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.

So since Diversitile is made up of 3 people what does each artist bring to the Diversitile dinner table?

As stated before, Chris is the brainchild behind Diversitile, he brings his photo realistic drawing and painting skills and overall creativity to the table. Richard brings his techinacal ability and digital design skills (graphic and web design) as well as his organizational/management skills. John brings his unique creative vision, which he expresses through his mastery in typography and graffiti as well as his unique painting style.  We would also like to give credit to an artist that help us get started, Mark Thor, who not able to continue with  Diversitile because of different goals. We completely respect that and wish him and his family all the best! We all have have different skills and abilities, and each of our creative visions are combined to make Diversitile what it is.

Have you learned, gained, or experienced anything significant as a result of customizing?

Our experience is a little different than most when it comes to customizing due to the fact that we have a group. We learned quickly that the brand is more important than the individual, which is contrary to the norm in sneaker customizing where the individual usually gets all the credit, however with a group we had to learn humility in order to build the Diversitile name.

What are ways you try to spread word of Diversitile, or way in which you market the brand?

We began on myspace adding as many friends as we could, and then utilized other internet resources like facebook, email, our website, blogs and most recently twitter. We also rely heavily on word of mouth marketing, events and our print materials such as flyers and business cards.

Craziest customizing request?

Most reciently we got custom request from a return customer who wanted to top the first shoe that we did for him. Here is an excerpt from his request:

“Me in a lab coat holding a scalpel (I have attached a small pic), IV antibiotics pole, medication pill, white blood cell and instead of red blood cell could you place a band-aid instead (again all of them in cartoon style)?  Back of the shoe @ the heel I would like the word ‘good’ on it.  At the collar of the shoes, I would like a fine writing of ‘to heal and granulate.’ “

Do you listen to music while working? If so what’s on your customizing playlist?

Yes usually music is playing in our work environment anything from Kings of Leon to Tupac and Biggie.

Favorite food and beverage?

We like to eat pretty much anything and everything between the three of us.

If you could have one super power for a day what would it be? And why?

Have the power to fly since our shoes are fly already.

If you could pick one movie or TV show to have been an actor in which one would it be?

Peter from Season one of Heroes.

Most memorable or famous customer you have had?

Michael Jordan’s son Marcus Jordan.

What are your favorite clothing brands or styles?

The Hundreds, Johnny Cupcakes, Huff, H and M, Echo, Zoo York, and Express.

Name a book you would recommend?

“The Magic of Thinking Big” by Napoleon Hill

Anyone you would like to work with?

There is a number of talented customizers out there that we would like to do collabos with. Jester, Sharp, and Emanuel Labor to name a few.

10 years from now, where do you see yourself, and or Diversitile?

While we each have individual goals, we all would like to see Diversitile being a full fledged brand including cut and sew clothing, t-shirts and sneakers.

What are the plans for the rest of 2009 and the next year?

In 09′ finish some ideas we have for a few more shoes and in 10′ Launch our new run (both sneakers and tshirts), our new website, and our new marketing theme.

Customizing sneakers has grown and changed a lot the past 10 years from a few guys hobby to some people now making living from it. Do you have any predictions on where customizing will turn next?

It all depends on where the current heavy weights in the custom sneaker game want to take it. The possibilities are endless and it is just a matter having the drive to take it there. One thing that Diversitile has always strives to do, is be more than just “That sneaker guy.” We want to create a profitable business and on top of that feed the culture as a whole, if that makes sense. For customizing, that sky’s the limit as we are concerned.

Any advice for those beginning customizers or those wanting to start customizing?

Trail and error are the best teachers, you may learn allot from advice, but you will learn the most from the mistakes you make.

Final thoughts, shoutouts, or news you’d like to share?

We would like to shout out and give much love to our fellow customizers that we went up against in the “Clash of the Customizers”, and to let everybody know to be on the look out for Diversitile in 2010. “The Take Over is Coming!!”

Big thanks to the guys at Diversitile Custom Clothing for taking the time to answer our questions. After the run of creative custom shoes they created this past year I’m extremely excited to see what comes next from this crew!

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.

