M Melissa Lopez

How to Paint a Custom Denim Jacket: Ariana Grande Petal Tribute with @Sugarcoatart

Aug 4, 2026
Introduction

Introduction

In this Creator Spotlight, we're diving into how Nicole takes a classic black denim jacket and transforms it into a stunning tribute to Ariana Grande’s new album Petal. Huge props to Nicole for turning a simple denim jacket into a total showstopper that any Ari fan would obsess over!

Nicole @Sugarcoatart

Hi I’m Nicole, the artist behind Sugar Coat Art. I’m based in Newcastle upon Tyne in the UK and started painting custom shoes in 2020 whilst I was studying Fine Art at university. Whether it’s peoples’ favourite characters, music artist or even their pets, I love painting wearable pieces that capture someone’s personality. When I’m not painting you’ll find me spending time with my sassy miniature dachshunds Slinky and Mabel, at a concert or just enjoying a walk with a coffee!

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Creator Questions

How did you hear about Angelus?

I came across Angelus whilst researching the best paint for custom shoes back in 2020. After seeing so many artists recommend the brand on social media, I’ve used Angelus ever since.

What do you use our products for?

I mainly use Angelus for my custom shoes and jackets, but I love to paint on any surface so have also used your paints for custom surfboards, beer barrels and more!

What are your top 5 Angelus products?

1. Flat white (I use for every single pair and go through so much!) 2. DTRT yellow (just such a vibrant yellow that I reach for every time) 3. Detail paint brush #10 Shader (gives an airbrush level blend without the airbrush) 4. Turquoise (my favourite colour so always have it in my collection 5. 2-Soft (makes painting and blending on denim a dream!)

If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring artists, what would it be?

Never be scared to share your work! The biggest improvements come from creating consistently, learning through mistakes and putting your work out there. The custom community is so supportive and always ready to cheer you on!

How to Customize a Denim Jacket:
A Step-By-Step Guide

1Prep & Fabric Activation

Before laying down any artwork, wash the denim jacket and let it dry completely. To prepare the paint for denim, mix Angelus Acrylic Leather Paint with Angelus 2 Soft Additive in a 1:1 ratio. (Always test in a discreet area first!)

Step 1
2Transferring the Design

Using a pencil or chalk, sketch out the design directly onto the back of the jacket. Setting up clean guidelines ensures accurate proportions for the painting.

Step 2
3Layering the Base

Apply a light base layer of the 2 Soft and Angelus paint mixture. Work the paint directly into the denim fibers using thin coats to prevent buildup. This creates a smooth foundation for detail work and preserves the fabric's natural look.

Step 3
4Finishing

Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next ensuring vibrant color saturation without bleeding. Let the paint completely dry to bond the paint into the fibers so the design stays flexible, durable, and launderable without cracking or feeling stiff!

Step 4

Unlock More Inspiration

Dive deeper into our Creator Spotlight series and discover new tutorials from top artists in the community. Whether you're looking to master advanced techniques or spark fresh ideas, these step-by-step guides will take your custom game to the next level.

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Tyler Angelos
Featured Author

Tyler Angelos

CEO, Angelus Brand
Tyler Angelos is the CEO of Angelus Brand, Angelus Direct, Lace Lab, and Pecard. A fifth-generation leader of Angelus Brand, carrying a nearly 120-year legacy, he has spent over a decade growing the company into an 8-figure e-commerce operation serving sneaker customizers, artists, leatherworkers, and cobblers worldwide.