For Nicole Papas, footwear design represents the perfect balance between self-expression and practicality. Her journey began with a love for fashion and evolved through dedicated study and real-world experience. She completed the online shoe design course at Arsutoria School in July 2025, and further developed her current role at Faryl Robin Footwear.
Discover her story in this exclusive interview:
Tell us about your journey into the footwear industry: what drew you to this field, and how did you end up focusing on production and sourcing?
From early in my life, I’ve always been drawn to fashion; especially the way it can transform how someone feels and empower them from the inside out. I started studying Fashion Design in high school, which sparked my passion for creative expression, and later continued my education in Industrial Design at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. I discovered that footwear perfectly balances fashion and function, giving people a way to express themselves and move through the world with confidence. My experience at Faryl Robin, combined with the specialized training I received through this course, has truly deepened my understanding of how design can blend artistry, innovation, and purpose into every pair of shoes.
How has what you learned in the Shoe Design course enhanced your creative process when developing a new collection?
The Shoe Design course helped me better understand how a brand’s identity shapes a collection and the importance of carrying that vision from start to finish. Most importantly, it pushed me to fully develop my own ideas about what it means to create a brand and everything that encompasses it. It also strengthened my practical skills, especially in communicating concepts more clearly to clients through presentations and refined renderings.
Which skills or knowledge from the course will support you in your role as Assistant Footwear Designer at Faryl Robin Footwear?
The course deepened my understanding of shoe components and construction, helping me make more informed design decisions. I also gained practical skills in CADs, creating realistic renderings in Photoshop and Illustrator, and presenting ideas effectively to clients. Just as importantly, I learned how to build cohesive collections and consolidate lasts to manage costs. These lessons allow me to better support the Faryl Robin team in creating collections that align with client brands while delivering strong design and value.
Where do you see yourself in the coming years? What aspects of Shoe Design are you most excited to keep exploring?
In the coming years, I see myself continuing to grow as a designer while pushing creative boundaries in the footwear industry. I’m excited to create collections that empower confidence, spark joy, and celebrate self-expression. I also look forward to watching my brand evolve—growing from its early stages into something that inspires and connects with people worldwide.
For those inspired by Nikki’s story, Arsutoria School offers a complete selection of Online Shoe Design Courses dedicated to the art and technique of footwear design. These flexible programs allow students to develop their creative vision, master digital and hand-rendering skills, and learn how to build cohesive collections — all guided by Arsutoria’s expert instructors on its long-standing tradition of excellence in industry-driven footwear training.