painfully meticulous about those things). Then the fun part, the painting and mixing of the paints.
I loved the way my shoes came out! I ran in to problems here and there (the paint running under the masking tape in some cases was one) but it was generally a pleasant and inspiring experience! It was definitely a jumping off point to thinking about other customizing and design projects in the future.