Interview with Marcos shoe designer Kokavec

Kokavec Marcos, who studied both Automotive and Industrial Design at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit has more than 12 years of experience and designed shoes for Reebok, Converse and Under Armour. Currently working on Under Armour Senior Footwear as head of design for operation and outdoor categories.

In 2008 he founded Render Demo Design Studio and published by the DVD of video tutorials to educate designers and artists to draw and make the shoes in Illustrator, Photoshop and Alias Sketchbook.

Marcos will host two meetings with Adobe Illustrator in Northeast District Conference IDSA during March 27-29 in Cambridge MA.

First, thank you very much Mark for taking the time to offer the first interview here in Product Design Hub.

Could you tell us a little about your background, what made you become a shoe designer?

Thanks for letting me share my experiences with your readers!

My path to becoming a shoe designer began studies at the College of Creative Detroit in Michigan. Automotive Design I had studied a couple of years and in the transition from product design in an effort to expand my knowledge design. He had always been interested in footwear and was one of the first students to register for interviews when Reebok came in a search recruitment National. I was the lead designer for its category of tennis that I have a strong passion for. I had the opportunity to design products for Venus Williams, Michael Chang, Andy Roddick, Patrick Rafter and many professional tennis players. After 6 years I moved to Converse, in an effort to build its basketball division. I worked very closely with Chris Bosh, Kirk Hinrich and most importantly … Dwyane Wade. I designed all basketball shoes led to his first signature shoe I helped manage and develop.

After 3 years Under Armour approached me to help build the group of shoe design. I was the designer 2nd shoe for the company. I currently head up the implementation and outdoor categories.

Could you describe your design work and tools flow?

I've gone completely digital! From concept to final design drawing representations. Everything is done digitally using an Apple MacBook Pro, Wacom Cintiq, monitoring and programs Photoshop, Illustrator and Sketchbook Pro

Where is your inspiration come from?

I am inspired by many things, but my main sources of inspiration comes from the Automotive Industry and Motion Picture Industry. I like the aggressive sports car BMW especially in combination with the creative imagination of artists in the entertainment industry really inspires me.

What is their most favorite of his own design and why?

The design I'm most proud is that I created to Under Armour ™. It is the first Under Armour basketball shoes and are not sold at retail. It's exciting because it is the first shoe to them and the fact that you can not actually buy it special. A star is increasing call Brandon Jennings has been wearing it.

What is your favorite design and why?

That is a question hard! I really like the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman. What intrigues me most about the Eames brothers was that they were always in the forefront of design and pioneered many innovative technologies commonly used today. This chair is next on my list to buy for my office.

What are the pros and cons to be a shoe designer?

There are many professionals. Quick turn times. You're always working on a new project, as takes about 15 months from sketch to retail, and has 4 seasons of release dates. Once you start a new project, which is in the midst of a campaign before and since being finalized before this! Designs change with fashion and that is always fresh. If you're in the sports industry, then you have the opportunity meet professional athletes and the design of specific performance of the product to be a sport. You are able to cross over into different categories with different standards and specifications. For example, if soccer tacos design and transition to outdoor shoes ratios change with the construction and other details subtle. You get to travel around the world in terms of the category of potentially in. All ages can use their designs, from adults to children! Most of the time you have total control over their own projects. You get to see through the initial phase of design, materials and color selection, all the way to work with the factory in manufacturing.

How does your work influence your life? (In other words, how Looking at the shoes?)

It has a great influence on my lifestyle. I go to the execution and outdoor footwear categories of design, which allows me to run in my own designs. I try to run as much as possible on different shoes so you can better design the next round of shoes. I have so many pairs of shoes in my closet (Like my wife!).

Where do you think the future of shoe design is heading in the next 5 years?

I see a total digital and 3D in the future. Some of us are already there and drawings right on your computer. It is faster, and speed up the process and we will be closer to the market.

What can we expect from Render Demo Design Studio soon?

We have much to do.

"A new redesigned website will launch soon!

-A few new DVDs that teach the basics of design. I'll be showing everything on paper in my videos were mostly above screenshots. This will allow viewers to actually see how to hold a pencil, turn the paper, make mistakes, etc. Moreover about a hands on approach.

"We are also looking for designers to submit their work in a sort of competition as the format where I and other leaders sector to vote and select the best for the launch of a book. Designers whose work is selected for the book will receive a free copy! Each designer will include contact information for this book becomes a reference for business. It is like a resume. It will give them a global exposure.

Thank you for this interview, any last words or suggestions you want to share with the next shoe designers?

Whatever field that is in or studying, remember that passion is the key! If you do not have a passion for what you are doing now, STOP! Find out how you can do what you are passionate about a. Never stop trying and never let someone else tell you not have what it takes or you're not good enough.

"Live your dream!"

This was fun! I hope that reading future interviews of other designers.

– Mark

About the Author

Waikit Chung is editor at www.ProductDesignHub.com

whomentors.com, Inc.’s Search for Cinderella (World Shoe Association-WSA Show)