Toy Customizer: Joe Amaro

Toy Designer Joe Amaro

Joe Amaro from Amaro Studios has been working in the toy industry for over 15 years. Including working with the Four Horsemen designing and sculpting the MOTU Classics Battle Ram, The Wind Raider, The Talon Fighter, Night Stalker, Stridor and The Hover Robots. 

As a hobby he also customizes action figures. Toy customizing has quickly become an ever-increasing hobby thanks to adult-collector toy lines, and the slow pace at which they release new product. There’s nothing stopping you from creating your very own ideal action figure. 

MOTU!: Hi Joe and thanks for taking time out to do this interview with me. Ever since I saw your custom Dark Soldier Head I became a instant fan. I bought 2 heads and now I own 2 custom Dark Soldiers that goes with my 1987 MOTU Movie Display. You have made some awesome customs over the years and your work is just getting better and better. 

Joe: That is awesome, thank you for your support!!! 

MOTU!: So Joe, how did you get started doing action figure customs? 

Joe: I think like everyone else I started when I was a kid. I really wanted the band from the Star Wars Cantina so I made my own. In the 90’s ToyFare magazine had a completion to design an action figure line. I entered some ThunderCats and won. I was then hired as a freelance artist to make customs for all three Wizard publications: ToyFare, Wizard and InQuest Gamer. That’s when I really started taking customizing more seriously. The customs that everyone remembers from those days are the Bearriors.

http://www.geek.com/tech/bearriors-the-fighting-animal-cartoon-more-fake-than-street-sharks-1657495/ 

I worked with them until 2006. From there I went on to work on the TV show Robot Chicken and that led me to working in the toy industry. 

MOTU!: How long have you been customizing figures? 

Joe: Forever, Haha! It is my break. When you work professionally as a designer/sculptor you have to make things the way you are instructed or how the licensor wants them done. Plus there are many restrictions because you have to think about production. So when I am customizing I am free to do whatever I want, without any restrictions. 

MOTU!: You do a lot of sculpting on your figures, not just the same old repaints seen elsewhere. What materials do you generally use to "make the magic happen"? 

Joe: I use all kinds of clays and materials. It really depends on what I am trying to create. But generally I use Sculpey and Magic Sculpt. 

MOTU!: Your paint jobs are very well done. Can you tell us a little on your technique for getting a sweet paintjob that gets past the pesky joint rub problem? 

Joe: A trick on joints is to sand them down a little, just enough so that the paint does not rub off. Also applying thin coats is very helpful, like with an airbrush. But in the end it is really unavoidable. 

MOTU!: Any horror stories of something gone horribly wrong? 

Joe: Horribly wrong? Not really. The motto in the Amaro household is “Anything can be fixed” There have been several times where I had to restart or redo something. The second time around it is always better. 

But as far as horror stories, one time my wife asked me to make ramp so our Yorkie “Killala” could get on the bed. So my thought was to not only make a ramp but also a G.I. Joe fort. While making it I severely cut my hand. I was cutting foam core and I had a big pile of trash on the table. I did not know but buried in the pile of trash was also my Xacto knife. When I went to move everything into the trach I used my hand to swipe it off the table. My Xacto stuck into my plam and slashed me open. I need 7 stitches. The doctors were concerned that I cut my tendons, but luckily I did not. I think anyone who works with an Xacto knife has a similar story. Haha 

MOTU!: On the opposite end of blood loss, what has been your favorite custom to date? Not necessarily your favorite character, but one that just turned out exactly, or better, than you planned. 

Joe: That is a difficult question…I can think of two…my Classics Mumm-Ra, it came out close to perfect. My custom Conan the Barbarian is another. Those two are some that have gotten the most attention. 

I also do a lot of original sculpts that I technically call “customs” because I make them so I can use them with my figures. My two favorites of these are my Mythic Legions Dragonian Knight and Dragon that I made for the Four Horsemen show Toypocalypse. The second would be my Jabba the Hutt for the 6” Star Wars figures. Both of these are completely original sculpts. You can see work-in-progress pics on my Facebook page. 

MOTU!: Do you have upcoming MOTUC customs that you're excited to be working on, or planning out? 

