Once seen as a niche hobby, custom sneaker design has evolved into a global movement – where creativity, identity, and street culture collide. What started with paint, brushes, and a dream has become a billion-dollar creative economy powered by artists who view sneakers not just as footwear, but as storytelling tools.
From local creators hand-painting Air Force 1s to global artists collaborating with major brands, sneaker customization represents a new wave of artistic expression. It’s about more than fashion – it’s about voice. Every stroke, stitch, and detail tells a story of individuality, community, and pride.
Competitions like Art of the Game, powered by Rakuten x CANVVS, are amplifying the next generation of creators who are redefining what sneaker art can be. By merging basketball, art, and culture, this platform gives artists a stage to be seen, celebrated, and rewarded globally.
This is a movement built on passion and purpose – a celebration of creativity without limits, where art meets athleticism and innovation meets identity.
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Four-time NBA Champion, Two-time NBA MVP
Stephen Curry is an American professional basketball player widely regarded as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history. Playing as a point guard for the Golden State Warriors, Curry revolutionized the game with his deep three-point shooting, quick release, and ability to stretch defenses far beyond the arc.
A two-time NBA Most Valuable Player (2015, 2016) – including the league’s first-ever unanimous MVP – Curry has led the Warriors to four NBA championships (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022). He is a 10-time NBA All-Star and the league’s all-time leader in career three-pointers made.
Off the court, Curry is a philanthropist, entrepreneur, and cultural icon. Through his Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation, co-founded with his wife Ayesha, he supports education, nutrition, and physical activity for underserved children. He has also become a prominent figure in sports media, business ventures, and charitable initiatives, embodying leadership, humility, and innovation.
Custom Sneaker Artist and Designer
Daniel Gamache better known as “Mache” has become seen as pioneer in the custom sneaker world. With over 20 years of experience Mache has amassed a client list and a reputation that has become the prime example of what can be done through custom sneakers. Mache has worked with major brands such as Coca Cola, Pepsi, Nike, adidas, WWE, NFL, MLB, NBA, new balance, and under armour to name a few. In 2020 Mache launched his own independent “Mache” sneaker brand where he has 4 original sneaker silhouettes including a model made for golf. Mache has been showing us for awhile now what is possible through sneakers.
Sneaker Designer & TV Host of Fresh Pair
Katty Customs is a renowned celebrity shoe customizer and innovator who has taken the world of custom sneakers by storm. She is based in Torrance, California, where she runs her flagship store that offers custom shoe designs for clients. Katty is widely recognized for her unique and artistic approach to customizing shoes that have attracted a wide range of clients, including celebrities. Katty is not only a talented customizer but also an innovator who has partnered with a paint company to develop her exclusive paint line. Her paint line offers a wide range of colors and shades that enable her to create unique and personalized designs for her clients. In addition to her custom shoe designs, Katty is also the co-host of the popular show Fresh Pair, alongside Grammy award-winning Just Blaze. The show features the career life stories of celebrities that are told through a pair of custom sneakers. Fresh Pair has gained a massive following, with the first season featuring a wide range of celebrity guests. Katty’s work has not gone unnoticed as she has partnered with mega companies and brands such as Microsoft Surface, Dunkaroos, Puma, Adidas, JD Sports/Finish Line, Overtime Paint Wars, MTV Wild n Out Sneaker Wars, and many more. Her custom designs have been featured globally, cementing her position as one of the leading celebrity shoe customizers in the world.
Overall, Katty Customs is a force to be reckoned with in the world of custom sneakers, and her unique approach to design and customization has set her apart from her peers. With her flagship store and her exclusive paint line, Katty continues to take the custom shoe industry by storm, and her work is in high demand globally.
Multi-Platinum Hip Hop Artist - Black Eyed Peas
Jaime Luis Gomez, better known by his stage name Taboo, is a Mexican-American and Native American rapper, singer, songwriter, actor and DJ, best known as a member of the hip hop group The Black Eyed Peas. In addition to being a multi-platinum American hip hop artist as well as a devoted husband and loving father to three sons and a daughter.