Akash Pradeep

Name: Akash Pradeep

Grade: Junior

Art of interest: shoe design

Future college: UT Austin, RISD

Inspiration: Tinker Hatfield

Wingspan: When did you start to have an interest in footwear design?

Pradeep: “Since childhood, I’ve always been interested in shoes. However, my interest for footwear design came about around four years ago when I really started appreciating product design.”

Wingspan: Who would you say is your biggest inspiration involving your art?

Pradeep: “My biggest inspiration comes from Tinker Hatfield, the designer of some of the most iconic and very first Jordan Brand shoes. After watching his documentary on Netflix, I was completely blown away and wanted my work to be like his.”

Wingspan: What is something not a lot of people know about shoe design?

Pradeep: “I think the biggest aspect people don’t always understand about footwear design is the sheer amount of work and the process itself. While it may seem that large brands release new shoes frequently, the design and manufacturing process can take months, even years.”

Wingspan: Will you continue to pursue this in the future?

Pradeep: “I will absolutely be pursuing footwear design in college. While it will either be paired up as a double major with Cyber security or as a minor, I don’t plan to let this passion go. I plan to apply to at least one design school, such as RISD.”

Wingspan: What is the hardest thing about designing shoes?

Pradeep: “You may often hear the phrase ‘less is more.’ That applies especially to design, as it’s all about creating a fluid item with subtle yet great details. Solving problems for the end user, while also expressing creativity in perhaps hidden ways rather than obvious.”

Wingspan: What do you like about the design process?

Pradeep: “My favorite part of designing shoes is the process itself. Compiling so many ideas, choosing the best, refining even more, choosing colors. The process allows my creativity to thrive, even if it is a rather cumbersome process.”

Wingspan: What would you say to other students who are interested in pursuing things like shoe design?

Pradeep: “I would tell them to immerse themselves in design as much as possible. Whether it’s participating in internships or creating your own work, design should constantly be working like an engine in your mind. And also, it’s always important to learn from others.”