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Start from a Reference

Upload Your Inspiration
— We'll Build the Design

A screenshot of a color you love. A photo of a character. A pattern from a piece of clothing. An image of a vibe you want on a shoe. Send it as your reference — the artist interprets it onto an AF1 canvas and shows you the result as a free mock-up before production.

From $299
Free mock-up
48–72 hr turnaround
Free USA shipping
Upload Your Reference → All Design Options
Custom Air Force 1 multicolorabstractshapeshand-painted

6 Reference Types That Work

You don't need a design background — you need one image that communicates what you're after.

🎨

Color Screenshot

A screenshot of a color palette, a paint chip, or any image with the exact color you want as your base.

🎭

Character or Art

A character from anime, a cartoon, a game, or a film. The artist renders a custom interpretation — not a copy.

👕

Pattern or Fabric

A photo of clothing, a textile, or any pattern you want interpreted onto the shoe surface.

🏈

Team or Brand Colors

A screenshot of a team's colors, a jersey, or a brand's visual identity you want applied to the shoe.

🌅

Mood or Vibe Image

A sunset for a gradient, a cityscape for a skyline design, a texture for a pattern. Loose references work.

👟

Another Custom Shoe

A custom shoe you've seen that has the general style you want — the artist builds in your color and design choices.

From Reference to Finished Shoe

1
Submit your reference + brief

Attach your image(s) to the design request. Add a short description of what you want — color, text, placement, style preference. More context helps; a single image alone is fine.

✓ "Based on this color + my name 'Jordan' on the side in script · Size 10 AF1 Low"
2
Free mock-up in 48–72 hours

The artist interprets your reference onto an AF1 or Jordan 1 and sends a digital mock-up showing the design, colors, and text placement on the actual shoe silhouette.

✓ Present the mock-up at the birthday party or reveal event if the shoe isn't ready yet
3
Request changes or approve

Adjust colors, move text, change the design element, or approve as-is. Changes to the mock-up are included. Production begins only after your explicit approval.

4
Production + free shipping

2–4 weeks production after approval. Free USA shipping on every pair. The finished shoe matches the approved mock-up.

💡 Real Brief Examples — Reference + Words

Reference: Naruto screenshot

"Naruto in his orange gi on the side panel, 'Son' on the heel in gold, black base. Size 10 AF1 Low."

Reference: Sunset gradient photo

"Sunset colors — orange into purple — as a gradient on the shoe. My name 'Alexis' in white on the side. Size 8 AF1 Low."

Reference: Lakers jersey photo

"Lakers gold and purple. My name on the side panel. #24 on the heel tab. Size 11 AF1 Low."

Reference: Fabric pattern image

"This plaid pattern as the background on the side panel. All cream base. Initials 'E.M.' on the toe cap. Size 7 AF1 Low."

Reference & Inspiration Questions

Can I send a photo as inspiration for my design?
+
Yes — attach any image to the design request. A screenshot, photo, or reference image is the most useful input you can provide. The artist interprets it into a shoe design and sends a free mock-up for review. Start here.
What kinds of reference images work best?
+
Color palette screenshots, character or artwork images, fabric patterns, team or brand color references, mood images (sunset for gradient, cityscape for skyline), or another custom shoe you like. Any visual that communicates what you want.
What if I don't have a reference image?
+
Describe what you want in words. "Bold colors, pop art feel, my name in the center" is a complete brief. The mock-up shows the interpretation — you refine from there. See the design brief guide.
How long does the mock-up take?
+
Free digital mock-up in 48–72 hours after submission. Review, request changes, approve. Production starts after approval — 2–4 weeks to completion. Free USA shipping.
How much does it cost to start from a reference image?
+
From $299. The reference interpretation is included — no extra charge for working from inspiration photos. Free mock-up. Free USA shipping. See the pricing guide.

Send the Image.
We'll Build the Shoe Around It.

Attach your reference image and a few words about what you want — free mock-up in 48–72 hours showing the interpretation before production.

Upload Your Reference → See How It Works

From $299 · Free mock-up · 2–4 weeks production · Free USA shipping