by Johnny Skinz
While contemplating my 2025 New Years resolutions, I jotted down that I wanted to start blogging this year. Typically, I give up on my resolutions days into the new year, but with social media being a circus (not the fun kind), the ever-shifting algorithms, and the lower engagement rates, I decided that I would stick this one out.
While thinking of ideas, I kept coming back to two large hurdles; what would I write about and who would read it?
I don't have a great answer for the first question just yet, so I decided to start with an About Me. As for the second question, I guess we'll wait and see!

The Beginning
While in my final semester of college, I took an Intro to Art class, a requirement I skipped over in my freshman year. That course, as well as the cartoon, 'Adventure Time', reignited my passion for drawing, something I couldn't find time for during my college years. While searching for inspiration of things to sketch, I came across someone customizing sneakers and thought to myself, "I can do that!". I convinced a fraternity brother to let me make custom Vans for him and then quickly created a pair for myself. While word traveled around my friend group, I teamed up with a co-worker and launched John Jon's Customs, a sneaker customizing business, in 2012. We quickly started to gain followers on social media, mostly due to Jon's creations, and began setting up tables at local comic conventions to get our name out there. After a few years of creating together, we split up to focus on our individual interests, but I eventually dove back into sneakers full time in 2017.
The Middle
The next few years were honestly a blur!
There was a short period of time where I went viral for creating a pair of Sunflower Vans which lead to hundreds of orders and being featured on websites like Buzzfeed.
I created a Custom Vans fan page on Instagram - Classic Waffles - which showcased tons of talented artists from around the world and cemented some lasting friendships in the customizing community.
There were my first celebrity and athlete pairs; two pairs of custom Vans to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of Law & Order: SVU for Ryan Buggle (Noah Benson) & Mariska Hargitay (Olivia Benson), and custom Grinch Vans for Chicago Bears linebacker, Danny Trevathan.
My first large corporate gig, designing 25 pairs of food-themed sneakers for DoorDash for a Brooklyn Nets fan appreciation event
Launching the 80s Collection; an homage to my favorite decade featuring pop culture, TV, music, and cartoon/anime themes in sneaker form

The Now
As I approached the decade mark of customizing sneakers, I decided to revamp my business in order to give it a more professional, fresh feel. I reached out to a brand designer in Italy, Viviana Graphics, to breathe new life into my brand which included updated merch and packaging, a new logo and graphics, and a modernized website.
With a refreshed brand and a new outlook, I was able to secure numerous brand deals and work with top companies such as;
Target for the 2022 MLS All Star Game
White Claw for an invite-only launch of their REFRSHR line
NBC for the release of the 2023 Sunday Night Football calendar
ABC Good Morning America for the launch of AIR with Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, and Viola Davis
Grey Goose for the 2024 US Open
As 2025 rolls in, some goals include to expand the 80s Collection to include more designs that I've been kicking around for a few years, to secure a studio workspace, to hire talent to streamline my business, and to launch a YouTube channel.
I appreciate everyone cheering me on along this ride! I hope to release a new blog monthly so stay tuned for more!
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