When designing and painting a pair of shoes, Martin Figueroa ’11 is inspired by colors and shape. This pair was created using an intergalactic theme
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Your Sneaker, Your Self
UMBC attracts students from many corners of the globe. And sneaker artist and media and communications major Martin Figueroa '11, has figured out a way that these homesick students can remember that there's no place like home. He's painting the skylines of their hometowns - or any other image that represents their personal style - right onto their sneakers.
Figueroa started drawing sketches on his own shoes when he was a senior in high school. Before long, friends asked if he would paint their shoes. Figueroa has now designed more than 25 pairs of shoes, with prices starting at $100 a pair. He’s also decided to start a business.
When Figueroa contacted UMBC's Alex. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship, the staff at the Center gave his fledgling enterprise a leg up by putting him in touch with experts to help him get his new business launched. Figueroa hopes to be marketing his work professionally later this year.
