Out of Chicago, ST!ZO is rapidly building a portfolio of solid customs. Most recently a customer requested a design based off of toy designer Mad L‘s line of graphic work and vinyl toys. The character used specifically was off the “Modern Hero” graphic and the Big Money chain by Mad L. In front of a gold background ST!ZO placed the skeleton figure and Mad L’s tag subtly across the upper. For more info on ST!ZO check his MySpace.
Hooray! The first interview for PaintorThread is now complete. Honestly we are just so greatful someone that has had so much success customizing has given her time to answer our questions. Let me type no more: Here is our questions and answers with customizer Shauna from her brand Slip-Offs:
State your name, age, where you are from and or grew up?
My name is Shauna Mae Luedtke, I am 24 years old and was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
What if any art based education have you had?
I went through the visual communications program at the Alberta College of Art & Design and graduated with my bachelor of design.
When did you start and what got you into customizing?
It was originally my boyfriend’s idea. He asked me to paint something on his plain vans, and from there people just saw his and wanted their own. Eventually I had a large enough portfolio of shoes to make my own website.
Is customizing a full time gig? If not what pays the bills?
Nope, I work full time as a Graphic Designer at a rad advertising & design firm “Trigger”.
Inspired by one of the greatest music groups ever, The Beatles, and an amazing show in Las Vegas by CIRQUE DU SOLEIL which is inspired by The Beatles, TRAGIKkicks put together a solid custom. If someone can use this many colors and make it attractive then they have a very creative mind in design. Yes, you can say they did not create the patterns or imagery but it is still not an easy task to transport a design from a two dimensional surface to a three dimensional item like a pair of shoes. For more info on TRAGIKkicks check their MySpace.
More pics after the jump!