Joe: Not MOTUC, but ThunderCats. I am currently sculpting Mumm-Ra’s tomb. I hope to have some casts for sale at Power Con this year. You can see a work in progress pic here. I want to try to have some more customs to show at Power Con.

MOTU!: Where can people see more of your work? Also, what is the best way for someone to get in touch with you for commissions? 

Joe: You can view my work on my Facebook Page at Amaro Studios - www.facebook.com/amarostudios/ 

For custom work you contact me at: amaro.joe@gmail.com 

MOTU!: Thanks Joe, great talking with you! We look forward to seeing more sweet new customs from you during 2017. 

Joe: Thank you! I hope I get to meet you guys at Power Con this year!


If you want to check out more of Joe Amaro's work, click on the links below for more reviews from The Fwoosh and Pixel Dan!!


The Fwoosh - Review Work for Joe Amaro


Pixel Dan:


Rudy Obrero and Joe Amaro's Manta Raider Video Review

Joe Amaro's Castle Warriors Customiztion Kit Video Review

Pixel-Dan.com Exclusive Molten Hammer by Joe Amaro



Joe Amaro's Mystic Hammer Figure Accessory Review

Toy Customizer: Juan Luis Salido Bruque

Interview with Toy Customizer:  Juan Luis Salido Bruque

Welcome to another awesome Toy Customizer Interview!!

Toy customizing has quickly become an ever-increasing hobby thanks to adult-collector toy lines, and the slow pace at which they release new product. There’s nothing stopping you from creating your very own ideal action figure. Today we are talking with a guy who goes by the name of Juan Luis Salido Bruque from CUSTOMOTUCS KEMAO.

Juan Has made some awesome customs and he can basically make you any MOTU Classic figure that hasn’t been made yet!!!

MOTU!: Hi Juan and thanks for taking time out to do this interview with me. (Click here to read the interview if you missed it) Ever since I interviewed you as a Toy Collector and I saw the incredible custom figures you have made I decided I must do a follow-up interview with you. That awesome Custom Bravestarr and Custom Tug-O-War figure are awesome.
 

Bravestarr and Tug-O-War

Can you tell us a bid about yourself?

Juan: Hello again, friends. I'm a big fan of MOTU, I make my own creations and I also direct the Spanish podcast La Cueva Del Terror. (a.k.a. The Fright Zone) with other Spanish Collectors. (La Cueva Del Terror - Facebook)

MOTU!: So Juan, how did you get started doing action figure customs?

Juan: I started painting Warhammer figures about twenty years ago. From that I went directly to do some sculptures, since I studied the Art in Spain. My first custom I made was with the 200X MOTU Figures. I didn't have money for an exclusive Moss Man so I created one for myself with a Beast Man. After that, I made some more characters, but for a while I was doing nothing. When the MOTUC arrived, I got some cheap ones through the net and started to create some characters and also to create existing figures like Fuerza T and Blackstar. I haven't stopped since. Now I share my hobby with my friends Jordi from Toplus Customs, Fer from Mismotus and Pablo Gerrero Masilla. We exchanged pieces and knowledge.

MOTU!: How long have you been customizing figures?

Juan: My first custom was Tara, sister of Seahawk. I did it in 2010. I think by 2020 I will do her daughter. LOL.

Tara, Sister of Seahawk

MOTU!: You do a lot of sculpting on your figures, not just the same old repaints seen elsewhere. What materials do you generally use to "make the magic happen”?

Juan: I use materials that I try. There are some like Super Sculpey, which despite being used by many people, I do not end up liking. In the end I discovered a material that is made in my city and has no brand. It is only sold in a store here and is a mixture of two components. Sometimes I use more typical materials. In the USA it is easy to do this job. Here it is more complicated and expensive.

As for painting, use Montana Spray and Liquitex paints. Sometimes I do not like the result. Some colors go sticky, but I keep experimenting without stopping.

MOTU!: Your paint jobs are very well done. Can you tell us a little on your technique for getting a sweet paintjob that gets past the pesky joint rub problem?

Juan: As I said, I usually make a first Montana Spray base. Then I paint details with acrylic paint and brush. Sometimes I use the airbrush with Tamiya.

