A GUIDE TO YOUR CUSTOM DESIGN

CUSTOM DESIGN PROCESS

Want a custom design, but not sure how we will get started?  Here is a guide to the design process from initial design ideas to the finished product!

STEP 1 | CONTACT ME

• Email me or DM me through Instagram. Send me a description (ex. "I like Leopards") or links/pictures to images that inspire you or fit your style and individual aesthetic. We can chat through ideas and I will pull additional images that I feel will work best for you and will translate best to a painted outcome. 

STEP 2 | CHOOSE THE ITEM YOU WANT CUSTOMIZED

• What do you want to customize?  The options are endless...  
• Leather or Synthetic Items (shoes, sandals, wallets, purses, belts, etc)
• Canvas Items (sneakers, shoes, hats, 
• Other Ideas? Let me know and we can discuss!
• Whatever the item is, the best result is one with a smoother surface.

STEP 3 | WE COLLABORATE ON A DESIGN

• Design Collaboration
• Once a design idea and item to apply to design to is decided I will create a custom design to fit the specific item.
• Imagery of design will be sent to you for comment and approval.
• We will work through the details and come to a final decision on design, colors, etc.p 
• Ship your Item to me.
• Whether you order from a website or have the item you want customized at home, you will ship your item to me

STEP 4 | DESIGN MOCK UP & APPROVAL

• Once I receive the item you want to customize, I will create a "mock up" on the item. 
• I will measure the area that will be painted and scale the design to fit that area.
• I will complete the design using a graphic computer program and print out the design then apply the print out to the item using pins or mild adhesive.
• Once design is applied I will sent you multiple photos and videos that we can chat through. This is essentially what the design will look at once PAINTED.  Remember, a computer image will look slightly different than a custom hand painted image.
• When you are comfortable with how everything looks - you will approve the design for painting.

STEP 5 | PAINTING STARTS & PROGRESS

• This one is easy - I paint the approved design!
• I can send progress pics as I paint, or you can wait to see the final product - it is totally up to you. I am more than happy to send pics of every brush stroke.

STEP 6 | ENJOY YOUR NEW CUSTOM ITEM

• When the item is complete I will ship it directly to you! (or deliver if in the Chicagoland area)
• It will be sealed per manufacturer instructions but please be careful with the item especially the painted areas.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Are there any limitations to wearing?

I would strongly recommend NOT wearing your item in rainy weather or in intense heat.

What do use to paint with?

I use Angelus Leather Paint 

Angelus Paints utilize a flexible, self leveling, non-cracking formula that adheres to multiple surfaces such as leather, vinyl, patent leather, canvas and more when prepared properly.

This is the same paint that my shoe cobbler uses in his shop as well as the same paint that high end designers use for custom monogramming. I purchase directly from the manufacturer or a local art store that carries the brand.

How long does it take you to paint my item?

This will depend on how detailed the design is.  Painting could take anywhere from a few hours to a couple days. We can discuss lead time during the design process.

How much do you charge?

This again will depend on how detailed the design is and how much paint will be used to create.  If you have a budget, let me know!

Client is responsible for cost associated with shipping items to me and shipping cost back to them.

Have other questions?  Let me know!

This photo illustrates the use of a printed pattern laid out on the actual item prior to painting.