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

Customizing is a full time gig for me, but I’ve diversified into to other things under the JGoods brand so I don’t have to sit and paint for months at a time. Customizing can take a lot out of you if you’re not careful.

I’ve read hints on your site that JGoods is growing to include a clothing line, is this true? If so what can we expect to see?

Yes. The JGoods Clothing Line is a collection of articles that myself and my business partner want to wear that no other clothing lines are making. We draw inspiration from music, sneakers, and many other things.

Have you learned, gained, or experienced anything significant as a result of customizing?

I’ve learned a lot in this business. Like any business, there are ups and downs, but you always have to keep moving and putting out products or styles that you believe in.

You are a customizer that has a very distinct style, where do you think this comes from or where do you get inspiration for your customs?

I get inspiration from all types of places. I look for ideas in nature and all forms of media. My friends tell me that I can be a poor listener at times because my mind is always off somewhere.

What are ways you try to spread word of JGoods, or way in which you market yourself?

I try to market myself in many different ways. I do some online advertising and I was just at the MAGIC Fashion Show in Las Vegas last week promoting the brand.

Craziest customizing request?

I don’t get as many crazy requests as I did when I was first starting, but I think one of the craziest was a guy who wanted a marijuana leaf on one shoe and “420” on the other. I had to respectfully decline that one.

You’ve mentioned a relationship with Nike ID, how did this come about? Any hints on future projects?

Yeah, the people at NIKEiD have been very friendly to me and we’ve done some promotional events showcasing my sneakers and the possibilities with the NIKEiD. We will be doing more of these in the near future because it is a mutually beneficial relationship. I always wanted to be part of Nike in some shape or form so I was real excited when this came about.

You are one of a few customizers that have developed and sold their own paint. How long did it take you to get a quality formula and what gave you the idea to start selling it? (Or just share any info you’d like about Jgoods Paint)

I started selling my paint because people used to constantly send me e-mails asking what my paint mixture was. Throughout the years, I’ve changed formulas because I’ve always been looking for the best leather paint possible. I believe that my newest paint is the best paint for sneakers because of the tests we’ve put it through. We’ve tested it the same way that major shoe companies test their colored leather in order to make sure it won’t chip, crack or rub off. (Buy his Customization Kit here)

Do you listen to music while working? If so what’s on your customizing playlist?

Absolutely. Listening to music while customizing is important so I don’t go too crazy painting for hours at a time. Jay-Z and Gangstarr never really leave the playlist, but I’m always looking for new music. I’ve currently been listening to Mayer Hawthorne’s new album and I’m very excited for Brother Ali’s new album. He’s a Minneapolis rapper and I think he’s one of the top rappers out right now.

Most memorable or famous customer you have had?

Doing shoes for Jay-Z was a dream come true. My goal when I first started was to do a pair for Jay-Z and it happened about four years later. It was surreal.

My favorite experience while customizing was doing shoes for Cam’Ron because I was able to hang out with the whole Dipset crew for a couple hours. They were real cool dudes and it was nice being in an entourage with some of the biggest bodyguards I’ve ever seen.

What are your favorite clothing brands or styles?

I’ve always liked Undefeated and I think Crooks & Castles have some extremely talented designers. Not all of their stuff is exactly my style, but a lot of it is real nice.

Name a book you would recommend?

How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie. The book was written in the 1940’s and it is a great book for anybody. Everybody worries a little bit.

Anyone you would like to work with?

I’d love to work with Banksy except nobody really knows who he actually is, so that could be tough. Other than that, I’m willing to work with anybody who is a fan of my work.

10 years from now, where do you see yourself, and or JGoods customs?

I don’t really know. I don’t know where I’ll be a year from now. I’m just happy to be doing something that I love and I don’t have to work for somebody else.

Any advice for those beginning customizers or those wanting to start customizing?

Buy a JGoods Sneaker Customizing Kit. Just kidding. My best advice is to do designs that are original and ones that you believe in. You have to keep going and eventually good things will happen.

Final thoughts, shoutouts, or news you’d like to share?

Just keep checking out my site: www.jgoodsonline.com. I have some really crazy customs coming soon as well as some original apparel. We also just finished developing the JGoods Sneaker Restoration Kit. It works wonders on old sneakers.

