FTWR 1100 – 3 UNITS INTRODUCTION TO FOOTWEAR DESIGN

An introduction to footwear, the anatomy of the foot, and the footwear industry. The course includes learning footwear vocabulary and identifying different types of footwear constructions, lasts, and components. Students research the leathers, textiles, and materials used to create styles such as dress shoes, espadrilles, sandals, boots, sneakers, and athleisure footwear.

FTWR 1300 – 3 UNITS SKETCHING FOR FOOTWEAR DESIGN

Students learn hand sketching techniques for illustrating various types of footwear as well as rendering the textiles, materials, and components used for footwear. Students apply their understanding of anatomy and footwear proportions by sketching footwear on the foot. Prerequisite: FTWR 1100

FTWR 1700 – 3 UNITS TECHNICAL SKETCHING FOR FOOTWEAR DESIGN

Students learn to identify types of lasts used in production for various shoe constructions, how to hand draw last profiles, and how to apply last proportions to draw insoles, outsoles, heels, straps and other components. Students extend their understanding of design principles and elements by creating and sketching a small footwear collection. Prerequisite: FTWR 1100

FTWR 1800 – 3 UNITS HISTORY OF FOOTWEAR

This course surveys historical footwear and its influence on current fashion and trends. Students explore historic material and construction methods by making a period-appropriate shoe and apply their understanding of footwear, historic styles, and trend research to the design of a vintage-inspired contemporary footwear collection.

FTWR 2100 – 3 UNITS FOOTWEAR DESIGN & LINE DEVELOPMENT

Students research the footwear supply chain and key retailers, and apply their knowledge of merchandising, branding, footwear manufacturing, and line-building to the design of small, brand-focused collections. Prerequisite: FTWR 1700

FTWR 2300 – 3 UNITS PATTERN DRAFTING FOR FOOTWEAR (6 HOURS)

Students are introduced to the basic footwear industry requirements and procedures for pattern drafting on the last. They develop the patterns used to create standard constructions including a basic pump, sandal, oxford, moccasin, boot, and sneaker. Includes a three (3) hour lab. Prerequisite: FTWR 1700

FTWR 2400 – 3 UNITS INTRODUCTION TO 3-D DESIGN

Students learn the basics of the Rhino vector design software program for footwear and are exposed to 3-D printing technologies in current use. Prerequisites: FTWR 2300, FTWR 2500A

FTWR 2500A – 3 UNITS DESIGN & TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR FOOTWEAR

Using Photoshop and Illustrator, students convert hand drawn technical sketches and creative design ideas to a digital format (CAD) and produce line sheets, technical sketches, color stories, and materials concepts for presentation. Prerequisites: FTWR 1700, TEXT 2240, TEXT 2220

FTWR 2500B – 3 UNITS DESIGN & TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR FOOTWEAR II

Students learn the requirements for the tech pack used by footwear factory technicians to make a first prototype, including CADs/technical sketches, callouts and specifications. Students observe a fit session on a foot model to see how corrections are made prior to production, and develop their own spec sheets and tech packs. Prerequisites: FTWR 2100, FTWR 2500A

FTWR 2600 – 3 UNITS INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PRACTICES FOR FOOTWEAR 

A study of the international footwear industry as it applies to manufacturing, domestic/international sourcing, and importing and exporting of footwear. Students explore common industry practices including negotiations, financial documentation, and compliance issues as well as employment and contracting practices in the industry. Students will develop and present a plan for a footwear line, to include an executive summary targeted toward obtaining financing. Prerequisite: FTWR 2100

FTWR 2700 – 3 UNITS 3-D DESIGN APPLICATIONS

Students work with the Rhino vector design software program to create footwear designs and components that are suitable for 3-D printing. Prerequisite: FTWR 2400

FTWR 2800 – 6 UNITS COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT

Students research and design their own footwear collection, and develop an industry-ready portfolio showcasing their body of work. Prerequisite: FTWR 2500B

FTWR 2850 – 3 UNITS SPECIAL PROJECTS IN FOOTWEAR

SPECIAL PROJECTS IN FOOTWEAR A final thesis project is produced in partnership with a footwear industry mentor. Prerequisites: FTWR 2100, FTWR 2500B