I designed a shoe.
By makingpots
@makingpots (11915)
United States
September 29, 2008 2:48pm CST
And a company just bought my design. I don't even know what that means.... how I will be paid.... anything.
I'm not even that much of a shoe person. I live in hot Texas and wear flip flops or sandals most of the time. I once worked in a high-end shoe store right out of college, for extra money to pay for my wedding. That is where my shoe connections begin and end.
I have a friend in the fashion industry. She encouraged me to try this, it was on a whim and now I'm talking to an international shoe company and scratching my head.
I'm so flipping excited, I just wanted to tell someone.
The irony of all this...... I am a potter. I have spent hours upon hours designing pots and, short of being chosen for a gallery exhibit or two, I've never gotten recognition for my designs. I spent one evening sketching shoes and about 2 hours getting together the paperwork and now a shoe.... of all things.
5 people like this
22 responses
@thebohemianheart (8827)
• United States
3 Oct 08
Wow, that is fantastic! Sometimes, we get recognized for something we don't really think too much about because it is just something we do....kind of like my drawing, to me they are doodles. But, my doodles got me attention for a book cover.
So, be excited, have fun and see where it takes you.
Congratulations!
1 person likes this
@makingpots (11915)
• United States
3 Oct 08
That is awesome, bohemianheart. Please share it with us when you can.
And Irish...... you got a children's book in you that wants to come out???
2 people like this
@thebohemianheart (8827)
• United States
3 Oct 08
The book is either at the publishers or is on its way there. I will get permission to post the cover once it is published. It is an adult book.
I am sure a children's book would be easier to do than the one I just finished! Why, do you have one you need done?
1 person likes this
@trieschman (272)
• United States
3 Oct 08
creativity is creativity. It doesn't matter the medium. I'd love to hear about the how and who you were in contact with. This sounds so interesting. You always wonder how these kinds of things happen and here you are an honest to good person who did it.
1 person likes this
@makingpots (11915)
• United States
3 Oct 08
I will write a discussion about it all someday when I am rich and famous. 
2 people like this
@Thoroughrob (11742)
• United States
30 Sep 08
Congratulations, I hope it pays well. It sounds like you might want to change what you have been doing.
1 person likes this
@makingpots (11915)
• United States
30 Sep 08
Yeah, it sounds that way doesn't it?
2 people like this
@winterose (39887)
• Canada
29 Sep 08
I don't know either but this is something you should have checked out before you sold it to that company. Now they have the patten and might get millions of dollars of your design and you might get 10 bucks.
@winterose (39887)
• Canada
30 Sep 08
very good but you must file the patten, before they do because once they do it is theres, I am surprised that attorney didn't tell you this
@makingpots (11915)
• United States
29 Sep 08
You are very wise, winterose. Thankfully, so am I. 
My fashion industry friend is holding my hand through all of this. Even loaded me the services of her attorney. 
My fashion industry friend is holding my hand through all of this. Even loaded me the services of her attorney. 2 people like this
@makingpots (11915)
• United States
29 Sep 08
oooops, I meant she loaned me her attorney....
2 people like this
@makingpots (11915)
• United States
29 Sep 08
Thanks. I share it with everyone as soon as I can. Woo Hoo.
1 person likes this
@Bebs08 (10681)
• United States
30 Sep 08
wow!! that's a nice report. Imagine from a potter to a shoe designer? that's a good achievement. I wish you luck. Hope you will have great credit on that and earn money. Ho I wish I could wear your shoe design when it will be approved and be out in the market? How is that?good!!
good!!@makingpots (11915)
• United States
1 Oct 08
Thanks.
I'll see about getting you a pair, Bebs08. Hee
2 people like this
@carolbee (16230)
• United States
30 Sep 08
Wow, this is wonderful. Congratulations to you. Hopefully this design will take off and the shoe company will pay you very well. Now you can thank your friend for offering the suggestion to take the shoe design further. You may have a new career ahead of you. When you become rich and famous, can I get your autograph? What does your husband think of this idea?
@makingpots (11915)
• United States
30 Sep 08
Haha Thanks, carolbee. I'll send you a signed shoe as soon as I'm famous.
Hubby supports me in everything I ever do...... as long as I don't spend too much money doing it, heehee.
Hubby supports me in everything I ever do...... as long as I don't spend too much money doing it, heehee.1 person likes this
@ronaldinu (12422)
• Malta
5 Oct 08
Well done for your achievements. You are an artistic person. At least your efforts in designing shoes have been rewarded. Who knows maybe in the near future, your pots will make it too!
@makingpots (11915)
• United States
5 Oct 08
Thanks, ronaldinu. My reward comes in making my pots.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (94119)
• United States
30 Sep 08
That is really cool. I mean that is quite something. What a unique thing to accomplish! It is something that probably no one else you know can say they have done. What a cool thing and I'm glad you shared it with us. I hope you're well paid. But just having done it is wow enough!
@makingpots (11915)
• United States
30 Sep 08
Thanks, AmbiePam. I wasn't sure about sharing it here.... I was just so excited.
