Time to be Interplanetary
This project was created as a submission for the New Balance and Modo master class by PENSOLE, for the position of 3D designer. In the video below you will get to know me a little better while seeing my 3D design process and the development of the conceptual sneaker named New Balance SpaceX ITG (Interplanetary Transport Gear).
Above is the video submission created to apply for the masterclass. To watch the full SpaceX ITS video which inspired the concept, click here.
Above: The initial pencil sketch, the Illustrator vector art and the final Photoshop rendering of SpaceX ITG's first version.
Clean lines, shapes and minimal colors that were heavily inspired by NASA's famous space shuttles.
The first lacing system idea would be way more conceptual, with a fabric strap that would revolve the ankle and be tied under the shoe's tongue.
The toe box and the outsole would be connected, keeping the clean lines and the subtle references.
Above: Illustrator line-art for 3D modeling, already with proportions closer to the final design.
Below: Physically modeling a smaller scale of the shoe with modeling clay to help the virtual 3D modeling phase.
Final Renderings and Sketchfab Model
After modeling and UV unwrapping in Blender 3D, and then texturing the piece in Substance Painter, these renders were created using iRay (Substance Painter internal renderer). Images and model below are the final result of this project.
The sneaker would be constructed with prime materials such as a lightweight FG leather, an elastic breathable "fabric + Ariaprene" pack bootie, few transparent TPU film pieces overall the upper to improve support and silver painted details.
A pattern over the white leather portion of the shoe's upper would provide better flexibility and reduce stiffness of the material.
"Interplanetary Transport Gear" would be written using the classic NASA's Helvetica font, to make the resemblance with space shuttles even clearer.
The original lacing system idea was replaced by a simpler and more elegant velcro strap with an embossed US charging flag.
Midsole would be composed of EVA foam and the outsole of vulcanized rubber.
Two "hero" material pieces would be present overall the shoe, spreading from toe box to heel: a silver fabric with pattern that would resemble insulation sheets used in spacecraft construction; and a lightweight molded rubber that would revolve the kit and provide structure to the footwear.
Above is the interactive 3D model of the shoe. To check the model at the Sketchfab page, click here.
I would like to thank PENSOLE, New Balance and Foundry for the initiative and the opportunity
to demonstrate my work! Also, thanks SpaceX and NASA for the insights and inspiration.
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Thanks for taking the time to get to know my work!
Please, if you have any opinion, compliment, question or criticism,
let me know in the comments section below!
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For more projects and updates, please visit: flaviomarkiewicz.com
