Cover image via postimg.orgSAYS PH has always been supportive to our local artists!
Since our [launch] (http://says.com/ph/imho/are-you-a-superhero-we-need-you), we have featured [filmmakers] (http://says.com/ph/stories/search?utf8=✓&q=filipino+films), [photographers] (http://says.com/ph/kulture/filipina-photographers-on-instagram-that-you-should-follow-right-now), [graphic artists] (http://says.com/ph/stories/search?utf8=✓&q=hugot), [musicians] (http://says.com/ph/stories/search?utf8=✓&q=opm), vloggers (see [Wil Dasovich] (http://says.com/ph/fun/this-fil-am-guys-speaks-batangueno-tagalog-and-bekinese-pak-na-pak) and [Kyle Jennerman] (http://says.com/ph/kulture/here-s-why-we-think-this-canadian-is-more-filipino-than-the-most-of-us)), and even [impersonators] (http://says.com/ph/stories/search?utf8=✓&q=impersonator)!
We have also witnessed that the community of our [local artists in the Philippines] (http://says.com/ph/fun/bucket-list-arts-crafts-workshops-to-do-this-summer) is really growing and spreading. We believe in the potential of the community and its power to inspire and change lives.
That's why we're so excited that we get to interview this inspiring artist couple behind Face Off Kicks who paint the coolest fictional characters on sneakers — which you can WIN when you [join our giveaway] (https://www.facebook.com/SaysPhilippines/photos/a.372889739433452.88065.371927962862963/1117417224980696/?type=3&theater)!
Meet the most creative husband-and-wife artists: **John and Juno Macrohon**!
John's sister, Tricia Villanueva, joined their team and has been helping the couple market and sell their shoes ever since the business started.
Image via Facebook
Here's how the email interview went ([kilig] (http://says.com/ph/kulture/13-untranslatable-words-about-love-that-you-have-to-know) alert!):
Image via Facebook
SAYS: Can you tell the story of how Face Off Kicks started?
**John**: I found some of my wife's old sneakers and painted them with her favorite Star Wars characters. After posting them on social media, we were surprised because friends were asking where we bought them, and when I told them I just painted them, they started asking if I could make one for them also. I told them it's just for the wife 🙂
**Juno**: I have these favorite old sneakers, and even though they look worn out already, I still prefer to wear them over my other shoes. That's when John decided to put some art on them. Although we didn't accept orders during that time, the idea of painting two different characters on a pair was something we realized we wanted to do.
Image via Instagram
We asked the couple how they ended up painting shoes since they took up non-art related courses in college.
SAYS: Which passion led you to pursue this business?
**John**: Even as a kid, I really loved sketching animes and comic book characters.
**Juno**: It's been always my dream to paint on a canvas.
John took Business Administration at the Philippine Christian University-Dasmariñas, while Juno took Computer Science at the *Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila*.
Image via Instagram
Just like any other artist that we idolize, we tend to get curious about the people they look up to. So we asked them about the artists who inspired them to pursue their passion. But, we were surprised with their answers…
**John**: Juno. Haha! She inspired me to put colors on my drawings 🙂
**Juno**: John! He's got some out of this world ideas 😀
**SAYS**: ***Where do you get your inspiration from?***
**John & Juno**: From each other 🙂 Also from movies, music, books, comic books, from very satisfied customers and of course from our son, Danyael.
Image via Instagram
To ease formality, we asked them to describe their painting process and what they do when they run into an artist's block
**John**: I do all the sketching while Juno does the coloring. (I do some coloring, but that's really Juno's expertise).
We both like listening to music with lots of coffee! I prefer rock music. Juno's music is based on her mood, sometimes it's Jason Mraz, other times it's Eminem and Nickelback 🙂
**SAYS**: ***Have you ever had an artist's block? What happened and what did you do to overcome it?***
**Juno**: Yeah. I throw tantrums and eat chocolates!
**John**: Yes. One time I wanted to draw a Darth Maul but my hand says no, haha! I just sleep it off.
Image via Facebook
SAYS: If you're not painting, do you have another job, hobbies or interests that take up your time?
**Juno**: I'm a part time artist in Quriocity, it's an indie store in Quezon City. Other interests include talking with John, eating and reading… and Sleeping! Haha
**John**: I'm a part time artist/props and woodworks also for Quriocity. Other hobbies… goofing around and playing video games with my son, coffee with Juno and sharing ideas, watching classic movies with Juno and Danyael.
As young artists ourselves, we decided to milk some genius from these two… no, we're kidding. Uhm, no, not really.
SAYS: If you can give a message to amateur artists, what would you tell them?
**Juno**: Don't let other people demoralize you. Don't underestimate the power of the dark… chocolate and coffee! Aja! Fighting!
**John**: Just continue to do what you love doing, it's the thing you didn't do that you'll regret in the end. Believe in the power of the force.
Cheers to John and Juno for this wonderful business that not only promotes the art of reading and painting, but also highlights the beauty and authenticity of local artisty!
**ORDER YOUR KICKS ASAP** by emailing your preferred design and shoe size at **[email protected]** or [**JOIN OUR CONTEST** on Facebook to win a pair!!!] (https://www.facebook.com/SaysPhilippines/posts/1132377450151340)
Image via SAYS PH
Don't forget to follow **Face Off Kicks** on [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/faceoffkicks/) and [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/faceoffkicks/)!
Help SAYS Philippines support
our Filipino local artists!
our Filipino local artists!
If you want us to feature a local artist, drop us an email with the basic information of the person (name, email address, website/online portfolio) at **[email protected]**!
