--- title: "The Artist's Corner: Custom Sneaker Design Process in Mumbai" description: "Get a behind-the-scenes look at my sneaker customization process in Mumbai. From hand-painting techniques to care tips, here is how I turn your shoes into art." canonical: https://mytribe.in/ridhiimakkar/wearable-art-fashion-customization/the-artist-s-corner-my-process-musings last_updated: 2025-09-19 --- # The Artist's Corner: My Sneaker Customization Process Tribe Verified · Mumbai-based artist, 100+ custom sneakers painted. By [Ridhii Makkar](https://mytribe.in/ridhiimakkar) · Ships across India · ₹4,500 Per Pair (Artwork Fee) (estimate) Part of [Wearable Art & Fashion Customization](https://mytribe.in/ridhiimakkar/wearable-art-fashion-customization). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/ridhiimakkar/wearable-art-fashion-customization/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. ## Photos and videos - [Video: 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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/56c945cd-1235-43b4-963a-38d2926d0673) - [Video: 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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/eeaaf8ce-9501-4b6b-8192-15acf895ad63) - [Video: 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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e39231ca-6aea-44ad-966a-1dd46cb557c4) - [Video: 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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ba16178c-a00b-41d1-8480-fc2a6be0b966) - [Video: 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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d156355d-7490-4f44-a1a7-fe0317b439ea) - [Video: 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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/eb7a4216-2cc1-464e-a0dc-2fd03863233f) - [Video: 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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0c95dc62-4576-4f36-ad96-40811baa51f4) - [Video: 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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0799be87-0145-48c3-a650-2089ae234571) - !["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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0fa6880e-14aa-4f56-9d32-031976c9392f) - ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e3dbfbc9-032f-4be4-ae20-9fa82ee39a34) - [Video: One of the most common questions I get is how to clean custom kicks. It's actually pretty simple. I recommend using sneaker wipes for a quick and easy clean-up on the go.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/75a362c2-2897-4ddd-9671-acbe4688ddbe) - [Video: Ever wonder what you get when you order custom sneakers from me? I unbox a typical order, which includes the kicks, custom socks, a thank you card with care instructions, stickers, and sneaker wipes.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4691b23d-29c0-44c5-bc6f-a6ae708c5219) - [Video: If you love Adidas Sambas but want to explore other options, I've got you. Here are my top five alternatives, including the Nike Killshot 2 and Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/64050562-5a5a-4235-9c9f-295765cf6764) - [Video: Here are five types of winter sneakers I'd love to have in my collection, from suede sneakers and neutral colorways to statement boots and, of course, a pair of personalized custom kicks.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/21daa13c-933e-4e2a-82ce-2ab12fe25b87) - [Video: I've stopped using Pinterest for inspiration. In this video, I share four of my favorite alternative platforms for discovering new ideas, including Behance and Instagram.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a1eff388-c41a-4fb3-8810-77fd685536ac) - [Video: Part one of my three-part series on transforming a pair of sneakers. I show you how I go from a client's brief to creating a digital mock-up before I even pick up a paintbrush.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/632a2eae-21c9-4773-8a4b-910a311965f2) - [Video: Is my work art or is it content? It's a question I think about a lot as a creator. In this video, I explore the difference between the two and ask you what you think I make.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/516f7c23-a29c-4acd-b556-9dcba1cf68ec) - [Video: There's a reason why the Nike Air Force 1 is so popular for customization. I break down the five factors, from comfort and versatility to its cultural impact, that make it the perfect canvas.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9ea70d10-102b-4da5-80fc-20772bf48217) - [Video: The Jordan hype might be dying, but that just means more room for creativity. Here's how I dissected and customized a pair of Air Jordan 4 Zen Masters, which have a unique bleached denim upper.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d2a912d3-0f8e-418d-a059-e470f619fba5) - [Video: A quick rundown of what's on my work desk this week. I'm working on a football club-themed AF1, a Formula One-themed Dunk, and a special gift for a friend.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/166273a9-6a6d-40fb-935c-1cf4bf4178e9) - [Video: Part two of my studio revamp. Here's a look at some of the new decor pieces I got to make my workspace more organized and inspiring, like this cool dripping paint wall art.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3f6717c7-44a6-4e75-b4fb-df2cb3f90706) - [Video: A little intro for the new faces here. I'm a sneaker customizer by profession, which means I paint on shoes for a living. Here's an example of some blinged-out black AF1s I made for a friend.