Erin Bornstein 👟's Linkedin Analytics

Design the shoe, let sales handle the rest. That was me. Until I realized I was only doing half the job. I overheard a sales associate struggling to explain the benefits of my design. They stumbled, missed key points, and couldn't answer basic questions. Not their fault. Mine. I hadn’t equipped them with the story. Now, I ensure every technical feature comes with: - A simple explanation. - A visual cue. - A proof-of-value demonstration. Design needs communication. When did you realize your responsibility goes beyond your core expertise?

Your stakeholders don’t want options. They want direction. One of the biggest design lesson I learned? 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘀 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲. Early in my career, I’d deliver: - 5+ concepts for every brief - Multiple versions of the same idea - Endless revisions, hoping to "get it right" But senior designers? They don’t hope. 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄. Here’s what changed everything for me: ✔ Deep consumer research before sketching ✔ Proactive trend analysis before feedback ✔ Competitive breakdown before design Now, I don’t guess if my design will work. I know why it will. If you’re still relying on options, it’s time to build your POV. I break it all down in my next FREE newsletter. Don’t miss it: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eB2Ps5fq ♻️ Repost if you’re done designing in the dark.

PM is obsessively checking the rearview mirror. Making sure no lessons from the past are left behind. Meanwhile, the Designer's got their eyes glued to the windshield. Dreaming up the highways of the future. Stop worrying about who’s looking where and started focusing on making the vehicle—the strategy—unstoppable.

30-40% of footwear designs never see production. At Hush Puppies, I dedicated 18 months to perfecting a single shoe. But my waterproof ballet flat fell off the calendar and was left on a desk. Forgotten. Until our president randomly picked it up, slipped it on, and wore it all day. By evening, my forgotten design became a priority product. It wasn't just the design, it was the undeniable comfort. That made all the difference. Success isn't just about the sketch. What's your experience with designs that almost didn't happen? Have you had a project rescued from the cutting room floor? PS: My upcoming newsletter covers turning forgotten samples into hits. Subscribe to stay ahead! Link in the comments.

Want people to champion your work? Here’s how to stand out in 2025. For years, I thought getting noticed in this industry required: ❌ 20+ years at big-name brands ❌ A celebrity collab to get my designs seen ❌ A million-dollar marketing budget But the real change happened when I stopped chasing validation and started designing for impact. Heres how: 1. Instead of following trends, I focused on solving real consumer problems. 2. Instead of trying to impress the industry, I helped brands scale efficiently. 3. Instead of waiting for opportunities, I proved my value through results. And here’s what happened: ✔️ My designs didn’t just look good, they sold. ✔️ My work didn’t just blend in, it stood out. ✔️ Clients didn’t just hire me, they advocated for me. When you focus on value, the right people notice. Want to learn how to position your work so brands champion you? Join my newsletter for exclusive insights: https://lnkd.in/eB2Ps5fq ♻️ Repost this so more designers build careers on value, not just visuals.

More is more. Here's why. My most important design rule: don’t be afraid to go bold. If you've always been told “less is more,” and feel like you’re not fitting the mold, read this: Sometimes, more is more. While simplicity has its place, adding layers, colors, and textures can make a design stand out and create a stronger connection with your audience. Bold designs spark excitement, telling a more dynamic story and offering more for people to engage with. I learned this lesson working on a collection where I initially tried to keep things minimal. But it felt flat. The moment I started adding more—more colors, more texture, more unexpected elements—the design came alive. It wasn’t about cluttering; it was about creating a fuller experience. A bold, maximalist approach can leave a lasting impression, grabbing attention in ways simplicity sometimes can’t. People remember what’s unexpected, and that’s where the magic happens. An exercise for you to try right now: 1. Look at your next design: What can you add to make it stand out more? 2. Don’t be afraid to layer in bold, contrasting elements. 3. Ask: “What makes this design feel bigger and bolder?” Minimalism isn’t always the answer. Sometimes, embracing abundance is the key to making your design unforgettable. So, what’s your next design going to boldly add?

