LAKEWOOD, Calif. – For some artists, it can be difficult to make a living off their artwork. But after a few attempts, one artist found his calling.

“It’s the first time I ever got paid for my art,” Bryan Phillips said.

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Phillips has worked a few jobs throughout the years to make ends meet. But, last year, He was laid off from his full-time office job.

Without a paycheck coming in, he knew it was his time to take a chance on his art. After some trial and error, he found his canvas by creating customized sneakers.

“It just kind of clicked of like I think I found my medium. I think I found the thing that I really enjoy doing and I feel confident that I’m pretty good at,” Phillips said.

Phillips is one of many sneaker customizers capitalizing on a $95 billion sneaker industry. After showcasing his customizations on his Instagram page, followers began paying up to $250 to get their own unique version. It’s an industry that’s allowing artists like Phillips to become their own employers.

But like many businesses, it can be difficult in the beginning.

“When it’s going well it’s a lot of fun, when things aren’t going so well it can get really scary. And you’re scrounging together anything you can get,” Phillips said.

Lately, business has picked up with steady stream of orders. His latest customization centers around the movie, The Goonies; a piece of customized art Cris Ward wanted to add to his own collection. 

“It’s wearable art and something that can be really personal and so who better to do it than him,” Ward said.

Ward’s response is exactly what reconfirms to Phillips that he’s on the right path for his future.

“It just feels nice to know that like I can do something that I love and people are willing to pay for it and support me. That’s better to me than anything else I could have done,” Phillips said.

That’s why Phillips said he will continue to create his versions of unique and wearable art for everyone to see.