Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin Mckinney Jr
Kevin, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Growing up, I’ve always been artistic. Another thing I’ve always loved is sneakers. When I was 14 tears old I seen someone painting some Jordan’s on YouTube, so I thought to try it myself. Of course, at first it was terrible and I messed up most of the shoes I had, but I quickly fell in love with it. I then began to spend long hours painting sneakers, sometimes 10 and 12 hours at a time. When I was 18 years old I was doing a pair of custom sneakers for a family friend and upon completion, she gave me money for them. I had never really thought about selling my work before then, mostly because I love it so much, I’d do it for free all day long. Shortly after that, I started doing custom work for others as well and selling my art work. About a year later when I turned 19 years old, my passion continued and I wanted to share it with others; especially given the fact that I knew nothing about this art style until I was 14. So I started teaching free art classes at local community centers all around Fort Worth. The main focus was custom sneakers, but we also did other things too, like small competitions, and color theory and things like that. Fast forward to today and my passion for art work and changing my community remains! My time usually consists of creating custom sneakers for individuals, as well as certain companies. I also do alot of work for TCU and the their football program. But I must say, I get the most fulfilment out of teaching the kids of our community how to express themselves through art and fashion. Our community is our backbone, so I believe it’s important to give back!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road has been both smooth and bumpy. Smooth because ever since I was 14 years old, I’ve had the support of my parents to do what I love and pursue my dreams of being and sneaker artist. Bumpy because initially I didn’t really know too many people, so finding my way in the community was tough at first. It was also tough breaking into the ‘art space’ given I don’t have the most traditional canvas. Overall, things have been great though, I’ve been able to overcome and do what I love as well as make an impact in my community.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
What I do is I make custom sneakers. I hand paint all kinds of different footwear, from sneakers to cleats to high heels and many others. I’d say the art style I enjoy the most is probably abstract, so I tend to do alot of it. Abstract art is probably most known for as for as art style, but my canvas is typically the eye catcher (sneakers). I’m most proud of the work I’ve been able to do in my community. From teaching sneaker art class at local community centers to giving away sneakers to local children hospitals, that’s what I’m most proud of by far. Though I don’t make money doing it, there’s just something about helping others in those ways that I very much enjoy.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
There are a few things I wish I knew when I first started. As far as selling artwork is concerned; they can’t buy from someone they don’t know exist. In other words, if you don’t put yourself out there, then you’ll never be able to sell your work. As far as painting is concerned; try new things. I thinks it’s important to diversify your art styles and try new things, even if you don’t end up sticking with it. That’s one thing I wish I would have done sooner. I helps you build your skills as well as find what you’re good at.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?igsh=11nhoada9t8rw&utm_content=4a0sipo
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@iceyboykev3132?si=-1RcbBy5Ds6m_Vp2
