A couple of my sneakers but shout out to moms she kept me fresh! April 1985 Jordan 1 and then she saw fit to bless me with the bred XI 10 years later in 1995! Moms definitely goated!

Just picked it up off of marketplace. It’s a on card Auto personally I would rather have a on card Auto whether it’s pulled out of a pack or signed in person that a sticker Auto I know some people are like well. That card is not meant to have a Auto I really don’t care about that and for people that do think that that’s fine. You don’t have to get a card like that but I like it like that I’ve been looking to get one of his autos. Finally got it and I think I’m getting another one today if the guy will meet. And it’s gonna be the same kind just a different card the tops museum, rookie card everybody have a great day what’s everybody’s thoughts on Auto’s meant to be on cards and Auto that are not meant to be on cards

In this episode of The Collector’s Compass, Alyx sits down with Sal Amezcua (@kickstradomis), one of the most well-known sneaker customizers in the world whose work has been worn by NBA players on the court, and the founder of Kicksverse, a platform merging sneaker culture, art, and collectibles.

Kicks is an artist who’s built a brand at the highest level of culture. From designing custom sneakers for athletes and celebrities to expanding into trading cards and art, he’s carved out a lane that blends creativity, community, and commerce.

Alyx and Kicks explore the crossover between sneaker culture and the modern hobby—two worlds driven by passion, scarcity, and hype, but also increasingly shaped by scale and pressure. They also discuss intentional collecting, staying connected to passion as the hobby becomes more transactional, and how Kicks' journey as an artist has shaped his approach to collecting.

With over a million followers and global influence, Kicks shares his perspective on the hobby, the responsibility of influence, and navigating a space where entertainment, commerce, and culture intersect. They also discuss legacy, giving back, supporting emerging artists and brands, and continuing to push creative boundaries through Kicksverse. They also discuss legacy, giving back, supporting emerging artists and brands, and continuing to push creative boundaries through Kicksverse.

This isn’t just a conversation about sneakers or cards—it’s about building something real in a space that’s constantly evolving. At its core, this episode is about creativity, culture, and the difference between collecting, creating, and chasing.

Topics covered include:

• Kicks' journey to becoming one of the most recognized sneaker customizers in the world

• Creating customs for NBA players, celebrities, and influencers

• The evolution of sneaker culture and its parallels to the hobby

• Scarcity, hype, and the role of community across both spaces

• The difference between creating and chasing

• What intentional collecting looks like from a creator’s perspective

• Building Kicksverse and expanding into trading cards and art

• The current state of the hobby through an influencer lens

• Responsibility, reach, and the impact of having a large audience

• Auction culture, exclusivity, and digital collectibles

• Paying it forward and supporting emerging artists and brands

• Advice for creators and collectors navigating today’s environment

If you’ve ever thought about the intersection of art, sneakers, and collecting—or wondered where passion fits into a space driven by hype—this is conversation will resonate. Building and chasing are simply not the same.

Subscribe, share, and join the conversation around awareness, creativity, and building a more intentional relationship with collecting.

Watch The Episode On YouTube

Learn More & Join The Movement:

Website: collectorsmd.com

Socials: bio.collectorsmd.com

Weekly Meetings: bit.ly/45koiMX

Contact: info@collectorsmd.com

YT: ‪@collectorsmd

IG: @collectorsmd

Learn More & Follow Kickstradomis:

Website: thekicksverse.com | kickstradomis.com

YT: @kickstradomis

IG: @kickstradomis

X: @kickstradomis

TT: @kickstradomis

Help for Problem Gambling: Call or Text 800-GAMBLER

This Episode of The Collector's Compass is sponsored by ‪All Touch Case, a premium display and protection solution designed to showcase your cards while keeping them safe. Use code COLLECTORSMD for 15% of your order. Collect. Protect. It’s a peace of mind.

#CollectorsMD | #Kickstradomis | #RipResponsibly | #CollectResponsibly

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QwKEVVunX8&t=1870s

@kickstradomis explains how @karltowns of the @nyknicks opened the door for his career.

Sometimes one unexpected, serendipitous moment can completely alter the trajectory of your career - or your entire life.

Pursue your passions. Chase your dreams. Live life with intention.

#CollectorsMD | #RipResponsibly | #CollectResponsibly

https://www.instagram.com/p/DYu15uzRDzO/