Imagine spending thousands on a Louis Vuitton bag just to paint it all over.
For some, it can be sacrilege. But for others, it’s the customization that makes the bag even more special. At least, that’s what New Jersey artist Michele Sobel aims to deliver her hand-painted designs that create everyday items for her clients.
A former news producer, Sobel now spends her days in the studio designing and painting accessories, from luxury handbags and designer sneakers to gloves and even small items like purses and key chains. His creations range from simple monogram additions to floral and geometric designs that encompass everything beautiful. He estimates that he has painted at least 1,000 commissioned pieces for clients over the years.
When she’s not in the studio hard at work on her latest commission, Sobel is also working with luxury brands to do live events where she paints products on site. Sobel put the paint down for the morning to fill it fortune about how he juggles his time as a small business owner.
This conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.
How did you get into this?
Art has been my lifelong passion. I started making and selling artwork as a side hustle years ago, while juggling a demanding job as a news producer.
I started trying to paint on jackets, scarves, and furniture. I left the world of news in 2017 because the hustle and bustle was getting hectic. This luxury handbag painting niche really started in early 2020 when one of my existing clients asked me to paint a vintage Louis Vuitton bag, which he had never used because he said it needed TLC.
I learned the process of painting on designer bags and then I practiced and practiced until I felt comfortable sending a product he would be really excited about-but one that would also be very durable for everyday use. He really loved it. She shared it on her Instagram, all of her friends reached out to me, and within a few weeks, I had a huge list of people who were very happy to have artwork that they could use. The transition was organic and unexpected.
How do you create a design?
Many artists will work in one style—whether it’s pop art or abstract or realism. But I like to think of myself as an artistic chameleon. I love the challenge of working in different styles. I have once painted the two as the same.
Sometimes the client will have an idea of what they want. Sometimes they ask me to pick something fun. I try to create unique designs that are specifically representative, whether it’s a favorite flower or a variety of real-looking heirloom jewelry that represents a child or loved one.
Part of this process is just learning about my clients and helping them decide what artwork will make them feel happy, confident, and empowered. For me, that’s what it’s all about. My clients invest in artwork because it brings them joy and confidence to wear an original piece of art on their shoulders.
So how does it work?
I exclusively offer hand painting services. My client already has the item. I do not source people, and I am not affiliated with any brand except the company that hires me to paint for them during the event on the site.
People usually reach out to me through one of my social media platforms, especially Instagram, or my website. I asked them to send me a photo of the piece they are interested in having customized, if there is a specific idea they have, and what their budget is. From there, I made a general concept suggestion and provided a quote. If they agree, we will move forward.
All of these pieces are special to my clients, either because they are expensive or family heirlooms passed down from generation to generation. That’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly. So before my brush actually touches the piece, I sketch the concept or create a digital mockup on the computer for approval. Once they are approved, I can work.
Most prices for simpler designs like monograms, stripes, or star type designs start around $300. Some of the crazy pieces I’ve done go for over $1,000. That’s usually just based on the amount of time I predict I’ll spend on a piece.
Is it like painting on a unique canvas? Are there any special steps to take?
I start by preparing the canvas – cleaning the leather or coated canvas or any material. This prepares for better paint adhesion.
The actual process is meticulous. Some pieces I will spend between three and four hours on. I’ve also spent five hours on some of the more detailed pieces. So it’s a process that requires a lot of endurance because I’m going straight through the day. Sometimes I forget my lunch break. I’m a perfectionist.
Work hard. It’s just layers and layers of paint and waiting for the paint to dry and just having a very, very relaxed hand all day.
Image courtesy of Michele Sobel
Is it more difficult to paint an object than a normal canvas?
Painting on skin is a fun place to be. It is a smooth surface. It’s like a blank canvas, and it’s probably my favorite unique surface to paint on.
The more challenging surfaces are the less rigid ones. Generally, bags have a fixed shape and form. But your gloves can scrunch up. And that’s a bit of a challenge, especially when I try to paint a ring that goes 360 degrees around one finger.
I have also painted fragrance and beauty items. This is a challenge because it is a new kind of canvas. All these differences that I paint require different materials, paint, drying and curing techniques. These are the things I taught myself. I wouldn’t take something before I felt very comfortable working with it.
What is the most expensive thing you have ever painted?
Must be one of the bags. Most of the pieces people bring to me are pieces they already have, but some clients have purchased custom pieces to paint. So I would say the most expensive is probably many thousands of dollars.
People always ask me: Are you afraid of painting on these expensive things? My answer is always 95% excitement about tapping on a new blank canvas, but 5% is nerves. Not because I’m afraid I won’t be able to do justice to my client’s vision, but just to appreciate the pieces.
Since you are working with unique and sometimes vintage items, have you ever asked the client if they want this particular painting?
The only time I will caution the client is that the piece itself is not in good condition. It will affect how the paint can stick. I wouldn’t want people to invest in a piece of art that, in my heart, I’m worried won’t last.
No one has ever come to me and said the verb is peeling or chipping and asked me what touch up. If they do, of course I will. But I also experiment with all my things first. I’ve been carrying a bag that I painted myself for two years. This is my everyday bag and I’m rough on things. I’m working on some different waterproof seal coats, they’re very durable, so you can bend them and move them around – they won’t crack the paint, they won’t peel.
What happens when you make a mistake?
I’m thankful I never made a big mistake. I accidentally spilled a small jar of paint, for example, on one of my client’s custom pieces. I am very careful. Sometimes after working for hours, my hands will be less accurate and maybe I will go out of line. But I work with professional acrylic leather paint on bags and sneakers, so it’s really water based. So God forgives me when I make small mistakes—I’m human and things happen sometimes that can be corrected. But you’d never know it when you saw the final product.
Image courtesy of Michele Sobel
Where do you see your business going?
A few years ago, the event section of my business and customization on the site disappeared. One of the earliest was Saks Fifth Avenue. They started hiring me to come in and paint on canvas and “unique” stuff. First day at Saks, it’s winter. I thought, how cool would it be if I could paint someone’s favorite gemstone or birthstone on leather gloves and then wear them all winter long? So that’s what I did. I always like to be creative.
I have worked at Bloomingdale’s stores. David Yurman hired me and I was at Ralph Lauren in December. He had me paint all kinds of unusual things like glasses. I have painted on terracotta planters for Earth Day for Clarins. Then, of course, I painted on bags and small leather goods. Paying for live event painting, on average, ranges from $1,500 to $5,000 per day, depending on location, travel, etc.
So, this is definitely an area where I plan to see significant growth. The demand for customization in general has only increased over the years, but very few craftsmen in the world do what I do.