Customizer Robert Buzan
What does the word customizer mean to you?
To me, there seem to be different areas of customizing. Some folks make characters that toy companies haven't (or won't) produce. Others create entirely new characters to use with existing lines. I see the latter more often in the 3 3/4 inch GI Joe customs.
How did you begin customizing?
I began cutomizing when Toy Biz released the first Marvel Super Heroes line, which was around 1991 or 1992. My first custom was Guardian from Alpha Flight, which I re-painted using a Marvel Super Heroes Silver Surfer. Before I started customizing, I painted miniatures (I learned a great deal of patience in painting those little buggers!)
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The Son of Satan |
As a customizer what do you create?
I have an interest in obscure and/or weird comic characters. I'm also a sucker for garish costumes and bright color combinations. I've mainly worked in the 5 inch Toy Biz scale and have done a few 3 3/4 inch GI Joes.
What is your process when you are customizing, from start to finish?
The first and most important step for me is in choosing parts. Some people try to start with a "plain" figure (with few details), but I try to look at a figure's build first. I don't mind having to grind or sand off bits here and there. After I've chosen a base, I eliminate any of the figure's original sculpted bits that I don't need. Next, I'll add my own details using Sculpey, Milliput, cut styrene or any other material to suit my needs. The final step is painting. I use acrylics and I always paint a white base coat first; which helps the final colors to cover more evenly. Depending on the character, I use washes and drybrushing techniques to give extra depth to the paint job.
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Baron Zemo |
Have you ever sold any of your customs, if so where?
I have sold a few customs on Ebay. Most of the customs that I've sold were made on commission.
What has been the highest price that you have received for a custom?
$75 to $100 for a single figure.
Do you get requests?
I do get requests from time to time. Most are asking to buy the figures featured on my site.
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VideoMan |
What has been the oddest request?
Well, I think it's pretty odd that someone would have the same kind of weird taste that I do. I mean, how many people know who Brother Voodoo is, much less want an action figure of him? :)
What has been the easiest item to customize?
My easiest custom was probably Videoman. I drew it in Photoshop, printed it out and attached it to sheet plastic. No painting or sculpting required!
What has been the hardest item to customize?
Probably Zartan. He required a lot of sculpting.
When you are customizing what are the essential tools one needs?
Parts, paint, patience, practice...and a Dremel. :)
Who in the customizing world or other has been an inspiration?
One of the best Marvel customizers is Ken from Mattman's Figures (http://mattmansfigures.homestead.com/mattman.html). Some of his customs really capture a comic book "look" in three dimensions. I urge you to check out his Volcana and the U-Foes. Great stuff. For 3 3/4" inch GI Joes, Chad and Matthew's custom GI Joe site (http://loserville.us/gijoe) is a great source of inspiration. Original ideas and very clean work.
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YellowJacket |
What project would you like to take on as a customizer?
A dream of mine would be to make a custom of every outfit worn by The Wasp, Henry Pym and Wonder Man. I think they have an entire wing of Avengers mansion dedicated to the Wasp's closet space.
When you want to see other customizers is there a place where you go?
I visit Joecustoms.com regularly.
What has been the best creation that you or someone else has made?
My favorite custom is my Yellowjacket. He's one of my favorite Marvel characters and I just love that costume design.
On a scale of 1-10 how would you rate yourself as a customizer?
I don't know exactly, but I do know that I still have room to improve in some areas.
What would you say makes your customs different from others?
I try to get the cleanest possible finish with my customs. I think that a clean, crisp paint job can make an otherwise simple custom stand out. I also try to add a touch of humor to my descriptions/recipes.
Why do you think people started customizing? And where do you think customizing will lead to in the future?
Probably from a desire to make something personal or one-of-a-kind. Who knows where it will lead? Hopefully, toy companies will continue to make action figures, though it seems that video games and computers occupy more and more of the modern kid's spare time. But there's customizing going on there as well. The case mod hobby is a good example.
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Zartan |
Do hope to create your own toy line like McFarlane ?
I don't want to create my own line, but I would be very interested in working within an existing toy company.
Do you also collect toys or artwork perhaps for inspiration?
I collect Marvel, GI Joe and Star Wars figures as space and money permit. :)
Any advice for anyone looking to get into customizing?
Do what you like and practice, practice, practice!
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Wonderman |
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Gargoyle |