The problem with joints and painting is the eternal dispute for a customizer. Personally, I do not play with my customs, so I do not worry much. I have tried many ways to solve the problem, but sooner or later, the painting comes off. The trick of protecting with a thin layer of super glue or sanding the area, does not always work. I must say that MOTUC figures are not very well made and this problem is in many of them.

There are some customizers that have found the solution and hide it. The day I find out, I'll make it public. On the other hand, those customizers who say that they do not skip the paint on the joints, I would like to touch their figures and check it. But well, as I said before, I do not play with my customs. Some, I know that I can articulate them and with others, I must be very careful .

MOTU!: Any horror stories of something gone horribly wrong?

Juan: A lot of things have happened to me. Let some figures change the tone of color after a few months. That in summer they fall by the heat and that the painting sticks to the ground. Let the chrome paint never dry. Let the 4 Horsemen take out the character I created or thought to create. The last horror story I'm living with is creating the Galaxy Rangers. It's costing me a lot, because they have more work than I thought at first.

MOTU!: On the opposite end of blood loss, what has been your favorite custom to date? Not necessarily your favorite character, but one that just turned out exactly, or better, than you planned.

Juan: I think my favorite is Bravestarr, but I have better ones. STRAGON, for example, is my masterpiece. The problem is that it is a little away from MOTUC and looks like a Seventh Kingdom character, but I love it.

Stragon

ICE HACKER is another beast that I like very much, although I am pending to change the tail and to restore it a little.

Ice Hacker from the MOTU Mini Comic, The Dragon's Gift

I love STARRBLOOD. It's based on a bootleg figure I had when I was a kid. The GUERREROS DEL ESPACIO.

Duckman from Guerreros Del Espacio

I recently met the creator of those bootlegs and now I am friend with his son, another collector of MOTUC. K'TLOR is a very cool character. I used a head from Kevin Kosse, sometimes I use pieces from other creators, I really like to think of a kind of collaboration between two artists.

K'Tlor

KING CRINGER is just that. A collaboration between two. It is a creation of my friend Fer. He gave us some of his works but Jordi Toplus and I asked him for permission to transform it more. And there is the result.

King Gringer

SCORPON-OR is a very crazy design that I had stopped for a long time. The end result is great. One of my favorites for a long time.




Scorpon-Or

TUG O'WAR is a beautiful design by Axel Giménez. In addition, it is very simple to create. Hopefully you are prepared to leave this year through Super 7. LILITH and ASHURA did it at the same time. Two characters for the POP line, very bizarre but with beautiful colors.

Lilith

Ashura

QUICKSILVER and MAKO are top five. I created them to be able to have the podium of the Thunderforce next to Lion-O. Thunderforce was a project to join the series of Thundercats, Silverhawks and Tigersharks, but did not take place at the end.

Quicksilver

Mako

MIGHTOR and ZANDOR are two characters of Alex Toth. I'm thinking of creating the majority of those legends we saw through the Hanna-Barbera cartoons.
 

Mightor and Zandor from Herculiods

MOTU!: Do you have upcoming MOTUC customs that you're excited to be working on, or planning out?

Juan: I'm working as I said in the four Galaxy Rangers, but I have other creations in progress. Force Destroyer T in Filmation version. Iron Lion of the Infaceables. Iron Jaw of the Cosmic Cowboys. Hercules & Goliath, Birdman and Spaceghost of Hanna-Barbera. Tex Hex by Bravestarr. Dargon and Spidrax of Sectaurs. Besides these characters, I have three creations of my own prepared, but those are surprise.



MOTU!: Where can people see more of your work? Also, what is the best way for someone to get in touch with you for commissions?

Juan: You can view my work on my Facebook at CUSTOMOTUCS KEMAO at:  www.facebook.com/customotucs/

Actually I don’t do commissions at the moment, but perhaps in a few weeks.

MOTU!: Thanks Juan, great talking with you! We are look forward to see more sweet new customs from you during 2017.

Juan: Many thanks to you. Everything done for the benefit of our Masters Of The Universe is appreciated. A greeting to all.

Toy Customizer: Mike McEvil

Interview with Toy Customizer:  Mike McEvil

 

Welcome to another awesome Toy Customizer interview!!

 

As you know by now, toy customizing has quickly become an ever-increasing hobby thanks to adult-collector toy lines, and the slow pace at which they release new product. There’s nothing stopping you from creating your very own ideal action figure.

