[Semafor]

first of all i would suggest that you start on a older pair of sneakers, for two reasons;

firstly you don't want to foook up a fresh pair as you will be gutted if it goes wrong

secondly, new sneakers come with a thin film which is put on in the factory to project the material. (if you decide to start on a fresh pair you need to buy some kind of solvent to remove it, i've used a number of things but asetone is by far the best in my experence) if you don't remove this film the paint wont take as well to the leather etc,

in terms of what to use. acrilic paint is the easiest to use(depending on what you are painting onto) . you can buy a number of different types of textile paint, i think the best to use is 'Angelus' (this is just a brand of paint, there are loads of different types i just think this is the best one to start with) i now make my own mixes depending on what material i am painting onto. (if you do this make sure you right down or remember the ratio's of color to thiner etc)

i would suggest to start with POSCA water-based marker. really easy to use (especially if you have exp with drawing on paper) and there prety cheap. average price per pen is between £2 and £7 depending on the size, you can also buy POSCA water-based maker which actually has a a paint brush nip (very nice) these are a bit more expencive but creat a much better 'fill' effect. be prepared to put a couple of layers to get the design crisp!!!!!

I would stay away from air brushes and stuff until you master the basics.

what was next......

oh yeah after you have finished the design you will need to put a protective layer on it......loads of different things that you can use......best one to use for the POSCA markers is some form of 'matte'

regarding the designs, I studied anumation and Graphics at Uni and learned how to use a number of differnet design programmes. i think that you can get a free verson of Photoshop V7 on the internet (its limmited as to what you can do but for what you will need it for it will be perfect) I would get a image of the shoe that i was going to customize, edit it down to the basic skeleton of the trainer and put my design on to have an idea of what it will look like. (i think there are a couple of these on the net. i guess do a search some like "adidas shell toe template" or "superstar template"

it is alot quicker to 'steal an image from the internet, magazine and use it as a basic starting point. you can draw your own (which i do now to get the size and dimentions right). you have to bare in mind that it take time to get a technique down. be patient and barrel through the frustration.


ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS prepare your design before putting it onto a sneaker. i would say that about 70% of my time is spent on the design and about 25% spent on putting it on the sneaker. 5% looking at them when they are done.

Bish Bash Bosh.........

hope this helps. any questions feel free to ask.

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i have been searching through my emails from years back and have found another pic of some earlies!!! there not great but it kinda shows my pregression.