As Seen On The Huffington Post

With the big announcement circulating all around various news sources, it was only a matter of time before it was ready for the big time. I just received notification that the article contributed for The Huffington Post has just launched. There, now the world can know the exciting, meaningful, and life-changing projects that [Fashion Has Heart] is making happen with the help of their community, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

You can read the full article here: http://huff.to/Kvz0BI.

[FHH] Announces New Project

[Fashion Has Heart] just announced and released the details of their newest project within the Corporal Hoffman Series. You've heard plenty about the work with CPL Hoffman in the past, now, just multiple that by 5.

The [FHH] organization is bringing 5 wounded heroes, one from each branch of the U.S. Military to Grand Rapids, Michigan, to work with 5 established artists. Together, they'll collaborate to share the hero's inspirational story through graphic design, which will then be produced into a t-shirt by Threadless. Yes, thee Threadless!

In addition to the shirt design, the heroes will also work with the Bates design team to create a one-of-a-kind boot. Bates Footwear Brand is the world's largest military footwear provider, and all 5 heroes had worn Bates while they served... Therefore, it's no accident why Bates was asked to be a part of this project.

Heroes + Designers: 

Team Air Force: 

- Hero: Tech Sergeant Israel Del Toro
-  Artist: Phil Jones

Team Army: 
- Hero: Specialist Danielle Byrd
- Artist: Chuck Anderson

 Team Coast Guard:
- Hero: Electrician’s Mate Third Class Michael Bell
- Artist: Seth Herman

 Team Marines: 
- Hero: Corporal Josh Hoffman
- Artist: Tyler Way (Do you know him?)

Team Navy:
- Hero: HN Darrell Butler
- Artist: Priscilla Wilson

The heroes and artists will be collaborating June 19-24th. The Threadless shirts and Bates footwear will be unveiled as a special ArtPrize exhibit/pop-up shop in September.You can bet I'll keep you posted, but be sure to also follow [FHH]'s new website and blog: www.fashionhasheart.org.

Memorial Day

The more and more I get involved with [Fashion Has Heart] and get to know and hear stories from the soldiers, families, and friends of those who served, the more I become speechless. On a day like today, all that I can seem to mutter is THANK YOU. To my personal friends that are serving now in Afghanistan, to my friends who have served, to the heroes I've been able to meet, and to everyone else: THANK YOU. I wish I could put it in better words to describe my gratitude, but the human language doesn't do these feelings justice. So, Thank you.

[FHH] Hints at a BIG Upcoming Project

[Fashion Has Heart] is featured on the front page of today's Grand Rapids Press. If you're unable to make it to a local newsstand, you can read the full article on MLive. The article shares the stories of 5 wounded heroes, all of which will be participating in a special design project that will be announced in detail on Tuesday, the day after Memorial Day.

Consider this your Official Invitation to the press conference on Tuesday, May 29, in Grand Rapids.

This project will attract national media attention, I guarantee it! Make sure to support [FHH] in whatever way possible. "Without their sacrifice, there is no freedom of _______."

UICA Workshop Postponed

I regretfully announce that we had to cancel/postpone the custom sneaker design workshop for a variety of reasons. Long story short, the timing was not quite right. We want to make sure it is done right, so to do that, we felt postponing it would be the best solution to avoid cutting any corners. We do plan to reschedule it at another date, which is yet to be determined. Thank you to those who signed up - you should have already received a full refund. We look forward to putting this on in the future and will keep you posted!

LEGO Art

LEGO is not just your childhood toy anymore, they're being transformed into a medium of art. When I have a kid, he/she is playing with LEGOs. Not the ones that come in a kit with instructions, either, just boxes of the different colors, shapes, and sizes that will require his/her imagination to create.

Field Notes: A Growing Obsession

Most people that interact with me on a regular basis know I always have at least one notebook handy, whether you can see them or not. In my bag I keep a medium grid-lined Moleskin, a small lined paper Moleskin, and a Field Notes notepad.

I call it a very mild obsession. I simply love and need to write ideas down. After watching this video of the creator of Field Notes, I can breath easier knowing that there are many others much further beyond crazy than I could ever be. As I watched this incredible video of: passion, excitement, and enjoying the little things in life, I realized I had two Field Notes booklets setting beside me. I'd love to thank this guy for making that possibile. His passion enables mine. Use his passion to fuel yours. Now, go make the world a better place.

P.S. The Wolverine Company Store has the best Field Notes with a hand-stamped logo. You have to visit the store in order to get one, though -- 40 Monroe Center, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

Behind Minimalist Shoes

Minimalist running -- what is that and why? Many believe that barefoot running is healthier for your feet, knees, back, and even posture. It it said to also reduce the risk of chronic injuries, notably repetitive stress injuries due to the impact of heel striking in traditional padded running shoes. I hate running, so what does these shoes have to do with you or me?

