Meet Pastel P | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Pastel P and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Pastel, what do you attribute your success to?
I would say the most important factor behind my success is originality, the desire to leave my mark in my particular field with my own style. I told myself when I first started doing customs almost 5 years ago if I couldn’t do it my way with my own style I shouldn’t do it at all. I love classic items and timeless experiences because even when it’s over or you no longer have that item they can still provide a continuous source of inspiration and joy. I think we’ve all had something like a toy, shoes, clothes, or a experience that stayed with us and was a key factor that helped shape who you are today. That is the same feeling i tap into when I create , the same feeling I want people to feel when they put my artwork on for the first time

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I think what sets me apart from others in my field is my personal style. The custom game for the most part is trendy color ways from other sneakers that already released, super technical murals, or cartoon characters. It’s all great art in my opinion but there’s no reason for me to come in the game doing what’s already done when there’s 20 guys doing the same thing. When I design i respect the shoe as much as possible using as much as what’s already there as I can. Every design is based around the individual shoe I’m working on I never go into any custom with a idea set in stone everything is subject to change until the shoes are complete. The final product makes for a much cleaner design something that looks like it really did came out because you can see where my work starts and ends. When I deconstruct a swoosh that thread the check I can easily spend 20 plus hours doing that alone since I only use one upholstery needle. The only thing stopping others from doing what I do is the love it takes to see something through like that you have to love it like I do or more and I don’t think that’s possible it’s personal for me.

I’m most excited about my upcoming full size run release this July. This will be my first time releasing multiple shoes at once I usually only do 1/1’s per client request. This time around I’ll have release multiple pairs with a original color way ,custom packaging , and a few other surprises as well. I’ve made it to this point by being as consistent as I possibly can. I still have a full time job working 12 hours shifts so I’m only able to focus on my art on my off days . It’s not easy by any means I basically have two full time jobs and one of them depends on me completely to run. But nothing worth having comes easy so through all obstacles I continue to push forward because I’m focused on my future. Learning proper time management has been one of the most beneficial skills for someone like me trying to accomplish what I’m trying to do.

I’ve learned more about myself on this journey more than anything else. My artwork is the only thing I’ve been consistent with in my life. It’s almost like holding up a mirror to myself because in order to grow I had to shed a lot of habits and step outside of my comfort zone. So I’m loving every bit of the personal journey I’m on the confidence I’ve gained by following my heart and even the people who I inspire. I hold myself in high regard but I never thought I could be someone who inspires others to chase they’re dream hearing that from those who support me means the world to me. That in itself is something rewarding enough.

I want the world to know you can achieve anything all you really need is a dream and something to keep you grounded when the times get rough. There’s no one way to success but you have to be resilient and optimistic because it’s gonna be hard times and you have to stick with it no matter what. I made it this far with no real plans or major support I went with my heart every single time and if it didn’t work out how I necessarily wanted too I still learned something from it. Nobody will ever see your vision as clear as you do don’t take it personal when those around you can’t understand what you’re trying to do ,remember you’re taking a dream and making it reality it takes a special mind to see what’s not there yet.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If it was the perfect timing I would take my friend to the Atlanta streetwear market event. Being able to see people just like you pursue their dreams is pure motivation this isn’t a billion dollar company operating it’s someone just like you doing the best they can with what they can until that opportunity comes. Ponce city market would be a nice chill location I would take them as well. The place has a abundance of scenic areas ,shopping , and food to offer all in one area. In addition to shopping there they would have to see some of the best places to shop in Atlanta like Wish, good times Atlanta, Walters a true Atlanta staple in the community. A Ma Maniere has a location open for the community To come and just work on your craft it’s called Be social and it’s just a great place to be when you wanna change of scenery to perfect your craft or chill.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Most definitely they’re a few people who play a important part in my story. On a celebrity level Pharrell is my biggest influence, I love what he did for fashion and streetwear around the early 2000’s that was and still is my favorite era. My stage name/ art name is also partially dedicated to him as well. On a closer more personal level my friends and peers deserve some recognition as well. My friends David and Patricia collectively run their brand (Luv Club) and my other good friend Devin runs his brand ( NUIT/ Night Vision). They are always my go to people whenever I need that creative insight or just feedback about who to present my work to the world. Being able to watch them grow their brands and take those necessary risks as young entrepreneurs keeps me motivated and focused on the bigger picture.

Instagram: Pastelpwashere

Image Credits
Nyree David Nguyen