Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Malik Levingston. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Malik, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

When I think of meaningful projects that I’ve been lucky enough to do, one of the most important ones that come to mind is Summer of 2020. Where I was commissioned by a friend to customize a Jacket and shoe set for her nephew Levi. It was amazing for me because I soon found out that Levi had autism and I to have an Uncle that has autism so it was close to home. It was amazing talking to her and creating a PawPatrol Autism awareness concept that’s not strictly about the disability but more so about it just being apart of him just like his love of Paw Patrol. That custom was the works I got PawPatrol fabric, sewed it on the jacket and shoes, plus also painting both as well. And in the end everyone loved it.

Malik, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Made By STVR….. that’s ME!. Honestly this company/brand started when I was very young it was prob 2016 2 years after I graduated and I don’t even think I was fully serious. At the time I was going by STVR Customs and mainly was doing stuff on my shoes and if I did do work for someone it was like $30-40. I was inspired by an artist named ChadCantColor and as big as he was (still is) took time to give me advice and love thru the years. Since then I’ve sharpened my skills, cemented my brand as a LLC/TM, shipped all over the world and have done work for everyone from kids, celebrities, influencers, workers etc. Through those years I’ve learned and have implemented many things into my career. Now besides customizing shoes like I started people can commission me for Mural Paintings in homes/stores etc, Body Painting, Cleats, Shirts, Logo/Music Cover art, Canvas Oil Paintings (portraits, body art, flowers etc), Skateboards, Goods (purses, bags, hats, balls, etc).

I think why clients come to me no matter if it’s once and then again years later or if it’s every other month is because of my work, creativity, professionalism. I have a very good word of mouth because I can do most things and if I can’t do something I don’t take the job until I learn it properly because for me it’s not about the money it’s the reputation. And I think that sets me apart from a lot of people these days and in my city because I don’t do trends just to get some eyes on me I tell all my clients that I can make you something that only you will have and everyone will want. That kinda of attitude and trust has opened many doors for me and got the best reactions and connections with clients.

So at the end of the day I make sure that if it’s not something that I am proud of and would wear myself then I didn’t do my job. And I think all my clients even if you’ve been watching me for a while they know the effort that’s put in to everything, the passion and respect, you know if you’re paying for ANY service from me that I’m putting all the effort/respect/creativity I have into the job. That’s why I’ve been able to grow and evolve my skills with painting, creating, styling etc over the years and I plan to continue to grow and make people happy.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Goals……Definitely two specific goals. Being me a “creative” is why I call myself that and not just an artist because I never want to seem like I’m limiting myself or my creativity. I’ve always had two main goals Retiring my Mom so she can live in a ranch house I paid for and having the funds to set my future children in life. That kinda like three goals but I consider the first one with my mom all in one and she and my nana our my biggest supporters so even when I’ve been down wanting to quit they motivated me more and more.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

My rise through social media was fast but quickly ended. See I started with instagram and later TikTok, and in the beginning my instagram was growing rapidly so I was addicted to keeping that engagement and soon was hacked and had to start completely over (same thing happened to my TikTok later on as well). Starting over though taught me a big lesson that I tell people now looking to grown on socials which is DONT focus on the likes, views, criticisms trust your gut, if you focus on trends and trying to please everyone you’ll lose all the joy of what you do and a career you want will soon feel like taxing work. I also tell people to be consistent people love consistency especially if you’re a creative person posting things like pictures/videos/ etc have your days have a comfortable schedule. And set a time for when you can be on for business, scrolling through socials all day but not posting anything because you think someone won’t like it only hurts yourself. A lot of ideas I’ve wanted to do and finally did got so much support that I started trusting my gut and skill and diving head first into the process. At the end of the day you can be inspired by others but remember nothing that’s a copy last as long as the original.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Madebystvr.com
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/madebystvr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Madebystvr?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Twitter: https://x.com/madebyStvr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@madebystvr?si=jLqooHrpQiDVe17i
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@madebystvr0?_t=8nvOzm9Kpfr&_r=1

Image Credits

Body Paint Model: Khaila (IG: _Khai.laaa_)