FAQs

To get started, fill out the inquiry form on my Work With Me page — but first, I highly recommend reading through this FAQ, as well as the How It Works and Pricing pages. They’ll answer most of your questions and help you decide if I’m the right artist for you.

I'm currently booking new customs for January 2026 and beyond, but I do make occasional exceptions for projects that are especially compelling and fit within my schedule. So don’t let the waitlist scare you off — if your idea is meant to happen, we’ll find a way.

Coming soon: You’ll be able to start your custom journey through my upcoming Client Portal, which will help guide you through the full process step-by-step.

1. How do I get started with a custom order?

Not at all.
Some clients come to me with a clear concept — others just know they want something custom. Either way, I’ve got you.

You can explore my past work in the gallery on the Home page or scroll through the Gallery of Possibilities on both the Work With Me and Login pages. These concept visuals cover every kind of custom I offer — sneakers, cleats, golf shoes, boots (any style), roller skates/blades, graduation caps, and jackets (denim, fabric, and leather).

You don’t need to match what you see — the visuals are just sparks to start a conversation.
If something grabs your attention (or if something makes you go “absolutely not”), that’s useful too. Knowing what you don’t like is sometimes the first step in discovering what you do.

You can also browse my [Fiction Pitch Friday blog] for creative inspiration — those pitches often help spark ideas for new customs.

2. Do I need to have a design idea already?

Absolutely.
Helping you figure out what to paint is part of the process — whether you have a half-formed idea, a general vibe, or no clue where to start.

If you're stuck, I’ll ask the right questions to pull out the story, meaning, or fandom that feels most you.
And coming soon: my Custom Concept GPT — a guided tool designed to help you explore themes, spark ideas, and uncover the direction for your one-of-one piece.

Before diving into the GPT, I recommend browsing a few starting points:
→ The Gallery of Possibilities
→ My past customs on the Home page
→ The Fiction Pitch Friday blog for imaginative examples

These will give you a sense of what’s possible and help your creative spark catch fire.

You don’t need to be an artist — you just need curiosity. I’ll help with the rest.

3. Can you help me come up with a concept?

After reading this FAQ section, along with the How It Works and Pricing pages, you’ll be ready to decide how to move forward.

If you have a unique request or timeline that isn’t addressed on the site, you can email me directly.
Otherwise, if you're ready to go and requesting up to 3 customs, simply [join the waitlist →] from any page on my site.

Once you're in the queue, I’ll reach out within 24–48 business hours (excluding weekends and holidays) to begin our discovery conversation and gather your early ideas.

* Just note: Joining the waitlist doesn’t mean work begins immediately — it secures your place in my calendar so we can begin planning and concepting well ahead of your scheduled paint date.

Here’s what happens next:
1. We confirm your idea. I’ll ask questions to help shape the concept — whether you know exactly what you want or have no clue where to start.
2. You submit your inspiration. Have reference images or photos? Email them to CopeAestheticCustoms@gmail.com, or upload them in the Custom Flow Client Portal (once it’s live).
3. You reserve your slot. I’ll send a quote and request a deposit to secure your spot. Deposits are refundable up to a certain point before concept work begins — that deadline will be clearly communicated.
4. You ship your item. You’ll send your item with a tracking number before your assigned production date. This gives me time to create a digital mockup directly on your specific item — especially important for complex pieces like footwear.
5. You approve the design. You’ll receive a digital mockup for approval before I ever pick up a brush. While the final painted version may have slight variation due to the nature of hand-painted work, it will stay true to the concept.
6. I create your custom. I’ll design, paint, and finish your one-of-one piece. The remaining balance (including return shipping) must be paid in full before I ship it back to you.
7. Optional extras. I offer professional AI-enhanced “brand-style” or product photography for an added fee — perfect for showing off your custom on socials.
8. You show it off. And if you love it (I think you will), I’d love a testimonial for my website or social media — it helps others feel confident saying yes.

Helpful tip: Before submitting your form, check out:
• The Gallery of Possibilities on the "Work With Me" and the "Login" pages
• The Fiction Pitch Friday blog
• My past customs on the Home page

These make great creative jumping-off points, especially if you’re not sure what you want (or know exactly what you don’t want).
And remember: I’m here to guide you.

4. What’s the process like from start to finish?

Right now, I offer custom painting on a range of wearable and functional items, including:
• Sneakers (canvas, leather, or mixed material)
• Cleats (football, soccer, baseball, softball, lacrosse, etc.)
• Golf shoes
• Slides
• Combat boots, Doc Martens, Timberlands, cowboy boots
• Roller skates / blades
• Graduation caps
• Jean jackets, fabric jackets, and leather jackets

The surface you provide must be clean, paintable, and in good condition — I’ll guide you through that once we start the process.

Important Note:
At this time, I do not paint suede items — that could change in the future, so if you're hoping to customize suede, please ask before booking.

Bonus Tip:
Designs are adaptable — if you see a concept you love on one type of item (say, a sneaker), it can usually be reimagined for another (like a jacket or cap).
Browse the Gallery of Possibilities or check out the Fiction Pitch Friday blog to see how ideas evolve across formats.

6. What items do you customize?