CJ Member Name: jesterboy
Real Name: Shawn
Location: Freehold, NJ
Age: 30
Sex: Male
Main Customizing Interest: JLU
Secondary Customizing Interest: - Teen Titans
Third Customizing Interest: - Super Powers
Why do you customize: To fill out my collections with characters that were never made.
Where do you customize: I usually sculpt and paint by brush in front of my computer, but when I airbrush, prime and Dullcote, I work in my basement.
When did you start customizing: A year ago. I started my first custom (Captain Atom) in January 2007
When do you customize: Unfortunately I don't have a lot of free time to do it so I try to squeeze an hour in here and there to get stuff done. It's usually at night and an occasional rainy weekend.
How much time, on average, do you spend customizing each week: I'd say 3-4 hours a week if I'm lucky.
How many customs have you done:.14 so far and I have 12 more in the works. Keep your eyes out in the next week or two because 5 of them are close to being done!
What type/brand of paint do you use: Folk Art, Apple Barrel and Plaid acrylics
Have you ever bought a custom: Yes, I bought a Hal Jordan JLU custom that is amazing. He looks the closest to the original that I have ever seen.
Have you ever sold one of your customs: No, I never sold my customs, but I have traded a custom I made for harder to find figures. I will be making casts of some of my customs to put on eBay and see how they do in the fairly near future, but I don't think I could sell any of the originals. They are like children to me.
Are there any other types of customs that you have never done but would like to try: Looking at some of the great customs on this site, I've been tempted to try some Super Powers. My first one may be Atom from a Flash figure. Also I want a Wonder Girl and Kid Flash for my Teen Titans collection so I may try those too.
Why did you take part in the Customizer of the Month article: Because I was asked. I'm glad people like my work enough to even bring me up for this.
What lines of toys/models do you collect: JLU, DCUC/DCSH, certain DC Direct, reissues of G1 Transformers, G.I. Joe 25th Anniversary and the 30th Anniversary Star Wars
If you could give one tip to other customizers, what would it be: Keep your paints thin. Water them down a little so you don't get a think, caked on paint job. It may take another coat or two but the results will be worth it. Another tip would be to ask another customizer on the board if there's something that you need help with. I have never had anything but great experiences talking to fellow customizers.
What inspires you when you do a custom: A few things. One is if there's a character that deserves to be made and it's never produced (i.e. Lobo). Another inspiration is if I see another customizers version of a character and it looks fun.
What is your favorite custom that you have: Either Salakk or Invincible. It's really hard to choose
What custom do you feel is your best: Lobo. He took months of working on and off .
