9181 - Shoe Collection Product Development: From Idea to Market

Course Description

Linda Pritcher, designer. Photo by Brent C. Brolin

What goes into making a great shoe design? Even better, what turns a portfolio of shoe designs into a compelling, marketable collection with a refreshing point of view and the potential to make a profitable and sustainable business? In this course we'll cover each aspect in the product-to-market cycle of shoe development. Beginning with a vision and target market, you'll learn the basics of materials, components, construction methods, sourcing options, and pricing, and get advice on how to create partner relationships and how to communicate with sample makers and producers. We’ll also cover topics like quality control, production issues, the pleasures and perils of importing, and market options (custom-made, online, wholesale and/or retail). You’ll bring your own collection ideas, which you'll develop, as we walk through the process from ideation to market, evaluating creative concepts in harmony with production and market necessities. Get a first-hand look at the important aspects of creating a viable shoe collection and the practical foundation necessary to bring it to market. This course will focus primarily on women's fashion shoes and is not a shoe "making" course.

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

• Animation : Electives
• Graphic Design : Electives
• Interactive Design : Electives
• Jewelry Making + Design : Electives
• Natural Science Illustration : Electives
• Painting Studies : Electives
• Photography : Electives