Nike’s $X Million AI Shoe Patent: What’s Next? Nike just filed a patent. A running shoe with fluid-filled midsoles that adapt in real time. Powered by AI. The goal? Enhanced endurance. As runners fatigue, the shoe shifts support where it’s needed most. This isn’t Nike’s first rodeo. Back in 2014, they patented super shoes. First, they hit elite races. Then, retail shelves in 2017. This new tech? Expect it in 2-3 years. Missed the Boston Run Show last week? We’ve got you covered. Stay tuned for the latest innovations shaping the future of running. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸? Game-changer or just another tech gimmick? Thanks for the insights Marathon Handbook! ----------------------- Want more insights on footwear design and innovation? Sign up for my FREE weekly newsletter for tips you won’t find anywhere else: https://lnkd.in/eB2Ps5fq

Dream of being your own boss? I did, and I made it happen. Freelancing once terrified me. But fear didn't stop me. 57 million Americans freelanced in 2023, contributing $1.2 trillion. 75% earn more than in traditional jobs. I broke free from the 9-to-5 grind. Here's how: Start small. Begin with side projects. Own your schedule. Use evenings and weekends. Diversify income. Try different services. Invest in yourself. Upskill regularly. Build a portfolio. Showcase your work online. Test the waters. See if it fits your goals. Plan your exit. Have a financial cushion. Freelancing isn’t scary with a plan. The flexibility? Worth it. Thinking about freelancing? What’s stopping you?

Unlock millions: Add footwear and dominate 2025. Many brands hesitate to expand into footwear. Their reasoning? “We’ve never done it before.” Meanwhile, their competitor took the leap. They launched a footwear line, added millions in revenue, and won over new customers. Now, in 2025, that same opportunity is in front of you. The global footwear market is set to hit $412.9 billion this year. Consumers want head-to-toe brands, and those who act will win. The question is, will it be you? At ReBorn Designs, we help brands nail the foundation, starting with the "𝙒𝙝𝙮, 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙃𝙤𝙬" of your footwear strategy. We’ve helped brands go from idea to launch, and we can do the same for you. Want expert insights on YOUR opportunity? Book a FREE 30-minute discovery call with me, Patrick Choe, and Shawn Cahill to see how footwear can transform your brand. Only 10 spots available- first come, first served. Don’t wait. When they’re gone, they’re gone. Secure your spot now: https://lnkd.in/eCDbT5Gi Who’s ready to win in 2025?

Are you taking a smart risk, or just gambling? I once quit a job while in China. - No backup plan. - No return ticket. - Just a decision. Was it scary? Absolutely. Was it wrong? Maybe. Was it worth it? 100%. That experience taught me more about: - Problem-solving - Resilience - Innovation More than any "safe" decision ever could. But here’s the key to risk-taking: Not all risks are created equal. Before making a big move, ask yourself: - If this fails, will I regret trying? - Even if it doesn’t work, will I walk away stronger, smarter, or better? A foolish risk leaves you stuck. A smart risk moves you forward, no matter the outcome. So, what risks are YOU taking? Repost ♻️ if you're ready to bet on yourself.

Boston Run Show: We’re Showing Up! When you design performance footwear, you don’t just watch from the sidelines. You get in the game. So, we’re heading to the Boston Run Show this weekend to check out the latest innovations, meet industry pros, and see what’s next in the world of running shoes. What’s in it for us? - Live product insights from real runners - Cutting-edge tech in performance footwear - Connecting with brands who get it What’s in it for you? If you’re building a footwear brand, let’s talk. Because making the right shoe isn’t just about trends. It’s about solving real problems for real athletes. 📍 Boston Run Show, this weekend. 📩 DM me if you’ll be there! Or, if you’re ready to take your footwear line to the next level, check this out: https://lnkd.in/eDZakJb5

Full house for my first roundtable event! I landed in Portland, and less than 24 hours later… I hosted my first roundtable at Stride USA with PI Apparel. And we packed the room. • No big announcements. • No fancy promos. • Just the best minds in footwear & apparel coming together. Had the honor of speaking with the best of the best, including Andrew Bjornson. These moments remind me why I love this industry. The connections. The ideas. The energy. Shoutout to everyone who joined, this is just the beginning! ♻️ Repost if you want an invite to the next one!

Speed or storytelling – Which one wins in design? I’m on my way to the Stride USA event in Portland, where I’ll be hosting two workshops this week: - Leveraging AI to Speed Up Prototyping, Reduce Samples & Improve Design Decisions - The Art of Storytelling in Design – A Guide to Brand Cohesion If you’ve ever struggled with slow development cycles or felt like your brand’s story gets lost in translation, these sessions are for you. Because here’s the thing: AI can make your design process faster. Storytelling can make your designs unforgettable. The best brands don’t just design, they connect. Which do you think is more important: speed or storytelling? Drop your take below 👇 (And if you're at Stride this week, let’s connect!)

