Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Armone Tyson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Armone, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?
It all began in 2015, when I first became intrigued by the art of hydro dipping sneakers. At the time, I didn’t fully understand the niche or where it could take me—I just knew I was eager to be a part of the Custom Sneakers community. My brother, Kendal Dean (aka Heat McGee), was already immersed in the world of customization and gave me one piece of advice that stuck: “Always sell a wearable product.” In other words, if you’re going to create custom sneakers for others, they should be durable enough to be worn—no cracking, chipping, or peeling.
By 2017, I had mastered the hydro dipping process and began sharing my work in an online group called Nothing But Customs. That experience not only sharpened my skills, but also opened the door to other art forms. Around that time, I made the life-changing decision to leave my job at PNC Bank after 3.5 years and pursue art more seriously.
As my work gained traction, I began catching the attention of well-known artists within the community—especially for my ability to hydro dip wearable sneakers, something many believed couldn’t be done. That controversy only fueled me further. I eventually disproved the misconception, showing through technique and trial that it was possible—just not easy. I shared this process on YouTube in 2018, and before long, it became widely recognized that I was one of the few artists who could create hydro dipped sneakers that were fully wearable.
That July, I took a leap of faith and committed to being a full-time artist. The decision didn’t go unnoticed. Soon after, I began receiving opportunities to work out of state, including a major project with Under Armour. I got a call on a Thursday asking me to be in Maryland by Monday to customize 30 to 40 pairs of shoes in under a week. Thanks to my sister’s support, I made it from Kalamazoo to Maryland and completed the project in just three days—an experience that confirmed I was walking in purpose.
That moment in late 2018 was pivotal. Though I briefly returned to PNC in early 2019, I was soon called back to work with the same team for the NFL season under Under Armour. From that point forward, the dream of becoming a full-time artist and building a team became more than just a goal—it became a mission.
The freedom to create, travel, and build meaningful relationships through art has always been at the heart of this journey. What began with curiosity has evolved into a calling—one that continues to shape everything I do today
Armone, 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?
My name is Armone L. Tyson, though many know me as Armone Lavan, or by my creative identity, Art Is TЯA. I’m a Michigan-based artist with over a decade of experience in creative design—more than 10 years and 10,000+ hours of hands-on creation, growth, and exploration. Throughout my journey, I’ve had the privilege of working with major brands like Under Armour, Peloton, and Foot Locker, and creating custom pieces for elite athletes and icons such as Tom Brady, Ben Wallace, Adam Vinatieri, and Cam Newton. These milestones have been humbling and affirming, marking my evolution as an artist.
The Journey: From Tech to Art
Interestingly, my path into the arts didn’t start with a brush or canvas—it started with technology. I began by customizing and repairing iPhones, not realizing those early experiments would lead me to my true purpose. My creativity first took shape through hydro dipping, starting with iPhone 6 and 6S models before expanding into sneakers—an unconventional transition the would be the catalysis my full artistic potential.
Today, my work spans hydro dipping, canvas art, sneaker and cleat customization, backpacks, and functional design. I also co-founded @Built2Hustle, a custom weight belt company, allowing me to understand expound upon my creativity into new mediums while also teaching and traveling as an art instructor.
“LOVE WHAT YOU CREATE”
As my skills evolved, painting became my passion, and creating became my identity. Along the way, I embraced a personal mantra: “LOVE WHAT YOU CREATE.” It’s more than just words—it’s a lifestyle. I encourage artists and creators to trust their voice, take pride in their originality, and create fearlessly. That belief fuels everything I do, from my art to the way I inspire others; too my everyday life.
One of the things that sets me apart is my commitment to craftsmanship. At a time when many artists couldn’t prove their custom pieces could withstand everyday wear, I made sure mine did. Facebook Live became my tool to show my work in real-time—wearing it, stress-testing it, and standing behind its quality.
The Creative Process , another unique aspect of my work is that I don’t offer mock-ups. Instead, I ask my clients for their inspirations, ideas, and creative direction—then I bring their vision to life. Many come to appreciate this freedom, as it allows me to create art that’s deeply intuitive, original, and personal. Learning his clients and the context of what they’er requesting is one of most enjoyable parts of his process.
Beyond Art: Teaching & Giving Back
My brand isn’t just about art—it’s a movement built on freedom, teamwork, exploration, and breaking creative boundaries. These values are central to my work and my role as a high school art teacher. I see my students as Karate Kids, and myself as a modern-day Mr. Miyagi Art Teacher—not just teaching technique but instilling confidence, discipline, and vision. I remind them: “You have the power to surpass even me.”
Art, to me, is more than a profession—it’s a vessel for service. It has blessed me in unimaginable ways, and I’m dedicated to using my gift to give back. Through initiatives like “Tyson Tickets” at MHHSA and “Game of Perseverance” at MHS, I aim to uplift and empower the next generation. For me, it’s not just about showing them what’s possible—it’s about showing them that they are possible.
Let’s Create Something Unforgettable
If you’re looking for art that pushes boundaries, tells a story, and blends craftsmanship with innovation, let’s collaborate. Follow my journey www.knowcreation.org and @ArmoneLavan reach out to create the things never seen.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
One of the most rewarding parts of being an artist isn’t just in what I create, it’s in what I continue to learn. No matter how many concepts I’ve brought to life, how many pieces I’ve crafted, how many mediums I’ve explored, or how many skills I’ve mastered, there’s always someone—somewhere—with a vision or idea that can take it even further. That truth keeps me grounded.
What brings me the greatest fulfillment is not the illusion of having arrived, but the understanding that I’m still evolving. I’ve never wanted to be the kind of artist who believes they’ve learned everything—who becomes closed off to growth or disconnected from the voices of others. Instead, I’ve found purpose in staying open—open to being taught, challenged, sharpened, and inspired by other creatives, no matter where I am in my journey.
There’s something deeply powerful in knowing that I can still receive wisdom, perspective, and insight from those around me and equally powerful in knowing that others trust me enough to want my help in return. That exchange, that mutual creative respect, is what continues to fuel me as an artist and as a human being.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
The story of how I built my audience through social media began with a simple strategy. My brother’s friend, Kendal—aka Heat McGee, introduced me to using Facebook Marketplace and local selling groups to promote my custom sneakers. This idea evolved when I started using Facebook Live, a fresh tool at the time, to stream myself painting shoes in real time and sharing those streams across sneaker and buy/sell/trade groups.
The key was authenticity—my live sessions weren’t commercialized or overly polished; they were about creating a genuine connection with my audience. Over time, I expanded into art groups, shifting my identity from sneaker customizer to full-fledged artist, which led to events, shows, and collaborations. At my peak, I hit 40K, 50K, even 70K views on a single livestream, all without paid ads.
I learned that you don’t need a budget to build a tribe—you need purpose, consistency, and authenticity. This approach laid the foundation for my brand and built lasting connections with my community.
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