ASIF | The Future of Footwear

So glad I ran across this article via ConceptKicks.  Of course the footwear is dope and innovative.  But the concept behind the brand and the business model they want to take on is so cool to me.  Forget "seasons".  Creativity and innovation should be bound by that notion...just create!  Obviously this new brand is doing that.  Click the link below to check out the full interview.

ASIF

BTM Radio Show with Quintin Williams

BTM Radio Show w/Quintin Williams, Footwear Designer, Q Designs | 7.11.14 by Btmradioshow on Mixcloud

Interview with Marc Dolce

The legendary Marc Dolce had an interview with Sole Collector recently and it was truly inspiring.  I love to read the details and stories behind each design.  It's those stories that make a design that more intriguing.  The interview is quite lengthy but it's definitely worth a read for any aspiring footwear designers.

Marc Dolce Interview

The Journey

This past week has been very exciting for me!  If you haven't heard or seen the buzz that has swept the internet about my infamous Johnny Manziel concept cleats then you need to catch up!  I've received such great response from this concept, it's been overwhelming.  I thank everyone that has published an article about it and all of the people who wanted to purchase it via Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!  Leave it up to Nike to decide if they want to put these into production though!

In your spare time, please check out my interview with GAFollowers exploring my journey through the footwear industry.  It's been a long and intriguing journey so far, but the moral of the story is to never give up!  The opportunities that I've enjoyed thus far were strictly through hard work...you can achieve ALL goals!!

GAFollowers Interview

Q.DESIGNS Behind The Mind Radio Interview

WHAT UP WORLD!  Long time no talk!  ALOT has been going on behind the scenes for Q.DESIGNS along with some other surprises I've been working on, which you will see soon!  I wanted to first thank everyone who contributed to my Indiegogo campaign for Q.DESIGNS!  The love was much appreciated and you will be receiving your products soon.

I wanted to share my radio interview that aired LIVE in DC with the Behind The Mind Radio Show during my campaign.  The link is below.  The one take away I want people to listen to is the concept of "statues" at the end of the interview....this message is extremely important to me.  You will see why!  The interview officially starts at the 1:00 min mark...let me know what you think!

Q.DESIGNS Behind The Mind Radio Interview

Q.DESIGNS On Behind The Mind Radio Show this Friday

Please tune into www.behindthemindradioshow.com this Friday at 11AM EST to hear what I have to say!  It's not only about Q.DESIGNS...it's about something bigger.  What is that something?  Tune in to find out!!  Also online with Android and iPhone via www.weactradio.com.

Q.DESIGNS on RADIO!

Q.DESIGNS will be on Behind The Mind Radio on the 31st of this month!  Tune in to see what I have to talk about!  Visit www.behindthemindradioshow.com at 11AM EST on the 31st.

Also if you're in DC, it will broadcast on 1480AM.  This interview is online, on Android or iPhone on www.weactradio.com as well.  No reason to miss out!  Please spread the word!

Q.DESIGNS Gaining Exposure!

YO!  HAPPY NEW YEARS!  I hope everyone enjoyed bringing in 2014 and that everyone has big goals to achieve!  One of my goals is to get Q.DESIGNS on the feet of millions!  That goal is slowly becoming a reality.  Yesterday I landed interviews with two major sneaker websites....Nicekicks and Sneaker Bar Detroit.  I appreciate all of the support that the sneaker community has shown so far.  I think the line is heading in the right direction!  Click on the link below to check each website's postings.  Also, what do you think about the new Gamma colorway for the NO.3?!

Q.DESIGNS on Nicekicks.com

Q.DESIGNS on Sneakerbardetroit.com

Q.Designs Footwear on ConceptKicks

Do yourself a favor and head to ConceptKicks to check out my feature and interview about the brand release next year!  There is some valuable information there AND some more detailed shots of the NO.3!

ConceptKicks Interview

Interview with Charles Williams

This is an interview with Nike Basketball's Senior Product Line Manager, Charles Williams.  Even though this is an old read I found via Crooked Tongues website, it is something I think all aspiring footwear designers should read because it gives knowledge of some interesting "behind-the-scenes" stories that helps understand the logistics of footwear.  Take a look at what he had to share by clicking the link below.

