How Candy Decay Art Is Made

How Every Candy Decay Original Comes to Life

Every Candy Decay original starts as a small wooden panel—a tiny world waiting to be built.

Before I even begin painting, every piece starts with an idea. I spend time developing the concept, searching for inspiration, and collecting references until the little story behind the artwork begins to take shape.

The first layer is created with glossy neon acrylic paint, forming a vibrant foundation and a smooth surface on which the following layers can come to life. On top of this base, I gradually build each illustration using acrylic markers, carefully adding the characters, expressions, and countless tiny details hidden throughout every piece.

The drawing process alone often takes around 12 hours—not including the time spent developing the concept, planning the composition, and gathering references.

To create depth, shadows, and dimension, I often incorporate alcohol markers, combining the softness of illustration techniques with the presence of an original painting. The sides of every wooden panel are hand-painted black, transforming the artwork into a finished object rather than simply an image on a surface.

Before the final step, each painting is sealed with a glossy acrylic spray varnish to protect the different paint layers and preserve the vibrancy of the colors.

Finally, every original receives a very thin layer of crystal-clear resin. I spent a long time considering whether I wanted to use resin at all. While I understand the concerns surrounding epoxy resin, I currently believe that using the smallest amount possible to preserve an artwork for many years is the right balance for my work. I don't use resin simply for its glossy appearance—I use it to protect the painting from everyday wear while enhancing the depth and vibrancy of the colors. This creates the signature Candy Decay finish: a glossy, almost candy-like surface that helps preserve each tiny world for years to come.

Every original is created entirely by hand, layer by layer. Small imperfections are not flaws—they are part of the artistic process and a reminder that every piece is unique.

I continuously test my materials and techniques to ensure that every artwork is made not only to be enjoyed today, but to be treasured for many years to come. If a more sustainable material one day offers the same level of protection and visual quality, I'd gladly make the switch. Until then, I believe using a minimal amount of resin to preserve a piece of art for decades is the best balance I can achieve.