Hand Painted Shoes

By Carmen Harris Posted: August 13th, 2010



He starts with a new, clean shoe and strips off the silicone finish with acetone. Then he takes out his pencil to sketch the portrait or piece of art on the shoe. Once drawn, he paints with water-based acrylics. Each shoe takes several coats to ensure durability.

Coates only starts projects when he gets an order and he says his clients range from the average fan who loves Kobe Bryant to pro football players, hockey players and boxers.

"A lot of people can't get deals with Nike to get their face on shoes," Coates says. "So they come to me and I put their face on shoes."

These sneakers are not just for show. They're fully functional. For him, when it comes to accessories, the sky's the limit.

"I can use diamonds. I can use lights. I can do custom fabrics." Coates says.

Coates can turn a shoe into a portrait in a day. He says some shoes may take closer to a week. Depending on the complexity, Coates works of art range from $150 to several thousands of dollars. He says the uniqueness of each shoe makes them so coveted.

"It's a self-esteem thing, like peacock feathers," he says. "I got these shoes, you can't get 'em. They're one of a kind."

To check out Coates talents, visit swagcustoms.webs.com.
 


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