Interview with customizer Phuek

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Tell us a little about yourself.
Born and raised in Singapore. Received my formal education in Visual Communication at a local Art college for three years. Happily married and eagerly waiting for the arrival of my first child in April 2008 (my ultimate ‘custom’ thus far).

How and when did you get into designer toys?
I’m always into 3-D stuff for its sense of visual and tangibility. Custom-vinyl is one of such.
I personally see custom-vinyl as a form of sculpture. Though some people may detest this, I feel that we the customisers also do adhere to basic elements of art or design when embarking on our work; just like the sculptors. Vinyl to a customiser is the like of a clay/wood/stone is to a sculptor.
Basically I enjoy putting things of different elements together to form a composition. These elements may contradict each other thus challenge my creativity.
So when a friend passed a blank vinyl about three years ago, that was when my custom business started.

What are your favorite toys and/or artists?
Artists such as the late LIV3R from Amsterdam and Rohby from the US.

When did you start customizing?
Approximately three years ago and it was a 3-inch blank Trexi. It was my very first try and fortunately the feedback was very encouraging. That steered my interest in pursuing vinyl customizing.

What are your favorite toys for customizing.
I have no preference actually. Every blank vinyl has its own potential so I’m pretty up for anything.

What materials and techniques do you use?
I recycle. I use anything that I can lay my hands on for example scrap materials, broken mechanism, junks, etc. As the saying goes “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure”.

How much time do you spend customizing a toy?
Usually a 3-inch takes me five days while 8-10 inch takes me two weeks. Again it all depends on the intricacy of the details. As such completion will take slightly longer.

Do you make other art besides customizing toys?
No although I was also trained in other area such as painting, I’m currently devoting my time solely in my custom work because this is my niche.

What other interests do you have (besides designer toys)?
I collect Vans sneakers.

Do you take on commisions?
Yes, absolutely. If time permits, that is.

Where can people contact you or see more of your work?
They can visit my blog at phuek.blogspot.com or my section in Vinyl Toy Freaks at vinyltoyfreaks.com