Big thanks to Jon for his time and answers. Seems as though 2010 is going to be an exciting year in the JGoods offices! For your own JGoods customs or to try out his Customization or Restoration Kits visit his site: HERE!

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

2000words with Methamphibian

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…

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

Mizzeecustoms, but sneakers are just one side of the monster. I do clothing, sneakers, canvas work, body painting, auto paint jobs and mural work when it’s legal.

5. What is on the horizon for Mizzee Customs in 2009 and beyond?

first up Im trying to get this website off the ground but it’s just been so many setbacks. If you’re good at websites please hit me at mizzeecustoms@aol.com. Besides that Im working on branching out and creating a bigger and better product/brand day by day. Since I fund everything myself pretty much it takes longer but  I know of some people who had their baby product taken from them in turn for money and they regret it so Im fine with taking my time. That’s the goals that are consistent right now, everything else is random thoughts that I do.

6. Have you learned, gained, or experienced anything significant as a result of customizing?

Patience. Anyone who takes what they do seriously, and feels as though they really are skilled at what they do has to have the patience to do it. Some colors can take up to 6-8 coats to look even, you really can’t rush that. Then when you factor in graphics and using different colors that require additional coats, it can be time consuming. Patience is what keeps everything looking the way it should, or nice for that matter. I also learned to plan for the best and prepare for the worst. Don’t think you just gonna sell a sneaker because it’s hot to you. Do what you like that you can use or be fine keeping, and if they sell then that’s kudos on top of that. But be ready to keep them instead of selling for less then you want or feel your work is worth.

7. Where do you get inspiration for designs?

I don’t even know how to answer that. People ask me this all the time and I’ve tried to have some deep and profound meaning to life for them, but at the end of the day I just wake up and be me. I take my inspiration from my “normal” life. If Im watching a movie, listening to music, dropping a deuce in the holy water, whatever. If I like what’s going on, Im putting it into play. I’m also inspired by the other artist that do what they do, good or bad. Even though I may not have the same approach to my work as others I still look at the bar the set.

8. What are ways you try to spread word of Mizzee Customs, or ways in which you market yourself?

See, here’s the conflict. I love success, and hate publicity. I don’t wanna be the forefront of what I am if that makes sense on any level. I like my art to speak for me. I do everything from parties, to live painting, trade shows, sneaker competitions (which pretty much are like class reunions for me), and anything that I feel I can represent myself properly at. As far as the internet goes I do the MySpace thing and I have a facebook. I’m on a bunch of other sites but Im not as active.  Oh and Blogs and websites that come across my work show me a lot of love which is dope.

9. Craziest customizing request?

Lemme think, back in like 2003-2004 someone asked me to paint the faces of the members of g-unit on a pair of air force ones. Yea I declined that pretty fast.  Everything else I usually have to kick up a notch to make it crazy

10. Share any experience you may have had working with a store or company of any kind

Bullshit. Complete and utter bullshit. This is how the store thing breaks down (from my personal experience, yours may be different), either you sell your product to them or you sell in the store for consignment. Consignment is cool if the store promotes your product good enough or if it’s in high demand since you can make more off it. The problem is that since its low risk for the store then they tend to not even promote it as good as other stuff that they have to sell since they paid for those products and want to see the ends off that first. So your stuff becomes back burner property, sits and collects dust. Then what makes matters worst is (if you’re smart) your boosting your price so that the store makes there cut, and you get what you want from the ordeal. Which sucks cause people may not buy it cause its more then they wanna spend, now it’s that or you can sell your stuff to a store for mega cheap and watch them sell it for more profit then you will make off it. The only way that works is if you can make it for cheap and sell it to more than say 5 stores at a time. If you only sell in one store like that, then your butt may hurt after a while. Best advice is to sell it yourself and promote through the stores. I do live paintings and stuff at stores and hand out flyers and all that. That way the store will showcase you to get more people who like what you/we do and then you can still promote, and maybe sell something there or get orders or at least network.

