The Artist's Corner: My Sneaker Customization Process
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.
About this collection
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.
Being a full-time artist in Mumbai isn't always glitz and glamour. It is a lot of trial, error, and consistency. When you order a pair, you aren't just paying for the artwork. You are paying for the 2 to 3 weeks of processing time where I handle everything from base prep to the final curing process.
My workspace is organized chaos, filled with sketches, paints, and half-finished projects. I have moved my studio across Mumbai to find the right flow, and every corner of it is dedicated to making sure your custom kicks turn out right.
I get a lot of questions about maintenance. People worry that hand-painted shoes will peel or crack after a few wears. That is why I emphasize the importance of prep and layering. If you use the right materials, the paint bonds to the leather. I always include a care kit in my packaging, but for everyday cleaning, a simple sneaker wipe goes a long way.
If you are looking to get your own pair customized, do not overthink it. Whether you want to see your pet portraits on your shoes or a map of your favorite city, we can make it happen. I have painted over 100 pairs of Nike Air Force 1s, but I am always ready to try new silhouettes like the Nike Cortez or Converse Chuck Taylors. My process is collaborative. We look at your ideas, I mock up the design digitally, and we tweak it until it feels like you. This is wearable art, and I want it to be as durable as it is personal.
Ridhii Makkar
Hi, I’m Ridhii. I turned my love for sneakers and art into a full-time gig right here in Mumbai. I am not just here to sell you a product, but to help you put your own story, pets, or travel memories onto your favorite pair of kicks.
Need something specific?
Explore different types of customizations.
More from Wearable Art & Fashion Customization by Ridhii Makkar