One story can make a design unforgettable. My top brand rule: tell your story. When designing the Timberland Ice Cream Collection, we blended heritage with hype. Timberland is rugged; Ice Cream is playful. The challenge was authentic fusion. Initially, the designs had bold elements but lacked seamless integration. We refined our vision: workwear meets streetwear indulgence, ensuring every detail told a consistent story. The result? A viral sensation. Over 350K+ collective likes on Instagram. A cultural moment. Your design isn't just pieces. It's a story. Try this exercise right now: 1. Look at your latest project. What’s the core theme? 2. Strip away anything that doesn’t reinforce that story. 3. Ask yourself: "Would someone recognize this instantly?" Consistency isn’t a limitation. It's what makes your work iconic. P.S. Wanna see more? Check out the collection here: https://lnkd.in/ekDSbmYx

My #1 design rule: Use storytelling to stand out. If your presentations aren’t landing, try this: Your audience doesn’t just want specs. They want to feel something. Here’s how I’ve made storytelling work in design: 1. Story + the winning element 2. Behind-the-scenes insights + the winning element 3. Design evolution + the winning element 4. Customer feedback + the winning element For example: Concept: The Marathon Master Winning Element: Durability Try this, and watch your designs resonate like never before. P.S. Want more creative fuel for your designs? Subscribe to Creative Caffeine for weekly insights to keep your ideas sharp. ☕ Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/eB2Ps5fq

Playing it safe almost cost me everything. I used to wait for approval. I softened my opinions to blend in. I held back ideas until I was sure they'd be accepted. It felt like the right move. Safe, professional, smart. Until I realized I was invisible. No one was going to hand me leadership. No one was going to say, “Now’s your time.” So I stopped waiting. I spoke up. Took risks. Made decisions. And everything changed. That shift led me to leading men’s and women’s global teams. And now? I run my own agency, calling the shots on my own terms. Here’s what playing it safe is costing your career: Most designers: - Seek approval before acting - Wait for consensus - Avoid strong opinions The result? They stay stuck in the middle. The ones who own their decisions? They move up fast. Full story drops Monday: https://lnkd.in/eB2Ps5fq Are you waiting for permission, or are you taking the lead?

Design by committee kills innovation. Early in my career, I worked on a shoe that had everything going for it. Great materials, sleek design, and a clear vision. Then came the review meetings. Everyone had an opinion. “Make it safer.” “Tone it down.” “Let’s not take too many risks.” By the time it hit production, the soul of the design was gone. It was fine. But no one loved it. No one remembered it. Ferdinand Porsche once said: "Committees lead to creations that have no soul, no clear identity." He was right. Bold ideas don’t come from playing it safe. They come from trusting expertise, taking calculated risks, and having the courage to stand behind a vision. 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁: If you're leading a design (or any creative work), ask yourself: are you making it better, or just making it safer? What are YOU doing to protect your creative vision? ----------------------- Want more insights on design, creativity, and innovation? Sign up for my FREE weekly newsletter for tips you won’t find anywhere else: https://lnkd.in/eB2Ps5fq

From expert to beginner - overnight. I built my career in women’s footwear. Ten years of expertise. A well-oiled process. Confidence in every decision. Then, one pivot changed everything. I was thrown into men’s footwear. I had zero knowledge. No frame of reference. The last time I even thought about men’s shoes was when I bought a pair for my husband. But I stayed curious, disciplined, and adaptable. I asked "why" more often. I questioned what “standard” really meant. I learned to see the gaps others overlooked. A year later: - Margins were up by 3% - Consumer sentiment went from 30% to 95% Starting from scratch isn’t a setback. It’s an advantage. When you don’t “know,” you see things differently. You spot the opportunities others take for granted. P.S. Ever had a moment where starting over led to something better? Drop it in the comments 👇

My biggest business cheat code? Stop thinking like a craftsperson. Start thinking like a business owner. For years, I believed great design would bring success. But... - Great designs didn’t land clients. - Hard work didn’t guarantee growth. - Passion didn’t build systems. The shift? Small, intentional actions every day: 1. Researching my ideal clients. 2. Selling my services, not just my work. 3. Building systems, not just products. Many entrepreneurs fail because they miss this. This year, stop overthinking and start building. If you want to take action today… I break it all down in my next FREE newsletter. Drop a "💡" in the comments, and I’ll send you the link!