Merrell describes it best through these graphics. A traditional shoe has an 8-12mm Drop, which means your heel is elevated (see far right image). Naturally, our feet have a 0mm Drop, which is what makes their Barefoot shoe a barefoot shoe.

When we run (or walk), the 8-12mm Drop in traditional shoes cause us to step heel first (pictured below on the left). Have you ever walked heel-first when barefoot? It hurts. Even with padding in shoes, it's not good for your body. When you strike heel first, it basically causes a resonating vibration from your heel bone up to your knees and back. Whereas when we are barefoot or wearing a minimalist shoe, we're landing more on the forefront of our foot, which acts more as a "spring" to cushion that impact on our knees and back. 

A Near Miss

I had some business downtown, so being how beautiful the weather was, I decided to walk there from the office. Often times I take the "shortcut" over the train bridge. This year the local law enforcement and railroad company stepped up their "No Trespassing" efforts. Being the good, law-abiding citizen that I try to be, I decided this time to obey the rules and take the longer route. Good thing.

This is what the train bridge looked like when I was deciding whether to walk over it or not:

Mere moments later, this is what the train bridge looked like after I decided not to take said shortcut:

Moral(s) of the story: (1) Just because it's a shortcut, doesn't mean it's the best route to take, (2) Trust your gut when making decisions -- otherwise, I could have been floating down river, (3) Laws/rules are generally in place for our own safety, so don't be too cool to not follow them -- DON'T TEXT AND DRIVE.

I'll get off my soapbox, now. Thanks for your undivided attention. Now, go make the world a better place.

UICA Workshop on NiceKicks.com

I'm always appreciative of NiceKicks.com, they're the #1 sneaker blog in the nation (and probably world, as well) and have always been receptive of my work. I was glad to see they picked up the UICA Custom Sneaker Design Workshop that was made public in my previous post. Check out the full NiceKicks post here. Shout-out to Ian Stonebrook -- you're the best.

UICA Custom Sneaker Workshop

Next weekend, I'll be hosting a "How-To" custom sneaker design workshop at the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts in downtown Grand Rapids. Part of their urbanity workshop series, the UICA and myself will host two 2-hour sessions where I'll walk students through the step-by-step process to custom-design their own pair of wearable art. Participants are required to bring their own pair of white leather sneakers, all other materials will be provided. Visit http://bit.ly/uica-snkrdsgn to register for the class, space is limited and is first-come, first-serve. Let me know if you have any questions. See you then/there!

ArtPrize Reveals 2012 Poster

ArtPrize just revealed their logo poster for this year's competition in September, which is known as the largest art competition in the world. I can hint to you that [Fashion Has Heart] has big plans for an entry this year, but that's all I am allowed to say until Memorial Day.

In terms of the poster itself, it is a strong black and white graphic with an eye twisting pattern -- not what I would have expected from ArtPrize. I thought for sure they would include (what I assumed to be) their 'trademark' orange color. I am a fan of it, however. It's interesting how simple, black and white bold graphics seem to be so "in" this year, similar to the recently released Brooklyn Nets logo designed by co-owner, Jay-Z.

Poster designed by Square One Design

In-Progress, Part VIII

This is your last in-progress update until this piece is completed (finally!). No, it's not done yet -- I say that because everyone who has recently been to the office has asked that question. I have a special plan for the bottom portion of the painting that may require an additional 20-30 hours to complete. So for now, enjoy your last sneak peek.

Thank you for your continued support on this journey. I know it's been a long one, but this is truly how these sorts of projects get done: over time with patience, persistence, and some level of insanity.

(89 hours)






(95 hours)




(100 hours)

Get caught up from the previous updates:
Part VII
Part VI
Part V
Part IV
Part III
Part II
Part I

Wolverine Worldwide Gets "Wider"

Wolverine Worldwide (WWW) just announced in a press release that they acquired Collective Brands Inc. (PSS) and their Performance + Lifestyle Group, which includes the brands Sperry Top-Sider, Saucony, Stride Rite and Keds.

That means Wolverine now owns the rights to 15 footwear brands: Bates, Cat. Chaco, Cushe, Harley-Davidson, Hush Puppies, Hytest, Keds, Merrell, Patagonia, Saucony, Sebago, Sperry, Stride Rite, and Wolverine.

It is an interesting time in the footwear industry because you have large companies getting larger while there still is a surge of independent brands popping up across the world. With the worldwide economy how it is, it's no surprise that acquisitions are so prevalent, otherwise most brands would simply go out of existence. Wolverine Worldwide isn't the only corporation holding numerous brands under its umbrella. For instance, Nike, Inc. owns Nike, Cole Haan, Converse, Hurley, Jordan, Nike Golf, and Umbro; while the Adidas Group owns Adidas, Reebok, and TaylorMade.

Is this good for the footwear industry -- for the mass of brands to be owned by the few, or would it be better if the brands could stay independent? That's a very big "if," by the way. In today's market place, it's either be bought out or fade away into history -- which would you prefer?