While doing a routine and much needed hard drive cleanup I came across these photos of an old pair of canvas shoes I customized, and since I’ve just returned from a 9 week adventure around Europe, it seemed fitting to post them. These shoes were a gift for my sister (an architect major) who lived a month in each city represented in this pair, so I decided to draw each one’s most famous structure — the Eiffel Tower and La Sagrada Familia (my favorite structure in western Europe).

If you’re interested in having a custom pair of canvas shoes (Vans/Toms of any type), contact me here or at karoleen.decastro [at] gmail [dot] com for more information. I work mostly through commissions, but an online site is in the works so keep a lookout for that as well. (Also, view a pair of Philippine Custom Vans here).

And for kicks, a photo I took in Barcelona a few weeks ago:

Fish celebrating Christmas underwater, with kelp Christmas lights around a coral tree and all.

Because deadlines tend to wrap up at the end of the year and clients simmer down, December provides me time to design/illustrate this Christmas card for our fellow offices and clients, and for all of you too. In case I don’t get around to updating during the holidays, enjoy this e-card with an image of how I imagine fish celebrate Christmas under the sea. Merry early Christmas and Happy New Year!

I received a request shortly following the death of former Philippine president, Corazon Aquino, to put art on a pair of canvas shoes as a tribute to her and her husband, Benigno Aquino, also a former Philippine president. They were two of the most influential figures in Philippine history and politics.

No matter what the surface, art is a connection, and it makes me happy that it can be spread anywhere, anyhow, and for any reason. RIP Corazon Aquino.

The same paint you would use to customize Nike’s and others of leather material. You’ll fall in love with Angelus.

Waterproof and smooth.

The Philippine Islands to be connected by a side of each shoe.

Sprayed with a finish, laced, and ready to be shipped.

Also, to all the victims of Typhoon Ondoy, my heart and prayers go out to you.

Help for Typhoon Ondoy Victims in the Philippines.

If you’d like to make a request, order a pair of custom Vans shoes, or receive a quote, email me at karoleen AT karoleendesign DOT com or visit the contact page to send a message from there. Prices vary depending on the type of shoe.