Matthew LaBar

Intro

My name is Matt LaBar and I am an Industrial Design student at James Madison University set to graduate in May 2024. Throughout my academic journey, I have developed a strong passion for design, art, and shoemaking.

I have been fortunate enough to hone my craft through hands-on learning and access to the latest design software and technologies. This has allowed me to bring my creative vision to life and develop intricate and innovative designs. My passion for shoemaking also allows me to understand materials, construction, and ergonomics and integrate them in My Designs.

As I near graduation, I am eager to begin my professional career and contribute my talents to a company or organization that shares my passion for design and innovation. I am excited to take on new challenges and collaborate with like-minded individuals to make a positive impact in the world of design.

I believe that my passion, hard work, and attention to detail make me a valuable asset to any team. And I am ready to take on new opportunities and grow as a professional in my field.

Cleat (Sneaker Studio)

Welcome to the Sneaker Design Studio section of my portfolio. In this class, I had the opportunity to work on several exciting projects, including the development of my own Ultimate Frisbee specific cleat. Take a look at the projects included in this section to see the creative solutions I came up with for various design challenges.

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Inspiration

I have been playing Ultimate Frisbee for many years and have noticed various problems with the cleats that are commonly used for the sport. This inspired me to design the Frisbee Specific cleat that addresses these issues.

Final Designs

Shoe Process

Final Photos

Color Design

In addition to designing my own ultimate specific cleat, I also assisted a classmate with color design for their shoe as shown above.

Exploring the color design process was a fascinating experience. I delved into building patterns in Illustrator and created unique colorways and color stories for the shoe designs. It was a thrilling journey to bring the designs to life with vibrant hues and harmonious color combinations.

Chuck Taylor

See the beauty in the art of shoemaking with my recent endeavor – handcrafting a pair of Brown Leather Chuck Taylor sneakers using materials sourced from the highest quality of suppliers. Inspired by the timeless appeal of Chuck Taylor shoes, I embarked on a journey to recreate them, meticulously infusing every stitch and detail with the same level of quality and precision. Discover the epitome of artisanal dedication in these custom-made sneakers, embodying the perfect blend of classic style and exceptional craftsmanship.

Air Jordan

My latest project – a pair of Leather Air Jordan sneakers meticulously handcrafted using authentic materials and the highest quality Leather. Inspired by the renowned brand's legacy of comfort and durability, I aimed to recreate these iconic shoes with unwavering attention to detail and uncompromising quality. Experience the fusion of artistry and authenticity in these custom-made sneakers that pay homage to the timeless Air Jordan design.

Birkenstock

This project involved creating a pair of Birkentock shoes using only authentic Birkenstock materials. I was inspired by the brand's reputation for producing comfortable and durable footwear and wanted to recreate the shoes with the same level of quality and attention to detail.

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BirkenStock Process

To achieve this, I spent a significant amount of time studying the design and construction of Birkenstock shoes to ensure that my version was as faithful to the original as possible. Using only genuine Birkenstock materials, I crafted each component of the shoe myself, to create a truly unique and exceptional pair of shoes.

The process was a labor of love, and I am proud of the final result. This project allowed me to showcase my passion for creating high-quality, handmade products and to hone my skills as a craftsman. I am excited to share my work with others who appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of handmade goods.

Sneaker Shelf

This is my design for a custom shelving unit created for Bullseye Sneaker Boutique. As a student at James Madison University, I had the opportunity to bring this project to life as part of my Industrial Design CAD class. Utilizing Rhino 7, I designed the shelf with both practicality and aesthetic appeal in mind and rendered the final product using Keyshot. I'm proud of the results and I hope you enjoy viewing the outcome of my hard work.

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inspirations

The concept for this project was sparked by my admiration for sneakers and the fashion culture surrounding them. Being close friends with the owners of Bullseye Sneaker Boutique, I wanted to add value to the store by creating a display solution that was both functional and stylish. My goal was to showcase the shoes in a way that would stand out and attract customers.

sketches

Colorway Iterations

Final Renders

This is the final render which was used to produce the shelving unit for Bullseye sneaker Boutique.

Personal Work

The Personal Work section of my portfolio is a reflection of my passion for art and all the creative side projects and commissions I've undertaken since 2015. It showcases my diverse range of skills and styles, and demonstrates my ability to create unique and engaging pieces for various audiences and contexts. From traditional mediums to digital artwork, this section is a testament to my ongoing dedication to my craft.

