Alex11 Customs

A FRESH BEGINING!

Welcome to Alex11 Customs! Today we'll talk about customs, as usual, but with more attention to detail! For instance, what's the definition of a custom? I think we should be clear on that matter, and start our customizing description process, so here we go!

Let's begin with a FAQ, to help clear some issues.

Question #1: What is a custom?

Answer #1: My definition of a custom is: " A piece that has suffered some deliberate alteration in order to enhance, repair or change its esthetic aspect or functionality." Well said, eh? So if you put a fabric cape on a figure, it becomes a custom? NO! In my definition, it must suffer some sort of alteration, and 'giving it a wardrobe piece' does not compute as alteration, even though it may look awesome, it's still the same original figure with a cape, ok?!  Even if you produced the cape from scrap, it's a custom cape, in an original figure. So, in order to become a custom you must do one or more of these: paint, sculpt, add on parts, accessories, change the inner mechanism, add or take articulation, swap body parts, re-dress entirely. I hope I've been clear on that, any doubts or different opinions will be well received.

Question #2: Why would I create a custom of my own?

Answer #2: Why NOT? Well, c'mon! It's fun! I know that a lot of collectors just buy their customs and show them, nothing against that, but I do prefer to craft my own, the fun is to create a concept and see it emerge from scratch to a finished look. That's the beauty of it, and anyone with a minimum of creativity and ability (as well as a lot of patience) can produce their own! So, if you want to begin, and are experiencing a sudden lack of courage, start by following other people's work throughout the web in order to learn the basics. When you feel you're ready to take the next step, begin by altering a figure you don't love that much, just in case you screw it… If you get addicted like me, you'll experience the urge to customize almost everything you get your hands on! Also, it really helps me to get through the day sometimes, when I'm working hard on my job, or when I'm studying for an exam on my university…It serves me well as a therapy, helping me to focus and forget the problems of 'real life'. A good hobby should do that, right?

Question #3: I don't have a lot of money to do my customs, how can I still have some fun?

Answer #3: Neither do I, that's why I created most of my parts and accessories from recyclable stuff and cheap materials. The key thing here is to spot the potential goodies from your 'garbage bin'. For an example, I took a spare paper-box here another day, and I'll make a showcase scenario from it, keep an eye for the tutorial in the future! Another tip regarding money issues is to keep an eye for those old action figures that costs a bit less than the newer-sometimes-more-articulated-ones. Especially when dealing with G.I. Joes, which can provide tons of parts and accessories, and actually are the best prime-matter for your 3.75" customs.

Question #4: Why did you start your own customizing journey?

Answer#4: I got inspired by great customizers like 'jack of tradze', 'customs for the kid', stronox's custom lab, korriban customs, rusty customs, and more (all them are far, far better than me, they are awesome, I'm just OK), and I share with them this love for the STAR WARS universe, as well as the love for the 'doing it myself' spirit. I guess that is a part of my personality to create my version of things…I play drums, draw, write…I just love art. My grandfather used to craft stuff from scratch to (even toys made from epoxy), so I guess I must have inherited the spirit!

I Hope you guys enjoyed our little FAQ space, so let's get to what matters: the tutorials! First I'll post an index of what's about to come, in order to guide us through the whole customizing journey! Ready? Tighten your seat belts, and may the force be with you!

Index

Guide #1- First Things First!

A guided tour throughout my customizing tools and equipment.

Guide #2 - Back to Basics!

A step-by-step tutorial on the basic procedures and materials used.

Guide #3 - Those WERE the droids I was looking for!

Tips on spotting potential and working with little to create some great stuff.

Guide #4 - I have a message for Obi-Wan Kenobi.

A documented experience of creation, bringing the whole customizing process of an action figure, from sketch to final looks. Think of it as a tiny episode of "The Cantina Challenge" on "Face Off".

Well, that's it for today! I Hope I've been of some help! If you enjoyed and want to comment anything, from suggestions to critic, fell free to do it, the main goal of this blog is to trade information and opinion!