My Creative Process: Behind the Scenes of Custom Art
Most people see the finished bag or controller, but the real story happens at my desk. Here is a look at the patience, materials, and happy mess that goes into every custom creation.
This is me in my happy place. A candid shot of me holding up a freshly painted rainbow sneaker, brush in hand. This is what it's all about.
In the zone, planning out my next design for a PS5 plate. My desk is always a happy mess of Posca pens and ideas.
A wider shot of my workspace during the PS5 painting process. You can see my tablet for reference and all my colorful pens ready to go.
Sometimes you just have to get comfortable. Here I am on the couch, working on the 'One Piece' themed PS5 plates.
A different angle of my couch-painting setup. Whatever it takes to get the perfect angle for those details.
The very beginning of a project. Sketching out car designs on paper before taking it to the real thing.
My trusty collection of Angelus paints. Having the right colors is essential for bringing my ideas to life.
A time-lapse of me painting the "Qinghua" blue and white porcelain design on a PS5 controller. It's a process of building up layers and fine lines.
The finished "Qinghua" inspired PS5 controller, held up to show the intricate, hand-painted blue floral design.
Another angle of the blue and white porcelain style controller.
About The Artist at Work
People often think custom painting is just about the brushstrokes, but the real magic is in the prep. Whether I am working on a PS5 controller or a pair of leather sneakers, I spend hours deglazing the surface—removing factory wax and finish—to make sure the paint actually bonds and lasts. Without that chemistry, the art just flakes off, so I take my time to get the prep right before a single drop of color touches the piece.
I am a firm believer that art should not just sit on a shelf. It belongs on the things you touch and use every day. My process for every piece is a mix of structure and intuition.
The Setup
If you have ever wondered where the magic happens, it is often right here on my couch, surrounded by my favorite Posca pens and reference sketches. For larger projects like luxury handbags or gaming consoles, I move to my workstation. It is usually a happy mess of supplies, but there is a system to it.
Why Materials Matter
I do not cut corners with materials. For sneakers and leather goods, I rely on Angelus paints because they are flexible enough to move with the material without cracking. For hard plastics like controllers, I use specific adhesion promoters so the art survives sweat, heat, and hours of gaming. When I work on something like the 'Qinghua' blue and white porcelain design, it is all about building up fine, deliberate layers to mimic that delicate ceramic look.
Making It Yours
Every project starts as a conversation. Whether you want an anime character on a wallet or a pet portrait on a bag, I treat the item as a collaboration. You provide the item, and I handle the technical side—sanding, deglazing, painting, and applying professional-grade sealers—to ensure your custom piece is durable enough for daily life. It is not just about changing the look of an item; it is about giving it a story that belongs only to you.
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