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Custom Shoes

This spread features a sneak peek of my custom shoe work and other commissioned pieces I have created over the years. It showcases my passion for unique designs and my attention to detail, quality and the final finish of my work. To explore more of my work, please visit my Instagram!

Paintings

This Spread shares my love for painting on all kinds of mediums and using all kinds of materials. These are both personal works and commissions I have fulfilled.

Sketches

Ever since middle school I've had a love for art and sketching, this section highlights some of my favorite sketches from the years.

WoodWork

The Woodworking section of my portfolio is an expression of my passion for crafting with my hands and an appreciation for the intricate details that come with working with wood. Here, you will find a curated selection of my personal projects that I have worked on over the years.

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Each piece is a reflection of my dedication to the craft, as I take the time to carefully plan and execute every detail. From the selection of the wood, to the final finishing touches, I strive to create pieces that are not only functional but also visually pleasing.

Bow process

The process began with the design of the handle, followed by the bending of wood and shaping to ensure functionality. I then moved on to attaching veneers and bending them into place using a hand-made mold on the CNC. After that, I focused on the final sanding and shaping of the bow, and attaching the string.

Bow Final

The final design of this bow is not just a beautiful object, but a functional piece of equipment that has been put to the test. It has been tested on targets and it performs exceptionally well, proving its effectiveness and efficiency. The result is not only a visually pleasing design but also a high-performance tool.

Kumiko

Kumiko Process

Exploring the traditional Japanese technique of Kumiko was an incredibly rewarding experience. The project was a journey that began with creating custom jigs to achieve the desired angles for the thin wood pieces. From there, I proceeded to construct a frame for the grid section using the traditional mortise and tenon joint method.

As I worked through each step, I was struck by the precision and patience required to master this ancient practice. The final product not only showcased my technical skills but also my appreciation for the history and tradition of Kumiko. I am excited to continue learning and experimenting with this technique in the future.

Custom Storage Box

Creating this custom box was a defining moment in my early years of woodworking. It was a unique piece that I handcrafted with attention to detail and quality materials. The box features a custom laser-etched design of the pirate's logo, giving it a stylish look that would complement any space.

As I worked on this project, I was proud of the final product and it showcases my skill and passion for woodworking even at early points in my career. My early work in high school was the foundation for my future projects and it's an example of the possibilities that come with passion and hard work.

Table

"This table was my first foray into the world of woodworking, and it marked the beginning of my journey in this craft. The process of building this table was a valuable learning experience that introduced me to many of the techniques and tools that I still use today. I am grateful for this initial project as it laid the foundation for my future work and helped me develop my skills in woodworking.

Camping

As part of my studio class, I was given the challenge of creating a camping product for a specific tool brand, incorporating their brand language and style. Through comprehensive research and feedback from avid campers, I pinpointed the problem of uneven sleeping surfaces while camping. To tackle this issue, I developed a sleeping pad that featured multiple air pockets on the bottom, which could be inflated and deflated to adapt to different terrains. It was an engaging project that highlighted my skills in product design and problem-solving.

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Sketches

Process

The process behind the camping project required a lot of sewing. I began cutting out the pattern for the sleeping pad and created a sleeve for the foam to enter. Once that was done I was able to produce a works- like model which included three individual inflatable sections and the sleeping pad on top.

About

I grew up in Yardley, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia, where I discovered my passion for sports and art at a young age. I played various sports throughout middle and high school, but it was Ultimate Frisbee that ultimately captured my heart. I now play professionally with the New York Empire and was even selected for Team USA in 2020. My love for Frisbee has not only given me lifelong friends and incredible experiences, but it has also opened many doors for me, including the opportunity to travel the world.


In high school, I also became deeply interested in sneaker culture and started a sneaker design business. This interest led me to switch my major from marketing to industrial design at James Madison University. As a designer, I love the challenge of creating new and innovative products, and I am particularly interested in fashion and footwear design. I am excited to showcase my skills and continue learning in the design industry upon graduation in May 2024.

Contact

Matthew Labar
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
MattLabar12@gmail.com
(215)-380-8441

Download PDF Resume

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