Nice Kicks: As someone who designs from the ground up, do you think that footwear is recycling too many old designs?
Shedrick Turner: You know it is really hard to say because innovating takes a lot of research and studying, so I’d imagine that keeping yourself afloat as a company can become a challenge. I do respect the retros of sneakers, though, only because as a kid not having those things, it makes you happy to have that small little void filled of a childhood memory. I feel like as long as a story or some process is in order for your design then it’s perfectly fine. Inspiration translates into a lot of ethers from simple to cosmic and they even intertwine. So even an existing design can always be improved no matter what the case may be. The only problem in that is, what do you change on an already amazing design far beyond a measure of engineering? What do you change? That’s where the research comes in, to breakdown and assess the purpose in design which becomes harder and harder every step of the way. But the good news is it makes way for progress to develop and have the next generation to create as technology improves along with the world as a whole.
Nice Kicks: Balancing style and technology has long been a challenge. What approach do you take to your design to incorporate both?
Shedrick Turner: The best method for me is to look at existing products and translate those elements into different points of interest. I believe everyone sees things differently. So, in my mind, when I’m sketching lateral views I think to myself, what can I do to enhance the performance and durability of this shoe? That’s what opens the doors and turns that little light bulb on, because at that point you’ve delved into a level of medium that shows your passion, your creativity, your curiosity and your drive to put out the best product possible. Tech packs, materials, lacing styles, window panes, canvas lining, all those things show your balance of strength in design. I’ve had professors ask me what is design and I give them the same answer every time. I tell them that design is a principle of aesthetics, reasoning, and innovation. With those three factors, every concept comes full circle and into fruition.
Nice Kicks: Who inspires you as a designer?
Shedrick Turner: Mark Miner and Pharrell Williams for sure. Miner’s Free Run Project is absolutely amazing, just by the way he designs and has a passion for running. The Free 5.0 is one of the most comfortable, form-fitting shoes in my opinion, and the 2.0 has a great upper design. Skateboard P, on the other hand, hits home with me. He really reminds me a lot of myself growing up, having a lot of ideas, being considered weird, all of that is me in a nutshell. He’s very inspirational in his words and I like how humble he is even with all his success. Places and Spaces I’ve Been is great, because not only does it show his progress, but it also showcases the people that helped him to get to where he is. That takes a lot of heart because sometimes ‘thank you’ just doesn’t express how grateful a person really is. It can mean a lot to a person when you step out and try to help others. But most importantly what I’ve learned from him is don’t be afraid to go after what you want because you can blueprint it and make it happen.
Nice Kicks: What are some of the next steps you hope to take in the business?
Shedrick Turner: For now I want to focus on getting my name out there and finish school, for sure. Photoshop renderings are definitely next on the list. My friend T’Challa from Pensole is incredible! I guess you could say that’s the next short term goal in mind. But most importantly I want to make sure that my mode of humility remains constant at all times.
Nice Kicks: What would you like to see for the future of footwear design?
Shedrick Turner: Really good question. If I had to decide, I would say that I want to see more rendered sketches on paper. Photoshop is cool, and it does get the job done, but the substance is in the hands of an artist and designer. Nothing compares to a designer having a mental concept and being able to sketch it on paper right out of their brain. Drawing to this day is still the one of the best ways to communicate thoughts. Long live the pencil!
Check out more of Shedrick’s work at kidowhippington.weebly.com. Keep up with Shedrick on Twitter.
