Portfolio Descriptions
PROCESS
Goal: The ultimate objective of the project, outlining the key outcomes that both the designer and the client aim to achieve.
Concept: The process of researching, sketching, and developing the design, including multiple iterations to refine the product and achieve the desired final outcome.
Execution: The process of transforming the design into a physical product, incorporating techniques such as painting, sewing, or other methods that bring the concept from a 2-D plan into reality.
Outcome: The final result of the project, including both the tangible product and its broader impact or effects resulting from its creation.
"My Cause My Cleats" - Micah Parsons - Custom Cleats (2022)
Goal: Design and customize exclusive cleats for Dallas Cowboys’ Micah Parsons participating in the NFL My Cause My Cleats Campaign, highlighting Raise The Barr charity.
Concept: Raise The Barr promotes opportunities and economic mobility for single-parent families. Those supported through Raise The Barr receive basic needs support, wellness programs, and even scholarships. Over time, these efforts create positive outcomes impacting generations. My design has layered bricks to symbolize the cumulative power of intentional actions. I emphasized the charity’s logo on bold purple cleats to maximize visibility. The charity’s signature purple color contrasts well with the Cowboys’ blue uniforms and green turf. “Raise the Barr” graffiti art on the side calls attention to the charity’s name and mission.
Outcome: Micah Parsons wore the cleats on Sunday Night Football. Founder Anthony Barr contacted me, noting the attention the cleats brought to his charity.
"Gold!" USA Men's Olympic Basketball Team - Custom Sneakers Year (2024)
Goal: Commissioned to design 11 unique pairs of sneakers for the U.S. Men’s Olympic Basketball team, delivered by YouTube influencer and Bucket Squad founder Jesser.
Concept: I researched each player’s signature shoe and incorporated design elements including stars to represent their Olympic experience, hometown references, and a red, white, and blue palette with gold accents for cohesion. The designs honored their legacy and symbolized their pursuit of Olympic gold.
Execution: Each pair showcased unique storytelling through hand-painted artwork, custom stencils, and luxurious materials like python and suede. Gold accents on aglets and custom lace locks unified the collection. The project combined high-end design with performance functionality, and all 11 were completed in one month.
Outcome: The project strengthened my relationship with Bucket Squad. Jesser will present the shoes at NBA All-Star Weekend in March 2025.
"2K25" - Custom Playstation 5 Console (2024)
Goal: Commissioned to customize a Sony PS5 console for YouTube influencer Jesser to promote Take-Two Interactive’s NBA 2K25. The design aimed to reinforce the game and influencer’s brand identity using authentic basketball materials, hand-painted details, and custom decals.
Concept: The PS5’s four panels provided a unique “canvas” to broaden my customization skills. 2K25 gamers appreciate details, so I incorporated an authentic basketball into the upper panels and painted a hardwood court on the lower panels, capturing the iconic look and feel of the game. To honor streetball, urban fashion, and hip-hop influences, I added custom decals as the final touch.
Outcome: Managing time was challenging due to delayed design approval. To compensate, I sourced the PS5 for deconstruction and planning with the client. The completed console will be featured as a prize in Jesser’s YouTube video, promoting NBA 2K25.
McLaren "Triple Crown" - Bespoke Sneakers (2024)
Goal: Design a custom sneaker inspired by the McLaren 2023 Monaco Grand Prix “Triple Crown” livery to draw attention to our NRS Custom X merchandise display at the 2024 Canadian Grand Prix.
Concept: I created a custom Nike Dunk sneaker showcasing McLaren’s tricolor palette. The shoe’s panels formed three distinct sections, mirroring the car’s bold black, white, and “papaya” orange block pattern. To reflect the exclusivity of Motorsport’s Triple Crown, I used luxurious materials: “papaya” orange python, white alligator, and black tumbled leather, accented with carbon fiber and silver patent leather. Embroidered details, including the driver’s number 4, the Monaco track, McLaren team logo, and three stars for the Triple Crown, ensured durability and reinforced the luxury aesthetic.
Outcome: Displayed at the 2024 Canadian Grand Prix, these bespoke shoes were show-stoppers, drawing significant attention and receiving positive feedback, boosting engagement at the NRS Custom X exhibit.
"Happy Racing" Helmet - Custom Tufted Rug (2024)
Goal: Create and design a rug based on a F1 racing helmet while learning a new process in rug tufting.
Concept: Design a unique two-piece rug that changes as the top layer is repositioned, revealing hidden details underneath. I began by designing a racing helmet inspired by Formula 1 race car drivers. I then designed the helmet visor as a small rug that sits atop the helmet and is secured, allowing it to lift like an actual visor.
Execution: Sketched the rug design on the stretched backing material and used an electric tufting gun to follow the design outline. After tufting the design, I spread multi-purpose adhesive on the back to secure the yarn in place. Once the adhesive dried, I used hot glue to attach the rug’s felt backing. To finish the rug, I used clippers and scissors to trim the rug to even out the pile height and refine the edges.
Outcome: I plan to continue creating custom rugs, improving my skills.
"Patchwork" - Bespoke Sneakers (2023)
Goal: Reimagine Nike’s “What the Dunk” sneaker using only excess leather and materials from my inventory. This approach showcased my individual style, honored my connection to each material, and promoted sustainability.
Concept: I crafted a patchwork design that paid tribute to the mismatched aesthetic of the original “What the Dunk.” Each material carried personal significance—gifts from family, leather from a mentor, and unique finds from my sourcing journey. The 30 distinct pieces added creative variety while challenging me to maintain intentionality amidst the chaos, making the build deeply personal.
Bespoke Details: Dyed sole, double-layered Nike swooshes, decorative stitching, quilted liner, laser-engraved heel tab, and luxury materials.
Outcome: This bespoke “What the Dunk” holds special meaning because of my personal narrative with each material. The blend of contrasting textures and colors invites closer inspection and reveals a cohesive harmony.
"Viva Las Vegas" - Bespoke Sneakers (2023)
Goal: Commissioned to design a bespoke “Las Vegas” themed Jordan 1 for a California client with an extensive sneaker collection.
Concept: My design embodies the vibrancy and luxury of Las Vegas. Neon pink python leather imitates the neon signs of the Strip, while black and white diamond-patterned python leather represents casino games and playing cards. Exotic leathers reflect the city's extravagant fashion. Inspired by the visual excitement of Vegas shows, I laser-engraved card suits on the left sole and dice on the right. A shiny gold leather swoosh symbolizes the opulence of high-end casinos. To complete the theme, I heat-set black vinyl ‘Las Vegas’ in the iconic sign's style on the insole for a signature touch.
Outcome: My client in California loves her Las Vegas themed Jordan 1s. She has reported that she frequently receives compliments and inquiries about where she got them. Her husband has subsequently ordered two pairs of golf shoes from me.