Calgary Wild
The Project
I had the opportunity to paint a custom pair of sneakers for the Calgary Wilds’ first-ever home game at McMahon Stadium. It was such an exciting moment for both the team and for myself as it was my first time completing a pair of shoes live, from start to finish, and my first time painting outdoors. The day started with heavy, rainy clouds, and I’ll admit, I was a little nervous about how the rest of the day would go. But as soon as I got started painting, the weather completely turned around into a beautiful, sunny day that made the whole experience even more memorable.
The Calgary Wild is the city’s first women’s soccer team, and having their home game fall on Mother’s Day made the moment even more meaningful. As a woman-owned business, being able to create a custom pair for the team felt like such a full-circle experience. It not only celebrated the sport, but the strength, creativity, and impact of women everywhere. It felt like a small but powerful way to honour the women in our lives.
Being able to paint while watching the game was such a surreal feeling. One of my favourite parts was connecting with people throughout the event to watch the process, ask questions, and show their interest. Moments like that remind me why I do what I do. Overall, it was an awesome experience, combining art, live energy, and community all in one.
The Finished Product
The owl, the mascot of the Calgary Wild, represents both the team’s identity and the untamed spirit of the city itself. With Calgary’s close proximity to the mountains and forests, wildlife is never far which is something I wanted to reflect in the design.
I approached this pair with quick, expressive brush strokes to capture a sense of motion and energy. The strokes mimic the owl in flight, while also tying into the fast pace and fluid movement of a soccer game. The goal was to create something that felt dynamic, powerful, and connected to both the team and the environment they represent.