My Creative Process and Artist Journey
Ever wondered how a dentist becomes an artist? Step into my Mumbai studio where blank sneakers turn into canvases. It is messy, chaotic, and exactly where the magic happens.
This is my story. The journey from dentist to artist wasn't easy, but it was the best decision I ever made. This reel is for anyone thinking of following their dreams. It's scary, but you got this.
A little bit about me. I graduated as a dentist but realized my true passion was art. I started with t-shirts, then denim, and then I customized my first pair of sneakers. I've never looked back since.
A feature from the CANVVS community about my journey from dentist to designer. It's been a wild ride, and I'm so grateful to be doing what I love every day.
A quick photo session in my studio between projects. My desk is always piled high with sneakers, paints, and ideas. I have so many new pieces to show you all soon!
Another shot from my studio. This is where all the magic happens. You can see some blank sneakers waiting to be transformed.
A candid shot of me working in my studio. It's my happy place.
A random day at the studio. Being an artist today means balancing creating art with documenting it for all of you to see. It's not always easy, but I'm learning and growing every day.
Welcome to my aesthetic mess. My workstation is always a chaotic mix of paints, brushes, and works in progress.
A black and white shot of my trusty brushes. They've seen a lot of paint and a lot of projects.
A colorful, filtered shot of my paint station. So many colors, so many possibilities.
About My Process, Studio & Story
People often ask if the paint actually stays on. The secret isn't just the art, it is the prep. Before any paint touches your sneakers or jacket, I use industrial-grade deglazing to bond the surface, followed by a professional sealer to make sure your custom piece survives daily wear.
Moving from dentistry to full-time art was a leap of faith, but I haven't looked back. My studio is my aesthetic mess, a chaotic mix of Angelus paints, brushes, and half-finished projects. It is not just a workspace, it is where I experiment. Whether I am working on a pair of Nike Air Force 1s, denim jackets, or leather wallets, the process is the same: intense preparation, patient detailing, and a focus on durability.
I use Angelus Direct leather paints because they do not crack or peel. I do not believe in shortcuts. Every pair of sneakers goes through a rigorous deglazing phase using acetone to ensure the leather is ready for the colors. Once the hand-painting is done, which can take 15+ hours for complex anime or portrait work, I seal everything with multiple coats of matte or gloss finishers.
You will find me here, usually with a cup of chai, balancing painting with the reality of being a solo artist who also has to document the work. If you are looking to get something customized, whether it is pop culture fan art or a unique design that tells your story, let's chat. I am always down to try something new, even if it means starting with a fresh pair of kicks.
Similar work from other experts
Browse through Curated picks from other experts on mytribe
The Artist's Corner: My Sneaker Customization Process
From My Studio to the TEDx Stage
4
Behind the Brush: How I Create Custom Art
19
Behind the Art: Our Sneaker Customisation Process
12
My Story: From Dentistry to Art
13
My Creative Process: Behind the Scenes of Custom Art
More from Custom Fashion & Accessory Painting by The Mood Box
More services by The Mood Box