Meet Jack Winkler

We recently connected with Jack Winkler and have shared our conversation below.

Jack, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

Growing up dyslexic, I developed problem-solving skills at an early age, often finding unique ways to navigate challenges that my peers did not face. This early necessity for creative problem-solving became a core part of who I am and profoundly influenced my journey toward finding my purpose.

Throughout my childhood, my mother and my art teacher, Mr. Fisher, played significant roles in encouraging my creativity. They nurtured my love for art, giving me the freedom to explore and express myself through various mediums, including drawing, painting, sculpture, animation, special effects, and even puppet construction. This support instilled a deep passion for artistic creation within me.

As I progressed through my education, I focused on developing my artistic talents, especially as I became aware of the applied arts. Seeking practical experience, I started a small fashion brand in high school using Shopify. The venture was successful, but as I transitioned into college, I specialized into my lifelong passion: footwear design.

My background in 2D drawing provided a solid foundation, but I found footwear design intriguing because it involved creating something that could not be fully appreciated from a single angle. It represented a fusion of sculpture and functionality, which captivated me and aligned perfectly with my desire to create tangible, multi-dimensional artwork.

During college, I started to see recurring themes in my work and life. I realized I thrived when working with my hands and incorporating new technologies like 3D printing and VR into traditional practices. This blend of heritage and innovation felt natural and exciting to me. I became enthusiastic about integrating these technologies into my department, leading efforts to establish 3D printing as a permanent resource in our studio and teaching these skills to my peers and professors.

Looking back, I see that my purpose has evolved through a combination of creative exploration, hands-on experience, and a drive to integrate traditional artistry with futuristic technology. These experiences have built my confidence in my creative abilities and my capacity to communicate effectively. My journey reflects a persistent passion for design, problem-solving, and bridging the gap between the past and the future, which continues to guide me as I establish my professional career.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I consider the ideal and greatest instrument for design to be biology. Beauty, an intangible concept, only exists as a pleasant feeling within our minds, a deeply ingrained human experience that spans millions of years. Our collective sense of aesthetic appeal is rooted in our biological makeup, shaped by the evolutionary motivation for survival. My aim is to craft narratives, ecosystems, and languages, not just objects. I envision complex systems because I believe that both the product and its presentation hold equal significance. As a young designer my mission is to reimagine our environment, collaboratively constructing a better future for all. That’s why I strive to evoke a ‘Nostalgia for the Future’ in my work, drawing from the past to create a relatable vision. My creative process is a fractalized amalgamation of concepts where I collage images and ideas, hybridizing categories to create compelling new silhouettes. Continuously speculating on the convergence of materials and functions, I draw inspiration from diverse industries, such as action figure manufacturing, video game creature design, and practical effects, to enrich and expand my design palette. I rigorously iterate across various mediums and platforms, exploring every angle of design opportunity. Leveraging emerging technologies and workflows, I aim to introduce fresh perspectives to the design process.

Spore: A long form, multi-medium speculative narrative.

In the aftermath of a catastrophic mass extinction event, humanity finds itself plunged into its darkest era. Amidst the decay, an unexpected emergence occurs: mushrooms ascend as the dominant species on Earth, seizing control in the darkness. With humanity struggling to adapt, scattered populations across the globe begin to explore a radical idea— embracing fungal symbiotes in a bid to reclaim their place in the world and pioneering a new era of agriculture.

As they delve deeper into this symbiotic relationship, humanity pioneers bio-formed architecture and technologies cultivated from living matter. Through relentless experimentation, they refine fungal biotechnology, leading to a symbiotic coexistence with the mushroom kingdom. Together, humans and fungi usher in a golden age of prosperity, restoring harmony to Earth’s biodiversity. The next goal of the mushroom kingdom becomes clear: to expand their dominion across the galaxy, enriching it with infinite biodiversity to sustain its hunger.

In the pinnacle of this rebirth, humanity experiences a second renaissance. With a fusion of biotechnical culture and newfound knowledge, they co-create the world’s first AI bio-quantum computer. A cosmic nexus possessing the ability to transcend space, time, and the enigmatic realms of distant biology.
As Homo Deus, the advanced descendants of humanity, grasp the reins of cosmic stewardship, they unearth ancient alien technologies and forge an unparalleled connection to the universe. With this newfound wisdom, they synchronize all creations to onboard bio AI programmed to actively seek harmony within their environment. Designs gain self-awareness of their purpose, adapting and adjusting to achieve optimal execution of their niche within the ecosystem.

With a focus on achieving harmony through the fulfillment of their designated roles, Homo Deus embarks on a journey to sculpt a new era of galactic coexistence. It is a saga of innovation, cooperation, and the boundless potential of symbiotic evolution.

The first footwear release from Spore utilizes 3D printing technology powered by Zellerfeld, an industry leader in 3D printed shoe manufacturing. Creating 100% recyclable and ethically made footwear. Each pair is 3D printed to order with custom cushion and fit options.

The design was created using Gravity Sketch on VR and is directly inspired by the Paca, a herbivorous rodent in central and South America.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Reflecting on my journey, three qualities that have profoundly impacted my path are hands-on experience, perseverance, and strong social and communication skills. For those starting out on their own journey, my advice would be to embrace persistence in everything you do. Personally, I’ve found that my enjoyment and productivity increase significantly when I’m passionate about a project, yet challenges often require problem-solving to move forward.

Additionally, recognize and leverage your existing skills. The power of cross-pollination cannot be overstated; some of the most innovative ideas emerge when different interests and skills intersect. Take time to assess your strengths, establish a focus, and continuously challenge yourself to learn and improve. Ultimately, find joy in what you do, as enjoyment fuels motivation and enhances creativity.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

In reflecting on who has been most influential in helping me overcome challenges and develop essential skills, I’m grateful to acknowledge several incredibly impactful individuals. My mom stands out for her unwavering support through adversity and challenges, her encouragement stemming from a family legacy of creativity.

Mr. Fisher, my elementary and high school art teacher, was instrumental in nurturing my passion for special effects, mask making, and puppet construction. His classroom was not just a place to learn, but a sanctuary filled with inspiration and mentorship. His generosity and guidance were a blessing during a tumultuous time in my life.

Chris Nally, a friend of my mom’s, provided me with a job during high school that allowed me to explore my creativity beyond the mundane. His support enabled me to start my first brand, Hive, by printing my artwork on clothing and selling it to friends. His mentorship and generosity were invaluable, mirroring the impactful influence of Mr. Fisher.

Finally, Professor Michael Mack played a pivotal role in refining my skills in shoe construction and design. As an alumni of my school, his dedication and mentorship were instrumental in my creative growth. His constructive challenges and unwavering support have made me a stronger creative individual.

Each of these individuals has left an indelible mark on my journey, offering guidance, support, and encouragement when I needed it most. Their collective impact has been essential in shaping who I am today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jackhwinkler.wixsite.com/portfolio
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackhwinkler/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackhwinkler
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/spore.design/

Image Credits

Jason Lord, Zellerfeld