2 people like this
@happythoughts (4109)
• United States
3 Oct 08
Congrats. It is funny how life does what it wants no matter what direction you are leading it. I grew up wanting to be a doctor or a lawyer and here I sit a stay at home mom and I am happier then I have ever been.
I hope you get paid well and it all turns in to a wonderful adventure for you.
@makingpots (11915)
• United States
3 Oct 08
Thanks, happythoughts.
I can relate to the happier than ever feeling of being a SAHM.
1 person likes this
@carolscash (9492)
• United States
30 Sep 08
That is fabulous! I don't know much about designing shoes. However, I have thought several times that if I could draw then I would love to design clothes for young girls that aren't frilly,lacy but yet look nice and showcase the fact that we are supposed to be ladylike and pretty. I think that the dresses for toddler girls are so over done due to being so frilly. Let's not teach them at such a fragile age that they need to look like a princess to be pretty.
I hope that you earn a lot of money from this and I hope that you look into a career change if you are interested in shoe design.
@makingpots (11915)
• United States
1 Oct 08
Thanks, carolscash. I agree with you on the children's wear.
I have a friend holding my hand throughout this process and she started her business years and years ago designing sleepware for kids. Her business is now hugely successful.
I don't know so much about a career change for me. I am first and foremost a stay at home mommy.
1 person likes this
@sunshine4 (8703)
• United States
30 Sep 08
That is so cool! I am so excited for you! I am guessing you should make a percentage of all the shoes sold, or else you will be selling your design, but should make a pretty penny. Is your shoe casual or dressy?
@makingpots (11915)
• United States
1 Oct 08
The attorneys are now panning out the percentage vs. payment for design issue. From what I am being told, I will be fairly happy with either. Right now they have started looking at an additional design so..... both dressy and casual.
1 person likes this
@dizzblnd (3073)
• United States
3 Oct 08
What an inspiration you are! That is so wonderful. You must have the "creative gene" that so many possess. I know I don't have it. I am so excited for you 
and can't wait to hear how it all turns out. .
Can I have your autograph now before you get rich and famous? 
and can't wait to hear how it all turns out. .
Can I have your autograph now before you get rich and famous? @makingpots (11915)
• United States
3 Oct 08
You can say you knew me when....
I used to not believe I had the creative gene. It was surpressed for many years.
I used to not believe I had the creative gene. It was surpressed for many years.1 person likes this
@lvaldean (1612)
• United States
3 Oct 08
Congratulations. From a shoeaholic - that is the coolest thing ever! I love shoes. Shoes are the greatest accessory ever. I own dozens. How cool will it be when your shoes are worn on the feet of people and you can see them walking down the streets ....... wow!
@makingpots (11915)
• United States
4 Oct 08
I haven't wrapped my mind around that yet..... seeing a my shoes walking down the street some day.
Thanks for the response.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (161006)
• United States
30 Sep 08
It just goes to show that you are an artist through and through.
Congratulations on the shoe design, I hope to see it in the stores. I wear sneakers 90% of the time because I need the support. I need friends who send me in those directions.
Congratulations on the shoe design, I hope to see it in the stores. I wear sneakers 90% of the time because I need the support. I need friends who send me in those directions.@makingpots (11915)
• United States
30 Sep 08
That might be the nicest thing said to me all day, Gerty. Thanks.
1 person likes this
@Ldyjarhead (10233)
• United States
30 Sep 08
Oh, how fun. I hope it pans out for you. This could be the start of a whole new direction for you - don't knock it!
@makingpots (11915)
• United States
1 Oct 08
It is very fun. I adjust well to new directions. I think I will enjoy this very much. Thanks, ldyjarhead.
1 person likes this
@makingpots (11915)
• United States
29 Sep 08
It might be. 
It seems I do it better than pottery.
It seems I do it better than pottery.1 person likes this
@kenzie45230 (3560)
• United States
30 Sep 08
Good for you! I would think that you should receive a nice payment for that. As an artist, your talents are obviously many.
Shoes are still a big business. Yes, lots of people wear flip-flops. But most women still have dozens of shoes under their beds.
My son has been painting shoe designs. He discovered that the rappers and hip-hop musicians pay $800-$1000 or more for their one-of-a-kind painted shoes...and figured he could do the same thing for regular folks for far less.
Shoes are still a big business. Yes, lots of people wear flip-flops. But most women still have dozens of shoes under their beds.
My son has been painting shoe designs. He discovered that the rappers and hip-hop musicians pay $800-$1000 or more for their one-of-a-kind painted shoes...and figured he could do the same thing for regular folks for far less.@makingpots (11915)
• United States
1 Oct 08
Thanks for the talents compliments.
I actually have dozens of shoes myself.... in back of the closet instead of under my bed...... but I know what you mean. People do enjoy buying shoes.
Best of luck to your son. Sometimes it takes just finding a niche like that.
1 person likes this
@trisha_nava82 (1379)
• United States
30 Sep 08
That is so exciting to hear that you have designed a shoe and someone bought it. I live here in hot Texas as well, hopefully I see your shoe around.
@makingpots (11915)
• United States
1 Oct 08
I hope you will too, trisha_nava82.
1 person likes this
