Description
Book SynopsisCreate your own one-of-a-kind kicks with painting, drawing, stenciling, and marbleizing techniques from celebrated sneaker customizer Xavier Kickz (aka Xavier Crews).*Winner of the 2023 Silver Foreword INDIE Book Award*
In
Art of Custom Sneakers, Xavier shares his innovative ideas and
techniques for prepping, designing, and finishing custom sneakers for everyone.
The book begins with the basics—including tools and materials, workspace setup, prep, finishing, and design planning—then moves on to
dozens of incredible customizing projects. Whatever your level of artistic experience, Xavier’s
in-depth, step-by-step instructions ensure your success as you start making your own custom kicks. Twenty-eight
QR codes to supplemental video instruction offer additional step-by-step guidance.
As you go, gather inspiration from
amazing custom sneakers throughout history.
Start with any clea
Trade Review
"[Xavier Kickz] encourages readers by telling them that they don’t have to be an artist or student of the craft to create a pair of sneakers or two (or several); all one needs is the desire and willingness to learn and to practice different techniques. ... A sure hit." * Library Journal STARRED Review *
"[A] vibrant debut...The creative designs wow, especially the “cut paper collage” made by gluing on cutout comic book panels, as well as the marbled effect achieved by dipping shoes in a mixture of leather dye and shaving cream." * Publishers Weekly *
Table of Contents
Introduction
SNEAKERS IN HISTORY: Definitive Moments in Sneaker Style
Q&A: Xavier’s Frequently Answered Questions
Workspace, Materials, and Tools: Workspace, Materials
Prep and Finishing Basics: Laces, Surface Cleaning, Taping, Finishing
Planning Your Design: Designing, Practicing Your Brushwork and Pen Work
1 Customizing with Paint
Sprinkle Drip Kicks
Cartoon Kicks
Tiger Stripes
Dragon Kicks
Painted Plaid
Freestyle High-Tops
Toothpick Painting
2 Paint Pen Color
Paint Pen Camo
Fine-Line Quickie
Paint Pen Doodling
Paint Pen on Dark Color
SNEAKERS IN CULTURE AND COMMUNITY: Sneakers, Sports, and Getting That Look
3 Crazy Color
Shaving Cream Color
Sharpie Tie-Dye
Cool Color Drip
Hydro-Dipped Marbelizing
Galactic Splatter
4 Airbrush and Stencil
Airbrushing Basics
Airbrushing Black Leather
Mix It Up
Handmade Stencil
Hot Stuff
Color Waves
Team Spirit
5 Paper, Cloth, Glitter, and Shine
Fabrication Transformation
Bedazzled Flash
Brushed-on Glitter
Cut-Paper Collage
SNEAKERS IN POP CULTURE: A Timeline of Kicks in Music and Movies
About Xavier
Acknowledgments
Index
