In order to get an idea of how other cobblers are branding themselves I researched into existing ones and found that the brands are pretty dull and boring hence the brief title. This has helped to give me an understanding of where they are going wrong but has also educated me on the products and services these companies have to offer.
Garforth Cobblers
This logo references one of the key tools used in the practice. The typeface used is quite traditional.
Craggs Cobblers
Craggs was probably one of the most current cobblers I found. The branding is quite modern and smart in comparison to all the other brands I have come across.
Timpson Cobblers
Timpsons identity is pretty terrible in my opinion it is plain dull and boring and looks more like a pound store.
The Profession of a Cobbler
This is truly one of the dying trades. A cobbler is, in a time
quickly slipping past, a person whose work is to repair and mend damaged
shoes. In this day and age, industries are now making thousands of
shoes each day, pushing the strenuous craft of making one shoe at a time
by hand, out of the door.
Last of a Dying Breed
For a long time, this was a thriving venture which would see the
streets of every major city or town, lined up with cobbler shops
alongside family ran bakeries and kiosks. Now, shoes are getting
disposable with every waking day, as many people do not bother patching
up even the tiniest dents that may show up on their shoes. This might be
because shoes are getting cheaper, or the fact that cobblers closed
shop when shoes got cheaper.
Survival
Shoe menders, typically called cobblers, who are still in operation
will be spotted running extra services such as key cutting, dry cleaning
and watch repairs, to supplement the dwindling income from repairing
shoes. The younger generation is not keen on starting this trade, which
means that should you happen to come across a cobbler, they are likely
to be persons over the age of sixty.
What the Trade is About
The trade involves among others the replacement of soles and heels,
dyeing of leather and suede, fixing broken or missing zippers, straps,
etc. You might not see the need for having an economical shoe repaired,
but the same cannot be said of high end designer footwear. A shoe
costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars is not to be just thrown
away because of an amendable flaw. That is a reason enough to seek the
cobbler for their services.
The Changing Times
Some years ago, it would not cross anyone’s mind to fix a shoe
because it had a flaw. In fact, people would rush the shoe to the
cobbler the moment it got a dent, as if it were a sick kid to an
emergency room. Then, a good shoe was hard to come by, and care was
needed to maintain it by any means.
That is not everything there is to this profession. You can now have
your shoes mended online. Yes, you read that right. It is not a typo.
There are some very innovative people who take your order for shoe
repairs online, and receive them by mail to start working on them. This
is a new line of operation, which is yet to undergo the test of time.
How to Become a Cobbler
The trade is not taught in schools, so you do not need any academic
qualifications to learn it. You will still need to work under an
expert’s supervision and instructions, if you want to learn it well. You
can also aim to attain an NVQ/QFC certification, which is recognized as
a symbol of high standards.
Parts of a shoe
Terminology
The following is a list of terms used to describe parts of the shoe. Some terms refer to parts that all shoes have such as the sole, while other terms may only apply to certain types or style of shoe. Breast: The forward facing part of the heel, under the arch of the sole Counter: A stiff piece of material at the heel of a shoe positioned between the lining and upper that helps maintain the shape of the shoe. The counter helps strengthen the rear of the soe. Feather: The part of the shoe where the upper's edge meets the sole Heel: The heel is the part of the sole that raises the rear of the shoe in relation to the front. The heal seat is the top of the heal that touches the upper, this is typically shaped to match the form of the upper. The part of the the heel that comes in contact with the ground is known as the the top piece. Insole: A layer of material that sits inside the shoe that creates a layer between the sole and the wearer's foot. A la The insole adds comfort for the wearer, while hiding the join between the upper. Linings: Most shoes include a lining on the inside of the shoe, around the vamp and quarter. These linings improve comfort, and can help increase the lifespan of the shoe. Outsole: The exposed part of the sole that is contact with the ground. As with all parts of the shoe, outsoles are made from a variety of materials. The properties the outsole need are: grip, durability, and water resistance Puff: a reinforcing inside the upper which gives the toe its shape and support. Similar in function to a toe cap. Quarter: The rear and sides of the upper that covers the heel that are behind the vamp. The heel section of the quarter is often strengthened with a stiffener, which helps support the rear of the foot. Some shoe designs use a continuous piece of leather for the vamp and quarter. Seat: Where the heel of the fit sits in the shoe. It normally matches the shape of the heal for comfort and support. 'Shank: A piece of metal inserted between the sole and the insole lying against the arch of the foot. Sole: The entire part of the shoe that sites below the wearers foot. As opposed to the upper. The upper and sole make up the whole of the shoe. Throat: The front of the vamp next to the toe cap. For shoes were the vamp and quarter panels are one piece the throat is at the eye-stay. Toe cap: Shoes may have a toe cap in the front upper of the shoe. Toe caps can take various forms, but the distinct types are: complete replacements for the front upper of the shoe; stitched over toecaps that add an extra layer to the upper; solid toe caps for protection, such as steel toe caps. Stitch over toe caps may be decorative in nature. Toe caps help add strength to the upper front of the shoe, an area that receives a lot of stress and wear from use. Top Piece: The part of the heel that comes in contact with the ground. Made of a durable material that helps maintain friction with the ground. Topline: The top edge of the upper Upper: The entire part of the shoe that covers the foot. Vamp: The section of upper that covers the front of the foot as far as the back as the join ot the quarter. Waist: The arch and in-step of the foot. Welt: A strip of material that joins the upper to the sole.
There are plenty of terms in cobblery which have religious connotations this could be something to play on:
Heel (Heel for you)
Sole (Save your Sole)
Tounge (save your tounge from evil_
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