A recent graduate of SCAD, Jack Winkler earned his BFA in Accessory Design with a focus on footwear, propelling him into the creation of groundbreaking projects such as Spore, the world’s first commercially available 3D-printed skate shoe. Currently residing in Dallas, Texas, he continues to redefine traditional design norms — seamlessly blending functionality with futuristic aesthetics.
With a growing list of accolades such as the 2024 Pensole x New Balance Certificate and repeated recognition at the Global Footwear Awards, Winkler’s resume is as impressive as his creative output. His roles vary from being a student ambassador for Gravity Sketch to a scholarship recipient from fashion-forward brands such as PacSun and Dick’s Sporting Goods, showcasing his widespread recognition and support within the fashion industry.
In this Q&A, Jack provides insights into the motivations behind founding his innovative brand, Spore, the advanced technologies he employs to enhance sustainability, and his experiences that range from collaborative projects at SCAD to working hands-on with industry giants like Sam Edelman.
Fairchild Studio: What was the impetus behind founding Spore?
Jack Winkler: The initial drive to create and learn was what sparked the founding of Spore. I started concepting in high school a small streetwear brand to gain experience. Once at SCAD, I truly was able to expand my focus to build my streetwear brand to include footwear and accessories. From that point, Spore evolved into an umbrella that encapsulates all my work, reflecting my aesthetic and design philosophy. The metaphor behind “Spore” is rooted in the idea that life is the force of interconnectedness across space and time, the glue that holds our galaxies together. With that concept in mind, I create objects that are timeless, designed for both the present and the future.
Fairchild Studio: Can you describe the technology behind the construction and what makes it a more sustainable process?
J.W.: Definitely, the process begins by using 3D scanning technology on your phone to create a precise digital model of your foot. This is the same scanning process as scanning one’s face in their phone for facial recognition. This digital last allows us to print a design that is custom-tailored to your foot shape, with zero wasted material. The shoes are printed using a durable thermoplastic material, which is more resilient than traditional foams and rubbers, extending the lifespan of each pair. Additionally, this thermoplastic is fully recyclable, meaning old pairs can be infinitely recycled into new ones, making the entire process more sustainable.
Fairchild Studio: How does the fit technology work, and why is fit so important for athletes and active lifestyles?
J.W.: Custom-fitted footwear, designed specifically for the shape of your foot, allows for more natural movement. A century ago, shoes were typically customized to match your foot width, but today, most shoes follow a standardized sizing model due to supply chain efficiency and production costs. Custom fit is not only more comfortable, but it also enhances performance by allowing you to engage all your muscles effectively while still providing proper support.
Fairchild Studio: Where do your design inspirations come from? What else inspires you?
J.W.: My design inspirations come from several different industries, from action figure manufacturing, video game creature design, to practical effects. These unique influences help me expand and enrich my creative palette. Science fiction, classic movies, and animation also play a significant role in shaping my ideas. Beyond man made things, I often turn to nature itself, even referencing old biology and paleontology textbooks, to generate fresh, original concepts by blending different elements. I believe in looking to the past to stay relevant in the future, creating a sense of nostalgia for what’s to come in my work. In today’s world of social media and AI, where convergent creativity is common, there’s immense value in developing a unique style and perspective through distinctive research and references.
Fairchild Studio: What it like to work at the legendary Sam Edelman?
J.W.: Working with Sam Edelman on this special project through SCADpro, the university’s collaborative design studio was an incredible experience. Collaborating across teams with my peers from not only accessory and sneaker design, but industrial design, fashion marketing and management, design management, and photography to fully design a collection of sneakers that were then exclusively launched at Nordstrom was a dream come true. Bringing our collective efforts to market at Nordstrom was highly rewarding. Sam and Libby Edelman are visionaries and provided tremendous mentorship throughout the project, but also offered such meaningful insights into navigating the industry, which has greatly helped my understanding of the business as I launch my own collection.
Fairchild Studio: What was your experience like at SCAD?
J.W.: My time at SCAD was an incredible learning experience and I am so grateful for the guidance and mentorship of my professors, and opportunities that were available to me as a student. I loved studying accessory design because for me, it felt like a hybrid of industrial design and fashion design, which made it super interesting. The first couple of years were all about learning traditional techniques like pattern-making and crafting heritage cobbler leather styles, while incorporating digital tools like 3D printing into our process. This mix of hands-on skills and modern tech gave me a strong foundation to navigate the industry after graduation. The connections I made and the opportunities provided were invaluable, but the biggest takeaway was the value of collaboration.
Fairchild Studio: Who were your mentors at SCAD and what were some of the key learnings?
J.W.: Michael Mack, Quentin Williams, and Andrew Fionda were three professors and mentors I’m incredibly grateful to have worked with at SCAD. Professor Mack provided limitless wisdom and motivation for navigating the industry, always pushing our skills to the next level. Likewise, Quentin Williams brought a combination of work ethic and industry insights, which have been crucial to my growth in my current career chapter. Both Mack and Williams are SCAD alumni, hearing about their journeys and professional success made their guidance even more impactful. Andrew Fionda supported me from my early days in the Fashion department, he pushed me to apply to every design competition possible and to never give up. I am so grateful for the unwavering support from my professors.
Fairchild Studio: How do you see your brand evolving?
J.W.: I envision Spore evolving into a comprehensive lifestyle brand. Building upon the success of the shoe that is currently on market, moving forward I’m focused on expanding Spore’s offerings with products that truly reflect a lifestyle brand. My goal is to create a cohesive world around Spore, incorporating elements of furniture, homeware, and other unique design categories to fully immerse our customers in the brand’s narrative.
Fairchild Studio: What’s next for you?
J.W.: I’ve accepted a position at FCTRY Lab as a 3D Modeler and Footwear Designer. On my own time, I will continue to expand Spore as a label. However, I’m extremely excited to work with Omar Bailey and the amazing creative team he’s built.
