TSG Limelight on Cody “BP” Harris
Today, TSG would like to shine the limelight on Cody “BP” Harris. Those of you that haven’t been under a rock should be very familiar with BP. Either way, it really doesn’t matter because today everyone has the opportunity to learn more about the man behind those totally freaking awesome photoshop renderings. His name is Cody Harris, but he’s better known throughout the sneaker community as “BP”. What are you waiting for? Hit the jump and find out why TSG decided to put the limelight on this extremely talented individual.
1.) People are very familiar with your work, but who is BP actually?
I’m just a guy from a small town who enjoys footwear, and tries to share that passion with others through my work.
2.) Let’s clear the rumors. Not sure if you’ve heard this before, but some people think you own NikeTalk. True or False?
Haha! I actually got asked that for the first time about a month ago. It is absolutely FALSE! The NikeTalk Staff does a great job with everything, I’m just happy to be able to contribute something positive to the community.
3.) How long have you been a photoshop pro?
I’ve been using Photoshop since high school. Probably around 6 years, but I’m no professional. Still have a lot of learning to do, and still need to figure out how to turn what I do into a stable income. In my opinion, I’m far from a pro.
4.) Is this a hobby for you, or are you really trying to get into the sneaker designing business?
Hobby for now, but I would love to be able to work with/for a footwear company. Something I’ve just started thinking about is collaborations. It would be great fun to collaborate with different companies the way some boutiques and individuals do. HUF, UNDFTD, atmos, Colette, Stash, Jeff Staple, etc… I could go on and on and on. The stuff these folks put out always pushes envelope, it’s something I’d really love to do.
5.) So likewise, have you been contacted by any sneaker brands?
No. I used to send out emails ever once in a while, but I’ve shied away from that. I’ve been busy with my real job and that seems to take precedence over chasing a dream. I often get asked Photoshop requests for everything from cards and invitations to T-shirt designs. Usually those things fall through, or I’m left with nothing to show for it after putting in the work.
6.) Have you seen any brands bite your clever concepts yet?
There have been a handful of times when I’ve wondered to myself where certain concepts have come from, but I can’t sit here and say yes because frankly I don’t know. There is no way to prove it, and there are bound to be some coincidences. Now there have been quite a few incidents with Variant Manufacturers as you may know. I lost count of how many Yeezy’s and Lebron’s have been straight carbon copied from my design. It’s sort of flattering in a way, but then again I really don’t get anything out of it.
7.) If you never get contacted by any sneaker brands, what are you going to do with those skills?
There are plenty of other industries where the skill can be put to good use. If I decide to go a different route all together then I’ll just use them for Christmas Cards or little projects for my family and friends. I have no idea what the future holds so I really can’t say.
8.) What’s your favorite piece of work so far?
I can’t pick a favorite, it is always changing and there is so much to choose from. A few that stand out: Hyperdunk 2k4 Hybrid, Air Penny Fusion, Jordan V 180, Jordan X Oregon, Jordan XIV Ferrari, Mcfly Yeezy…. I could keep going forever.
9.) What can people expect from BP in the future?
Probably just more of the same. With every new release comes new ideas and concepts. Hopefully I’ll be able to keep it up and land a few more TSG features along the way!
10.) The floor is yours. Feel free to let our readers and the brands know anything you want them to know about you.
I would just like to thank everyone for their support over the years. The response has almost always been positive and I truly appreciate that. If there are any companies out there that would like to see more or have any questions don’t hesitate to ask.
More of BP’s work below:
Foamposite “Carbon Vented”
Jordan 7 “Pool”
Barkley Fusion
Jordan 4 “Clay”
Flightposite “Teal”
Category: TSG Limelight
Quite a few of these are more than respectable to me and are better then what’s on the market. I want to see some 8′s in a crazy colorway.
sick stuff
wow! that clay IV is gangsta!
BP is super talented. I can’t believe he hasn’t been scopped up by a footwear company yet.
Those Jordan V 180′s are ill!!
These designs are insane. Great work BP.
I really dont know what these brands are waiting for. Cody is SUPER talented at what he does, and could only be an asset. I consider myself a big fan
BP is the “REAL DEAL”.
It’s great to see “BP” getting some shine. Great work, keep it up.
This is the kind of stuff that keeps me coming to TSG on the regular.
Nike hire this guy if u know what’s best
dude’s got vision. props.
Nice work, BP!
I love his work and those Barkley Fusions have to be the best fusion idea I have seen hands down. I thought I really liked his Penny Fusion the best but then I saw those Barkley Fusions and man my mouth watered….
this dudes work is amazing. I hope his talents don’t go wasted.
wow that stuff is awsome
wow that stuff is awsome the clay 4′s are insane.
