TEAM PONY
Roster: Danny Chambers, Ruben Eriksson, Marcus Thomas and Thalia Meraz (CMF)
Today, I woke up feeling especially inspired by the Pensole experience, after learning so much during my first day. In this moment in time, it is rare to have the opportunity to make friends with others who love shoes as much I do and to have the great opportunity of making lasting connections with the future leaders of the footwear industry. My current environment is filled with so much ambition, talent and fortitude it is almost palpable. Consequently, my time here will only push me to become a better designer in ways I always hoped and needed. Simply put, in one day, D’Wayne has humbled me yet simultaneously given me the confidence I need to achieve my dream – producing my own footwear label.
I began my day at 8:10 AM by perusing the expansive design and self-empowerment library at Pensole. I came upon “The Spinnaker,” something we all know well. If you are unfamiliar, then you need to get familiar with the 1981 Laney High School yearbook, with the athletic marvel Michael Jordan himself. Seeing Air Jordan in teenage form and the humble beginnings he came from, got me pumped to attack the day.
Michael Jordan eating breakfast… no Wheaties though.Once we officially kicked off the day, I received more nuggets of inspiration. In many ways it was like the perfect DJ set. It felt like that moment when a song you know is played differently or timed correctly, and as a result it gives you new energy and new life. All of a sudden your game is tighter and your special lady friend is feeling your go-to dance move. One might say you are in the coveted “zone,” but in my world, I call it finding your center. D’Wayne began the day with a Bruce Lee quote: “In order to taste my cup of water you must first empty your cup.” There is beauty in the simplicity of the message… humble thyself so you can receive your blessing. In other words center yourself so you can get into your zone.
Who are you? Ask yourself that question. D’Wayne explaining what good design should be.I must say that I feel extremely lucky to be on the PONY team, with such hard-working and proactive teammates, my enthusiasm is boiling over in abundance. We have been tasked with creating a sub-brand that pushes PONY into the designer market. Our team for the World Sneaker Championship consists of three designers, Danny Chambers, Ruben Eriksson, myself Marcus Alexander Thomas, and one materials designer, Thalia Meraz. Today we created a game plan for our project that will evolve as we move forward in the creation cycle. Our discussion included color story, material choice, design considerations and the ability to respect each other as we aspire to express our own creative identity. It was truly an exercise in teamwork and I feel strongly that we will continue to work in concert with each other…exciting times ahead!!!
The PONY team wall, primed and ready to be filled with design ideas.Tomorrow, my teammate Ruben will give you his perspective. I look forward to speaking with you all again soon. Until then, try not to miss me too much!
-Marcus Thomas
