The Patapon Converse.

We got Hatapon, Yaripon, Tatepon and even a Kabipon! In fact I got the chance to do a small army of Patapon. This was not a private commission but a gift for my Girlfriends birthday, she’s seen plenty of shoes come and go in this home so I thought it was time for a pair of her very own.

Patapon is a game developed by Sony Japan Studios for the PSP platform. Personally I see it as a type of rhythm game, some people call it an RTS. The Patapon you see on the shoes are your warriors (you’re a god you see, with a drum – a sacred drum) through well timed taps you lead them in to battle to try and overthrow the oppressive Zigoton Empire. It’s terribley addictive and it will get stuck in your head (PON PON PATA PON!)

I knew she wouldn’t want anything to bright or over the top and the Patapon are a great fit. They characters are a simple and easily recognisable characters who are almost silhouettes. Whilst researching the different poses I couldn’t believe how expressive such a simple design could be and tried incorporate that into my design. I have confident and aggressive Patapon, disinterested Patapon and even a loner who doesn’t want any part in the whole thing.

Eagle eyed viewers will notice my Patapon are Purple and not Black like in the game. Why you might ask!? Well whilst putting together the Oddworld Shoes she remarked how she really liked the purple I used (got to pay attention to little clues like that guys!) and that’s why there Purple. I got hold of some matching laces to tie the design together (no pun intended there).

The finer details, especially the horse really tested how steady my hands were. At times I could of done with one of those magnifying glasses used in model making, perhaps a future investment!

Hope you like em guys!

My girlfriend has also given me her blessing to create another Patapon pair for one of you guys! They will be on Converse (either Low or Hi-tops) but the shoes, laces and Patapon can be any colour you choose, so get in touch via email! Due to the (Relatively) simple nature of the design they cost will be slightly less than one of my customs from scratch. Theres still time to get a pair done for Christmas.

All the paints for this design came from the chaps over at PaintedSoles. Personally I don’t use anyone else for my paint needs and if you want to give customs a go these are the guys to visit.

Thanks again guys!