We were lucky to catch up with Maddie Cook recently and have shared our conversation below.
Maddie, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
As an artist, I keep my creativity alive by making time for personal hobbies and creative projects that are different from my main focus, which is painting sneakers.
I’ve explored all kinds of mediums, from making polymer clay keychains (which became a small side business for a while) to painting pottery, building models like gunpla, sewing plushies and more. These creative breaks give me time to recharge and reset, but they also push me to grow as an artist. Trying something new helps me strengthen my artistry, and the ideas I learn from one medium help to inspire my work in another.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Hi! I’m Maddie and I am a sneaker artist who specializes in hand painted 1 of 1 designs. I created my business, Maddie Customs, in 2020 while I was still in university studying for my BFA in Visual Studies at the University of Calgary. I have since graduated and have been painting sneakers full time since 2023.
Each pair of sneakers I paint is completely unique and personalized to reflect my client’s interests. One of my favourite parts of what I do is learning about what inspires people; their passions, ideas, and stories. Every commission gives me the opportunity to learn something new, and I often do research to better understand the subject before bringing the design to life. It’s a creative collaboration that not only helps me grow as an artist but also makes each piece that much more meaningful.
Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work with big brands such as Jack Daniels and Coca Cola, Cross Iron Mills mall, Canadian tech companies as well as local sports teams, like the Calgary Surge and the Calgary Wild.
My goal is to create more than just cool sneakers, I aim to paint wearable art that tells a story. Whether it’s a bold statement piece or something deeply personal, I love turning ideas into something tangible, unique, and lasting. I’m always excited to take on new projects and collaborate with people who are as passionate about self-expression as I am.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Three key areas of knowledge that have had the greatest impact on my artistic journey are time management, attention to detail, and content creation.
As a business owner, strong time management has been essential, and not just for handling commissions and client communication, but also for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. When you’re running a business on your own, you’re responsible for every task, so staying organized and building a consistent routine has helped me stay grounded and productive in both my professional and personal life.
Working with sneakers as a 3D canvas has taught me a lot about patience and precision. Painting over curved surfaces, seams, and textured materials takes practice. Over time, I’ve learned how to refine my techniques so that the design looks aligned and seamless when viewed straight on. That level of detail doesn’t come overnight, it comes from trial, error, and a willingness to grow.
Content creation has probably been my biggest challenge. Balancing daily tasks with consistently posting photos, reels, and stories can feel overwhelming at times. But staying in a routine has helped me stay on track. When I manage my time well, everything else, including social media, falls more easily into place.
If you’re just starting your business or thinking about it, building a steady routine and giving yourself space to learn will take you a long way. Patience, practice, and persistence are key.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
My biggest area of improvement has definitely been time management. In the early stages of my business, I often found myself overwhelmed with juggling commissions, staying active on social media, and trying to maintain a personal life all at once. Over time, I’ve developed a more structured routine that allows me to stay consistent with my work without burning out.
Finding that balance has made a huge difference. I now dedicate specific blocks of time to different tasks, whether it’s painting, packaging orders, editing content, or simply taking time for myself. As a creative and a business owner, learning to manage my time well has allowed me to enjoy the work I do more fully. It’s an ongoing process, but one that continues to shape me into a better artist and entrepreneur.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.maddiecustoms.com
- Instagram: maddiecustoms
Image Credits
Albert Myles Mejia (photo of me with the mascot holding the surge sneakers)
Kanica Paul (close up photo of me painting the Coca Cola sneakers)
Brendan Klem (photo of the person wearing the colourful doodle sneakers)
All other photos were taken by myself.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
