Welcome back to Customizers Inc. For this week’s interview, I’ll be talking with Doug Arruda of Custom Action Figures RI. If you’re in any of the custom action figure groups on Facebook, I’m sure some of you are familiar with Doug’s work. He reimagines characters and brings them to life with some of the most awesome custom figures you will see. Doug is a native and lifelong resident of Rhode Island, and he and his wife are the parents of three lovely kids.
ROB PANICK: Hey Doug. Thank you so much for sitting down with me today.
DOUG ARRUDA: Hi Rob. Thanks for having me on.
RP: So, my usual first question…when did you start customizing and what got you started?
DA: I started about ten years ago. I probably started to make characters the big companies weren't making.
RP: Which toy lines do you like best?
DA: Mainly Star Wars. But also customize/collect GI Joe, Marvel, DC, TMNT.
RP: What’s your workspace setup like?
DA: It's a spare room in our basement. It's also my Action Figure collection room. I have an old computer desk I work from.
RP: If you could give a new customizer a word of advice, what would it be?
DA: Make the figures you want to make. Never feel like you have to make a character exactly like its "supposed" to be. Put your own spin on it.
RP: Give us your favorite “secret tip”.
DA: Soft goods lol. If you want a figure to stand out - soft goods when done right can a make a figure really special.
RP: What are some of the other things you’re into, besides action figures?
DA: I like Sci-Fi/Horror/Fantasy, Super Heroes. Whatever it is movies, TV, books, comics. I got my wife and kids in to Marvel movies. Lol
RP: If you could sit down and pick any other customizer’s brain, who would it be and why?
DA: I can't think of anyone in particular. But I'm always fascinated by the people who make figures from scratch. The guys who cast, paint, and construct custom figures out of nothing. To me that's next level stuff.
RP: Okay for the last three questions, I'll use my handy random question generator, well because I like randomness, lol.When was the most peaceful day you have ever had?
DA: This may sound funny but the day I was married. As busy and hectic as that day was everything felt right as rain. Lol
RP: How important is it to you that you are on time?
DA: Very. To me if your 5min early that's on time. Lol
RP: What technology do you wish you understood better?
DA: Cars. If I could fix my own car I would save tons of money.
RP: Doug I want to thank you for taking the time to talk to me!
DA: Thank you, Rob! It was awesome talking with you.
Rob Panick is an action figure customizer and the owner of Galactic Plastics and Custom Shop Decals. He is the father of three beautiful children and engaged to be married to his wonderful fiancé on Star Wars Day. He is a lover of all things Star Wars and an avid GA Bulldogs fan! Find him on Facebook and on Twitter @GP_decals.