Paul Kaufman Shoe Design Masterclass
Take the ancient art and practice of creating a shoe into your own hands (ahem, or feet). While the specialized skill of shoe making is disappearing, there are a few dedicated individuals still working to keep this essential craft alive. This is a unique chance to learn the essentials of shoe design and explore the current world of footwear.
In this session, I will take the group deep into the process of designing a pair of shoes—from inspiration to idea, to design creation, to working out the pattern, to manufacturing realities and marketing approaches. I’ll blend history, lecture and practical application while attendees work on their own creations. By the end of the masterclass, each person will have their own basic pattern based on a selection of available lasts (shoe-forms), from which you can then use to have a custom pair of personally-designed shoes made.
I will lead this intensive workshop at my personal studio and gallery space in downtown Los Angeles.
Hi. I'm Paul, a member of the Atlas Obscura community.
I'm the owner and designer of pskaufman... footwear. After building a name for myself through my design work with numerous brands, i decided to put my name to a brand that completely reflects both my passion for shoemaking and my values. I aim to create authentic products; expressing the heritage of shoemaking and a genuine appreciation of the artisans who make the shoes.
I firmly believe in the value of making footwear that can be worn for decades, rather than months, using sustainable materials like re-purposed truck tires and jet tire inner tubes. Constructed by hand, as well as on ancient machinery, my footwear has traveled back in time to help the wearer walk stylishly into the future.
For questions about this experience, please contact me directly through Airbnb.
Drawing skill is helpful but not required. This workshop is about learning the process, craft and artistry possible in this creative form, rather than training attendees to become designers.
There are 10 spots available on this experience.
Guests ages 15 and up can attend.
A basic interest in shoe design is helpful, but certainly not required.
- Water Bottle.
Any experience can be canceled and fully refunded within 24 hours of purchase. See cancellation policy.
Pencils, drawing pads and other design materials will be provided.