CJ Member Name: Stew
Real Name: Stuart
Location: Hanover, VA
Age: 36
Sex: of course male
Main Customizing Interest: jlu figures
Secondary Customizing Interest: diecast cars( alot of batmobiles) and old large vehicle for figs restorations.
Third Customizing Interest: 1/25 1/24 scale car models
Why do you customize: i enjoy it and it's relaxing to me.
Where do you customize: in my closet. my wife was tired of me doing it in the kitchen. so i ended up putting my closet to use instead of just using it for storage.
When did you start customizing: i started out when i was real young(5-6 yrs old). building model cars with my uncles. it just stuck with me as time went on. now i'm into the jlu customizing along with cars. been only making jlu customs since january of this year(07)
When do you customize: at night when i get home from work.
How much time, on average, do you spend customizing each week: probably about 10-20 hrs depending.
How many customs have you done: i havent really counted. i guess i have done about 30-40 jlu figs now.
What type/brand of paint do you use: testors acrylic 1/4 oz paints and model master acrylic. i only use apple barrel or anita's paints only as a last resort.
Have you ever bought a custom: no. i can make my own. i have been tempted though.
Have you ever sold one of your customs: yes. i've only sold some just to use the money for more materials.
Are there any other types of customs that you have never done but would like to try: i would like to try do dcsh style customs.
Why did you take part in the Customizer of the Month article: a few people had asked and now they recieve
What lines of toys/models do you collect: i collect various styles of batman toys and collectables. also jlu of course and dcsh/dc direct figs.
If you could give one tip to other customizers, what would it be: i always say, think outside the box when creating any style of customs. be creative to use anything that would help accomplish the look of customs you invision. dont be afraid to do something new. trial and error is key to becoming a good customizer.
What inspires you when you do a custom: when i see an image of a character that just pops out at me, i can usually make that image into a figure character. i have to feel really good about the character in order to make it come alive. come up with a plan to make it and then execute it.
What is your favorite custom that you have: i would have to say my armored batman.
What custom do you feel is your best: i think my best is probably superfriends style Lex Luthor.
