From Super Mario to wedding designs, Skinz Time turns ordinary sneakers into one-of-a-kind works of art
Visconti says he has been drawing since childhood but started experimenting with sneaker painting while finishing college about 12 or 13 years ago.
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Ordinary sneakers are becoming one-of-a-kind works of art in the hands of custom designer John Visconti.
Visconti estimates he has customized between 1,500 and 2,000 pairs through his Skinz Time brand, creating everything from cartoons and anime to flowers and wedding designs.
"Random cartoons. Anime. People ask me to paint flowers. I've done wedding designs," Visconti said.
Visconti says he has been drawing since childhood but started experimenting with sneaker painting while finishing college about 12 or 13 years ago.
"I saw some people painting sneakers online," Visconti said. "I thought that was really cool and decided to try for myself."
Each project starts with an idea from a customer. Visconti creates a mockup before preparing the shoe and using specialized leather paint designed to resist water and cracking.
Over the years, he says he has increasingly turned to airbrushing, which allows him to complete detailed designs more quickly than painting entirely by hand.
The growing brand has led to partnerships with major companies and organizations, including the New Jersey Devils.
Visconti says his work has even traveled overseas. "I've sent a few to Australia," he said.
But for Visconti, customizing sneakers remains a way to unwind and create something personal for someone else.
"It's just a relaxing activity," Visconti said. "It's always nice to see how excited whoever's receiving the pair gets."
