Footwear
I spent a lot of time in my own world as a kid, letting my imagination/creativity lead the way. Colors sparked emotions, shapes inspired ideas and patterns would tell stories- fueling the creations I would whip up. From cartoon/movie characters to sketches of the Titanic and my favorite shoes, my ability to create turned into an outlet that impacted my adolescence in a way that saved me. In the seventh grade, it even enabled me to start selling shoe drawings for 25 cents. From there, my appetite grew into forming a global footwear customization brand called GroundBreaker Customs at the age of 17. In 2015, I transformed GroundBreaker Customs into a multifaceted and bespoke art house named "723". As an homage to the beginning, 723 is the "GBC" acronym of GroundBreaker Customs in numeric form.
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GBC Logo (April 2010)
723 logo (October 2024)
723 logo (August 2026)
Through independent product creation, I've been blessed to either design for, be endorsed by, and/or work alongside:
Nike
adidas
Wells Fargo
Marquette University Men's Basketball
ESPN
Microsoft
Reebok
Millenial Magazine
TOMS
And many more.
Utilizing my understanding of color theory as well as material, accessory and industrial design- I focus on storytelling, innovation and attention to detail when producing custom work. Customization is one of the main ways I express myself, but I also use it to raise awareness for several meaningful causes- and the thought of giving a client the only pair that exists is exhilarating.
"On My Way" - Wells Fargo
Blessed with the opportunity to work with Wells Fargo in spring 2017 for their "On My Way" campaign, highlighting several creative, independent individuals who are crafting their own journeys. See the official ad from Pace Communications below. This project was an honoree for a Branded Short Film Webby award in 2018.
Recent Footwear Projects
Check out a design breakdown of some of the most recent pairs.
Customs
What does love mean to you? Handmade with a desert camouflage cotton twill, genuine python, cordura nylon, velvet and cotton.
Handmade for Marquez Valdes-Scantling with genuine American alligator, velvet, ballistic nylon, cowhide suede, gold/silver TPU, cork and custom embroidery.
Handmade with metastatic breast cancer awareness and $50,000 towards research grants in mind.
Handmade with waxed denim, velvet, patent leather, black suede and mirrors to restore value to the black AF1.
Handmade with metastatic breast cancer awareness and $50,000 towards research grants in mind.
Handmade with genuine viper, liquid gold and black suede.
A pair dedicated to Ahustin Crawford, to raise $50,000 for the University of Cincinnati Medical Center and meningitis research.
In collaboration with Nike x NBA x UnspokenPDX to commemorate the NBA's 2017 jersey contract with Nike.
Fusing the Stan Smith and Superstar silhouettes for adidas and Portland Design Week. Proceeds went to "Harper's Playground", an organization that creates playgrounds where people of all abilities connect, play & thrive.
Thesignature fingerprint pattern, and a gradient from a vibrant 'Volt' neon green into black collaborate on the outer side of each shoe, and with the goal in mind to add a personal/unique twist- I replicated my left and right thumb prints on the pump of the respective shoes.
Completely deconstructed/reconstructed, and in line with a military themed run of customs (in progress); digital camouflage and carbon fiber vinyl collaborate in honor of the United States Department of The Navy, and Midshipmen and Administrators of the Marquette University Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps.
Originally an all-white AF1 mid- a DELUXE brand, camouflage shirt covers the entire shoe. Completely deconstructed/reconstructed.
Uncaged with gold eyelets, and a "pure white" treatment for the upper.
A fan favorite.
Primeknit upper/sock collar duo, with gold accents along the front bumpers/rear pull tab, a black boost midsole, and black eyelets; strategically positioned and firmly implanted to allow for multiple lacing styles in both the front and back.
Lacing options in the front and back, with a yellowed boost midsole and customized adidas branding.
The CS1 and R1 come together for the "Cousin" pack, including a black boost midsole on the R1, a carbon fiber tongue on the CS1, and gold eyelets.
Yin & Yang color blocking through black eyelets, a black boost midsole, and innovated branding (inspired by the current adidas branding trends), on a white UltraBOOST 1.0 base.
Completely deconstructed/reconstructed, and in line with a military themed run of customs (in progress); digital camouflage and carbon fiber upholstery collaborate in honor of the United States Marine Corps.
The first shoe I ever made, inspired by the iconic logomania style and it's pioneer, Dapper Dan.
Sketching, Ideation and Rendering
