Since custom cleats were such a huge story in the NFL in 2016 — with all the fines and neat viral photos and the “My Cause My Cleats” week — I got a hold of three artists (after reaching out to eight) and asked them about how they got started, how tough it was and what it takes to make it in the business. After sifting through hours of interviews, I decided to intro the story with an explainer, then have the rest Q&A style and let the artists speak for themselves.
Here’s the result: http://ftw.usatoday.com/2017/01/nfl-custom-cleats-sneaker-art-kickasso-illustrative-cre8ions-mache-customs-odell-beckham-jr
Alysha Tsuji 