11. Do you listen to music while working? If so what’s on your customizing playlist? Man I alternate through either state property vol 2 Chain Gang cd, some Kanye, some Dedication 3/Drought 3, Grafh, Beanie Siegel Public Enemy Number 1 mixtape from before his jail sentence, Amy Whinehouse, and recently Drake.

12. Favorite food and beverage?

Chicken and watermelon flavored Snapple, cliché’ I know

13. If you could have one super power for a day what would it be? And why?

I’ve come to the conclusion that since I don’t sleep and eat as much as a normal man, at times I can be fly, and I have an alter ego,  that I have some type of superhero. I would like to be able to clone myself though, that way all three of us can procrastinate at the same time.

14. If you could pick one movie or TV show to have been an actor in which one would it be?

Easy, MARTIN. I woulda said ER but Im no scrub. HA

15. Most memorable or famous customer you have had?

For some reason I remember everyone I ever sold something to. Either Im not selling as much as I should be or I really have some crazy memory game. I’d say out of all of them though Brian Dawkins though, that’s my favorite player EVER.

16. What are your Favorite clothing brands or styles?

Im so out of tune with “fashion” it’s ridiculous. I just throw on a pair of nice sneakers, a matching shirt, and camo shorts. I’m too old for most of these styles that are popular that I kinda like. What I look like wearing a deep cut, extra thin so girls see the nipples (or chesticules) V-neck down to my belly button, Red skinny jeans, a Shamage’ scarf around my neck, and sneakers bigger then my feet?

17. Name a good book you have read?

Why read books when you have Wikipedia?

18. Anyone you would like to work with?

Anyone who can compliment what I bring to the table. This is usually easier said than done since I can do a lot of different things on a pretty okay level so it’s difficult to tell what they do and what I do. Especially now that so many artist either are like me in that sense or they don’t have anything unique about their approach.

19. 10 years from now, where do you see yourself?

I don’t think that far ahead, only because I didn’t think I would be this far ahead. I usually play things by ear. I do plan ahead but Im so random that if I do it would ruin my spontaneity and that’s where I rule at.

20. Any advice for those beginning customizers or those wanting to start customizing?

Bad artist copy, good artist steal. Don’t just copy someone’s style or work, but build off it. Make it your own. That’s pretty much what all artists do. Nothing is new under the sun, but style and execution is everything. Take me for example. I’m “influenced” and molded myself after work that I like from other artist like Jor1 and Methamphibian; but with my own subject matter and execution/style (I think). If I see an artist use cheetah print and I like it, then I may use it, but not like that artist did. It’s actually how the world works. Don’t try and be compared to other artist, just be mentioned among them. Also be true to yourself. Don’t do stuff you think others like. That kinda defeats the purpose of custom work. Custom is tailored for the individual, not the mass. Meaning doing tiffany customs in hopes that you get famous won’t do you justice, nobody cares how nice you can engrave croc print. Not anymore anyway.  An interesting colorway can beat that any day. Just be you and do what feels natural.

21. Final thoughts, shoutouts, or news you’d like to share?

Best bit of news I can give is to stay tuned, things are about to get interesting. Anything else is top secret or extra random.  And if I start giving shoutouts I’ll feel like Im on the radio, but big ups to all my peers out there, those who push me, the bloggers showing love, and my loyal supporters who been with me through thick and thin. And to all my artist, it’s not me versus you, it’s us versus them. Ciao.

Thank you Mizzee for your time and fufilling answers. The man has a good mindset that beginning customizers should take notice of. Not much is original, its how you present and give your own twist For more info, pics, or to order your own pair of Mizzee Customs visit: Mizzee’s MySpace

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”.

What is on the horizon for Slip-Offs in 2009 and beyond?

My work will be featured in the up-coming “History of Vans” book, so make sure to check that out!

Have you learned, gained, or experienced anything significant as a result of customizing?

I’ve learned to decide what kind of customers to work with.  I’ve found that if someone wants something unreasonable, or is unwilling to listen to my advice or throw ideas around, then the end product isn’t going to turn out, and ultimately will be a waste of both our time & money.

Where do you get inspiration for designs?

Most of the time the customer brings me an idea or a theme they want on shoes.  From there we collect visuals and map out what will look best.

What are ways you try to spread word of Slip Offs, or way in which you market yourself?

