Some shoe customizers choose to stay out of the bright lights of the Internet’s message boards and social networking sites. Instead they like to have their work speak for themselves. That must be the case with veteran customizer Lazy, well known for his intense denim customs. Or maybe it is because he has his hands in too many other important projects and Lazy is just an oxymoron for his lifestyle? Well you can decide for yourself by reading our interview with the mysterious customizer himself. Check it!
1. Please give your name, age, where you are from and or grew up?
My name is Tony Tay, 32 years old. Born and raised in Singapore.
2. What, if any, art based education have you had?
I went to art collage in San Francisco, CA for my degree in graphic design.
3.When did you start and what got you into customizing?
I started customizing sneakers in 2005. I was just fooling around with my sneakers back then. It was nothing serious till I got more people hitting me up on emails for my sneakers. That’s how I started.
4. Is customizing a full time gig? If not what pays the bills?
Customizing is my full time gig. However, I do have 2 clothing brands that help to pay the bills as well.
5. What is on the horizon for Lazy in 2009 and beyond?
I hope I am able to show more of my graphic design work and produce more products other than sneakers.
6. Have you learned, gained, or experienced anything significant as a result of customizing?
Nothing significant other than getting to meet a lot of people who are passionate about sneakers.
7. Where do you get inspiration for designs?
I find that inspiration is everywhere. Its just how you connect yourself with the source to be inspired to create.
8. What are ways you try to spread word of Lazy, or ways in which you market yourself?
I never really pay too much attention on marketing myself. I just kept my focus on my work. Word spread are mainly by people who enjoy what I have done.
9. Craziest customizing request?
To paint Spongebob on sneakers.
10. Share any experience you may have had working with a store or company of any kind.
Unfortunately I never get a chance to work with store or any corporate company.
11. Do you listen to music while working? If so what’s on your customizing playlist?
I don’t always listen to music while working. Coz sometimes I do my brainstorming for ideas while I’m working on my kicks. I don’t really have a customizing playlist anyway. I will just listen to anything.
12. Favorite food and beverage?
Fried chicken and beer.
13. If you could have one super power for a day what would it be? And why?
To transform a dollar note into multiples. So I can continue to do what I enjoy doing and help other people as well.
14. If you could pick one movie or TV. show to have been an actor in which one would it be?
Gleaming the Cube. Everything looks damn cool when I watched that movie during my elementary school days.
15. Most memorable or famous customer you have had?
I guess it will be Dj Greg Street from Atlanta. He requested a small size run of my denim dunk customs for one of his sneaker event.
16. What are your Favorite clothing brands or styles?
My favorite brand will be Undercoverism. Simple and conceptual.
17. Name a good book you have read?
Streetwear by Steven Vogel
18. Anyone you would like to work with?
Too many of them. There are a lot of talented people out there.
19. 10 years from now, where do you see yourself?
The culture and scene are changing everyday. It will be impossible to see where I am in 10 years time. But I do hope that my clothing labels will have established by then.
20. Any advice for those beginning customizers or those wanting to start customizing?
I’m not really the right person to give advice, but I feel that anyone who wish to make a name in customizing sneakers should identify yourselves and your objectives.
21. Final thoughts, shoutouts, or news you’d like to share?
Thank you for doing this interview and to everyone else who bothers to read this as well. Really appreciate all your support. Stay well. Cheers.
Big thanks to Tony for his time and words. So we were right about letting his work speak for itself as he pays little attention to marketing. But it is hard to believe Tony as being truly lazy if he also has his creative mind as part of two clothing lines. For more info or to have your own Lazy custom sneaker visit his website: akaLazy.com
