Inanimate Objects

What do I need to start customizing?

Lots of patience. It doesn’t happen at once. Start with some simple projects (repaints) and then take on more difficult chores. Also, I recommend you visit the sites of numerous customizers. Most will give a fairly detailed accounting of the techniques they use, and most are also happy to answer (read more...)

Where can I purchase Alumilite?

Some art and hobby stores will carry Alumilite. However, I have been known to order directly from the manufacturer, alumilite.com. (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...)

Will you sell or trade a figure from your stock?

Outside of a specific item for trade, I am not in the habit of releasing my stock figures. (read more...)

What materials do I need to start customizing?

There is no simple answer to that question, and every customizer will answer differently. Some basics include: X-acto knife & mat knife Superglue Acrylic paints Paint brushes Sculpting medium Sandpaper Pprimer Ultimately, one could get by with the above list. However, in the interest of sanity, I highly recommend some (read more...)

How do I make a mold for casting?

I am lousy at making molds! I cannot do this question justice. But the internet is chock full of information about. (read more...)

How long has the site been open?

Inanimate Objects has been proudly operating since April, 2003. (read more...)

How do you store your stock parts and fodder?

Everyone has their own system and space. On my work desk, I keep a transparent tower of drawers. It’s perfect for small parts like heads, limbs, hats, etc. (Found at the Container Store.) I also maintain a closet that has a good deal of storage capacity. In addition to housing (read more...)

What is a an X-acto knife and mat knife?

These are both fairly common tools, found in hobby, art, and hardware stores. An X-acto knife is a small, fine blade. (Available in a variety of sizes and shapes.) It’s excellent for sculpting and slicing small parts. A mat knife, sometimes called a utility knife or box cutter, is a (read more...)

What are “various sharp pointy things?”

When sculpting, you’ll find the best tools are whatever you have at hand. The truth is, you never know what you might need. I keep a selection of old dental picks, pens, letter openers, tooth picks, etc. on hand whenever I’m sculpting. (I recently discovered computer supply stores sell packs (read more...)