“Wear your kicks”
Sitting in the local Corvallis Dutch Bros Coffee shop, I was able to sit down with Joshua Nowlen Webb (better known as Nowlen) and talk about his passions. Nowlen is a current Junior studying Computer Science with a Psychology minor. He was attracted to the thought of combining these views into one and how they affect one another.
He had also shared an intriguing story of a study that was done on the effect of younger generations exposed to technology, and how they were negatively impacted in older ages with certain traits they picked up from these interactions. It all began solely with computer science for Nowlen, but when he attended a course on psychology, he was instantly drawn to the aspect of human interaction and how the brain works.
Nowlen was born in raised in Portland Oregon, more specifically, the North East side in Alberta. He attended Grant Highschool, where he obtained journalism skills from working on the school newspaper. There were some photo experiences tied with this as well, that ended up growing into something more when he attended college later on. Coding was another unique skill Mr. Webb picked up from a class he took in high school which set him a part from other students. As these skills developed, he was able to work on the newspaper team for Oregon State once he attended through freshman and sophomore year. Realizing eventually, that wasn’t the route he wanted to take worked in the dorms after and found the connection that initially led him in the direction closer to his passion.
We then were able to discuss in this image his experience with DAMchic, ever since he started working with them since winter term of last year. Nowlen had originally spoke with the editor, who got his first official experience being the front cover of the winter edition of DAMchic magazine! He had also written some articles on sneaker fashion last 
year as well that made it online and in some issues (link below to his article on the history of Nike’s). After these experiences, Mr. Webb was then asked to apply for the photo chief director, which is what his current position today is. The tasks with this position include leading a team of about 15 people and working closely with the Orange Media Network, more specifically, DAMchic and Beavers Digest when they need photographers for certain publications. His team consists of hardworking individuals much like himself, with great photography skills. It was truly inspiring to see the amount of work that goes into delegating and sending members of his team to different areas to get jobs done.
As Nowlen displayed one of the articles he wrote for DAMchic last year, I proceeded to ask him to go more in depth on his passion for sneaker fashion. He is well known in his close group of friends for this slight obsession for collecting these particular pairs of shoes. “It all really started with my brother” he 
began explaining; he was originally an only child, raised by a single mom. Nowlen’s father had other children located in Texas; half siblings of him. Yet, still the youngest, when he was ten years old his father came back into his life. His brother had moved down as well and was high school while Mr. Webb was in middle school. Despite the age difference, they bonded over shoes and sneaker wear. “Well if my brother had them, then I had to do it too” he clarified when discussing the friendly competition they had. After some time, his brother initially lost interest but in high school Nowlen started collecting more seriously; mainly Jordan Retros and is still hoping for a pair of Carmine 6’s. There was a list of the best releases he generated at the time, which lost its edge as time went on, but it represented the sincere love he had for these shoes.
What draws you to sneaker fashion? Nowlen then replied that the collectors aspect of the atmosphere draws him in. We dove into the discussion of people that only collect and display, instead of wearing them. He then replied, “It is a point of contention… wear it, just take care of them” Words of wisdom from the shoe expert. The lack of cohesion makes it more interesting. The re-sale market especially with street wear fashion in general can generate positive and negative feedback in the community. Especially since this has evolved a lot over the past years, Mr. Webb explained. But what is so great about the re-sale market these days is the accessibility to the people. “There’s always a way to get it” Nowlen further explained. Even with this positive view, the concept of re-sale fashion is still a catch 22; the people who ‘flex’ on Instagram and buy these unique expensive shoes because they can, use it as a status symbol of wealth. Nowlen dive into how awful it is to see media influencers buying as much as they can while others save their hard earned money to buy these rare shoe types. “It should be a a representation of who you are, not how much money you have” Mr. Webb went further into this issue we often observe today. “You can tell a lot about a person 
based off their shoes” he then said as an example; You have a pair of the Air Force 1’07s ($2,000 shoes) this person either truly admired these shoes, or they are just looking to boast. This is sending a message to a specific demographic, a younger one. His ending thoughts on the topic of shoes was that he wishes more people cared. There is so much more than just a shoe, it is about the person wearing them. “Street fashion is great” Nowlen brought up some key ideas for ways we can promote sneaker fashion right here in Corvallis. Sneakercon would be a great event to host as well as a club for trading sneakers.
For his final words in the interview, Mr. Webb wish more people cared, street fashion is a great thing. Of course with the younger generation his concern is with people who flex, people who show off rather than putting emphasis on the value and story behind each shoe. “Wear your shoes… wear your kicks”
Nowlen’s Article:
WALK A MILE IN THESE SHOES 