Tribe Verified

The Artist's Corner: My Sneaker Customization Process

byRidhii MakkarShips across IndiaStarts from4,500 Per Pair (Artwork Fee)View full gallery

Ever wondered what goes into hand-painting your sneakers? From my Mumbai studio to your feet, here is a look at my process, my workspace, and why I do what I do.

A little get-to-know-me. I'm Ridhii, an artist based in Mumbai who loves to paint on sneakers and bags. My three words are creative, caffeinated, and curious. Welcome to my world.

I've painted close to 100 pairs of Nike Air Force 1s, but I'm always excited to work on new styles. In this video, I talk about the challenge of combining different themes on a pair of Nike Cortez.

Let's talk about art, AI, and trends. While I design a pair of sneakers, I share my thoughts on the Studio Ghibli trend and the bigger question it raises for artists about the future of human creativity.

Is the sneaker hype dying, or is it just evolving? I use a coffee analogy to explain how our appreciation for sneakers can transform from chasing hype to valuing craftsmanship and storytelling.

Think I only paint on Air Force 1s? Think again. Here are four budget-friendly sneaker options, including Nike Court Visions and Converse Chuck Taylors, that are perfect for getting hand-painted.

Part two of my Manchester United sneaker transformation. I show you the basic steps of how to prep a shoe for painting and how I start laying down the base colors and patterns.

My room is slowly turning into an art studio, so it's time for a revamp. Here's a look at the chaos before I started organizing my workspace to make it a more inspiring place to create.

Moving to Mumbai also meant moving my entire workspace. It wasn't easy, but from finding the right desk to setting up all my supplies, I've finally created my own little piece of home here.

"So you're an artist? Full-time?" It's a question I get asked a lot. I refuse to believe that art can't be a real profession. Just like in Interstellar, sometimes making it work isn't just possible, it's necessary.

It's all a part of the process. Here I am getting started on a much-needed facelift for these Nike Air Jordan 4 Zen Masters, adding my own custom touches.

About The Artist's Corner: My Process & Musings

People often ask if this is a real job, and honestly, it is about as real as it gets. My process is not just about putting paint on leather. It is about prepping the surface properly with acetone, using Angelus leather paints in thin layers to ensure your design stays chip-proof, and giving the kicks that final industrial-grade waterproof coating so they are actually wearable, not just display pieces.

Similar work from other experts

Browse through Curated picks from other experts on mytribe