“In 2nd grade I won an art contest, it was a chalk drawing featured @ University of North Texas. I remember the event vividly & I’ve been hooked on art ever since”.
The legendary Kickasso invited us into his shop for a interview & tour of the place, we talked everything art from sneaker collections to cartoon shows from the early 90s. He started off doing canvas work of shoes, before actually customizing shoes. 2011 was the year he started painting on shoes. Growing up he didn’t have the opportunity to have “cool” sneakers so he didn’t pay them much attention... until ‘95 when Jason Kidd rocked the “air zoom flights” the appreciation for sneaker culture began. Even though customizing sneakers is what he’s most known for; Kickasso doesn’t have a particular style as he navigates in realism, abstract , graffiti etc.
First shoes ever painted was a pair of Oreo 6 Air Jordans.
Lebron 9’s were the first shoe that established his imprint in customizing sneakers. Kickasso would eventually create his own silhouette, releasing a high & low top version (pictured above). Today you can find him at his storefront located in DTLA or on FuseTV Tuesday’s @ 11pm est. Please enjoy our gallery from the interview below!
INTERVIEW
Question 1: what inspired you ?
I’m inspired by everything.. colors, animals, people etc
Question 2: what advice do you have for the youth aspiring to be artist?
Practice practice practice ! It takes many hours don’t give up.
