When Your Hero Becomes Your Neighbor
Some permissionless projects create unexpected connections that become much more than transactional opportunities. This is the story of how custom sneakers for an internet creator I admired led to a genuine friendship.
Inspired by Visualization
Jack Butcher, the creator behind Visualize Value, had significantly influenced my thinking with his minimalist black and white designs that communicate complex ideas through simple visuals. His courses like "Build Once, Sell Twice" and "Permissionless Apprentice" had changed how I approached my business.
As a way to express gratitude and create something unique, I decided to make custom Jordan 1 sneakers inspired by his distinctive visual style.
The Permissionless Shoe Project
I designed the shoes with Jack's aesthetic in mind:
- All black base with white outline for the Nike swoosh
- Exchangeable Velcro tongue tags featuring some of his iconic visuals
- Different visuals on the left and right shoe to create his signature juxtaposition effect
After creating them, I reached out to thank him for his work and mentioned I had made something special as a token of appreciation. I had no expectations beyond perhaps shipping the shoes to him somewhere.
The Neighborhood Surprise
What happened next was completely unexpected. Jack replied and mentioned he lived nearby—literally five minutes from my location. What I had assumed would be a long-distance connection turned out to be a local one.
We arranged to meet at a coffee shop, where I handed over the custom shoes. This initial meeting turned into a genuine friendship. I now attend his birthday parties, and he displays the shoes in his home—not as footwear but as art pieces.
Art in an Artist's Home
One of the most meaningful aspects of this project was seeing my creative work displayed in the home of someone whose creativity I deeply admired. As Jack transitioned more into the role of artist, having my custom shoes displayed in his space became a point of pride.
It wasn't about networking or career advancement, but about creating a genuine connection through creativity and shared appreciation.
The Lesson: Geographical Coincidences
This story highlights an interesting aspect of permissionless projects: sometimes the people you admire are closer than you think. The internet has connected us globally, but many meaningful relationships can form when you discover someone you respect is actually nearby.
While the project wasn't designed with this outcome in mind, it demonstrates how permissionless initiatives can create serendipitous connections that evolve into genuine relationships rather than just professional networking opportunities.
By focusing on creating something meaningful and personal—without expectation of return—I found not just a valuable professional contact but a friend and local community member. The lesson? Sometimes the most valuable outcomes of permissionless projects aren't the professional opportunities but the authentic human connections they create.
