by Staff Writer, Jessica Liontop

            When it comes to acrylic paints and permanent markers, multi-purpose takes on a whole new meaning in the hands of these students.

            The marker design trend seems to originate from the same basis: boredom.

Senior Brian Kim said that he first began customizing shoes and backpacks when he found that he had some spare time on his hands and little to occupy it with.

“It is just something to do,” he said.

With no plans on marketing his work, the only promotion he receives is from close friends who often sport his apparel.

“Brian is my boy,” Nick Kim (’08) said. “I like his street art type of stuff because it really gives an edge to the [product].”

Like Kim, Junior Esther Yang displays her stencil work on Vans slip-ons and t-shirts. She likes to “mix things up” with her designs which change whenever she picks up a new pair of shoes. To trademark her work, she also includes a hand peace sign on each of her pieces.

            Freshman Ethan Fleitas said that he is frequently stormed with ideas for new designs during his class time daydreams.

“Sometimes random shapes, complex triangular figures, geometric patterns will just come to me,” Fleitas said.

            His artistic influences branch from his sister’s “artist on the rise” friend, Gosha Leboshkin. Fleitas is dedicated to improving his skill and is currently working with Leboshkin on ways to make shadow effects and get fancy with sharpies.

            Something Kim, Yang, and Fleitas can agree on concerning their trade is that their inspiration is triggered by their surroundings. Their art pieces and designs all depend on where the artists are and what they take in from their environments.

“[When] I am in an urban area, I get an industrial feel. [When] I am surrounded by plant life, I sense an overgrown jungle feel, like Mother Earth is taking back what is hers,” Fleitas said.

            Whatever the case may be, these students and their wearable canvases certainly make a statement.