 

Today I am fortunate enough to be talking to one of the best Toy Customizers around, who goes by the name of Mike from Evil Mike's Customs.

 

Mike has made some awesome custom MOTU accessories since the line started. He has made a wide variety of things to supplement just about any character in the MOTU Line. I have been keeping an eye on his work for a while now and I must say he just keeps getting better and better.

 

MOTU!: Hi Mike and thanks for taking time out to do this interview with me. Ever since I saw your custom work I wanted to interview you. I must say that your creating awesome add-on accessories for our MOTU Figures. Can you tell us a bid about yourself?

 

Mike!: Thanks for the invitation to this interview! I really like the Masters of the Universe-collectors-community and how everybody shares their part of this hobby with each other. I'm really glad to get the chance to say something about my work as a customizer.

 

I live in the northern part of Germany and like most of us collectors and fan boys I got into MotU and other great toy lines during my childhood.

 

MOTU!: So Mike, how did you get started doing action figure customs?

 

Mike!: It all started in 2009 when I discovered the MotU Classics figures. I'd say it's part of my personality that I can't fully enjoy a franchise/toy line simply by consuming the products. I guess I simply need more to do with it. So I enjoy contributing to it by doing drawings, 3D renders or like in the last years mostly customizing. The first 'custom' I did was painting MotU Classics He-man's axe shield black to use it with Wun-Dar. And from that point I tried more and more different techniques to create those parts of MotU lore for my collection that weren't available on the official market: Dioramas, accessories or full custom figures.

 

MOTU!: How long have you been customizing figures and creating add-on accessory kits?

 

Mike!: I'd say since 2010 until now. I think I didn't start directly in 2009 because I needed to gather some courage to buy expensive figures and cut/paint/break them at first.

 

MOTU!: You do a lot of sculpting on your figures, not just the same old repaints seen elsewhere. What materials do you generally use to "make the magic happen"?

 

Mike!: Since I discovered 3d sculpting I do everything possible with the program 3d Studio Max and have the items printed by the company 'Shapeways'. However, if I have to sculpt something directly onto a figure I use the material 'Green Stuff' from Gamesworkshop.

 

MOTU!: Your paint jobs are very well done. Can you tell us a little on your technique for getting a sweet paintjob that gets past the pesky joint rub problem?

 

Mike!: Well, mostly the secret lies within using thin paint and applying two or three or even more coats of paint. That creates a very smooth surface and achieves the best results. The kind of paint is also a thing, of course. I use acrylic colors from 'Citadel' or 'Vallejo'. Those can be mixed with water to make them more liquid and they have a very nice silk mat shine that looks similar to the paints on the official figures.

 

The joint rub problem... the world would be so much better without it. I'd say you never can eliminate this completely. Even Mattel's figures have suffered of this problem if they have painted joints. I prevent that problem as often as possible by using figures with the right color so I don't have to paint the joints. If there is no other way you can disassemble the joints completely and sand down the parts that will rub against each other so there is more space between them or you can try to put some superglue (the one that doesn't get white) on the painted parts. The superglue creates a plastic-like coat that is very durable against the rubbing-off-issue. But be careful not to glue your joints together.

 

MOTU!: Any horror stories of something gone horribly wrong?

 

Mike!: At the beginning I didn't use acrylic, water-based colors but other colors that were oil-based. These needed several days to get dry, smelled unpleasant and sometimes never stopped to be sticky. I really ruined a few pieces with those colors. I guess those experiences are part of the game and every customizer knows them.

 

MOTU!: On the opposite end of blood loss, what has been your favorite custom to date? Not necessarily your favorite character, but one that just turned out exactly, or better, than you planned.

 

Mike!: One of my very early custom figures was a MotU Classics Dragon Blaster Skeletor. I personally liked that custom much more than the official version by Mattel and it's one of the figures I still regret having sold.

 

MOTU!: Do you have upcoming MOTUC customs that you're excited to be working on, or planning out?

 

Mike!: I'm currently working on quite an obscure variant. The New Adventures 'Battle Punch He-man' for MotU Classics. It's quite special to me because it's the first time I 3D-sculpted complete body parts. As there were no boots in the Classics line available that seemed to fit I tried to make my own boots and I'm really satisfied with the results.
 

