Vans Fireflies

Presented with the opportunity to create a variety of designs for a sneaker line, I chose to digitally illustrate a set of patterns straight out of the ’80s for my brand of choice: Vans.

All assets and imagery designed exclusively for Sprout Studios and client.

With a resurgence of trends from the ‘80s and their inspiration in modern-day apparel, I sought to fashion a nostalgic shoe inspired by the Memphis design movement. I would create four unique patterns and apply them to Vans Sk8-Hi shoes; a line that would complement the desired aesthetic perfectly. Taking it a step further, I decided to revive the concept of a light-up shoe by making its functionality more purposeful. The signature Vans stripe would be equipped with a neon glow that could be toggled on or off. This addition would not only serve as a subtle way for wearers to highlight their personalities, but it would double as a safety feature for those who wear the shoes when it’s dark out.

All assets and imagery designed exclusively for Sprout Studios and client.

Cultivating a culture that celebrates individualism, Vans strives to enable creative expression as a brand. In order to emphasize this value, I created distinct patterns that appeal to a diverse customer base. To accomplish this, I sampled a broad range of shapes, colors, and textures from the Memphis movement and tailored four patterns; each based on a different aesthetic. I then applied these patterns to the sides of the shoes alone in order to maintain a more modern look. Pulling a single color from each of the four designs, I utilized them as an accent for the light-up functionality. The packaging followed a similar process: relying on a simple presentation that reinforces the novelty of the shoe by highlighting each specific pattern and color option tastefully.

All assets and imagery designed exclusively for Sprout Studios and client.

Fireflies would live as a conceptual sneaker line under the Vans brand. This catalog of shoes currently consists of four classic high-tops, each with their own pattern, lighting option, and packaging. Bridging the gap between the then and now, these shoes strike a balance that will surely elevate one’s wardrobe through both form and function.

All assets and imagery designed exclusively for Sprout Studios and client.