We recently connected with Niahmu Foggie-Brown and have shared our conversation below.

Niahmu, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

Originally I always had a love for Art, I grew up in a household of crafts and paintings due to both my mother and father being Artist. As I grew I had a desire to doodle and sketch as much as possible from favorite cartoon characters to beloved super heroes. As I transitioned out of high-school I started getting inquiries from friends on my services to sketch for them. From tattoo ideas to personal drawings they can hang on the wall I started seeing a market for my artistic services. Originally I was just using pencil or pens as my primary tool to create, however after a few request from friends I ventured into using more acrylic paints. I dabbled before with stencil painting on my t-shirts with names of basketball teams and skulls, but this was a request to truly create a design. So with guidance from my mother the best art teacher ever, I learned how to apply paint and strokes and build layers to truly complete a nice piece. So my path was becoming clearer, I felt as though I upgraded my services, now I can do larger canvases and blend colors. I did large pieces for Spiderman to Cartoon characters and abstract and more.

But I still felt limited, I thought this can be lucrative but not everyone needs Wall Art. So as I grew my painting skills and color theory I wanted to be able to use my art to create and bring joy. So I had the idea to use my paint skills to deliver great services but was still figuring out what’s next after doing canvases. So I started doing research on what are some fun things to paint. Then by coincidence a family friend messaged me wanting to get custom heels for her wedding. We discussed a concept and design and all that was left was to execute, I learned on YouTube how to prep and apply paint to the material. I learned with Leather that acetone is needed to remove the base coat so that the new paint adhers better and a proper sealing is need to matte or gloss but protect your artwork from scuffing or scratching. Unfortunately the friend went in a different direction because of the theme of the wedding and commissioned me to design chuck sneakers with pearls. But even though I didn’t get to use my concept I am thankful for that moment because It lit a fuse in me and I had an epiphany. Sneakers are very functional and so popular, I am thankful for the generation I grew up in because I had Google and YouTube at my disposal to learn so much. From tricks to trail and error testimonials to learning that Angelus is one of the best paints to use. I submerged myself into the culture of apply not just a new color but actual designs and characters and concepts to shoes.

I do not regret much except wishing I had thought of getting into sneaker customizing sooner. However I believe God makes no mistakes and before I could get into my love of painting sneakers I had to hone my raw talent of art and painting. I belive what I use the most is my vision for art,, I developed a skill to look at a canvas, a shoe, even a vase and see what I wanna apply to it. I rarely close to never use any tablets or computer programs to create mock up, all I need is to see the shoe know what elements the customer wants and may do a little research on Google if it’s an anime character and just look at the shoe. I can see it come together in my head. From how the colors will lay on each panel to how the character will fit on the layout.

The biggest obstacle I faced was myself, I had to learn how to overcome doubts and being very self consouis. I use to get lost in self doubt and wanting to Quit before I even got far because of mistakes and worries of proper execution. Thankfully I found my love of art was what helped me overcome and as long as I knew I can put my all into each project I never felt like a failure.

Niahmu, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a custom paint artist. I use different mediums such as acrylic and spray paint. I primarily custom paint sneakers but have also added “FLAVA” to jackets, pants, boots, hats, vases, sculptures and instruments. I have done many services from adding lettering to abstract designs to comicbook or anime characters. I both hand paint and airbrush but my goal overall is to bring joy and excitement to anyone who needs my services. Wther they needed shoes for their child’s Birthday or just want something new I always love picking the mind of my customer and making their vision come true. I think what sets me apart from others is that my passion allows me to truly think outside the box and dive into their concept. I can easily just make a show a different color but if you tell me your favorite NFL team or your organization I’m going to do much research and find as many elements as I can so that it looks like I took everything that represents them and molded over the shoe. I want each part of the shoe you see represent and make you think of them. I want to continue to build my brand and following because I not only want more customers but to continue to showcase my work. I believe my art is something to see and enjoy so whether I am given an opportunity to deliver on a concept or just get love for my work I love this culture and will always be apart of it, Art is in my blood!

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Creation, to take something from mental to physical. The execution of seeing something in my mind of how I will design or color this and to step back and see it come together is such a joy. I use to struggle as a child with simply drawing the outline of a super hero. But know I have tuned myself to pace and work to truly create something from vision. And to see the excitement on the customer, they felt I read their mind and saw exactly what they wanted, so using my art to give joy is such an honor.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Creating isn’t the same as solving a math equation. While 2+2=4 or solving for “X” is always done the same way, creative think abstractly, I personally work in a certain environment I can have snacks and paint on the same table next to old stencils and function perfectly fine while I’m painting versus some who need to clean or have a structured and organized environment to properly function. I also enjoy being able to think deep and run through different ideas to accomplish something, if I’m low on a supply or needed a different color I can brainstorm on how to accomplish it different. I see colors all around me all day and can think of a concept or idea just by sitting and closing my eyes.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/niahmutherawtalent/?utm_medium=copy_link
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC-Q5EowTeTfOG3EXL9iSK5g