There's something about meeting someone who just *gets* you. Someone who looks at the world the same way you do — sees possibility where others see obstacles, imagines creations instead of accepting convention, dreams of building instead of just existing. For us, that meeting happened on Carousell, of all places. Not in a boardroom. Not at a networking event. Not through a mutual friend at a party. Just two people, browsing and selling on a marketplace platform, who realized they were cut from the same cloth.

Carousell was the meeting ground. A platform built on the simple premise of buying and selling — a wonderful platform, really, because it cuts through the noise. You're there to do something. You have intent. And somehow, in the midst of scrolling through listings and exchanges, we found each other. What started as a chat about a listing became conversations about art, creation, design, and the burning desire to build something meaningful.

His background was in product and design. Hers was in multimedia and animation. Both studied at Ngee Ann Polytechnic, though at different times — crossing paths in the same institution years apart, before crossing paths on a selling platform years later. Two different creative disciplines, two different eras at the same school, same island, same moment in time. Kismet.

Here's what connected them instantly: neither of them wanted the usual path. You know the one — get a degree, find a job at a company, climb the ladder, retire. It's safe. It's predictable. And it was absolutely not for them. They both wanted to create. To start things. To build. To forge their own path instead of following the one everyone else was walking.

This was the thinking behind a 17-year-old and a partner who was much older. On paper, it doesn't look conventional. An age gap. Different life stages. Different experiences. But they shared something more important than any of that: the same hunger to create something real, something theirs, something that mattered.

Neither of them wanted the usual path. They wanted to create. To start things. To build. To forge their own path instead of following the one everyone else was walking.

Both of them were into hypebeast culture — that world of limited-edition drops, exclusive sneaker releases, the entire aesthetic and community around hype. He was the kind to buy expensive clothing, to chase the Yeezys and the collaborations. She was drawn to the culture itself — the art, the meaning, the community of people who understood that these weren't just shoes or clothes; they were expressions of identity and taste.

And then it clicked. They wanted to start something together. They knew how like-minded they were. They knew they wanted to serve people who lived and breathed this culture. Why not create a space for hypebeasts and hypebaes to get exactly what they wanted — customization, artistry, creation meant *for* them and *from* people who actually understood the culture?

Hypebaysg came about from that vision. "Hypebay" — a bay of hypebeasts and hypebaes, a gathering place for like-minded creatives and collectors who wanted more than mass production. A bay where customization wasn't just a service; it was a conversation between artists who got it and customers who wanted to express something deeper through what they wore.

Two creatives — one in product design, one in multimedia and animation — who saw art as a language and creation as a way of life.

Shared Passion

An age gap, an unconventional partnership, two people who chose to build rather than follow. The courage to do things differently, together.

Refusing Convention

Not a shop. Not a trend. A gathering place for hypebeasts and hypebaes who understand that culture runs deeper than a logo.

A Bay for Our People

What started as a chat on Carousell became a business. But more importantly, it became a partnership rooted in genuine connection and shared vision. It wasn't about finding the right co-founder from a networking event or a startup pitch competition. It was about recognizing kindred spirits — people who wanted the same thing: to create, to build, to matter.

From sneaker customization to face painting to event experiences to everything in between — Hypebaysg evolved because the foundation was solid. Two people who refused to follow the usual path, who met by chance and chose to walk together, building something that reflected both of them.

Sometimes the best partnerships aren't planned. They're recognized. It's when two people look at each other and say, "I see myself in you. Let's build something." That's where Hypebaysg began. A love at first chat.

Whether it's a custom sneaker, face painting, an event, or anything in between — we're always open to creating with people who get it.

A Love at First Chat: How Hypebaysg Really Began

2017. The hype sneaker era was in full swing. Everyone who was anyone wanted a pair of Yeezys, Air Jordan 1s, Off-White Nikes, Air Max 97s — the list went on. And those who couldn't get their hands on the drops? They customized what they had. Painting, dyeing, modifying. It was a whole culture. Sneaker customisation wasn't just a service — it was an art form. And for one 17-year-old with nothing but a passion for painting and no business background whatsoever, it was an opening.