Interview with Charles Williams

Jimmy Smith

One of the most respected in the industry!!  Jimmy Smith is the mind behind some of the biggest marketing campaigns to ever exist!  Gatorade.  Nike.  Snickers.  He's been around the block and has made some phenomenal moves.  Click the link below to watch some of his most famous commercials and learn how he broke inside of the industry being an African-American male.  Very inspiring.

Jimmy Smith Story

Yohji Yamamoto

If you're heavy into the fashion world then you undoubtedly know the work of the legendary Yohji Yamamoto.  This 70-year old creative phenomenon is so inspiring to me!  The lines, the shapes, and material use on his creations via Y-3 (his collaboration with Adidas) have always amazed me.

I recently read on article of him with Hypebeast that I think all creative minds should tune in to read more about.  Click the link below to check it out.

Yohji Yamamoto

Rob Purvy

I had the chance to sit face to face with this gentlemen and absorb his experience, knowledge, and untold stories about the footwear industry recently.  Rob Purvy is THE man!  Rob has played key roles in Reebok, VANS, Adidas, now currently AND1.  His story and knowledge is something you don't want to miss out on!  Check this interview about him and how he made his way into the footwear game.

Rob Purvy: Crossin' Over to All Things Basketball

Cubby Golden

I had the pleasure to meet and speak with Cubby briefly while attending PENSOLE.  If you haven't heard of Cubby Golden, he's a former running designer for Nike.  His biggest design was the Nike LunarGlide 2 while there.  I just read his inspiring story about being a footwear designer and what it takes to be successful.  Any young, aspiring designers out there you WANT to tune in and listen to every word he's speaking.  Click the link below to read up!

Cubby Golden: True To Me Too

The Adidas D Rose 4

Adidas' Basketball Footwear Manager Jack Gray sat down with Sole Collector to discuss some of the technology and aesthetic inspirations for Derrick Rose's come back shoe, the D Rose 4.  I really love the direction of this shoe and especially the story behind it's two-tone exterior...makes perfect sense.  I'm just excited to see how well Derrick Rose actually performs in them.  Click the link to read the full story.

Adidas D Rose 4 Details

Funfere Koroye

My guy Daniel Bailey (Mr. Bailey) just did an interview with one of my long time friends and colleagues Funfere Koroye.  Please take note people!  Because Funfere is one of those types of individuals that is out to change the world through his design philosophies, as am I.  Truly inspiring interview.  Click the link below to read up on it.  I'm super proud of this gentlemen because I've seen the progression and passion since the first day I met him.  Keep doing you Fun.

Funfere Koroye

Why We Do What We Do

COMPLEX Magazine has given us one of the best interviews of this year.  They interviewed some of the sneaker industry's top influencers and asked them why they do what they do.  Brilliant questions and brilliant replies.  These types of interviews are awesome because they really give you a sense of what it takes to be one of the greats in this industry.  Every person in this list had a unique story to tell.  You should take a look by clicking the link below.

Conversations with Sneaker Industry Insiders

Paul Rivera

 One of the most insightful interviews I've read in a long time.  Paul Rivera, if you haven't heard, is one of the most successful brand builders out there.  Reading his story is truly inspiring as he's traveled from Dime Magazine, Nike, and now Beats by Dre.  But the biggest thing I took away from this interview is his importance of relationships and work ethic!  These two subjects are essential in making a successful career.  Please do yourself a favor and read this interview!  ALL OF IT!

Paul Rivera Interview

Tinker Hatfield Interview

A great interview by Design Boom with the legendary Tinker Hatfield explaining his history at Nike and thought process behind some of his infamous designs.  I've always respected Tinker and his revolutionary thinking and unique skill set.  Click the link below to read up on this legend's story.  

Tinker Hatfield Interview

Adidas Design Studios

Adidas has created a great promotional campaign showcasing it's design studios and benefits of working with their global company.  They walk you through the history and also the people that have helped make it historic...the designers!  They have some very personal interviews with a few of them and they all share their insight as to what makes the company great.  Check it out.

Adidas Design Studios