Get To Know - Jordan Dawson

From gracing the feet of some of the highest-level premier league players, to designing football pitches with heavyweight sports personalities Jordan Dawson has been on an incredible trajectory. His footwear designs are as timeless as they are intricate.

Following his time working at Nike as a shop assistant, he’s now working with them, and others, in new ways. 

Yesterday, we had the honour of hosting Jordan in our Covent Garden store for a live sneaker customisation event to celebrate the World Cup.

Get to know, Jordan Dawson:

Jordan, how’re you doing?

I'm good thank you! Always a great energy around the World Cup.

A question we always ask in interviews: what’s your favourite sneaker?

My favourite sneaker must be the Air Jordan 1 High ‘Chicago’s’. They shout premium and quality and that’s why I love them. But, from my own collection, I would have to say Off-White Air Max 90s.

You studied Fine Arts at university, when did art become such an important part of your life?

Art has always been a major factor in my life. I drew from a young age, studied throughout school and always had a huge passion for it but I never thought I would make a career of it.

Football also plays a big part in your work, where does your affinity for the sport come from and how has it played a role in your life?

Chelsea has been a huge part of the family and I have always loved the game, especially going to live matches with my dad as a child. One game that will always stick with me, watching Ronaldinho tear us apart at Stamford Bridge and his wonder goal. He made me fall in love with the sport. My love for sneakers and art was combined at the start of my career, but through my love for football, I then expanded into the customisation of football cleats.

In a previous interview, you described how everything around us is the product of an artist. Talk us through that a little more. 

I was bullied when I was younger for being creative. It put me down quite a lot, however, my defence against them was to explain that everything around us is built or created by another artist. From the cars, we drive to the phones we use. Without artists, there wouldn’t be a world to live in.

Your work stretches further than footwear, talk to us about your fine art drawings. 

I started drawing at the age of 5 when I was inspired by the cartoons I used to watch. As I grew older my passions in life started to influence my work more. Musicians & role models had a massive impact on both my work and life, whether that was through their lyrics or their story. Me being bullied when I was younger created a project for myself – studying how we judge people based on first appearance. That was how my drawing of Conor McGregor was produced. I drew his feminine side which is something we are not accustomed to – him being a strong warrior in the octagon. I have drawn for the likes of Messi, Anthony Joshua, Marcus Rashford & Kaká. 

Talk us through some of the projects we have on show in-store.

I was commissioned by adidas for a pair of Sonic the Hedgehog customs for Brighton & Ghana International Tariq Lamptey as well as a one-off piece by Nike for PSG & France forward Kylian Mbappe.

Who inspired your work?

I have many individuals who inspire me. Fine Art wise, Kelvin Okafor, what an incredibly talented and humble guy! Sneaker-wise, Tinker Hatfield. No more needs to be said on him.

A lot of artists express a connection with their work. Do you share a connection with the art you produce?

I usually create pieces of artwork and never have the opportunity to see them again but since working with athletes it has developed a whole new connection when I see them worn on television or even in person.

What’s your biggest achievement to date and what’s your main goal?

When I was at university, my best friend and I sat down and set 3 goals we’d like to achieve in our careers. 1. Working with Anthony Joshua, 2. Working with my boyhood club Chelsea and 3. Collaborating with Eminem. I have so far completed two which I see as my biggest achievement to date – so only 1 more to go.

What’s your ultimate sneaker collaboration?

I think if you asked me this a year ago, I would have said Virgil Abloh. He was a pioneer and inspired so many including myself and would have loved the opportunity to have worked with such an idol. Thinking now, I would have to say Dr.Dre with Air Force 1’s as I know they’re his favourite shoe and it’s a great canvas to work with.

While your work currently is based around customisation and fine art, would you ever consider sneaker design? 

My ambition is to eventually create my own shoe. I have always set myself that goal - to see people on the street have Jordan Dawson’s on their feet.

As you mature, do you feel that your artwork matures with you? 

Absolutely, the meaning behind my work becomes stronger and more in-depth as time passes.

Is it coming home in 2022?

ICH, Gareth Southgate told me himself!

 

You can view Jordan Dawson's work in our Covent Garden store throughout the World Cup season. To view more of his work, visit his website here. 

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