Adam Claridge started out customizing Timberlands and Adidas Stan Smiths with marker pens. He then decided to master his creativity and artistic skills by studying Art and Graphic Design at college and university.
Age 26, with a degree, and much experience behind him Adam has established himself as an artist for just under a year now, painting trainers and portraits on canvas, but has gradually moved back into customizing sneakers over the past few months. We get to know more about Adam’s inspirations, achievements and artistic style.
Where does your inspiration come from?
“I’m constantly out looking for inspiration. I make sure I take a day off work every week to get outside and soak up some culture. I’m lucky enough to live in London – It’s such a vibrant city and a perfect place to get inspired. We also live in an Internet age. So for me looking through blogs can be just as beneficial.”
What would you say is your biggest achievements thus far?
“I was recently asked by Vogue to customize a high heel for them. It was something completely different for me, but was an amazing experience. It will be featured in their October Issue wish I’m super excited about!”
What is the next step for you and what is your ultimate goal?
“ I’m working on something very exciting at the moment – can’t elaborate on it too much but lets just say customizing trainers is just the beginning. But a collaboration with a designer would also be amazing!”
What makes you stand out from the other competition out there?
“I would say my level of detail and originality. Customizing trainers isn’t something new; it’s been around for years. However it’s becoming very stale. Everyone’s block colouring their shoes! – There’s nothing original about painting a black trainer red.”
How would you describe your artistic style?
“I love using bright colours in all my designs! Especially for the summer months. My artistic style is all about detail. I reckon I may have OCD – I can’t rush anything I do and It literally has to be perfect or I’ll start again.”
Keep up with Adam and his latest work on Twitter and check out his website
Words: Chenade James
