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.

To contact Figueroa, e-mail him at fig1@umbc.edu.

(12/18/09)