Katie Koch Designs

I made this pair for a 1st birthday. And then the worst thing ever happened. I was spraying the sealant on them and the marker I had used to outline started to run! Thankfully I was quick thinking enough to salvage and repair the damage. Faces are not easy, but with practice, I feel like I’m slowly improving. 

After trying those Toy Story inspired shoes, I thought I’d make a pair for myself. I teach at an elementary school and our mascot is the Wildcats. I’m always my own worst critic, so I see dozens of problems and mistakes I made, but I love the detail that I was able to create. And the whole collage effect is a part of my artistic style too. These shoes inspired another pair for a friend of mine. They turned out really different but with each pair, I love being able to customize the design and incorporate those personal touches. 

These are the shoes that started it all. My mom said to me, “Hey, do you think you could do something like this?” She handed me the phone and showed me a pair of Toy Story themed shoes someone had painted on Pinterest. I did a little research and decided to try it. One pair became 3 since I wanted to do an entire set for my niece and nephews. Who knew that painting on a pair of shoes would be so fun?

I’ve never considered myself an artist, but a few years ago I started teaching art to my class in a totally different way. I started realizing that process was just as important as product and it’s through the process that we grow and change. We never really stop being artists, but perhaps we lose our confidence in that label as we grow up. I love art. I love sketching, painting, and taking inspiration from the world around me. I am an artist. One that is always changing. So welcome to my studio, my space where I get to learn...and grow...and create.