About

Elijah Rutland, a native of Macon, GA, is the visionary founder and creator behind the rapidly emerging Fix My Sole brand. Specializing in artistic sneaker customization and unique digital illustrations, Fix My Sole reflects Elijah's dedication to innovation and self-expression. As a major influencer in popular culture across all social media platforms, he transforms footwear, T-shirts, and other apparel into canvas art and redefines contemporary design.

Elijah’s artistic journey began in elementary school, where his passion for shoes sparked his creativity. When his parents refused to buy him the brand-name sneakers he desired, Elijah took matters into his own hands. He vividly recalls his father’s words, “I’d rather buy shares of NIKE stock than NIKE sneakers,” which inspired him to channel his frustration into art. By high school, he persuaded his father to buy him a $3 pair of sneakers from Goodwill and $10 worth of paint. This marked the beginning of his custom sneaker business. After showcasing his work on social media, his creativity resonated with a wide audience, propelling his brand to new heights.

Elijah's artistic talents extend beyond sneaker art. In 2018, he gained international recognition by creating the iconic Black Rolf meme, which went viral across various social media platforms. This exposure led to a feature at Comic-Con 2019 in San Diego, where Warner Bros. showcased his work alongside the beloved character. Elijah’s artistic versatility is further illustrated through his contributions to animated projects for major studios, including Netflix’s Green Eggs and Ham, Warner Bros.’ Scooby-Doo, HBOMax’s Aquaman: King of Atlantis, and Disney’s Big City Greens. His time at Florida A&M University (FAMU) also highlighted his diverse talents, where he showcased his musical skills as a trumpet player in the renowned Incomparable Marching 100.

Elijah’s work has garnered accolades and attention from reputable outlets like GQ.com, Sole Collector, and Airbrush Action magazine. His client list includes notable brands such as Cartoon Network, Beats by Dre, the NBA, and the NFL. His impressive project, #NFL Artist Replay, was showcased during Super Bowl LV in Tampa in February 2021. Furthermore, in March 2022, Mercedes Benz featured him as a content creator across their global social media channels, solidifying his presence in the art and design community.

In 2022, Elijah made waves by showcasing NIKE’s custom-designed LeBron James shoes and apparel on the company’s social media channels. His entrepreneurial spirit was recognized through the FANG Award as Student Entrepreneur of the Year at FAMU, and he received the U.S. Small Business Administration’s prestigious “Outside The Box” award. A sought-after speaker, Elijah has presented at numerous events, notably serving as a keynote speaker at Minnesota's 2019 MLK Holiday Celebration, invited by the office of Governor Mark Dayton.

Elijah’s influence expanded when he was appointed as a national spokesperson for the inaugural Juneteenth federal holiday in June 2022, collaborating with BET and Walmart across all social platforms. This role underscores his commitment to cultural representation and promotes the importance of historical awareness in modern society.

A proud 2022 graduate of Florida A&M University (FAMU) with a B.S. degree in Graphic Design, Elijah Rutland has fully committed himself to nurturing and expanding the Fix My Sole brand. His unique vision and relentless passion continue to inspire a growing community of sneaker enthusiasts and art lovers alike, making Fix My Sole a cultural cornerstone in the world of customized footwear and artistic expression. Join us on this creative journey as we celebrate culture, individuality, and the transformative power of art!