Today we’d like to introduce you to Elliott Gilardi
Elliott , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I began customizing shoes over five years ago, initially creating designs for friends and family as a side project while attending the University of Dayton. As my work gained recognition, I had the privilege of working with professional clients, including athletes from the NFL, MLB, and college basketball. Today, I am fortunate to pursue this passion full-time—a dream turned into reality.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey to where I am today has been both challenging and rewarding. I graduated from the University of Dayton with a degree in Graphic Design but faced difficulties securing a job immediately after college. Instead of giving up, I decided to pursue my true passion—painting custom shoes full-time through StadiumCustomKicks.
I genuinely enjoy every aspect of what I do, which makes the creative process smooth and fulfilling. Collaborating one-on-one with clients to bring their vision to life is incredibly rewarding, and the joy they experience when seeing the final product is what motivates me to continue this work.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Art has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember, though I never truly enjoyed painting until I discovered the art of painting on shoes. I specialize in creating custom designs that captivate and inspire, aiming for that “wow” reaction from anyone who sees my work. Each pair I create tells a unique story, with meaningful connections to the customer’s vision. My style is intricate and dynamic—busy, but never overwhelming.
I take great pride in my journey, from starting out in my college bedroom to now having my own studio and pursuing this full-time. This experience has been both challenging and rewarding, and I’m excited to continue growing while creating work that leaves a lasting impression.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I relocated to Cincinnati about seven months ago, and I’ve genuinely enjoyed the experience. Growing up in the small town of Troy, OH, transitioning to a larger city has been a good change. Cincinnati offers a lot of opportunities, and a wide variety of activities to enjoy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.stadiumcustomkicks.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gilardicustoms?igsh=MTdsOHVybHVuNTVqaw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
