"Bay Bridge" DL 1.0 Concept 1 Ideation Sketches
Sketches are influenced by the structure of the Bay Bridge and the destinations along Damian path to the NBA
"Bay Bridge" DL 1.0 Concept 1 Outsole Design
The outsole traction in the forefoot was inspired by the Bay Bridge as it is an iconic landmark associated with Oakland in which the 3-Stripes form the deck of the bridge and a wave like herringbone pattern is incorporated to represent the waves along the bay. The three destinations along Damian’s journey to the NBA: Oakland, Ogden, and Oregon inspired the traction on the heel.
"Bay Bridge" DL 1.0 Concept Side Profile
A signature shoe designed for Damian Lillard that combines Adidas latest performance technology of Boost Foam, tech fit, and PureMotion. The oval heel counter
pays homage to Lillard's Oakland roots. The pattern of the upper is inspired by the bay bridge and are utilized as the overlays that secure the midfoot. Ankle support is provided by a Geofit padding and mesh bootie.
"Springblade" DL 1.0 Concept 2 Ideation Sketches
"Springblade" DL 1.0 Concept 2 Outsole Design
The Springblades are modified to meet the demands of basketball by accommodating for lateral, vertical, and rotational movements. The modified Spring Blade platform for basketball will be composed of two sets of multi-directional Spring Blades in the heel and forefoot that project in all angles to prevent the foot from tethering during sharp cuts. The Boost foam will be positioned right beneath the footbed in order to maximize the cushioning and responsiveness upon heel strike for the user.
"Springblades" DL 1.0 Concept 2 Side Profile
The red upper is composed of Techfit which is supported by grey Sprintweb overlays that resemble the suspension cables of the Bay Bridge. Midfoot stability is provided by the Adidas 3 stripes that operate in a similar fashion to the Crazyquick by wrapping beneath the footbed for a secure lockdown and connecting the laces. Heel protection is supplied by a heel counter that is connected with the Spring Blades platform and accented with the 3 stripes in red which is positioned on top of the Boostfoam midsole.
DL 1.0 Midsole Concept Sketches
In considering the midsole structure of the shoe, I was influenced by the PureMotion utilized in the Crazy Quick which allowed multi-directional movement and a smooth heel to toe transition by segmenting the foot into different impact zones. The combination of the Boostfoam midsole with PureMotion will provide maximum energy return and responsiveness.
DL 1.0 Concept 3 Outsole Ideation Sketches
The storytelling outsole designs are inspired by how Damian was exposed to the game of basketball as kid shooting in milk crates and branches in his Grandmother's house in Brookfield.
"Brookfield" DL 1.0 Concept 3 Outsole Design
I exhibited Brookfield’s impact on Damian by using a traction pattern of the map of Brookfield in the forefoot in order to express the fact that Damian represents his community with pride. A three Circle traction pattern is utilized in the heel to symbolize the cities that Damian has called home. The outermost circle represents Oakland and is highlighted by Damian’s AAU Rebels, Bay Bridge, Oakland area code, and Brookfield. Damian’s alma mater at Ogden is symbolized by Weber State’s emblem, the Stewart Bell Tower, and Ogden’s area code. The center circle emphasizes Oregon through the Blazers logo and highlights Damian’s game winner in last year’s playoffs.
"Brookfield" DL 1.0 Concept 3 Side Profile
The Sprintweb upper is designed in a Weber State colorway which is predominantly white with purple mesh cutouts and wolf grey Sprintskin overlays. The Sprintskin overlays provide form and support to the upper which resemble the structure of the Bay Bridge. An asymmetric ankle collar is utilized to form more anatomically to the ankle of the user. Purple vertical stripes are used around the collar to emphasize the partnership between Adidas and Damian as well as emphasize the speed of Damian's game.
"Panamera" DL 1.0 Concept 4 Ideation Sketches
The fourth concept is based off the, Porsche Panamera, Damian’s car of choice during his rookie season in Portland. The design after the sports car is a representation of how Damian game is refined and precise similar to the performance of the Panamera. The aesthetics of the shoe are influenced by the design cues of the unconventional car such as the elongated roof line, air intakes, and headlights.
"Panamera" DL 1.0 Concept 4 Outsole Design
The traction was influenced by car tires which feature multi-directional tread patterns and leveled grooves to increase traction performance. Along each outsole are 3 stripes that form three complete road-like circles which represent the three destinations on Damian’s journey to the NBA. Situated in the midfoot of the outsole is Damian logo surrounded by the exposed Boostfoam midsole. The traction in the heel is inspired by cobble stone roads.
"Panamera" DL 1.0 Concept 4 Side Profile
The elongated roof line of the Panamera influenced the design of the asymmetrical midfoot strap that forms the structure of the shoe. Mesh windows inspired by the grille of the Panamera are positioned at the toe box and heel allow air flow beneath the foot bed. Damian’s logo on the side of the shoe is based on Porsche’s emblem. Adidas branding is represented as 3 infared Stripes across the chrome TPU heel counter. Infared is utilized on the lace accents and laces to provide contrast to the black upper reminiscent of the headlights on the sports car.
"Branches" DL 1.0 Concept 5 Ideation Sketches
For the fifth concept, I wanted to focus on the key figures that supported Damian and the places that developed Damian’s passion for the game. The shoe also reflects on Damian's passion for hip hop music.
"Branches" DL 1.0 Concept 5 Outsole Design
The traction pattern on the forefoot was inspired by the tree branch that Damian played on as a kid. The white tree branch pattern is enhanced by the golden yellow Sprint Frame positioned above it. The pattern on the heel represents the milk crates that Damian used to shoot on at his grandfather’s house. Inscribed on the outer circle traction segment are the names of his parents and grandmother and Brookfield.In the inner traction pattern is the name of his AAU coach Ray Young and the places where Damian refine his game in Brookfield. Adidas branding is represented by the Adidas athletic logo at the center of the Sprint Frame.
"Branches" DL 1.0 Concept 5 Side Profile
The colorway of the shoe is an embodiment of Damian’s underdog story of defying the odds to reach the NBA. Golden yellow is utilized to represent Damian’s star that shone through the adversity that he faced in his journey to the NBA. The wolf gray tree branch pattern on the Black Shockweb upper symbolizes Damian growth as a player and as a reflection of Damian’s connection to Brookfield. Damian’s passion for hip hop music is demonstrated in the incorporation of a Four Bars logo at the heel. Four Bars is a lyrics showcase that Damian started in which each Friday he would reveal to the public four lines of lyrics.
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Damian Lillard Adidas Signature Project
Damian’s first signature will be utilized as a medium to portray Damian’s journey to the NBA and pay homage to the individuals who guided Damian along this path. Each colorway will incorporate elements that reflect Damian’s passion for music, the game, and family. The dynamics and form of the shoe are designed in regards to the position and style of play of Damian. Boost foam would provide the cushioning and responsiveness necessary to handle the demands of an elite level athlete like Damian.The signature concept process consisted of the research on Damian's journey, integration of Adidas's performance technology, and the implementation of an aesthetic design.
