In this episode of TheStockroom, we are joined by Nathan Alexander Walker, one of the many talented product designers at Arete Create, the agency behind the Marc Jacob’s 72 Spring, the entire Puma Skepta Skope collection, Raf Simons and much much more!Founded by Myles O’Meally in 2020, Arete Create has and continues to push the boundaries of product design and recently, entered the spatial design space too, as the agency develops its offering. Additionally, Nathan gives us a truly unique insight into working with brands, the agency’s motivations and also the journey from initial sketches to production.It’s a jam packed one, with a lot of gems, so tap in!#AreteCreate #Design #fashion

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CHAPTERS

00:00 - introducing Nathan Alexander Walker Footwear Designer at Arete Create

02:23 - How Did Nathan Get Into Footwear Design And His Origins

07:14 - What’s On Foot?

09:01 - Finding Out About Footwear Design On UCAS

11:14 - What’s The Process of Footwear Design At Arete Create

12:47 - How Did Nathan Get Into Arete & Having Raf Simmons As Their First Client

17:12 - Nathan’s Inspiration’s

19:42 - Working With Raf Simmons AW20 Zip Up Boot

27:40 - How Do Brands Reach Our To Work With Arete?

31:45 - How Did Arete Create Link Up Wirh Sketpa’s Team To Make the Skepta x Puma Skope Collection

38:31 - Breaking Down The Materials & Design Journey of The ERL

42:31 - What Is Creative Direction?

44:40 - What Can Make The Process of Footwear Design Difficult?

50:57 - What Does The Arete Team Look Like?

56:26 - Arete’s Adding Spatial Design To Their Arsenal Of Offerings

1:00:57 - The Process of Designing The Marc Jacobs 72 Spring Sneaker

1:06:35 - The Importance of Colour Design To Brand Identity

1:12:30 - How Problem Solving Can Be Fun In The Design Process

1:16:20 - The Importance Of A Timeline & Research

1:18:10 - Is AI A Help Or Hindrance To The Process Of Design?

1:25:06 - The Low Profile Approach Is The New Triple S Trend

1:26:27 - Will There Be A Bigger Focus On Psychology Within Footwear?

1:28:24 - What Are The Day To Day Programmes Nathan Uses To Design & Advice For People Looking To Enter The Space

1:34:06 - Hand Sketching & The Different University Routes

1:37:45 - What Are The Pillars Of Arete Create?

1:40:25 - What Can We Expect In 2026? And Are They Hiring?

1:43:49 - Bolu’s Moving :(