Calgary

Calgary artist helps comic fans slip into character

Stepping into character. At this year's Calgary Expo, fans of SciFi, comic books and pop culture can get custom designed footwear, and put their favourites on their feet.​

Hand-painted designs of Calgary Expo's most popular comic characters created for fans

About 40 pairs of shoes have become works of art by designer Jordon Bourgeault, in time for the 2016 Calgary Expo. (Chris dela Torre/CBC)

At this year's Calgary Expo — fans of SciFi, comic books and pop culture can get custom designed footwear, and put their favourites on their feet.​

Designer Jordon Bourgeault says he picked some of the most popular characters for his shoe designs.

The hit TV series "Game of Thrones" is also getting a lot of buzz for this year's Calgary Expo (Chris dela Torre/CBC)

Making a pair for Captain Kirk was a no-brainer.

"The idea is sort of someone maybe who is a huge fan and is booked to go meet him and get something signed they will buy the shoes, potentially get them signed, and maybe William Shatner will see the shoes with his portrait I did on them." said Bourgeault.

One of Star Wars' most beloved characters, now featured on footwear. (Chris dela Torre/CBC)

Another top pick coming from the "biggest thing in nerd culture" — Chewbacca. 

"I would be dumb to not to do Star Wars shoes." 

Can't forget the kids! Custom shoes depicting "Minions" characters are also painted on shoes by Jordan Bourgeault. (Chris dela Torre/CBC)

Bourgeault airbrush painted 40 pairs of shoes by hand. He started by drawing a template on computer program, then cutting out a sticker-like stencil, and painting over it.

He says because the shoes are products of his own artwork and not mass-produced reprints, he's legally in the clear ro make the shoes.

"Gotta catch 'em all!" (Chris dela Torre/CBC)