Wacom Cintiq

Wacom Cintiq?

I am a professional Flash Animator, Im thinking of investing in a Wacom Cintiq graphics screen, does anyone own one? is it really worth all the money? Do you think that the technology will be vastly better in 3 years and me vastly out of pocket?

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Interview with Mark Kokavec Designer Shoes

Mark Kokavec, who studied two Automotive and Product Design at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, has over 12 years experience designing footwear for Reebok, Converse and Under Armor. Currently working on Under Armor as a senior footwear designer Manager to manage and outdoor categories.

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

Marcos will be holding two sessions of workshops with Adobe Illustrator in the District IDSA Northeast Conference March 27-29 in Cambridge MA.

First, thanks Mark for taking the time to offer the first interview here on the design of Hub product.

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

Thanks for letting me share my experiences with your readers!

My journey to become a shoe designer began studies at the College of Creative in Detroit, Michigan. I had studied automotive design for a couple of years and the transition in product design in an effort to expand my knowledge of design. I had always been interested in footwear and was one of the first students to register for the interviews, when Reebok went on a search for recruitment national. I was the lead designer of tennis category have a strong passion for it. I was able to product design for Venus Williams, Michael Chang, Andy Roddick, Patrick Rafter and many professional tennis players. After 6 years I moved to talk 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, which helped me to manage and develop.

After 3 years Under Armor approached me to help build the footwear design group. I was the designer of 2 Shoe Company. I currently head up the implementation and outdoor categories.

Could you describe your design workflows and tools?

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

Where is your inspiration come from?

I'm inspired by many things, but my main sources of inspiration comes from the automotive industry and film industry. I like aggressive sports cars, especially BMW, together with the creative imagination of artists in the entertainment industry really inspires me.

What is your most favorite design and why?

The design I'm most proud of is that I created in Under Armor ™. It is the first basketball shoe Under Armor and will not be sold at retail. Is exciting because it is the first shoe to them and the fact that you can not buy what really makes it special. A rising star and future named Brandon Jennings has been placed.

What is your favorite design and why?

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

What are the pros and cons of being a shoe designer?

There are many professionals. Product Quick turn around times. You're always working on a new project, since it takes about 15 months of the drawings retail sales, and has 4 seasons of the release dates. Once you start a new project, which is in the middle of last season and is completing the previous one! The change in fashion design so it's always fresh. If you're in the sports industry, then you have the opportunity to meet professional athletes and performance Product design for a sport specific type. You are able to cross over into different categories with different standards and specifications. For example, if football cleats design and transition to outdoors, the changing proportions of footwear, together with the buildings and other subtle details. You have the opportunity traveling around the world in terms of the category of potentially in All ages can use their designs, from adults to children! Most times you has full control over their own projects. You get to see through the concept stage, selection of materials and colors, all the way to work with the factory in manufacturing.

How does your work affect your life? (in other words, how you see yourself in the shoes?)

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

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

I see a complete 3D digital future. Some of us are already there and the right of drawing on the 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 DVD that teaches the fundamentals of design. I'll be showing it all on paper in my previous videos were mostly screen captures. This will enable viewers really see how to hold a pencil, turn the paper, make mistakes, etc. It is about a hands on approach.

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

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

Any field you're in or studying, remember that passion is the key! If you have no passion for what we are doing now, STOP! Find out how you can do whatever it is you're passionate. Never stop trying and never let someone say you do not have what it takes or you're not good enough.

"Live Your Dream!"

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

– Mark

About the Author

Waikit Chung is editor at www.ProductDesignHub.com