Review: First Shoe Art Jamming Studio In Singapore Now Open For Sneakerheads To Customise Their Kicks
Ever been for art jamming multiple times, only to end up with a rapidly-growing stack of canvases and diminishing wall space to display them? Bringing a twist to this activity is Artistra Studio, Singapore’s first sneaker art jamming studio which allows you to walk off with one-of-a-kind art on your feet - an end result that’s both satisfying and practical. Besides, a true sneakerhead can never have too many pairs of kicks, and it’s extra rewarding getting to design and DIY your own unique set!
For more outing ideas this month, check out our list of 17 new things to do in Singapore.
Read on for our review on sneakers art jamming at Artistra Studio in Singapore!
Photo from @aliciasoh via Instagram
Opened by Alicia Soh and Jesse Hung - the same couple behind shoe customisation business The A Label - Artistra Studio allows patrons to take things into their own hands and personalise a pair of sneakers in a way that best expresses their personalities.
Photo from Artistra Studio
Located along Beach Road, right next to Purvis Street, Artistra Studio has made its home on a second floor unit of a conservation shophouse. We stepped in to upbeat music streaming from the speakers, and we felt right at home with the the studio decorated in a homely manner with light colours, plants, and cosy little touches like a dreamcatcher and throw rug.
Photo from Artistra Studio
First things first for those who aren’t good at art - there’s no need to worry because you’ll be working with stencils, which makes the job a whole lot easier. Prior to your visit, you’ll be asked to pick your preferred stencils from this list, which includes everything from pretty butterflies and flowers, to superheroes, and even cartoon characters such as Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, Winnie-the-Pooh, and Doraemon.
If you don’t see anything you fancy, you can always request for customisation at no extra charge and they’ll try to come up with something for you, provided that the design isn’t overly elaborate. Of course, those who’d prefer to go freehand can do so as well!
Photo from @cherylenechan via Instagram
You’ll be working with premium leather paints, squeezed into a personal paint pot strip for ease of access and to avoid wastage. There’s already quite a selection of colours available including those with metallics, but you can go ahead and mix them to create specific shades to your liking.
Photo from Artistra Studio
We were first taught how to paste our stencils on the shoes and apply the paint, and thereafter more or less left to our own devices. I appreciated how we were able to exercise our own creativity independently without any micromanagement, while receiving soft guidance from the friendly owners along the way. They made their rounds to check up on us from time to time to ensure things were going well, always ready to offer help whenever difficulties were encountered.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Don’t worry if you mess your stencils up or run out of them, because new ones can always be printed on the spot.
Once you’re done, the staff on duty will help you clean up any accidental smudges using acetone, before sealing your wearable art to make it resistant against water and general wear and tear. Optional chargeable embellishments like shoelace charms can be added on as well.
Photo from Artistra Studio
An All Inclusive Package at Artistra Studio costs $55 for 2 hours and $65 for 3 hours, with sneakers provided. We recommend picking the latter if you’re going for a more elaborate design, as many customers - ourselves included - tend to find themselves spending longer than expected applying their coats of paint and perfecting the outlines.
On that note, we would strongly suggest having a rough idea of where you’d like to paste your stencils, as well as deciding on which colours you’d like to use, at least a day before heading down. This will help save a lot of precious time and you’ll be able to fully focus on the painting work without rushing through everything in a messy panic.
Already have a pair of plain kicks that you’d like to jazz up? Opt for the Bring Your Own Sneakers Package at $35 for 2 Hours and $45 for 3 Hours.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
This is the perfect activity for anyone who’s looking for fresh outing ideas - especially lovebirds looking to create matching couple keepsakes. It’ll also serve as a nice wholesome addition to a hen’s night/bachelor party itinerary!
P.S.: Make sure you take a picture against the neon wall backdrop with your unique creation!
More fun date ideas to consider:
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Text by: GirlStyle SG
