DI: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?
CAIG : The collection was inspired by an iconic super hero, The Flash. The goal was to create a design language that could be translated into footwear by incorporating the visual elements of the superhero. A mature audience was the targeted customer that seeks for seamless fashion. The shoes can be worn with a formal suit or a casual attire. Also, I wanted to highlight the craft of shoe making that allowed me to control every aspect of the shoe from pattern making to details.
DI: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?
CAIG : I wanted to gain the complete experience of designing, pattern making and executing fully working prototypes within the period of 10 weeks.
DI: What are your future plans for this award winning design?
CAIG : I'm open to selling the designs or looking into a limited number to be produced and sell directly to consumers.
DI: How long did it take you to design this particular concept?
CAIG : 10 weeks.
DI: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?
CAIG : I decided to pursue an inspiration from a The Flash TV Series which triggered my idea to create a collection inspired by the character.
DI: Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?
CAIG : I'm opened to either selling the production rights or producing them myself once I have a studio.
DI: What made you design this particular type of work?
CAIG : It was completed during my graduate studies at SCAD and also a professor, Marcell Mrsan, was an influence in the decision.
DI: Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?
CAIG : Besides Marcell Mrsan who was my professor during the course of the project, some classmates and faculty always provided with constructive feedback.
DI: Who is the target customer for his design?
CAIG : It's for a mature audience. Men between 25-50.
DI: What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?
CAIG : The attention to detail which resembles the super hero at a deeper level without being literal and the speed at what the collection was executed.
DI: How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?
CAIG : The super hero character is the focal point of the collection, so it made sense for me to name it after him.
DI: Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?
CAIG : Adobe Creative Suite
DI: What is the most unique aspect of your design?
CAIG : The way the design was translated into patterns.
DI: Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?
CAIG : Marcell Mrsan, a certified master shoe maker, was the professor in charge of guiding through the technical challenges.
DI: What is the role of technology in this particular design?
CAIG : Technology helped towards the end to create precised tech packs if the collection ever goes to production.
DI: Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?
CAIG : I did visual research of the Flash where I study most of his outfits since he was created.
DI: What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?
CAIG : Time management and leaving room for challenges in the prototyping stage.
DI: How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?
CAIG : I thought the world should be aware of what goes into making shoes and this was a perfect venue.
DI: What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?
CAIG : Making is the most important part in the design process. That's where ideas are tested.
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
CAIG : It was a rewarding experience carrying out such a complete project from design to execution and is something every designer should experience as often as possible.