 

Regarding the accessories, I created I'd say I'm very proud of all the different iterations of Skeletor's Havoc Staff as these were all items I put an incredible effort into to get them as right as possible.

 

MOTU!: Where can people see more of your work? Also, what is the best way for someone to get in touch with you for custom commissions?

 

Mike!: You can view my work on my Facebook at:  www.facebook.com/mike.mcevil

 

For custom work you contact me at:  evil_mike_comics@hotmail.com

 

My Shapeways Store is Evil Mike's Customs.

 

MOTU!: Thanks Mike, great talking with you! We are looking forward to see more new customs from you.

 

Mike!: Thank you so much! It was a pleasure to be interviewed by you!

 

If you want to check out more of Mike’s Customs, click on the links below to for more reviews from The Fwoosh and Pixel Dan!!

 

The Fwoosh - Review Custom Work from Evil Mike

 

Pixel Dan:


MOTU Classics Custom Weapons by Evil Mike Customs Video Review

MOTU Classics Custom Weapons by Evil Mike Customs Video Review #2

Toy Customizer: Niel Jensen

Interview with Toy Customizer:  Niel Jensen

Toy customizing has quickly become an ever-increasing hobby thanks to adult-collector toy lines, and the slow pace at which they release new product. There’s nothing stopping you from creating your very own ideal action figure. Today we are talking with a guy who goes by the name of Niel Jensen from Props and Stuff.

Niel just enjoys making custom toys of characters, vehicles and accessories that have never been made before!!!

MOTU!:  Hi Niel and thanks for taking time out to do this interview with me. Ever since I bought that awesome Skeletor Bone Throne from you I wanted to interview you about your custom work. Can you tell us a bid about yourself?

Niel:  I would like to start by saying thank you for having me here. I am married and have two daughters. They have been a huge support in what I do. My back ground is carpentry, welding, machining, millwright. These trades have been a real benefit to making custom toys. I am self-taught in sculpting and painting. No art classes.




MOTU!:  So Niel, how did you get started doing action figure customs?

Niel:  I know it's not easy providing for a family and being a collector. This is how I got into making toys in the first place. We had no money so I would make my own toys and from there I started my own business sculpting these items in my car on my lunch break and then listing them on ebay. I truly believe that when you find a job you love you will never work another day in your life.

MOTU!:  How long have you been customizing figures?

Niel:  I have been making custom toys, statues etc. for around 15 years.

MOTU!:  You do a lot of sculpting on your figures, not just the same old repaints seen elsewhere. What materials do you generally use to "make the magic happen"?

Niel:  I like using plumbers epoxy putty. It’s hard to use. It cures within 5 minutes so you have to sculpt really fast. Buts its hard as a rock when cured and you can carve, drill and sand the remaining detail.

MOTU!:  Your paint jobs are very well done. Can you tell us a little on your technique for getting a sweet paintjob that gets past the pesky joint rub problem?

Niel:  Thank you. I use acrylic paint and for dry brushing I use a chubby brush.

MOTU!:  Any horror stories of something gone horribly wrong?

Niel:  I was making something for a movie set and they needed it right away and not at the agreed deadline. All that was needed to be completed was to be painted. I was 20 minutes away from the movie set so I grabbed a can of fast dry spray paint and painted it in my car on the way to the set. I only sprayed at stop lights. My car was so full of fumes and overspray. Good thing it was an old beater at the time. It dried by the time I got there and they loved it. Mission accomplished.

MOTU!:  On the opposite end of blood loss, what has been your favourite custom to date? Not necessarily your favourite character, but one that just turned out exactly, or better, than you planned.

Niel:  I have made some very large statues that are 16 feet tall so they are made in sections and the only time I get to see it put together is when I deliver them. So my measurements have to be spot on. Thankfully I have been successful every time. I have to say they are the most rewarding because of the amount of work involved. As for the smaller items I make it would have to be the bone throne. I had no idea it would be a big hit.

MOTU!:  Do you have any upcoming MOTUC customs that you're excited to be working on, or planning out?

Niel:  I am currently working on a life sized Skeletor Bone Throne. It will be at my booth at our local comic con called Vancouver Fan Expo this year from 11 – 13 November 2016.