A 17-Year-Old, A Dream, and the Wrong Paint

The first trial was supposed to be a disaster. We had no idea what we were doing. No proper leather paint. No resources. So what did we do? We grabbed our school's art and craft paints — the kind meant for canvases, not leather — and we started painting on a pair of old shoes we had lying around. We were expecting a total flop. Something to laugh about later, maybe. Instead? It was **hot**. It was the **Great Wave off Kanagawa** — that iconic Hokusai print, painted with the wrong materials on the wrong shoes. But somehow, it was absolutely right.

The first pair was painted with the wrong paint, on the wrong shoes — and somehow, it was the right start.

We didn't have a website. We didn't have a business plan. We didn't even have a business name back then. What we did have was Carousell — the marketplace where every sneaker buyer and seller in Singapore was hanging out. So we posted a service listing. "Custom sneaker painting, $30 for midsole blackout. Reach out." And the messages started coming in. People were already looking for customs. We were just filling a gap that existed.

A clean blackout custom on midsoles. Simple, sharp, and our very first offering at just $30. Hours of work for a two-digit price tag.

Midsole Blackout

BAPE camo designs painted on the back tab of sneakers. Intricate. Iconic. $60 per pair. The prices started moving up.

Back Tab Camo

Full one-piece characters on a pair of white Yeezys. Hours melting into the night. $300 a pair. The kind of work that took everything.

Full Character Commission

When We Realised Time Was the Real Currency

We started out doing custom sneakers the way most people do, saying yes to everything, pricing accessibly, and pouring hours into every detail.

Over time, our standards got higher. So did the level of detail in every piece. What used to take a few hours turned into days. Some designs stretched across weeks.

That’s when we realised this wasn’t just custom work anymore. It was craftsmanship.

At the same time, we expanded into event experiences such as face painting, balloons, and full setups, where we could bring creativity to life in a more immediate way.

So we made a shift.

Today, our custom sneakers are no longer everyday orders. They are **limited, intentional, and created for clients who truly value the work.** Each piece is treated as a *collectible*, not just a product.

**Quality over quantity. Always.**

Sneaker customisation is still something we take on — just selectively. If you have a pair you want transformed into something special, reach out. We'll chat about the vision, the timeline, and the price.

The first pair was painted with school craft paint — the wrong kind entirely. It still turned out hot. Don't wait until you have the perfect tools. Don't wait for permission or resources. Start with what you have.

Start Messy, Refine Later

We charged $30 for six hours of painstaking work. As our craft grew, so did our prices — and our confidence in asking for them. Price your time honestly. Never stop re-evaluating what you're worth.

Know Your Worth

No business background. No startup capital. Just a love for painting and the guts to post on Carousell. Resourcefulness and genuine passion are their own kind of seed funding.

Passion + Hustle = Business

From sneakers to events — explore our full range of creative services.

From Sneakers to Celebrations: How Hypebaysg Really Started

It's a question we hear at almost every event we work at — and honestly, it's one of the most important questions you can ask. **As a parent, you want to be sure.** As an event host, you want every guest to leave happy and healthy.

At Hypebaysg, safety isn't an afterthought — it's built into everything we do. In this post, we'll walk you through exactly what face paints we use, why we chose them, and what makes them safe for even the most sensitive skin types.

We Only Use Certified, Skin-Safe Face Paints

Not all face paints are created equal. Many cheap craft-store paints — despite looking like fun — are not formulated for skin and can cause irritation, rashes, or worse. At Hypebaysg, we are committed to using only professional-grade, certified non-toxic and hypoallergenic face paints specifically designed for skin application.

These are the same calibre of products used by professional face painters at international events, theme parks, and certified body art competitions worldwide.

"Our face paints are gentle on the skin and suitable for both children and adults — because every face we paint deserves the best care."

Our paints undergo strict safety testing to ensure they meet international cosmetic safety standards before they ever touch your skin.

Rigorously Tested

Formulated to minimise allergic reactions, making them suitable for sensitive skin types — including children with eczema-prone skin.

