When will you open the next round of orders?

I simply can’t keep up with the demand so I close the ordering process when I receive a pre-established number of orders. Please join the Facebook fanpage or sign up for the mailing list to receive advance notice of when the ordering process re-opens. 

How long have you been doing art?

I started practicing art seriously in 2007 when the Muckleshoot Tribe hosted the Intertribal Canoe Journey, and I had the opportunity to help the Muckleshoot Language Program paint drums for giveaway items.  After that, I started seeing the world in ovals, crescents and formlines.  I created my first custom shoe in March of 2009.

Did you study art?

I had one art class. It was in 8th grade, and I think I got a C.

What are your speaking and workshop fees?

Rates vary greatly depending on time commitment, audience, and scope and nature of the event. After checking my shedule of speaking commitments on the “About” page of this website, please contact me directly to discuss booking for speaking and workshops: louie@eighthgeneration.com

What are Limited Run Customs?

You choose from one of the current “Limited run” design offerings and select from variations in base-shoe color and art colors.  Although more than one shoe of each hand-drawn design will likely be sold, the interaction between the artistic process and variations in shoe size, texture and manufacturing quirks ensure that every shoe develops a totally unique personality.  You may also request an accent color and other minor special requests by including a note with your order, but I make no promises about being able to accommodate your special requests.

Each shoe is signed and numbered (1 of 1).  After the number of shoes in the limited run of custom shoes is reached, I will never make another handmade shoe with that design again.

What is an Exclusive Custom? 

We work together to design a unique shoe that represents you, your heritage, a story from your life- anything you can imagine. You may email me with your proposal, but be advised that Exclusive Custom orders are also backlogged.  However, I’m inclined to make time for meaningful projects or projects that might increase exposure for Eighth Generation.

Are there any designs you won’t do?

I won’t copy someone else’s design because it’s both bad form and no fun.  Additionally, I enjoy designing with the contours, colors and lines of each shoe, so designs created as prints won’t look as good when they’re on the shoe.  If you like a particular design, I’m happy to incorporate elements of the design but I won’t try to duplicate it.  Copyrighted material and trademarks are also off-limits unless you are the owner or have written permission to use the material.

How will I know exactly what my shoe will look like?

You won’t. Each shoe is unique.  The organic nature of designing a custom shoe is what makes the process fun and challenging.  It’s also what gives each shoe its unique character. 

Variations in design often depend on your shoe size and the way the design color stands out against the color of the base shoe.  As I go, I also make adjustments to cover up imperfections in the base shoe and cover up my own occasional slip-up.  This is typically how innovation happens.

There are also tangible factors that influence the look of your shoe.  First, base-shoes of different colors tend to have slightly different textures.  This variation in texture is an important factor in determining the quality of the lines I can achieve.  It’s for this reason that I like to inspect each shoe before purchasing it.  Second, although all design colors look very good, darker colors tend to look more consistent throughout the design.

How will my custom shoes hold up?

I’ve spent a lot of time refining the methods and materials I use to create my designs on the shoes. I use fabric dye rather than acrylic, so the artwork on your shoe should hold up as well as a factory printed design.

Where can I buy a pair?

The shoes are only available here at Eighth Generation. 

I’m a shop or gallery owner.  Do you wholesale?

I’m not able to wholesale at this time.

Are you affiliated with Vans?

No. I’m not affiliated with Vans, and I’m not an authorized Vans dealer.  The purpose of this website is to sell my shoe art, and I provide the base-shoe as a service to my customers. 

Vans has supported my work in many ways. In preparation for the 2010 Winter Olympics, they helped out my fledgling operation by providing me with display fixtures and some promotional material.  Later that year, they licensed an image of my art for display in Vans retails stores across the USA.  I’m especially appreciative of their support of my Art and Identity: Custom Shoe Workshops with low income youth. 

Are you affiliated with Converse?

No. I’m not affiliated with Converse, and I’m not an authorized Converse dealer.  The purpose of this website is to sell my shoe art, and I provide the base-shoe as a service to my customers. 

Converse’s regional reps have been supportive of my work, and I look forward to getting more connected with Converse in the future.

How much is shipping?

Standard shipping for orders within the continental United States and Canada is included in the price of the shoe.  If international shipping charges apply, I’ll ask you to pay any additional shipping costs before I send off your shoes.  Any customs charges, taxes, brokerage fees, or border duty is also the responsibility of the purchaser.

How can I pay?

We can accept secure online payments via most major credit cards. 

What is your return policy?

All sales on custom shoes are final.  Any other defective merchandise purchased from Eighth Generation may be returned within 14 days, There will be no returns or refunds for non-defective merchandise. When appropriate refunds may be issued through Paypal only.

When will they be done?

Completion date will depend on the design, base-shoe availability, and the status of my non-shoe peddling obligations.  As a new business owner with a 9-5 gig, I have to ask for your understanding when it comes to the “soft” delivery deadlines.  My goal is to ship shoes within 4-6 weeks.