"[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

"[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

Create 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 clean sneaker—whether leather Nike Air Force 1s, or canvas Vans or Converse, or bargain shoes similar to any of these—then add your own personal touches with techniques such as:
 
  • Cartoon Style
  • Paint Pen Camo
  • Sharpie Tie-Dye
  • Hydro-Dipped Marbleizing
  • Galactic Splatter
  • Bedazzled Flash

Stop admiring custom sneakers from afar, and start making your own!
Les mer
With Art of Custom Sneakers, learn to make your own one-of-a-kind kicks from YouTube superstar Xavier Kickz.
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


 
Les mer
"The Art of Custom Sneakers is a comprehensive and creative book for making one-of-a-kind kicks. From tools to design planning, this book guides both beginners and experienced creators through innovative techniques. With clear, step-by-step instructions and video guidance, you'll transform everyday sneakers into unique works of art. Find inspiration from sneaker history as you add personal touches using a variety of materials. Elevate your footwear and embrace artistic self-expression with this amazing book!"
Les mer
BUT FIRST, BE YOURSELF: The first DIY sneaker customization book from a traditional publisher offers the Millennial and GenZ sneakerhead—trained by social media to demand personalization and value their unique identity—an accessible and affordable way to stand out from the crowd.
XAVIER KNOWS BEST: The author’s YouTube channel @XavierKickz has 450k+ YouTube followers eager to learn his customization tips.
SEE IT TO BELIEVE IT: 28 QR codes link to videos for key techniques and step-by-step instruction.
Les mer

Produktdetaljer

ISBN
9780760381809
Publisert
2023-09-14
Utgiver
Quarto Publishing Group USA Inc
Vekt
544 gr
Høyde
229 mm
Bredde
216 mm
Aldersnivå
01, G, 01
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Heftet
Antall sider
160

Forfatter

Biografisk notat

By day, Xavier Kickz (aka Xavier Crews) is a software engineer. By night, he customizes kicks and films fun tutorial YouTube videos for his thousands of followers. Xavier has been customizing shoes for more than 10 years and has recorded more than 120 videos. A graduate of Virginia State University, Xavier often gives back to his community by giving away his customized shoes, basketballs, iPads, and more. His goal in creating his videos for beginners is to teach creative techniques so viewers can build their skills and enjoy making things by hand. He lives, works, and inspires from his home in Raleigh, NC.