Today we’d like to introduce you to Hayden Miao.
Hi Hayden, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
From a young age, my insatiable curiosity and deep fondness for shoes and sneakers were evident. Born in China and later relocated to Long Island, US during my middle school years. My passion for shoes started when I began liking sneakers in middle school. As I paid attention to what other kids were wearing, I started to see how their choices reflected their personalities and lifestyles. Eventually, I began sketching shoes just for the fun of it. During class, I’d sketch other kids’ shoes, and after school, I’d let my imagination run wild, creating my own shoe designs. I even got experimental, cutting open shoes and sewing them back together with different fabrics and parts from other shoes. I also had a little studio for painting and customizing white sneakers. All of this was purely for fun, something that felt instinctive and natural. I never considered it could be a potential career path.
My passion carried on through high school as I prepared to apply for college. Fueled by my love for art and creating things, I chose to major in product design. Thankfully, I landed a spot at one of the top design colleges, the ArtCenter College of Design. I happily immersed myself in studying and crafting products. Then, about two years in, I stumbled upon a footwear class, which I decided to take just for the heck of it. To my surprise, everything fell into place. I found myself thoroughly enjoying the process, losing track of time as I sketched and designed. It was in that moment that I realized footwear had always been my true passion.
The stars seemed to align as my passion now matched my career path. Moving forward, my footwear designs even made it to the school gallery, and I proudly showcased them to hundreds of people. As my confidence grew, I entered a competition for sneaker week, where I not only competed but also started connecting with others in the industry.
This journey underscores the evolution of a childhood interest into a rewarding vocation. The fusion of my love for shoes and my design aspirations is something I’m grateful for every day. As I continue on this exciting trajectory, I’m committed to nurturing my passion and bringing my unique viewpoint to the world of footwear design.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey wasn’t exactly smooth – there were rocks and obstacles along the way. But when you take a step back and see the bigger picture, it’s clear that these challenges were all part of the road that led me to where I needed to be.
It took me some time to truly figure out what I was passionate about. I’ve always had a fondness for art and design, but during the initial couple of years when I was focused on designing hard goods products, things weren’t exactly easy. I often found myself wrestling with deadlines and hitting creative roadblocks. There was a phase when I felt like I was being pulled into a production mode rather than feeling genuine enthusiasm. However, all of this changed when I shifted my focus to designing footwear. Suddenly, there was an internal drive propelling me forward. The combination of passion and curiosity urged me to constantly strive for more.
Another challenge I encountered was trying to connect with others in the industry. Being more of an introverted person, networking didn’t come naturally to me. It meant stepping out of my comfort zone and putting in extra effort to interact – basically, being 50% more outgoing than I usually am. Plus, there’s always the uncertainty of when recognition might finally come. It’s an ongoing effort, and I’m still working on it. With more practice and a bit of luck on my side, I’m hopeful that I’ll eventually find my place within the community.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a product designer specializing in footwear design. My curiosity extends to exploring material innovations and embracing the full spectrum of design possibilities.
I have an affinity for pushing the boundaries, questioning the status quo, and infusing the design process with a touch of whimsy and excitement. Admittedly, I tend to get easily bored with the mundane. While this aspect once posed challenges, especially as my interests shifted quickly, it’s now a distinctive advantage in my role as both a designer and a creator. It propels me to consistently elevate my designs, pose the quirkiest what-if questions, and meticulously refine even the smallest details.
My reputation precedes me as a skilled craftsman. I excel at envisioning concepts as they culminate into their final expressions. My expertise spans crafting intricate manual appearance models – using laser-cut fun foam with 3D printing techniques for footwear – as well as using digital tools for modeling and rendering. Furthermore, I possess the ability to produce functional prototypes that can actually be worn.
In essence, I’m fueled by curiosity, propelled by a desire to challenge conventions, and armed with a knack for injecting excitement and originality into the design process.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I would say CONFIDENCE! It’s something I’ve often found myself lacking, and I’m continuously striving to improve in this aspect. In the design industry, where solutions often lie in the gray areas rather than definitive answers, having a stronger sense of self and presenting your work confidently can make all the difference. A designer who exudes confidence is better equipped to articulate and advocate for their ideas, standing out from the crowd.
Gradually, as I received positive feedback from event participants and practiced putting myself out there, I began to notice a change. My name started to be remembered and recognized, propelling me to a higher echelon in my career. It’s remarkable how boosting my confidence has truly elevated my path.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.haydenmiao.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/haydenmeow.jpg
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haydenmiao/
Image Credits
Hayden Miao
