---
title: "My Creative Process and Artist Journey in Mumbai"
description: "From dentist to custom artist. Explore how I turn sneakers and apparel into hand-painted art in my Mumbai studio. Let's discuss your custom project."
canonical: https://mytribe.in/themoodbox.in/custom-fashion-accessory-painting/my-process-studio-story
last_updated: 2025-09-19
---

# My Creative Process and Artist Journey

Tribe Verified · Dentist turned artist based in Mumbai

By [The Mood Box](https://mytribe.in/themoodbox.in) · Accepts custom orders across India; Drop-off available in Mumbai · ₹3,000 Per Piece (Artwork Cost Only) (estimate)

Part of [Custom Fashion & Accessory Painting](https://mytribe.in/themoodbox.in/custom-fashion-accessory-painting). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/themoodbox.in/custom-fashion-accessory-painting/gallery)

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.

## Photos and videos

- [Video: 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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a64366aa-f7c2-4ace-a2eb-e4eefc0c1495)
- ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e0b8f78a-5dd2-453a-bb27-d8a9b2e967c3)
- ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/09274746-23cc-495a-81f0-22c030e05eef)
- ![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!](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/842cbe61-abe2-4d23-a32a-302387a6c236)
- ![Another shot from my studio. This is where all the magic happens. You can see some blank sneakers waiting to be transformed.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/eafa0507-ef6e-4567-8e4a-4ea8bc875ad9)
- ![A candid shot of me working in my studio. It's my happy place.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e44fe563-7ff7-4746-a34a-59f4391c8bc0)
- [Video: 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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/64c038ef-14b5-4d8c-804a-0a314b1f4eca)
- ![Welcome to my aesthetic mess. My workstation is always a chaotic mix of paints, brushes, and works in progress.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9f91ab58-c517-4822-872d-212bc0d49f03)
- ![A black and white shot of my trusty brushes. They've seen a lot of paint and a lot of projects.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8c1c19a6-9b7a-4de8-bb4f-578926c2910b)
- ![A colorful, filtered shot of my paint station. So many colors, so many possibilities.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3d0fa80d-4611-415a-b075-0f396bd44d92)
- ![Behind the scenes of a custom project. Here I'm cutting out stencils for the swooshes.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5d44faf2-c15b-4da4-9eea-115078dc7011)
- ![A bird's eye view of my messy desk during a work session. You can see multiple projects happening at once.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1e8d8526-6a4b-4971-86be-ce3a91d6a8d9)
- ![A wider shot of my studio setup. It's small but it's all mine.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/51bb5417-2eab-4bff-bd46-eaffc7f0ca2b)
- ![Packing up orders to be shipped out. It's the best feeling to send a finished piece to its new home.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/fe415c12-9a05-4d2b-82dd-046fb9dc3d30)
- ![Another shot of the beautiful mess in my studio. This was taken while I was working on the Monopoly-themed Air Force 1s.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/468b2a78-5d56-47cf-8ffc-9d48adb38fd9)
- [Video: A little "how it started vs. how it's going" video. It's a reminder that we all start somewhere and to keep pushing forward. Baby steps every day.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a403267a-8cd0-42ba-8f5f-6948201ab506)
- ![A shot from my feature in CANVVS community, holding my 'Jaipuri' kicks.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e52e983e-3c66-4b09-ad01-a40e8766d9a9)
- ![A shot of me painting live at an Adidas store event. I love interacting with people and creating art on the spot.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e6d1fb51-bd75-4ea8-a66b-a61eec601ecb)
- ![My setup at the Adidas sneaker customization workshop. So many shoes, so many creative ideas.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/96bd2c8e-7e55-43e9-9d26-8aea227f3841)
- ![A close-up of me painting at the New Balance store launch event. I'm always super focused when I'm in the zone.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9f464b0b-3498-47c1-aea6-5f0c7d8e52a0)
- ![Another shot of me painting a pair of New Balance 550s at the store launch.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b240fb7f-80a7-40ca-8085-6dc6e1f24630)
- [Video: A recap of the New Balance store launch in Pune. It was an honor to be part of the event and customize sneakers for their customers.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/708c7720-4ad6-443a-a1b1-dc71efc09e2d)
- ![Some of the stencils and designs I used for the Adidas customization event.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/02075138-d395-43a7-977b-271ac7f9b6e2)
- ![A custom Adidas Stan Smith with a flaming car, painted live at the store event.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7b7fd4b8-901c-45bb-a278-ae8d351be8f5)
- ![A cute Olaf-themed Adidas sneaker I painted at the workshop.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/78f67f09-3887-49cb-8be9-1c8a28016158)
- ![A work-in-progress shot from the Adidas event.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/55af65b5-50bc-40fb-8ac7-92b6c25ca9a1)
- ![A custom pair of Air Jordan 1s with an "Under Construction" theme for a concrete company. This was definitely out of my comfort zone but I love a good challenge.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5e174cf3-f0b0-4f6b-9189-0888d17c0005)
- ![A close-up of the "Under Construction" custom, with a crane cleverly integrated into the swoosh.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/595771fa-6d3c-4023-b929-c91781817b3c)
- ![The full "Under Construction" custom pair.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/94d0b5fa-f7e3-493f-8271-976ee268d6e6)
- ![The other side of the "Under Construction" custom, with more construction site elements.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/30d83b5f-48ae-4b9b-be18-91fbc0ba5d97)

## 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.

## About The Mood Box

I am Amolika, and I traded my dental drill for paintbrushes. Now, I spend my days in a Mumbai studio turning sneakers and jackets into personal art. I keep it real, keep it messy, and I am always down to bring your wildest design ideas to life.

[See all of The Mood Box's services](https://mytribe.in/themoodbox.in)

## More from Custom Fashion & Accessory Painting by The Mood Box

- [Featured](https://mytribe.in/themoodbox.in/custom-fashion-accessory-painting/featured)
- [Anime & Cartoon Kicks](https://mytribe.in/themoodbox.in/custom-fashion-accessory-painting/anime-cartoon-kicks)
- [Pop Culture & Personal Stories](https://mytribe.in/themoodbox.in/custom-fashion-accessory-painting/pop-culture-personal-stories)
- [Artistic & Abstract Styles](https://mytribe.in/themoodbox.in/custom-fashion-accessory-painting/artistic-abstract-styles)
- [Beyond Sneakers: Custom Gear & Accessories](https://mytribe.in/themoodbox.in/custom-fashion-accessory-painting/beyond-sneakers-custom-gear-accessories)

## More services by The Mood Box

- [Digital Illustration](https://mytribe.in/themoodbox.in/digital-illustration)
- [Art Workshops & Live Events](https://mytribe.in/themoodbox.in/art-workshops-live-events)
- [Mural & Wall Art](https://mytribe.in/themoodbox.in/mural-wall-art)

## Similar work from other experts

- [The Artist's Corner: My Sneaker Customization Process](https://mytribe.in/ridhiimakkar/wearable-art-fashion-customization/the-artist-s-corner-my-process-musings) by Ridhii Makkar · Wearable Art & Fashion Customization · Ships across India
- [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
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- [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
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## Book

To book The Mood Box, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hey%20Amolika!%20Loved%20seeing%20your%20studio%20process.%20I%20am%20interested%20in%20getting%20a%20custom%20design%20done%20on%20my%20sneakers.)