5 Real Tips to Start Earning From Your Custom Sneakers & Creative Work
So you've been painting sneakers, customizing gear, or creating leather art just for fun, but lately you've been wondering...
“Can I actually make money doing this?”
Spoiler alert: Yes. And you're not alone.
Thousands of artists, sneaker customizers, and DIY creatives have turned their passion projects into full-blown side hustles (and in some cases, full-time businesses). The best part? You don’t need a huge following or a fancy setup—just the right mindset, tools, and a bit of strategy.
In this post, we’ll walk you through 5 actionable steps to start turning your creative hobby into a profitable side hustle.
💡 1. Start With What You Love (and Know)
The easiest way to start strong? Focus on what you already enjoy doing. If you’re passionate about custom sneakers, lean into that. Prefer painting on leather wallets, jackets, or bags? There’s a niche for that, too.
By starting with a medium and style you’re excited about, you’ll stay consistent and motivated—key ingredients for long-term success.
🖼️ 2. Build a Strong Portfolio
You don’t need a huge audience to build credibility—you just need consistency. Create a visual portfolio using platforms like:
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Instagram & TikTok – Post customs, process videos, before/afters
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Pinterest – Great for building traffic over time
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A personal website – Use Shopify or Squarespace to showcase your work & accept commissions
Pro Tip: High-quality photos matter. Use natural light and show different angles to make your work stand out.
💰 3. Price Your Work With Confidence
One of the biggest beginner mistakes is underpricing. Remember: your time, skill, materials, and creativity all have value.
Here’s a simple way to start pricing:
(Materials + Time x Hourly Rate) + Value Add = Final Price
Research what similar artists are charging, and don’t forget to factor in things like customization level, design complexity, and turnaround time.
📝 4. Set Up Commissions the Right Way
If you’re offering custom work, you need to protect your time and energy. That means having a simple system in place:
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Collect a 50% deposit up front
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Have a clear timeline and terms (turnaround, revisions, etc.)
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Communicate professionally—but keep your voice authentic
This ensures everyone’s on the same page and your side hustle stays sustainable.
🧰 5. Invest in Pro-Quality Tools (It Shows)
The difference between amateur and professional often comes down to the tools you’re using.
✔️ Angelus Leather Paints are the industry standard for long-lasting, vibrant customs.
✔️ Angelus Brushes are designed for clean lines and smooth application—no streaks, no shedding.
✔️ Prep and Finish products ensure your work looks good and lasts.
When you use high-quality materials, you’ll spend less time fixing mistakes and more time making art that gets noticed.
🛍️ Tools to Start Your Custom Side Hustle Right:
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🖌️ Angelus Brush Set – Pro-level results from your first stroke.
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🎨 Leather Paint Starter Kit – Everything you need to begin!
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📦 Self-Healing Cutting Mat – Set up your workspace with our versatile cutting mat, which protects your desktop from scratches and paint spills.
🚀 Bonus Tip: Start Small, Scale Smart
You don’t need a full store or 50 commission slots open at once. Take on a few clients, learn as you go, and scale gradually. Track what’s working, and focus on quality over quantity.
Final Thoughts: Your Customs Deserve a Bigger Stage
Turning your art into income doesn’t mean selling out—it means investing in yourself and your craft. Whether you’re doing it to pay for more supplies, save for something big, or eventually go full-time, your side hustle starts with one decision: to go for it.
You’ve already got the creativity. Let Angelus help with the rest.