I introduce you guys to the master of custom shoes, SoleJunkie is one of the best artists out there. With a great portfolio under his belt full of shoes with sick graphics and crazy designs. On special interview he tell us all from the beginning, check it out.

for more visit http://www.solejunkie.com/blog

For those who not know you yet, who is behind Sole Junkie?

My real name is: Steven Cedre Jr.
I am orig from the East Coast...I claim NY as home.
I now live in Calif.
I have a degree in Fine Arts (painting and drawing)
I am Puerto Rican.
A father and a husband...

How did you start painting shoes?

Started painting shoes about 4 yrs ago when my son fell on my head and almost paralyzed me.I couldn't lift my head off my chest and so i couldn't work. Lost my job, apartment, couldn't pay bills or doctors.

What did it take you from being home injured to actually start to make money and being recognized as a shoe design artist?

I did my first pair and my brothers who gave me the idea said: "put it on myspace!"
It took a few weeks to a month, but I had to learn to promote myself. I'm not a marketing major! lol So that's another thing you have to learn.
Made like a $100 bucks on my first pair

How do you see the market and how do you see painting shoes today compared to when you started painting?

The market is always a challenge. It kinda sucks lol People aren't ready to spend a lot on shoes, so it is very hard as an artist to sustain an income off commissions, most artists have side jobs that they do. Back before this recession I did fairly well. Now I see that investing on fashion has not been a priority. Even so-called celebs are reluctant.
I actually appreciate my non celebrity clientele. The people who don't make a millions bucks a day! lol

How was it for you to do work for celebs?

Its always fun to do work for them. The only thing is that you don't get as much exposure as you would like. They don't exactly advertise for you. And if you where to meet them at a show or something the last question on someones mind is where did you get those shoes! lol So its bitter sweet. Yes you get to put them on your "RESUME" but us artists need a bit more. Everyone starts at the bottom!

Can you mention which celebs did u work with?

Collectors/ Commisions of Footwear:

Ms. Yancey, mother of Jay Dilla aka Jay Dee
Bobbito Garcia
Tony Touch
Bizarre of D12
Con Artist of D12
Julio Voltio
MC Serch
Juggaknots
Skillz of Play n Skillz
Talib Kweli
DJ Tito of Wu Latino
La Bruja
Love Bug Starski
Todd Bertuzzi (Anaheim Ducks)
Stephon Hayer #74 Wash Redskins
Gil Green (Video Producer)

Tell us about your project sole junk the book?

Its a compilation of my work and a bit on my background and influences. How I got started and what led me to paint. Its mostly a picture book. I feel my art should speak for itself. Great photography and lighting.

Its on my website:
http://www.solejunkie.com/store
http://www.Amazon.com
and we will be getting it into stores soon!

What you have to say to artitst who want to start painting shoes?

Start painting! Take your time, master your craft and learn the business side of customs. Its competitive like everything else. Quality will bring you customers Style will set you apart. But I welcome everyone to it. Just remember if it looks super easy...chances are its not! lol