For the love of Sneakers & Donuts

Welcome to the Custom Kicks Series Uncle Pins!

Ever since we met at Kicks n Canvas I'm viewing Donuts in a whole different light. These Nike Airmax 90's look fantastic, thanks for getting involved.

Why "Pins" - where does the name come from?

Ok, the boring answer is that 'pin' is actually the middle part of my real name, which only a handful of people including the tax man know, and like to think its the heart of my name, ah how sweet!

The cool answer is that I'm sharp like pins and constantly seeking perfection in everything I do. Plus I hold things together like safety pins such as my creative skills and unleash that creative goodness when opened. To add to this coolness, PINS is the acronym for Pins Imagination Never Sleeps! And it really doesn't! Does my head in sometimes!

What got you into the custom game?

So, Fashion with Business Degree in hand, parents happy and proud, everything seemed nice. It is at this point you think to yourself ok should I go get a full time job in the field of my Degree (the obvious choice), get a full time job in something totally different (ummmm no) or take a gap year (ummmm not right now). I evaluated my skills and what I could do but felt something was missing. Then one day, walking home after munching the phattest frankfurter deluxe with extra onions at Doughmasters (a local eatery which is very POW indeed), I noticed a new shop which just opened up in the ends. They stocked all the freshest New Era caps and I was like...Ohkayyyy!!!! So I took a waltz in, had a look around and instantly had a thought. These caps are exclusive yes, but to make them even more exclusive why not customise some of them with characters or graffiti lettering then sell them on. Spoke to the manager, he loved the idea and that kicked off my custom game way back in 2005. Throughout my 5 years hustling in the business, Ive moved up the levels mastering various application techniques from airbrush, hand-painting and spray can art on to various surfaces including Clothing, Furniture, Interior/Exterior Spaces and of course, Sneakers. Previous clients have included Mariah Carey, Usher, Kelly Rowland, Cheryl Cole, and Sway to name but a few.

Most of my custom work can be viewed at www.myspace.com/pins83

Would you agree that Krispy Kreme has been the biggest influence in your life? :-)

Ha, no my mum has though, she has an over ridiculous work ethic which I admire and got mad respect for! Regarding artwork Andy Warhol and Salvador Dali are my biggest influences, the bold and surreal, and Krispy Kreme for staying true to the game after all these years providing possibly the most krispalicious donuts ever, the Chocolate Dreamcake is my fav, you could say Krispy Kreme donuts is to me, what the Campbells soup can was to Warhol, a reflection of the consumeristic world we live in.

Have you got any secrets or projects you can tell us about?

No secrets myself, but know loads of other peoples, im that guy you can tell your deepest, darkest secrets to and I aint gonna tell no one, im cool like that, just call me Uncle Pins!
As for projects, yep got a couple, its one of them "I wanna tell u but prefer to shock you for full impact" kinda ones! Expect more personal bits n bobs, more crazy sneaker concepts, and more donuts! Will keep you posted no doubt!

For your clothing, do you do all the designs or do you work with other peeps?

All design work is done by me as I am a Graphic Artist/Illustrator as well as a Custom Artist. I love doing everything, gives me a great sense of ownership and allows you to learn different aspects of the design game from all angles. To see a concept develop from initial to sketch, through to a wearable piece of art is a good feeling! Seeing it on other people is even better! All clothing on my website is limited and only available online and at selected events, maintaining exclusivity at all times!

Im all for collabs, and would bang heads with like-minded peeps, but right now, feel I need to set the pace and knockout fresh bits under my own terms and conditions to establish myself as a fully fledged brand.

What are your long term aspirations for the PINS brand?

To be one of the coolest brands out there without trying to be a cool brand. To continue and display my imagination by any means necessary. To make people think and smile when viewing my work. To get the go ahead from Nike and design a series of possibly the most dopest collection of AM90s ever with matching apparel!!

Are you a Max 90 man all the way, or do you rock other styles?

I own several kicks such as Vans, Adidas, Puma, Jordans, Supras etc, and have been drawn to them because of good design or colourways, but when it comes to good design AND comfort, I would have to say the AM90s are on-point! Love an air bubble! Thankyou Tinker Hatfield for exposing your air bags! I road-test certain kicks each time I buy them for a whole day, if they feel as fresh and comfortable as when I first put my foot in to when I take my foot out, then nice, they're the 'ones', but if not, then I'd usually be abit miffed as if to say "you look good, but thats about it, no comfort/personality whatsoever, whats the point!! Rah, sounds like some gals nowadays! But yeah, love all types of fresh kicks, the smell, the taste and the whole 10mins it takes me to format the laces so they just drop right, all about them droopy loopy loops, its a Souwf London ting from school days!

We met at Kicks n Canvas, what was the highlight of the show for you?

The whole shabang! Was good to see kicks represented on an artistic platform, and seeing the diverse artwork from individual artists, each bringing their own flavour. Definately feel there needs to be more events/exhibits of that nature in the future! I personally feel Sneaker culture as a whole is on the rise, and I aim to celebrate this through my design content and deliver that different kind of freshness which I feel is very much needed!

Until next time, stay sharp like...

PINS
www.pinspired.com