Creating Custom GFuel Sneakers and Riff Raff’s Jody Husky Tribute on Jordan 1s
When GFuel reached out to collaborate on a custom sneaker, it marked a major milestone for me—it was my very first brand partnership! As a sneaker customizer, having a brand as well known as GFuel trust my artistry was both exciting and humbling. Their request was clear: create a sneaker inspired by their new flavor, Galaxy Grape, by capturing the colorful intergalactic essence of the tub’s design.
Bringing Galaxy Grape to Life on Sneakers
As you could imagine by the name, the Galaxy Grape flavor had a bold design. My challenge was to translate the graphics of the flavor’s container—filled with clusters of grapes, pops of neon, and of course, a rocket ship—onto a pair of sneakers. The goal wasn’t just to replicate the design but to make it flow seamlessly across the sneakers, turning them into a wearable extension of the product.
I began by closely studying the Galaxy Grape packaging. The rich colors and playful imagery was apparent, and I knew they would create for an eye-catching sneaker that would be really fun to paint. My process back then wasn’t as in depth as it is now, honestly. I didn’t have an iPad to digitally design my custom sneakers, so I relied on traditional pen and paper where I sketched out the basic shapes of where I wanted everything to go. The focus was on balance—ensuring every angle of the shoe captured the energy of the packaging.
Once the design was finalized, the painting began. Each layer was carefully applied, starting with airbrushing the background gradient pink and purple, and moving into the most important elements, the GFuel logo and rocketship. The details included tiny stars, floating grapes, planets and asteroids, and even an alien in a little spaceship!
To share the journey with both GFuel’s and my own audience, I filmed the customization process in an easy to digest way, with simple transitions and short clips. The behind-the-scenes video gave a glimpse into the effort that went into the project, from initial blank shoe to the final artwork.
A Tribute to Riff Raff’s Jody Husky
The success of the Galaxy Grape sneakers opened the door for a second project with GFuel, one that was deeply personal and meaningful. This time, GFuel commissioned me to create a custom pair of Jordan 1s for their partner, Riff Raff. The sneakers were designed to memorialize his late dog, Jody Husky, a beloved companion whose memory continues to inspire him.
This project required a different approach—one that focused on emotion and storytelling. The design incorporated elements that celebrated Jody Husky’s life and personality, with subtle nods to his unique bond with Riff Raff, like the logo on the heels. I wanted to create something that was heartfelt but also fitting to Riff Raff’s personality.
The shoes featured custom painted artwork that included a detailed portrait of Jody Husky on the sides, along with playful elements like colorful lasers shooting across the sneakers. Each brushstroke was intentional, ensuring the final design not only honored Jody but also resonated with Riff Raff on a personal level.
The Impact of the Collaboration
Working with GFuel on these projects was not only a career milestone but also a rewarding creative experience that allowed me to grow as an artist. From the energetic Galaxy Grape sneakers to the special tribute for Riff Raff, each project showcased the versatility and emotional depth that custom sneaker art can achieve. Every project is an opportunity to create something meaningful and unlike any other sneaker out there, and working with GFuel was just the very beginning for me.