If you haven't been to one, then you should check it out. They put on a great show.

Check them out at www.fanexpovancouver.com

I am going to be listing some custom made snakes for the vintage fright zone playset. It’s hard to find a rubber snake in good condition these days so mine are hard plastic and they fit into the cave.

MOTU!:  Where can people see more of your work? Also, what is the best way for someone to get in touch with you for commissions?

Niel:  You can view my work on my website at www.propsandstuff.com/index.html

For custom work you contact me at: propsandstuff@hotmail.com

My Ebay Store is thetoyshack.

MOTU!:  Thanks Niel, great talking with you! We look forward to seeing all the sweet new customs.

Niel:  Thank you again for having me. I really appreciate you allowing me to tell my story. I will keep you posted with my new MOTU items.

Check out all the other Masters of the Universe Custom Creations that Niel has made:

Toy Customizer: Frikkie Stroebel

Interview with Toy Customizer: Frikkie Stroebel

Toy customizing has quickly become an ever-increasing hobby thanks to adult-collector toy lines, and the slow pace at which they release new product. There’s nothing stopping you from creating your very own ideal action figure. Today we are talking with a guy who goes by the name of Frikkie Stroebel from Blue Hand Customs. He’s one of the most skilled toy customizers around in South Africa and he has done a lot of custom work for me already. He is my go to man when it comes to customs jobs!!

Back in 2013 I contacted him for the first time to ask him if it was possible for him to make me a custom vintage Camo Khan. Immediately he said yes. Let’s give it a go and this is what he produced!!! Amazing work!!!!

MOTU!:  So Frikkie, how did you get started doing action figure customs?

Frikkie:  When I started collecting MOTUC in 2011, I saw all the awesome custom figures guys like HKC and Joe Amato was making and figured I’d give it a shot.

MOTU!:  How long have you been customizing figures?

Frikkie:  Since 2011. Before that I did a couple of model cars and some other stuff.

MOTU!:  You do a lot of sculpting on your figures, not just the same old repaints seen elsewhere. What materials do you generally use to "make the magic happen”?

Frikkie:  I can’t sculpt, it’s more like “copy and paste”. I would love to learn how to sculpt though. Maybe one day when the kids are married….

MOTU!:  Your paint jobs are very well done. Can you tell us a little on your technique for getting a sweet paintjob that gets past the pesky joint rub problem?

Frikkie:  Thank you!! Surface preparation, good quality tools and paint are most important. A little patience also helps.

Joint rub can be solved by disassembling the joint and sand the surfaces down just a tad. Usually it’s not really necessary.

MOTU!:  Any horror stories of something gone horribly wrong?

Frikkie:  Yes!! Lots of horror stories, but nothing that couldn't be fixed.

MOTU!:  On the opposite end of blood loss, what has been your favorite custom to date? Not necessarily your favorite character, but one that just turned out exactly, or better, than you planned.

Frikkie:  The one that was the most satisfying was the Spirit of King Grayskull. Its finally done after a lot of failed attempts and giving ups and throwing stuffs. My favourite one is my Skeletor head.

Spirit of King Grayskull



MOTU!:  Yeah that Spirit of Grayskull is an amazing custom and I can’t wait to get my hands on one. The Skeletor head that you made for me a couple of months back is also top class.

Skeletor Head





MOTU!:  Do you have upcoming MOTUC customs that you're excited to be working on, or planning out?

Frikkie:  Yes. I’ve been planning proper battle armor for Wun-Dar and an upgraded battle armor Skeletor.

MOTU!:  Where can people see more of your work? Also, what is the best way for someone to get in touch with you for commissions?

Frikkie:  On my hugely neglected Facebook page, Blue Hand Customs, the one that you just became an Admin of.

MOTU!:  Thanks Frikkie, great talking with you! We look forward to seeing all the sweet new customs.

Frikkie:  Thanks Cobus! Always a pleasure.

Below is a small gallery of the customs that Frikkie has made for myself:

Snake Soldier

Battle Armor Faker

Dark Skin Grizzlor

Camo Khan

Green Goddess

Snake Soldier

Strobo



87 Movie Dark Soldiers (Custom Head by Joe Amaro)

Guerr-Or (Custom Head by Mat 'O Toole - The Castle of Power)