Great stuff, if Nike or Jordan don’t hire you their stupid…hell Converse needs some serious help.
I’ve been a BP fan for quite some time now. One of these brands better pay attention, and pick up this kid quickly. He’s gifted!
A lot of the designs are great. But the Yeezy is a stupid, ugly shoe for fools with more money than sense. Complete hype, and no substance. It’s a joke of a sneaker more befitting a clown, than a serious collector.
Oregon 10′s are dope
@ Converse King: Dang! Could you tell us Yeezy owners how you really feel? /jk – it’s all love…totally respect your opinion
BP – you render game is FLU status and your eye for color on a shoe is very particular for the silhouette of each shoe…that AJ IV Clay was speakin’ to me and I’m not a fusion guy but what you did with those Barkley’s snapped my neck.
my only crit or comment would be to see more COMPLETELY original designs that aren’t hybrids from various components of other shoes.
besides that…market yourself harder and BANG on doors, man!
All this HEAT should let you right in
HOLYSHIT those Barkleys are AMAZIN’. YO this guy is sick wit it like skip to my Lou’s cross over back in the days. PROPS!
THE YEZZYS,5S AND AND 7S WERE LIKE HOLY GRAIL MATIRIAL…
Dude is sick, no question about it. FAN.
quick inside of my life. i fell in love with sneakers when i was a kid. My brother use to draw some of the sickest shoes back in those day. I always tough that he was the best at it. Fast forward years lata, he gave up, but i am sure he didn’t have the opportunities you have BP, that was back in mid 90′s. KEEP IT Up. One day i want to come up with my own footwear. May be then we can do a collabo =)
BP’s work always makes me stare at the pics for a few solid minutes each….somebody get this guy a gig at Nike already….just keep plugging away and good things are bound to come your way bro….TSG Stand Up!!!!!
thats ill kid!!!
I think a lot of people fail to realize that it takes more than photoshop skills to be a footwear designer.
Does BP have a good eye for fluid colorways? Yes.
Does that mean Nike should be beating down his door? No.
@chris – You make a valid point by sounding like a hater at the same time. No one said he needs to be a footwear designer. The way things have been going as of late, Nike and many other brands could use BP’s talent.
those teal Foams r 2 die 4!!! im diggin da Barkely fusions (suprisingly), AJ V 180, and da Clay IV. sick work bruh
BP you’re the best photoshop artist I’ve seen for shoes so far. I really hope you get a job at nike creating new colorways because I don’t really like the ones that have come out lately
AHHH comeon those Foams and flights Go hard so 50 they 5s and tens shit i like all them. NIke cut this guy a check and release these sneakers already
dope work…now if we coud only get JB to recognize true talent like this and fire whoever the hell keep sgreenlighting the garbage theyve been putting out lately…
Nicework man! I am a photoshop junky myself. What version do you prefer BP?
cool payton MORPH’s in the back background
just do it .. your work is the best love the purple eggplant 1/2 cent & now teal foams pennys all day…
straight up visionary!
this guy is actually better than the people that get paid to do it.
UUUUMMMM, NIKE? HELLOOOO, THERE IS A DESIGNER THAT YOU GUYS CAN EASILY PICK UP !!! THIS GUY IS NASTY WITH IT AND EVERY CREATION HE MADE I WOULD COP..ARE THOSE LOW TOP YEEZYS I SEE? WOW! GREAT WORK BP!
definitely gotta show some love on thoose very sick and hes very talented! best of luck to u! 5s were my fav
those are so sexy. love his work
Can’t knock this dude’s talent….he got the skills to pay the bills.
I’ve seen that jordan 5 before but never knew the person behind it.keep up the good work man something good will fall thru 4 u
Those foamposite are sick
BP’s been doing it for a moment and when you think he’s done, he comes back with something sicker (these Penny are just plain crazy). Keep up the good work, BP and props to TSG for giving turning the spotlight in his direction!
Schyeah.
That BARKLEY fusion is OOOOOHHHHH WEEEEEEEEEEEEE…….. come on NIKE…… I smell a BANGER right there…. GOOOD LLLAAWWWWDDDD…. get ‘em BP….. I like that one the most because it’s never been done before… CREATIVITY & great combination of all of GODZILLA’S KICKS….
Someone give this man a deal!
Those carbon fiber foamposites gave me the chills…you defiantly are gonna go places with that type of creativity.
those V’s, VII’s, and carbon foamposite are dope. great work.
Thank you everyone for your comments, and a big thanks to G-Roc and TSG for everything!
I am more of a colorist, not a straight up shoe designer, though I have been trying to work on that as well. What I do is try to accentuate great footwear designs by the use of colors, patterns, and materials. Photoshop is simply a way to communicate my concepts.