The second year of my website will bring a few new features. As you can see, my blog has maintained a strict publishing schedule throughout its first year. I think that's a good thing. However, I will be making some minor changes. Here's more on that, along with a few words about one of my training projects.

A year ago, for the first time in my life, I decided to create my own website. Previously, among other online activities, I had been writing blogs. From that perspective, running my own website is certainly a lot of fun. Here are a few more words about this endeavor.

What do you do when you want to tone down practically everything? This is what! I present to you simple, clean lines, a muted color palette, and a plain, classic design. Combined with a painfully simple construction, this pair is the perfect companion for getting out and putting the trash bag where it belongs. Classy!

I like to describe my uppers as being made to fit the last of the shoe. This involves fitting a single piece of the upper directly to the last before assembling it into a larger module. Let's explore this concept in more detail.

Creating the second prototype of derby shoes has been the most thoughtful process of my career to date. It's a preparatory stage, usually undertaken when creating pairs for fitting. The first prototype provided a good indication of what would come next. Now I'm introducing new elements to the design.

One of the best things about my job is that I can take my time. This particular project is a perfect example of that. It's also a unique opportunity because my client and I are almost the same size. This allows me to "test drive" the shoe before I send him the final pair. It's also a great opportunity to show you how my mind works.

This post is for all shoemaking enthusiasts. I was directly inspired by a video produced by Kirby Allison's team, illustrating the shoemaking process at John Lobb London. I know you enjoy watching this kind of stuff. I know you enjoy Ken Kataoka's Siroeno Yosui as much as I do. Whatever you do, whoever you are, we share the same passion and appreciate the magic of shoemaking.

I work full-time as a shoemaker in one of the oldest and best shoemaking workshops in Warsaw. Essentially, bottom making job is what a shoemaker does. In my free time, I work on my own custom designs. I make lasts, uppers, bottoms, lasted shoe trees, custom shoe bags, and packaging. There are maybe five other people in Poland who do this. I think I can offer a solid opinion on this profession. Making bottoms is far more complex than any other area of ​​shoemaking.

The upper-making process is the most challenging for me. It usually involves three distinct production stages. In a previous blog post, we discussed an early version of the upper design, where I already have the basic patterns ready. But before that happens, I need a mock-up. This allows me to properly check the pattern.

This is a good time to revisit my wholecut pumps project. The opportunity presents a conversation about the always interesting process of prototyping. They're essential to my workflow, as I constantly ask myself and seek answers to a question that haunts me: "Why is it made this way?" Let's take a closer look at this.

Why is my work called classic shoemaking? What are the hallmarks of a classic pair of shoes? Well, let's find out! It's not without reason that I call my approach "classic with a twist." This post is about my own interpretation of style in shoemaking. Presenting your uniqueness is key to establishing your position in the market.

We've discussed my mindset regarding setting appropriate expectations and my client-centric approach. Let's take a moment to discuss my own list of priorities as a shoemaker. This might be helpful to someone considering a project with me. As a team, this is my favorite way to collaborate with clients.

You've already seen my lasts for these. Now it's time to make the upper. This project is very artistic, and the vision came straight from a dream. I'm excited, but unsure if it will work. It's a journey.

Another installment of my thoughts and reflections on shoemaking in general. This post builds on my previous one: "On the Importance of Experimentation." I'll be revisiting it from time to time. I believe it's important for my potential clients to understand some of my views on life and business. Ultimately, I'm looking for like-minded individuals to collaborate with.

It's not often that you get to see my work outside of my own designs and brand. But this pair was so incredibly beautiful in person that I decided to share a few photos. This post is about the work I'm doing to solidify my sustainable income strategy.

Want to take a look at my next project? This is the perfect beginning to this story. As all shoemakers say, "last comes first." So why not start with these essential pieces of wood? This interesting shape, combining sharp and soft edges, is fully expressed in fluidity of a wholecut shoe style.

A few words about what distinguishes an outstanding craftsman from an average Joe. To achieve greatness one needs to be bold. Experiments are needed. At the end of the day shoemaking is you in the room dealing with it.

A different mood, a different story. This one-of-a-kind piece was something special. So much so, in fact, that I featured it in my humble Instagram grid. I hope you'll enjoy this post as much as I enjoyed creating this strange but wonderful artifact.

Given the previous circumstances, what would you do next? I wonder if you guessed what I did. Let's go and find out, shall we?! I think that says a lot about who I am. Never be afraid, never doubt in yourself. Always be brave, and boldly face new challenges.

Do you remember what your first pair looked like? Well, that's what I came up with at my beginnings. What about your first sewing lesson, your first attempt at sewing on a sewing machine, your first cemented construction? This was my first time with all of this. Let's get started!