Alise Willoughby Olympic Custom Helmet
Alise Willoughby Olympic Custom Helmet
Creating this Alise Willoughby Olympic custom helmet for the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo was one of the most exciting projects I’ve worked on. Alise, a BMX star and a true champion, wanted her custom painted BMX helmet to reflect the connection between the USA and Japan, and she had a lot of input in the design. She even sketched out many of the elements herself, giving me a strong foundation to work from. This collaboration made the process special and personal, which is always rewarding in BMX helmet painting.
The design of the Alise Willoughby custom Japanese helmet featured a blend of symbols from both countries, with a focus on unity and strength. On one side of the airbrushed helmet, I included the iconic Great Wave off Kanagawa, a famous Japanese artwork that represents resilience and beauty. The wave flowed seamlessly into the bold red, white, and blue of the American flag, creating a stunning visual connection between the two nations. Using custom helmet airbrushing techniques, I carefully detailed each element to ensure the design was both vibrant and meaningful.
Alise’s custom helmet paint also included subtle nods to her Olympic journey. On the back, I airbrushed the Olympic rings, surrounded by a soft, glowing aura to symbolize her dedication and hard work. Her name, “Willoughby,” was added in elegant script near the base, making the helmet uniquely hers. The overall color scheme featured a mix of metallic finishes and bright tones, giving the helmet a dynamic look that sparkled under the lights.
One of the most challenging parts of creating the Alise Willoughby custom painted helmet was the tight deadline. We only had a few days to complete the project because of a scheduled Troy Lee Designs photoshoot with the Olympic BMX team. Despite the time crunch, we pulled it off, and the result was nothing short of spectacular. Seeing Alise wear the helmet during the photoshoot and knowing it would be showcased on the world stage in Tokyo was an incredible feeling.
The front of the custom Japanese helmet featured a bold rising sun motif, a nod to Japan’s flag and its role as the host nation for the Olympics. This was paired with soft cherry blossom accents, which added a touch of elegance and paid homage to Japan’s rich cultural heritage. The balance between bold elements and delicate details made the helmet stand out as both powerful and beautiful.
As with all custom painted helmets, the finishing touches were critical. After completing the helmet airbrushing, I applied multiple layers of clear coat to protect the design and give it a glossy, professional finish. The metallic accents and vibrant colors came to life under the sunlight, making the helmet a true work of art. Every detail, from the subtle shading of the wave to the crisp lines of the American flag, was carefully crafted to ensure the highest quality.
Working with Alise on this project was a privilege. Her passion for the sport and her appreciation for art made the process enjoyable and inspiring. She knew exactly what she wanted but also trusted me to bring her vision to life, which is the perfect balance for a creative collaboration. The Alise Willoughby custom helmet not only represented her connection to the USA and Japan but also showcased her unique style and determination as an athlete.
The Alise Willoughby custom painted helmet is a testament to what can be achieved with teamwork and creativity. It’s more than just a helmet—it’s a symbol of her Olympic journey and the unity between two nations. Seeing it on the world stage in Tokyo was a proud moment for everyone involved. This project reminded me why I love custom helmet painting and the opportunity to create something meaningful for incredible athletes like Alise.
