Meet the Students: Sam from California
Diving into the heart of shoemaking, Sam's experience on our 5 day shoemaking course offers an enlightening glimpse into the transformative power of creativity and craftsmanship.
Born in England and residing in San Diego, California, Sam's journey with the school was an unexpected gift from his wife after discovering London Sneaker School on Savile Row, sparking a newfound passion that transcended his initial expectations.
Inspired by his favorite, AJ1 Travis Scotts, Sam ventured into the course with a vision of simplicity and homage. He envisioned a design that paid tribute to iconic styles while infusing his unique twist. The discovery of distressed blue leather suede and soft off-white leather at the school inspired him to blend these materials into his creation, further paying homage to Virgil Abloh's off-white designs.
Sam's approach was not just about creating a sneaker but about personalising an expression that reflected his tastes and inspirations. The challenge of incorporating a bigger swoosh and adding unique touches like mesh on the tongue, as opposed to standard leather, allowed him to explore and expand his creative boundaries.
The course, initially perceived as a daunting venture, revealed itself to be far more approachable and simpler than imagined. Sam found the process to be not only manageable but deeply engaging and therapeutic, particularly enjoying the sewing aspect, which he found surprisingly therapeutic. The comprehensive support and guidance from the instructors, Ish and Jase, were pivotal in demystifying the shoemaking process, enabling Sam to correct mistakes and refine his skills in real-time.
“I’m going to carry on shoemaking. It’s something I was kind of uming and ahing about, but, you know, I need more hobbies outside of work and this is actually something that’s really fun.”
The course not only equipped Sam with the technical skills to craft sneakers but also instilled in him the confidence to experiment with colorways and customization, addressing his frustration with the lack of diversity in commercial sneaker designs. This newfound ability opens up a world of possibilities for personal expression and creativity.
Sam's journey is a testament to the enriching experience offered by the London Sneaker School. It's an invitation to those on the fence about exploring shoemaking to take the leap. In today's digital-dominated world, the tactile satisfaction of working with one's hands to create something unique and personal is a rare and valuable experience.
“The teaching makes it really easy. So at any point where I would make a mistake, Ish and Jase would jump straight in, help me write the mistake and help me fix it.”
For anyone looking to break the monotony of computer-based work or searching for a meaningful hobby, the London Sneaker School provides an avenue not just for skill acquisition but for self-expression and personal growth. It's not merely about making sneakers; it's about crafting a piece of yourself into something wearable and sharing that joy with others through personalized gifts.
“If I was at home doing this by myself, I’d have to make 4 or 5 shoes, before doing my first real pair. And I think honestly, do it. It’s really, really fun. It seems very intimidating, but it isn’t.”
Sam's journey from skepticism to passionate creation embodies the spirit of learning and the joy of making. It's a compelling story for anyone seeking to add color, texture, and personal flair to their lives through the art of shoemaking.
Learn to make sneakers at London Sneaker School
If you’re ready to jump into the world of shoemaking check out our available course dates and enrol today…
If you have further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out and chat with an LSS shoemaker. Send us your questions or book a call today.
