Interview with Shoe Customizers of Diversitile Custom Clothing

I recently caught up with the creative minds behind Diversitile Custom Clothing after they had just been knocked out of the Clash of the Customizers despite a strong showing each round.

State your name, age, where you are from and or grew up?

Chris Campbell, 24 grew up in Cocoa Fl. Richard Gordon, 24 grew up in Fort Lauderdale. John Terramoccia, 25 grew up in Fort Lauderdale.

What if any art based education have you had?

Graduated with B.A. Animation degree (Chris), B.A. Graphic Design/Digital Media Degree (Richard), and Studio B.F.A Art degree (John).

When did you start and what got you into customizing?

In early summer of 07 Chris had a friend that owned a clothing store that wanted something different to attract customers. So the owner contracted him to paint on shoes. Then in the fall of 2007 Chris gathered togther a group of fellow artists and presented to them his idea to make a business out of hand painting shoes.

Is customizing a full time gig? If not what pays the bills?

Unfortunately customizing is not a full time gig yet, but all three of us pay the bills doing various freelance jobs in our fields.


Interview with JGoods Customs Shoe Customizer Jon Goodman

If you are either wanting to get into customizing sneakers or need one of the cleanest sneaker artists around let me introduce you to JGoods Customs. Since we are not all in person your gonna have to read my recent interview with Jon aka JGoods to see how he can help you try your hand at customizing or maybe wear some of his clothing line that is set to release soon.

State your name, age, where you are from and or grew up?

My name is Jon Goodman and I’m from Minneapolis, MN. In the sneaker customizing world, I’m known as JGoods.

What if any art based education have you had?

Aside from a couple color design courses in college, I guess I’m a self taught artist.

When did you start and what got you into customizing?

I was always in to the latest Nike shoes when I was a kid and eventually wanted something more exclusive. I started customizing about seven years ago and got my first break in the NikeTalk Sneaker Customizing Contest. It was the same event that put SBTG on the map. Before that, I really admired Methamphibian’s and KVN’s work. I would say those two really helped to bring customizing where it is now.

Interview with Shoe Customizer Lazy

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.

Interview with Mizzee Customs Shoe Customizer Ryon

Interview numero dos from PaintorThread with the incredible Miz of Mizzee Customs. Great customizer, great t-shirt painter, great “artist”, period. Have you seen his Earthworm Jim customs? They are likely just as good or better than anything else you have ever done. Mizzee offers some great advice to young customizers, so check it!

1. Please give your name, age, where you are from and or grew up?

Im normally mild mannered Ryon, but when dangers afoot I thrown the cape on and become the eccentric Miz. I’m 25 sometimes depending on how old SHE is and I grew up in Philadelphia, PA; but now I rest in south (new) jersey

2. What, if any, art based education have you had?

None really, Im just happy to be here.

3. When did you start and what got you into customizing?

I first started customizing back in like winter 98-99. I would paint timberland boots since I couldn’t afford to have a real selection. I was always doing sneakers off and on but never really got into it till late 2006. Then I became Lil Wayne…

Interview with Slip-Offs Shoe Customizer Shauna

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”.