Adidas is among the top shoe brands across the globe. Becoming a designer for Adidas shoes would place an individual in a highly advanced level of professional respect and knowledge within the footwear industry. For someone ready to get their start as an Adidas shoe designer, they must have both an extensive educational and professional background. Continue reading to find out what it take to become an Adidas shoe designer…
Necessary Skills
If you want to be a shoe designer for Adidas, you must be up-to-date on all the fashion trends related to footwear. It is important that you are aware of which styles are popular among buyers. You must also have the ability to illustrate well, so you could transform your sketches into producible products. Computer knowledge is also necessary, because the drawing process usually utilizes the usage of computers. Adobe Creative suite is the perfect tool for designers. Software like Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop should be known like the back of your hand. You must also be business savvy and good at making quick decisions. Aside from drawing, you must also be aware of the costs needed to make the shoes, such as materials used and production expenses. In case there are issues with your shoes, you must be able to identify these beforehand and correct that which needs altering.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
In transitioning an idea or sketch into a manufactured product, a lot of personal input goes into the process on a daily basis. You must first develop the shoe concepts and styles, which is done both individually and in a group setting. The resulting styles must then be turned into a drawing or sketch. Color and pattern choices also arise during this stage, as well as which fabrics or materials to use. These drawings and patterns are eventually turned into a prototype. The prototype will be sent to the actual creation process once it is signed off by your boss or the client you are working for.
Professional and Educational Experience Required
There are many ways to become an Adidas shoe designer. A Bachelor’s Degree in fashion design or merchandising would be the best path. Associate degree options are also available, and must be focused on something related to fashion. A good way to get your foot in the door would be to apply for internships in footwear, either while you are in college or immediately after. This will give you the best practical experience.
Adidas also offers it’s own internship program called Design Academy. It is an international 24-month trainee program located in Herzogenaurach, Germany, and ending in either Shangai, Tokyo, or Portland. Rotations occur every three to six months. At the Adidas Design Academy, you will learn the ins and outs of the shoe design industry and business. You will be able to present designs and get professional feedback on them. You will also be able to watch your submitted designs go through the entire creation process, from prototype to development. Lastly, you will be asked to create technical and detailed drawings and designs of footwear based on your imaginings. Those interested in the Design Academy should continuously check the Adidas career website to find the finalized dates, and to apply.
Applying to Adidas
When you have finally decided you are ready to join and apply to the Adidas team, you should get familiar with the company background as well as the various design related careers they have. You should also pay attention to the location of these jobs, which are primarily set in China, Germany, and Vietnam. The career section on the company website allows you to learn what positions are open and where. Currently, the most popular jobs for graduates would be Designer or Designer Assistant. Be sure to have an updated resume detailing your background in shoe design, both educational and professional. A cover letter is usually required as well. It is important to ensure that there are no spelling or grammar errors on both of these forms before you submit, as that is a common issue with new applications. If you do not find a job position posted, you should return to the site at a later time to check for new posts. Even if you don’t get selected on your first couple of applications, remember to keep practicing and updating your resume until you eventually achieve your goal of becoming an Adidas shoe designer.
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