Well working in marketing and having graphic design skills is quite the advantage.  I am able to easily create promotions and advertise them on my website.  Facebook has been a really wonderful, free marketing tool for me.  But besides that, I have created really unique business cards and have placed them in really cool boutiques around the world.  I donate shoes to charity silent auctions or try to get them on celebs, which gets my name out, and I do the little extra things like giving away free “Slip-offs” tote bags and mini shoe keychains with every order.

Craziest customizing request?

This guy had me make a pair of vans for him with “Will you marry me?” on them, and of course, she said yes.

Share any experience you may have had working with a store or company of any kind

In the summer I customized 20 pairs of shoes for this really rad new custom shoe store in San Diego, Milo shoes.  It was really fun because I got to do whatever I wanted on them, on whatever color of Vans.  It was really fun to be part of a store that features customizers from all over the world.

Do you listen to music while working? If so what’s on your customizing playlist?

It’s kind of weird but I don’t actually, I usually “listen” to DVD’s of TV shows or movies I own.  I find it makes the time go by faster and it’s more entertaining.  However music is a big part of my life.  I am in a band with my boyfriend called “Karate Kiss” and a new band called “The Happy New Years”.

Favorite food and beverage?

I love food with lots of flavor, so curry chicken is probably my favorite and I’m a sucker for sweets, so probably a milkshake would be my favorite drink.  I still totally dig kid food like hot dogs, pizza and candy.

If you could have one super power for a day what would it be? And why?

I think it would be cool to time travel back to my childhood and go to all my favorite places or experiences.

If you could pick one movie or TV. show to have been an actor in which one would it be?

I would have loved to be part of the cast of “Gilmore Girls”, it was really funny and the town was so quirky.

Most memorable or famous customer you have had?

My most famous customer is Ellen Degeneres, but I don’t know if she counts as a customer because she never paid me, but she did thank me on her show.  I’ve made Ellen three pairs of shoes: two pairs of VANS and one pair of TOMS.  I got V.I.P. tickets to her show, but still never got to meet her.   What’s cool is I’ve been able to get to know all my customers quite well, and its awesome to know the story behind each pair of the shoes I’ve done.

What are your Favorite clothing brands or styles?

I’m not really into wearing brands, I just buy what I like.  I love pretty much everything you can buy at Urban Outfitters and spend far too much money there.  I pretty much just wear jeans and cardigans everyday, but with lots of bright colors and always a pattern.  I believe my style is far from plain and boring.

Name a good book you have read?

I just finished reading “The Shack”, it was pretty amazing and life changing for me.  It was really encouraging and answered a lot of questions for me.

Anyone you would like to work with?

My dream would be to do an artist collaboration with Vans.  TOMS shoes would also be fun to work with.  I was just in Argentina with them in October on a shoe drop, and was able to see first hand what they are doing as a company, it was an amazing experience.

10 years from now, where do you see yourself?

I really want to get married and have a family.  I’ve had a collection of really awesome baby/kids shoes that is starting to get out of control.  In terms of my business, I would love to do this as long as I can.  It really allows me to do the drawing and painting that I don’t get to do sitting at a computer all day. 

Any advice for those beginning customizers or those wanting to start customizing?

I get probably an email or two each month from a newbie asking for advice.  I guess the main thing would be to work really hard and do as many shoes as possible, and make sure you only do shoes you want to, don’t ever do anything that you think is a crappy idea.  Once you have a solid portfolio and gallery of your work, people will see your style and trust you with their shoes. 

Final thoughts, shoutouts, or news you’d like to share?

This interview was rad, you asked really unique and thoughtful questions.  I don’t know I’m just really excited with all the support I get.  I’ve worked really hard to get where I am at now and continue to work hard on every pair that I do.  I hope people can see that they are getting a good quality designed pair for a reasonable price.  I want to start doing different styles of vans and even other types of shoes so that I can reach a larger audience.

Thank you Shauna for your time and answers. There is definitely a few good tips beginning customizers could use to spread word of their customizing work. For more info, pics, or to order your own pair of SlipOffs visit: www.SlipOffs.com

TTK’s MySpace

TTK’s Website