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d62a454f-a6ee-465d-aa1d-7da7dec43fce) - [Video: Sometimes you have a great idea but can't find the right product. That's where I come in. In this video, I talk about some of my favorite sneakers for Valentine's Day, including custom kicks.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/89ead25d-bc32-4aea-bed4-8c7646cd07bb) - [Video: Ever wondered what a few paints and brushes can do to a basic white sneaker? I can turn them into anything, like these custom Superteam-themed Air Force 1s I made.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6d89e1ba-a8e5-4ee9-afbf-7a173ec738e5) - ![Another shot of me working on the Air Jordan 4 Zen Masters. It's all a part of the process, from the initial idea to the final brushstroke.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7fecfd76-4102-4f27-8f90-7981efe819ed) - ![The calm before the storm. This is what my desk looks like for a few microseconds before it gets covered in paints, brushes, and sneakers.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e48eaece-4523-459e-962d-de0eacf88942) - ![Here's an outfit I put together inspired by the Nike Air Jordan 1 "Year of the Dragon." I love matching my clothes to my kicks, even if the kicks are custom-painted AF1s.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/049d4793-5ffb-4a49-bc25-df98a32895fc) - ![A breakdown of my "Year of the Dragon" inspired outfit. I pulled the dark red, sail white, olive green, and golden colors from the sneaker to create a cohesive look.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/dff9d5d9-81fa-44e9-8731-aa37ae2234cd) - [Video: Our take on the "Le Monde" trend. My aesthetic is beige, but the colors I paint with are anything but.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/fc8ae63e-b7a7-4d12-8775-e60c10b9d7ec) - [Video: A quick, moody video showing off a pair of custom chunky sneakers from CHNKS.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0503838b-dfad-44d2-832f-46dbf7426020) ## 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. 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. ## About 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. [See all of Ridhii Makkar's services](https://mytribe.in/ridhiimakkar) ## More from Wearable Art & Fashion Customization by Ridhii Makkar - [Featured](https://mytribe.in/ridhiimakkar/wearable-art-fashion-customization/featured) - [My Signature Coffee-Dye Kicks](https://mytribe.in/ridhiimakkar/wearable-art-fashion-customization/my-signature-coffee-dye-kicks) - [For the Motorheads: F1 & Car Themes](https://mytribe.in/ridhiimakkar/wearable-art-fashion-customization/for-the-motorheads-f1-car-themes) - [Icons on Your Feet: Pop Culture & Characters](https://mytribe.in/ridhiimakkar/wearable-art-fashion-customization/icons-on-your-feet-pop-culture-characters) - [Masterpieces Reimagined: Fine Art on Footwear](https://mytribe.in/ridhiimakkar/wearable-art-fashion-customization/masterpieces-reimagined-fine-art-on-footwear) - [Wear Your Wanderlust: Travel & Cityscapes](https://mytribe.in/ridhiimakkar/wearable-art-fashion-customization/wear-your-wanderlust-travel-cityscapes) - [Heritage & Handcraft: Indian-Inspired Art](https://mytribe.in/ridhiimakkar/wearable-art-fashion-customization/heritage-handcraft-indian-inspired-art) - [Brand Collabs & Live Events](https://mytribe.in/ridhiimakkar/wearable-art-fashion-customization/brand-collabs-live-events) - [Beyond the Sneaker: Custom Bags & Accessories](https://mytribe.in/ridhiimakkar/wearable-art-fashion-customization/beyond-the-sneaker-custom-bags-accessories) - [Bold Statements: Florals, Patterns & Bling](https://mytribe.in/ridhiimakkar/wearable-art-fashion-customization/bold-statements-florals-patterns-bling) - [Client Stories & Couple Sets](https://mytribe.in/ridhiimakkar/wearable-art-fashion-customization/client-stories-couple-sets) ## More services by Ridhii Makkar - [Art & Customization Workshops](https://mytribe.in/ridhiimakkar/art-customization-workshops) - [Live Art for Events & Brand Activations](https://mytribe.in/ridhiimakkar/live-art-for-events-brand-activations) ## Similar work from other experts - [Behind the Art: Our Sneaker Customisation Process](https://mytribe.in/knickgasm/custom-hand-painted-apparel/behind-the-art) by Knickgasm · Custom Hand-Painted Apparel · Ships across India; Studio in Ghatkopar West, Mumbai - [My Creative Process and Artist Journey](https://mytribe.in/themoodbox.in/custom-fashion-accessory-painting/my-process-studio-story) by The Mood Box · Custom Fashion & Accessory Painting · Accepts custom orders across India; Drop-off available in Mumbai - [Behind the Brush: How I Create Custom Art](https://mytribe.in/creativo_paints/custom-hand-painted-apparel/behind-the-brush) by Megha · Custom Hand-Painted Apparel · Ships across India - [Sneaker Customization: The Process Behind Your Kicks](https://mytribe.in/unhingedcustoms/custom-sneaker-art/behind-the-scenes-the-process) by Unhinged Customs · Custom Sneaker Art · Based in Hyderabad; ships across India - [My Creative Process: Behind the Scenes of Custom Art](https://mytribe.in/brushtler/bespoke-hand-painting-on-personal-items/the-artist-at-work) by Sanaya Irani · Bespoke Hand-Painting on Personal Items · Accepts items for custom painting and ships across India - [Hand-Painted Custom Apparel and Art](https://mytribe.in/painterkafeelartist/hand-painted-apparel-accessories/featured) by Kafeel Artist · Hand-Painted Apparel & Accessories · Ships across India; Studio in Bazar Matia Mahal, Old Delhi ## Book To book Ridhii Makkar, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%20Ridhii%2C%20I%20saw%20your%20Artist's%20Corner%20page%20and%20would%20love%20to%20chat%20about%20a%20custom%20sneaker%20project!)