Future Sole Finals: Carmelo Anthony Signature Shoe & T-Shirt Designs

The Future Sole contest is a competition that gives students the opportunity to design sneakers and apparel for Jordan Brand, Nike and Converse. The 2011 Future Sole Finals were recently held and of the four contests that were held, two of the main competitions were designing a signature shoe and t-shirt for New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony. The designer of the signature shoe had to use New York as an inspiration and it could be seen throughout the design especially on the heel cap. Also like the Carmelo signature shoe contest, the t-shirt competition required its designers to use both ‘Melo and the city he plays for in  the shirt’s conception. Continue reading for the student designer info after the jump and let us know what you think.

Melo T-shirt Contest
Chris “Jet” Lejano
22
Isla Vista, CA
I am a recent graduate at the University of California Santa Barbara, where I studied and received a Bachelor of Arts
in Psychology. Athletics and design have always been a critical aspect of my life. Growing up with two older brothers I
always stayed active and was involved in multiple sports while simultaneously finding a love for sneakers at a very young
age. Currently I run, play basketball, bike, and hit the gym to stay in good health. When contemplating possible career paths
I would like to pursue, I have always viewed being a Graphic Designer, specifically for Nike/Jordan Brand, as the ultimate
dream job, yet I always thought of it as impossible. However the Future Sole experience has provided me with a new found
confidence in my ability and has proved to me that it is possible to make this dream a reality.

Randall Yarborough
22
Irmo, SC
I am a recent graduate from the University of Florida Architecture major. I have always been involved in athletics since a young age. Growing up in Detroit, MI, I played almost every major sport from ice hockey to basketball to tennis. I’ve always been passionate about sports and considered a career in designing arenas and stadiums for various sport teams. But I also have a passion for footwear and apparel and really appreciate the chance of a lifetime to experience that through Future Sole. I usually get inspiration from the way I play and the way I analyze a certain sport that relates to footwear or apparel. Without Future Sole I would never think the possibility to get recognition from a major company like Nike. This is definitely a once in a lifetime experience and I’m very thankful.

Nike Basketball Contest
Brian Moughty
24
Southbury, CT
I recently graduated from Wentworth Institute of Technology with a degree in Business Management, though I have always dreamed of being a footwear designer. Since third grade, I realized combining my passion for athletics and art could lead down to a path of a designer, and I have been working towards the goal ever since.

Marcellus Johnson
22
Anderson, SC
Growing up I was constantly involved in sports. Being from the south football was a huge part of my life, but I was always eager to try anything. Along with my love for sports was my passion for the arts. I always had a pen in my hand and was constantly sketching. Footwear became that bridge between the two worlds. As a kid I really began to discover footwear for it’s beauty and functionality. The athletes I loved to watch were always wearing what I thought of as works of art on their feet. I knew that someday I wanted to create these objects I had such a connection to. Now, entering my last year at Appalachian State University I am more motivated than ever to work in this amazing industry.

Converse Contest
Avery McIntyre
18
Novi, Michigan
I am an incoming freshman at the University of Michigan. I am interested in business, design, and chemistry and will be pursuing a degree in some combination of those things. Future Sole has been an incredible opportunity for me to explore and refine my interests as well as establish reachable goals for the future. This program validated my aspirations and I look forward to continuing to learn about the industry in the coming years. One of the most important points I took away from the program is the importance of education on decision making power.

Jordan Johnson
16
Aurora, Colorado
My name is Jordan Johnson, I am an aspiring shoe designer from Aurora, Colorado where I attend Grandview High School. I’ve been mentored by Mr. Dwayne Edwards (the founder of Pensole) for 4 years and my goal is to be a designer for Nike or Brand Jordan. I am also a artist signed to Big Top Entertainment where I record music to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds. Through my music and shoe design I hope to one day make a difference.

Jordan Contest
Nick Daiber
17
Highland, IL
I am a senior at Highland High School. I love sports. Sports have taught me the value of hard work and has led me to my passion for design. Ever since I was young I wanted to be a professional athlete and design my own shoes. If I can not be a professional athlete it would still be a dream come true for my designs to help people accomplish their dreams. I am tirelessly running towards that dream.

Jacob Rochester
16
Bloomfield, CT
I attend the University High School of Science and Engineering. I aspire to be a designer and illustrator and hope for my talents to improve throughout my journey. I have many ideas that I would love to share with many and hope I can touch a mass of people doing so. Art, sports and music have always been a huge part of my life. At a young age I was involved at all three aspects and have continued to grow with each. As far as sports, I play JV and Varsity basketball at my High School as a starting and 2nd string point guard respectively. Musically, I have played the drumset at my church for 4 years and I have always been interested in the production of music. This opportunity has opened yet another new door for me and with the right work ethic, preparation and strive I feel that I can succeed at whatever comes my way.