Why I stop customizing shoes
Unless you’ve been following me for a while you probably don’t know that I use to customize shoes. Thats actually where I get my business name “Customs by Keila” from. When I first started my business I wanted a unique line of hand-painted shoes clothes and accessories. I enjoyed it for a minute but the concept was very short lived, let me tell you why.
It silenced me
The main reasons I stopped customizing shoes was because the process silenced me. When people came to me they had a clear idea of what they wanted, and simply paid me to execute. That was cool for a while; then I started feeling like a machine; answering questions but asking none. I tried to be as expressive as I could, and tried adding my own flare, but more often than not I was left no room to be creative. Most days went like this; the client would give me the shoes, and some lame idea. I would use reference photos to execute; they love the results and would pay me in return. Seems like easy money right? Well yeah, except it cost me my voice. The joy of creative people, comes from seeing things that they once perceived in their mind, now flourish in the earth. I saw nothing. I was left more drained than fulfilled because my creativity was held hostage. That’s when I knew “this aint it,” at least not long term; I can’t build around this. I wanted to conceive, to form, to build, I’m more than a painter. Paint in itself is not creative. Paint is nothing without the intentionality of the artist. The idea, the concept, along with passion, that’s the genius of the arts.
At that point in my art journey I was just beginning to find my voice, it was important that I wasn’t shut up from the start. The thing about creativity is, you gotta let it flow. Most people mean well, they just don’t trust what they can’t see. Creativity in all it’s glow breaks all rules. It bursts through the highest of ceilings. It’s quite rude when you think about it; creativity kicks down doors like police officers. It’s loud yet unexpected. It kinda sneaks up on you. You can’t predict when or how it’ll come, but you gotta be ready to open the door when it does. It ain’t enough money one could pay me, to shut out my imagination.
Ok I know what you thinking, ‘Don’t you take commissions for canvas paintings?” “Ain’t the process the same"?. Yes, and yes. I take limited commissions yearly, and the creative process is very similar. Since I specialize in portraits, i’m usually painting from a client’s photo. I also take limited and selective shoe customizations; usually the ones that give me the most creative freedom. The difference now is my business is not built off, or around commissions. If I stop taking them today, I’ll will still be in business. I make money off my own creativity and thats a true blessing and liberty.
Artist are not machines but sometimes we have a tendency to operate like one. We tryna keep up with content, engagements, numbers, success and whatever else; in the midst of the chase we lose our joy…and it’s tragic. The good news is that you can bounce back, just like I did. Find your creative voice, hold it tight and don’t let nothing (or anyone) take it away!
This post is in no way a knock to artist who customize shoes, clothing or anything else. I got nothing but love and respect for creatives on all paths….I know what goes into this. I’d like to add there is a strong market for customizations. We see many athletes, celebrities and everyday people like you and me, that are customers and supporters of the art-form. There are artist excelling in this arena and I believe If you do your homework, and strategize, there is an opportunity to make really good money customizing shoes; just make sure you don’t lose your voice on in the pursuit.
