Requirements: A custom shoemaker has to be a shoe-lover, and have a passion for shoemaking and design. Being fashion conscious and understanding current and upcoming trends in shoes and design is also important.
Knowledge of fabrics and other materials, as well as sensitivity to colours and shapes, are a must.
Being patient, open-minded and having people skills are also useful for dealing with customers.
Qualifications: You don't need a degree to become a shoemaker. But certain overseas schools offer courses. Examples include the London College of Fashion, the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in California, and the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. Polimoda in Florence, Italy, also offers courses. Some short courses are available in Hong Kong.
Average pay: A shoemaker's income varies widely, depending on the design, craftsmanship, materials used and their reputation.
Work prospects: Demand for custom-designed and made shoes is growing among female shoppers in Hong Kong, but the time and manpower involved make custom shoes costly. To make them more affordable, generally the design and fittings are done in Hong Kong and the manufacturing is done on the mainland.