Tinker Hatfield

There are a few industries where artists are often overlooked. Companies such as Nike and Adidas have created a business focused on selling sneakers. Tinker Hatfield is a shoe concept artist who helped design many of the Jordan signature basketball shoes. As an artist, his work is significant in creating iconic sneakers that influenced the development of future shoe designs. Hatfield also designed technology concepts for Nike such as the Nike Air Huaraches in 1991, which the technology is still used in some Nike shoes today.

Hatfield’s ideas became cultural icons that also resulted in violence over some pairs of Jordans. This sparked ideas of human materialistic wealth and the value for the sneakers. An example would be the release of the Jordan XI “Concords” in 1995, where riots would break out in the lines waiting for these shoes. Some pairs are sold and resold for hundreds up to thousands of dollars. One of the most expensive Jordans, the Jordan XI “Blackout” color way is valued over $11,000.

Jordan XI "Concord"

Some people risked their lives and others died over some pairs. So what makes Jordan brand shoes so different from other shoes? What makes people so willing to wait in long competitive lines so they can have a chance to buy a pair of  $200 sneakers? That is because of the design of the shoe and the impression it gives. Just like art, the ideas and style is represented on a canvas, but for feet. The look and designs of Hatfield’s work can be described as a cultural influence as it created new potential evolution for shoes in the future. A lot of sneakers are inspired by certain elements and aspects from Tinker Hatfield’s shoe design concepts.

Hatfield's concept sketch for Jordan XI

Sneakers in general create a new area for designers to create a work of art that you can wear. Alongside shoe design comes functionality and innovation. It is important for a shoe to stand out in today’s sneaker culture. There are many basic shoe layouts that are overused in a lot of brands, but it can all be traced back in time from previous shoe concept designs. Tinker Hatfield was successful in designing a pair of stylish, comfortable and practical basketball shoes that are recognized globally.

Intro

Defining Characteristics?

Some ways to describe myself would be rational, logical and keeping it real. I try to apply my characteristics into my art. I guess you can say I have a rebellious nature, as I don't like conforming to popular ideas.

Describe your lineage.

My parents and my heritage are from Korea, but I am the first generation of my family born in America. A lot of my cultural influences come from my parents. I also have been influenced by Latin American culture throughout my life because of friends and people I meet everyday. I somehow have been exposed to a good amount of Spanish in one way or another.

What am I standing on?

I am standing on my personal artistic foundation. I try to utilize everything I have learned, seen, and question. I had opportunities to learn a variety of mediums throughout my life as a student and I want to create new art forms.

What are the prejudices have you derived from in this position?

One example would be the influence of Japanese culture in America. I feel like there is a whole side in society of the art world that is anime driven. When I was younger, Japanese culture influenced my drawings for a period of time but I grew out of it and began exploring other styles of art. There are definitely influential Japanese artists that are successful and can keep doing what they are doing but I think it is important as a potential artist to keep growing and progressing rather than sticking to one art style.