Malik (STVR) Levingston shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Malik (STVR), it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Honestly…..Movies. More specifically movie reviews. Over the past 6 months or so I’ve been very deep into my other passion which is Cinema and everything from reviews to just praising films that I enjoy or even dislike and everything in between. This new chapter has definitely been a fun journey.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Well to introduce myself artist wise everyone calls me STVR (Star) the brand is MadebySTVR mainly because I classify myself as a creative not just a painter or customizer. Although I was born as Malik Levingston and raised in Columbus. Ohio. I’ve always been a artist unlike other kids that have doodles my passion went from cars, anime, characters to tattoos, murals, shoes and now I just do it all and if it’s new I just learn it and apply that skill. It’s Always been a first love for art in many forms. Which is funny because if I never went into art it would’ve been swimming and Olympics instead!!
I started back in 2018 customizing shoes, that ballooned into more and more skills as time went on. To where now I have painted Murals, Oil paintings, Boots, Roller Skates, Jean Jacket, purses, even the Human body and so much more. I’ve been blessed enough to have those talents get me well connected to other brands and even countries. A lot of trial and error in them early years definitely had to lose a lot and sacrifice time/money and ALOT OF SLEEP to get to my current place. But the respect and dedication and love I receive and have is worth it.
I appreciate where I am and why I do what I do in such simple ways because I know I always get the most support and satisfaction when I create something that’s just my gut feeling. I’ve built my brand off of 1 of 1 work, paintings, shoes, digital art, etc everything I do especially for a client they love it but the added bonus is that they know no one in the world has anything like it and never will because I stand on that principle no matter the money offered.
Currently tho I’m working on a rebrand of sorts. As far as shipping presentations, content and marketing I want to do things differently 2026. So I’ve been still working on commissions but also behind the scenes with a lot of things. (Might be done when this comes out).
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
Definitely would have to be my Mom that’s seen me clearly. Like a lot of people say parents love is unconditional and they have to be there but her love and support definitely different were actually friends and most importantly she’s BRUTALLY HONEST! Like wether I’ve doubted myself or made something my skills wasn’t ready for she knew how to still give me amazing advice and support while reminding me to work harder to get to where I personally want to be. Without that I’d probably would’ve quit in 2020 when I had a year of not one sell! The appreciation can never be put in to words.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
NEVER get comfortable. Honestly if I never went through the trial and error part of business I can almost guarantee that I would’ve never found the success I’ve had over the years. Learning for example that you can’t just paint a shoe and wear it and it’ll last Nope!, for like my first three years before I was even MadebySTVR I was just Customs by STVR I was learning layers, paint chipping, sealers, prep work of all kinds and materials. Just when I would think I’m good on my shoes I’d scrape something and boom paint off. And without the knowledge I wouldn’t have be confident and comfortable enough to ship to Japan, UK, France, Sneakers Cons, etc and know that my clients would love it wether they wearing them or displaying them.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
That talent is more important than clout. Truthfully I would love to think the most talented people are the ones getting the rewards and accolades but that’s sadly not the cast I’ve seen people in my field with not artistic value to added being sponsored by the brands themselves. Even someone like me I have a decent following and gifted but I swear I’ve seen sooo many artists that I think traditionally better than me but don’t get that light shined on them. That why I like to push people out there more use my following to get some eyes on the unseen.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If immortality were real, what would you build?
The idea of immortality for me would definitely be a curse though seeing love ones pass me by. But the goal would always be generational wealth I would want every one in my blood line to be successful, well off and in as best health as possible for as long as time exists. That would be what I’d build for me that would be my peace to see.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://MADEBYSTVR.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madebystvr?igsh=MXUxMXl6ZWF3dXZnYg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Twitter: https://x.com/madebyStvr/status/1924177418584994213?s=20
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1HrLAxjLbM/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@madebystvr?si=w5tTntW9e8ad_tvs
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@madebystvr0?_r=1&_t=ZP-91Qhy5WKzOR