Hypoallergenic Formula

Our paints are water-based, so they remove easily with mild soap and water — no harsh scrubbing or chemicals needed.

Water-Activated & Easy to Remove

From toddlers to adults, our face paints are safe for every age group, giving parents complete peace of mind at family events.

Safe for All Ages

Even the best face paint is only as safe as the hands applying it. Here's how our team ensures every session is hygienic from start to finish:

If your child has a known allergy, eczema, or very sensitive skin, please let us know before the event. We're happy to do a quick patch test or recommend skipping face paint in favour of a fun alternative like a balloon animal or temporary tattoo.

Let Us Know About Skin Sensitivities in Advance

Whether it's a birthday party, school carnival, or corporate event — our team is ready to bring the magic, safely and professionally.

Is Face Paint Really Safe? Here's Everything You Should Know

Today was all about passing on the sparkle! We hosted a workshop at the indoor playground, guiding young learners through the basics of face painting and glitter tattoos. And what better way to show them how it's done than with a live demonstration — one of the playground's little adventurers kindly volunteered, and let's just say, they left looking absolutely magical.

We started with the fundamentals — learning how to hold and maneuver a brush, how to load more than one color onto it at once, and how to angle it just right to achieve clean, sharp, and polished results.

Here's something that might surprise you — all it takes is one brush loaded with color, a touch of water, and the right technique to create a stunning butterfly in just 4 strokes! It's proof that great face painting is less about the tools and more about knowing how to use them.

No design is complete without clean line art. It's the finishing touch that defines the outlines, elevates the overall look, and gives every piece that professional, eye-catching quality.

It was such a fulfilling day watching these young learners soak it all in! With the skills they've picked up, the possibilities are truly endless — who knows, this could be the spark that leads them to new creative horizons, or even their very first gig!

Thinking about picking up face painting as a side hustle? Don't hesitate to reach out to us — we'd love to help you get started on your journey!

Inside Waka Waka: Face Painting, Fun & Full Vibes

This isn't Charles Leclerc's ride — but it belongs to someone just as passionate about the prancing horse. Our client, an avid F1 fanatic, wanted a custom Bearbrick that captured the spirit of Ferrari racing. This is the full process, step by step. No shortcuts, no compromises.

One-of-the-kind Charles Leclerc Bearbrick 400%

We only work with authentic Medicom Toy Bearbricks. No knock-offs, no bootlegs. The quality and structure of a genuine Medicom piece is the foundation that makes everything else possible. A real Bearbrick holds paint differently, sands cleaner, and is simply worth the investment for a collector-grade finish.

Before a single stroke of paint, we mock up the design digitally — mapping every colour zone, stencil placement, and detail onto the Bearbrick's body panels. For this Ferrari commission, we planned out the Rosso Corsa red base, the signature yellow racing stripe, the Scuderia shield on the chest, and the tyre-tread feet. This phase prevents costly mistakes later.

The simpler the design, the cleaner the result. Fewer stencil layers = crisper edges and less margin for error.


Every Medicom Bearbrick comes with a factory paint or gloss finish. We sand this down entirely to create a raw, receptive surface for our custom paint. The key here is that simpler factory designs sand down much faster — heavily printed or pre-painted variants take considerably more prep time, which is reflected in the commission timeline and complexity.

Choosing a plain or single-colour factory Bearbrick as your base makes the process smoother and faster.
 delivery, a standard custom takes about 5–7 working days. Larger figures (1000%) or especially detailed designs take longer. If you're thinking of commissioning one, the earlier you reach out, the better.

Once sanded, the entire Bearbrick is primed. We apply a minimal, even primer coating — not thick, not heavy. The goal is to seal the sanded surface just enough to accept paint, without adding bulk that could crack or peel over time. Think of it as the invisible foundation that makes everything on top last.

Nail the Design Order — Colour by Colour

The painting sequence is everything. We always spray the lightest or largest colour first, then work toward darker and more detailed layers. For the Ferrari piece: the Rosso Corsa red went on first as the base coat, followed by masking and stenciling the yellow racing stripes, then the black detailing, and finally the Scuderia shield graphic. Getting the order wrong means repainting — and more sanding.

