Customizer Joe Centineo

What does the word Customizer mean to you?
To me Customizer means someone who takes figures to the next level in terms of quality and imagination

So, what do you Customize?
I specialize in superhero Mego and Famous Covers figures

How long have you been Customizing?
I have been customizing for 5 years

What made you start doing this?
I saw custom figures on eBay and knew that I could make them

So far you do something with your customs that I haven’t seen anyone else do. You create a Mego like figure complete with packaging why did you decide to take it to that extreme as opposed to just making the figure? Anyone can make figures I wanted mine to be truly original

Who makes the card stock and bubble that create the packaging?

I make the cards myself and I buy the bubbles from a wholesaler

Is there a particular character or theme you like to create more of?
The batman tv series was my favorite show as a kid and making these figures is like reliving my childhood.

What is your process when you are Customizing?
I start with the costume, then head, then accessories

Do you make the clothes and sculpt the heads?
I make the clothes on my sewing machine. I also cast numerous heads as well as customize original parts.

Where did you learn to sculpt and make the clothes?
I learned these techniques from practice.

What is the best sculpting material in your opinion?
Super Sculpey is an outstanding product

Have you ever had your stuff pulled from eBay because of the type of Customs that you are making or one of the Batman actors objected to you selling the character they played on the show?
I have had items pulled from eBay because of the word "custom" it scares them. The only actor to complain was Yvonne Craig, who played Batgirl on tv, because I used her name in my auction, we have spoken since then and she is totally supportive as long as I don't use her name, she even asked me to make her a figure and send it to her.

I noticed the Penguin Custom retains his original Mego head but the tv show costume, any reason for that choice? Why not sculpt a new head?
The original Mego Penguin was a great likeness so there was really no need to change it.

What was the very first Custom you made?
My first Custom was a DC Firestorm figure

When you completed that first Mego style Custom with the packaging what was your first reaction and the reaction of others?
I loved the completed figure and it was well received on eBay

How much time does it take to make a figure?
The time depends on the figure. I can usually make one in a day or two.

How many can you make in a week?
I could probably make a dozen a week

Do you keep any of your Customs?
I keep some of my customs but will sell them at any time to make more

Have you ever sold any of your Customs, if so where?
I have sold many Customs on eBay

What has been the highest price that you have received for a Custom?
The highest price I have received was $300.00 for a Mego tv style Bat cycle

 Do you get requests?
I do take requests

What has been the oddest request?
The oddest request was a Jack of Hearts figure

What has been the easiest item to Customize?
The easiest item to Customize is Daredevil----- Original

What has been the hardest item to Customize?
The hardest is my Adam West Batman

When you are Customizing what are the essential tools one needs?
Tools needed, sewing machine, good paints, vinyl, stretch fabric, molding clay and casting resins

Who in the Customizing world or other has been an inspiration?
Charlie Flatt is a great inspiration

What project would you like to take on as a Customizer?
I like taking orders for DC comic characters and Batman tv series characters

When you want to see other Customizers is there a place where you go?
I view other customs at the Mego Museum

What has been the best creation that youand/or someone else has made?
One of my best creations is the Mego tv Bat cycle

On a scale of 1-10 how would you rate yourself as a Customizer?
I would rate myself a strong 9 as a Customizer

What would you say makes your Customs different from others?
My Customs are different because of my attention to detail and the materials I use.

Why do you think people started Customizing? And where do you think Customizing will lead to in the future?
I think people started making customs to have the characters the companies didn't produce. I hope Customizing stays a true passion and form of self expression

Do you hope to create your own toy line like McFarlane?
I have no intention of becoming the next McFarlane

 Do you also collect toys or artwork perhaps for inspiration?
I collect Superhero toys from the 70’s

Do you still see yourself Customizing in ten years?
Sure, it is a passion of mine that I intend to pursue for many years to come.

What would be the best advice you could give to someone who wants to start Customizing?
My advice is to Customize for the love of the art and not the money that can be made.

I have to say that your Customs DC and Marvel characters are really great, keep up the good work. Perhaps you could teach me one day?
Thanks for the kind words.