How many years have you been making your own action figures?
If you mean how long have I made a concentrated effort at making these figures in a consistent size and quality? Since 1995. If you mean in general, since I was old enough to take a screw driver to the back of a G.I. Joe figure. (read more...)
What was the inspiration for the site’s design?
Golden age comic books, of course! Specifically, old and beat up ones. When I design something of this nature, I like to start with a general theme and work my way towards the specifics. For this most recent design, I had spent weeks racking my brain for a satisfying concept. (read more...)
What is the “boil and pop” method?
“Boil and Pop” refers to the act of immersing a plastic figure in boiling water. After about 45 seconds, the softer PVC plastics (usually used in heads and limbs) will soften enough that they can then be “popped” out with a good strong tug. Just to be safe, I use (read more...)
What is the “wrap and shape” method?
“Wrap and shape” is the technique by which one wraps a figure in a protective layer, such as cellophane, and then adds and shapes a sculpting medium on top. The cured sculpt can then be easily removed from the figure, and the protective layer discarded. This is a great method (read more...)
How do I swap limbs on a figure?
This is a big question. There’s a different answer for every customizer, and for every figure. As the mechanics of almost every figure is different from another, there is no single method. Lately I’ve switched to using magnets for swivel joints. They’re relatively easy to use, and frankly, they’re fun! (read more...)
How do I swap heads on a figure?
Every head on every figure is different. There is no one answer to this question. If you’re lucky, the head and body you are matching up will be compatible, and all you have to do is make the swap. But that’s unlikely. Swivel head joints are tend to be easier. (read more...)
Why did you begin customizing Batman figures?
I’m a big Batman and DC fan, and I wanted to add to the roster of characters on my shelf. Back in the day, Kenner and Hasbro rarely made characters beyond rainbow-colored Batmen or the occasional off-model villain. And female characters were almost unheard of. So I took it upon (read more...)
Why not Star Wars, Marvel, Buffy or (random sci-fi project)?
Simply put, I make what I like. Most of the pieces on Inanimate Objects are DC or DC-related, but there are a few other lines represented. In a perfect world in which time, space, and money were not limitations, I’d collect a whole lot more! And customize anything that struck (read more...)
How can I get a job in the toy industry like you?
First, I don’t work in the toy industry. Second, you’ll need a lot of luck. In the past, the large toy manufacturers wanted only people with engineering backgrounds. If you were artistically talented and knew all there was to know about toys, they wouldn’t talk to you. To a degree, (read more...)
How long has the site been open?
Inanimate Objects has been proudly operating since April, 2003. (read more...)