Willem van der Wende
Footwear Designer
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I specialize in footwear innovation and am deeply passionate about global football. Merging my background in multimedia production, I continue to experiment with form and function, elevating materials to new heights, and inventing new ways to push sport forward. Experimental by design, I see technology and design coming hand-in-hand, optimizing performance and creating products of the future.
Feel free to look around and learn more about my work!
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Hello there!
I recently graduated from the University of Oregon in Sports Product Design. Throughout my time at graduate school, I have learned everything from sewing outerwear to 3D modeling footwear. I am passionate about data-driven design and merging technology with sustainable footwear practices. Empowering future athletes through thoughtful, empathetic design motivates me to create.
In my undergraduate studies at Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania, I received a Communications degree in Digital Media Productions, which taught me skills such as video production and web design. Although not my ultimate path, I took my design teachings and continue to apply them to my work today.
Football has been an integral part of my life and has taken me around the world. I have had the privilege to travel across Europe, South America, and the United States throughout my sporting career, connecting with athletes across language barriers. Football has opened many doors for me as well as my eyes, as it has shown sport can be a means to communicate without speaking the same language.
Beyond design, I am a die-hard fan of Arsenal Football Club, enjoy cooking and hosting parties for friends, as well as spending time in the outdoors or along the coast.
Hello there!
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RAPID SKETCHING Digital and analog
PATTERNMAKING Equipment and apparel
RAPID PROTOTYPING Ind. and dom. sewing
COMPUTATIONAL DESIGN Equipment and apparel
DESIGN RESEARCH Market and materials
PROJECT MANAGEMENT Design and Construction
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Hello there!
Willem van der Wende holds a Bachelor of Science in Digital Media Production with minors in Graphic Design and French from Slippery Rock University. During his time at The Rock, Willem was a member of the university’s 2015 PSAC Men’s Soccer Champion team; led the school’s nationally recognized communications honor society, Lambda Pi Eta; and served his final two years as the Director of Media Relations on the university’s programming board.
Blending his interest in soccer with multimedia, he found the Masters of Sports Product Design program where he continues to experiment with sustainability and design. Throughout his soccer career, he has traveled across Europe, South America, and the United States, connecting with athletes across language barriers. He plans to work in the footwear industry upon graduation, merging technology with innovative solutions.