CJ Member Name: Dr. Solstice
Real Name: Mike
Location: Memphis, TN
Age: 35
Sex: All male, baby
Main Customizing Interest: JLU
Secondary Customizing Interest: Star Wars
Third Customizing Interest: DC Direct
Why do you customize: it's relaxing and there's a tangible sense of accomplishment; it's unlike writing, where you'll always benefit from another draft.
Where do you customize: In my kitchen, mostly. I keep all the paints in a storage closet and bring 'em out as needed.
When did you start customizing: I started with Star Wars figures in 2000 and moved over to JLU figures in 2005.
When do you customize: Weekends, mostly, and on breaks from work.
How much time, on average, do you spend customizing each week: Three - four hours, when I'm working at it.
How many customs have you done: About 200 Star Wars customs, maybe 115 JLU customs.
What type/brand of paint do you use: Americana acrylics work best for me, and there's no shortcut. You've got to apply multiple coats smoothly.
Have you ever bought a custom: Two, many years ago.
Have you ever sold one of your customs: No. I just recently had someone ask for the first time.
Are there any other types of customs that you have never done but would like to try: I'd love to try a playset, like JSA Mansion or the JLA Cave in Happy Harbor.
Why did you take part in the Customizer of the Month article: Stew asked me, and you don't mess with the Stew.
What lines of toys/models do you collect: JLU mostly, but also a few favorite characters from Marvel Legends and DC Direct.
If you could give one tip to other customizers, what would it be: There's no substitute for patience. Trying to rush because you want the satisfaction of "having customized" just encourages mistakes. Take your time - ultimately, you're working for yourself, not others.
What inspires you when you do a custom: Sometimes it's just a matter of realizing I've already got the parts lying around. Other times I have an idea of a finished custom in my head and have to chase it.
What is your favorite custom that you have: Probably my Blue Beetle. It was one of the first I did and a real labor of love.
What custom do you feel is your best: Most recently, the DC Captain Marvel figure. It's always nice when you get about six or seven different parts together without gluing all ten fingers to each other or going blind.
Thanks to the HOJ staff for this recognition. You guys are Cool and the Gang.
