Introduction
In this Creator Spotlight, watch as an artist transforms a classic pair of white Air Force 1s into a fun eye catching Cookie Monster inspired design. Using Angelus Paint, they bring the iconic blue character to life with bold colors and playful details, turning an everyday sneaker into a one of a kind custom.
Diana Ponza @Dpcustomsmx
I’m a Mexican artist and creative who has always been passionate about making things and bringing ideas to life. My journey into the art world began in 2017, when a school project unexpectedly turned into what would eventually become my career and way of life. Since then, creating has remained one of the biggest parts of who I am. Outside of my work, photography is my biggest hobby, and I also find a lot of inspiration in nature. I simply love creating, exploring new ideas, and finding beauty in the world around me.
InstagramCreator Questions
How did you hear about Angelus?
I started out painting canvas sneakers, and when I decided to experiment with other materials, I began researching which products would work best. That’s when I discovered Angelus online and learned that it was one of the most recommended brands for customizing sneakers. I decided to give it a try, and it has been part of my journey ever since.
What do you use our products for?
We mainly use Angelus products to customize sneakers, but we’ve also used them to paint jackets, bags, phone cases, canvases, baseball bats, and even helmets. Basically, whenever we have a new surface or creative idea to experiment with, Angelus is one of our go-to choices.
What are your top 5 Angelus products?
My top five Angelus products are definitely all paints, additives 2-Thin, 2-Soft, Spot Remover, and glitterlites.
If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring artists, what would it be?
Start even if you don’t feel ready. You’ll figure out along the way, but the most valuable lessons come from practice, making mistakes, and learning from them. You don’t need to have everything figured out before you begin—you just need to start.
How to Paint on AF1:
A Step-By-Step Guide
1Prep for Shoe
Clean: Scrub the shoes with a leather cleaner and a microfiber towel to remove surface dirt.
Deglaze: Apply Angelus Leather Preparer & Deglazer to a cotton pad or microfiber towel. Firmly wipe down all smooth leather areas you intend to paint until the factory gloss/sealant is removed and the leather feels slightly tacky.
2Set Up Base Coat
Blue Base Coat: Apply 2–3 paper-thin coats of Angelus Blue Paint (or a custom Cookie Monster blue shade) over the target panels.
Drying: Allow each thin layer to dry completely (about 10–15 minutes) before applying the next coat. Do not apply thick layers
3Paint Cookie Monster & Details
Face & Eyes: Use Angelus Flat White to paint two large, overlapping circles for his signature googly eyes, then add Angelus Black for his off-center, misaligned pupils.
4Seal & Finish
Apply Finisher: Apply 2–3 thin coats of Angelus 4-Coat Finish (Matte or Satin works best for a classic leather look).
Cure Time: Let the shoes cure completely for 24 to 48 hours before wearing them, and avoid exposing them to water during the first 48 hours.
Unlock More Inspiration
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