Each stencil sits on top of a dried layer beneath it, protecting what's already done while the new colour goes on cleanly beside it.


This is where the magic happens. We use an ultra-fine airbrush rather than rattle cans or hand brushes. The airbrush delivers a micro-fine mist of paint that settles uniformly onto the surface with zero brush strokes and virtually no splatter. The result is a surface that looks factory-smooth — or better. Up close, you'll see the detail. From a distance, it reads as clean and intentional.

Layer by Layer — Wait for Each Coat to Set

We never rush this step. Between every layer of paint, we wait for the coat to fully cure before touching it again. Once set, we can safely tape over it, lay a stencil on top, and spray the next colour right next to the previous one without bleed or lifting. Patience in this phase is what separates a crisp finish from a muddy one.

Spray → wait to set → tape or stencil → spray next colour → repeat.


Not a masterpiece yet — not until we varnish it. A final topcoat of clear varnish is applied over the entire completed Bearbrick. This seals all layers of paint beneath it, creates a durable surface, and gives the piece its final finish — whether that's gloss, satin, or matte depending on the commission. Think of it the same way a vinyl toy's factory coat protects its print: the varnish is what keeps your custom piece looking fresh for years.

Once the varnish has fully cured, your custom Bearbrick is complete. The joints — arms, legs, and head — can be moved, but we recommend against frequent repositioning. Every twist and rotation creates friction at the joint edges where paint meets paint, and over time this will cause the custom finish to wear at those contact points. The safer your piece stays in one position, the longer it looks perfect.

Best practice: Pose it once, thoughtfully — then let it live exactly like that.


Keep your Bearbrick in a display case, shelf, or cabinet where it won't be knocked, bumped, or vibrated regularly. Movement is the enemy of any hand-painted surface. A glass display case is ideal — it keeps dust off and keeps curious hands away.

Store in a stable, movement-free environment

Prolonged UV exposure will cause colours to fade over time — especially reds and yellows. Display away from windows or use UV-filtering display cases for long-term preservation.

Avoid direct sunlight and UV exposure

If your piece needs dusting, use a soft, dry microfibre cloth only. Cleaning chemicals — even mild ones — can break down the varnish and damage the paint layers beneath.

Do not use cleaning sprays or solvents

The arms, legs, and head can be repositioned, but each time you do, friction at the joint edges will gradually wear the paint. Pose your piece once — ideally right after receiving it — and leave it in that position permanently.

Minimise joint movement

Custom hand-painted finishes are inherently more delicate than factory-applied prints. Factory paints are baked and bonded at industrial temperatures — our custom paints are applied by hand with care, but they require more thoughtful handling. With the right display and storage, your piece will remain in excellent condition for years.

Not every design translates perfectly onto a Bearbrick — and we'll always be honest with you about what works and what doesn't. Here's our honest guide:

Single-colour fills, colour-blocked zones, and solid brand colours are where airbrush customisation shines brightest. Clean, deliberate, and striking.

Bold, Flat Colours

Shields, emblems, numbers, and icons work beautifully with stenciling. Think sports teams, brand marks, and iconic symbols.

Logos & Simple Graphics

Racing stripes, panels, and geometric shapes are tailor-made for masking and stencil layering — clean results every time.

Stripes & Geometric Patterns

Less is more here. Subtle gradients are possible but increase complexity and spraying time considerably. We keep gradients minimal to stay true to the bold Medicom aesthetic.

Gradients

Highly intricate designs require more stencil layers, more curing time, and more precision. These are possible but will affect timeline and price accordingly.

Fine Detail / Intricate Art

Send us your idea and we'll give you an honest assessment of what's achievable, how long it'll take, and what it'll look like at the end.

OUR BLOG

A Love at First Chat: How Hypebaysg Really Began

From Sneakers to Celebrations: How Hypebaysg Really Started

Is Face Paint Really Safe? Here's Everything You Should Know

Inside Waka Waka: Face Painting, Fun & Full Vibes

Custom Bearbrick: Ferrari Edition