Drawing heels isn’t hard—you just need to be creative and pay attention to detail. From classic stilettos to quirky platforms and kitten heels, nailing your designs is all about understanding the unique shapes, sizes, and features of each. Follow these steps to create the perfect pairs of shoes—you’ll have all the other fashion designers drooling.
Step One: Establish the Anatomy
Heels range from classic shapes like pointed toes, pumps and mules, to platform designs like wedges, block-heels and geometrics. Our heels also vary in size, from skyscraper stilettos to flat sneakers. Every detail matters when it comes to designing, so excellent anatomy is key.
Start by sketching the shape and proportions of your idea on paper. This gives you an accurate visualisation of the way the whole shoe will look and feel. As you draw, think about how the details, such as the toe, heel, and arch, will fit together. Take into consideration the width of the sole, the angle of the slope, and the thickness of the heel too.
Step Two: Design the Fashion Elements
Pick out details that add flair and stand-out features. Ruffles, ribbons, glitter, studs, spikes, feathers—it’s up to your imagination! To give your heels some extra oomph, try playing around with the fabrics and patterns, too. Mix and match textures and hues to create a unique masterpiece.
Step Three: Accentuate the Elements
Once you’ve determined the fashion elements, draw attention to them with heavy lines or bright colours. Play around with different graphical effects in the form of icons, or fancy patterns to enhance the shape. Accentuate the parts of the heel that are most important to you. For example, if you want the spike to take centre stage, draw a much thicker and brighter line around it.
Step Four: Draw the Finishing Touches
Draw an outline around the entire shoe so that it appears more realistic. Add any straps, buckles, ribbons, and designs that enhance the overall look. Don’t forget to draw the textures, too, such as the seams, stitches and pleats. Lastly, make sure to draw the sole of the shoe. This is often an overlooked feature, but one of the most essential for a beautiful finish.
Step Five: Add Details
Bring personality to your heels with extra ornaments, or even weird and wacky shapes. Try painting, beadwork, chains, or embroidered words or symbols to make them stand out. Drawing attention to certain features can really make your creation unique, so don’t be afraid to experiment.
Step Six: Go Crazy With Colour
With just the right blend of colour, your heels will come to life. It’s best to be bold and express yourself—mix, match, and blend for a combination that speaks for itself. Let your ideas explode off the page—not necessarily with vibrant shades, but with some muted tones too. Allow your creativity to take charge and see where it takes you!
Step Seven: Think Outside the Box
If you’re confident with the construction of your shoes, it’s time to unleash your wildest ideas. Try adding spikes, gems, glitter and holographic effects to really make them pop. Acrylic paints, neon yarn, and grommets also make grand additions to take your heels to the next level.
Step Eight: Put it All Together
Once your construction is on point and your colours are popping, use a soft brush to blend your designs and erase any rogue lines. This step requires patience, because the slightest mistake can mess up your artwork. Now, sit back and admire the beauty of your handiwork—pride and joy!
Step One: Establish the Anatomy
Heels range from classic shapes like pointed toes, pumps and mules, to platform designs like wedges, block-heels and geometrics. Our heels also vary in size, from skyscraper stilettos to flat sneakers. Every detail matters when it comes to designing, so excellent anatomy is key.
Start by sketching the shape and proportions of your idea on paper. This gives you an accurate visualisation of the way the whole shoe will look and feel. As you draw, think about how the details, such as the toe, heel, and arch, will fit together. Take into consideration the width of the sole, the angle of the slope, and the thickness of the heel too.
Step Two: Design the Fashion Elements
Pick out details that add flair and stand-out features. Ruffles, ribbons, glitter, studs, spikes, feathers—it’s up to your imagination! To give your heels some extra oomph, try playing around with the fabrics and patterns, too. Mix and match textures and hues to create a unique masterpiece.
Step Three: Accentuate the Elements
Once you’ve determined the fashion elements, draw attention to them with heavy lines or bright colours. Play around with different graphical effects in the form of icons, or fancy patterns to enhance the shape. Accentuate the parts of the heel that are most important to you. For example, if you want the spike to take centre stage, draw a much thicker and brighter line around it.
Step Four: Draw the Finishing Touches
Draw an outline around the entire shoe so that it appears more realistic. Add any straps, buckles, ribbons, and designs that enhance the overall look. Don’t forget to draw the textures, too, such as the seams, stitches and pleats. Lastly, make sure to draw the sole of the shoe. This is often an overlooked feature, but one of the most essential for a beautiful finish.
Step Five: Add Details
Bring personality to your heels with extra ornaments, or even weird and wacky shapes. Try painting, beadwork, chains, or embroidered words or symbols to make them stand out. Drawing attention to certain features can really make your creation unique, so don’t be afraid to experiment.
Step Six: Go Crazy With Colour
With just the right blend of colour, your heels will come to life. It’s best to be bold and express yourself—mix, match, and blend for a combination that speaks for itself. Let your ideas explode off the page—not necessarily with vibrant shades, but with some muted tones too. Allow your creativity to take charge and see where it takes you!
Step Seven: Think Outside the Box
If you’re confident with the construction of your shoes, it’s time to unleash your wildest ideas. Try adding spikes, gems, glitter and holographic effects to really make them pop. Acrylic paints, neon yarn, and grommets also make grand additions to take your heels to the next level.
Step Eight: Put it All Together
Once your construction is on point and your colours are popping, use a soft brush to blend your designs and erase any rogue lines. This step requires patience, because the slightest mistake can mess up your artwork. Now, sit back and admire the beauty of your handiwork—pride and joy!
