DOM PEEPS INTERVIEW – A COLLECTOR TALKS ABOUT COLLECTING

I already interviewed several statue creators but I never interviewed a collector. After seeing Dom Peeps museum, the idea emerged and I thought he would be perfect for this article.

1 – Hi, Dom! Pleasure to have you here. When did you start to collect? And when did you started to take it seriously?

Dom Peeps: I started to collect statues at the age of 9 years old. I’ve always taken collecting very seriously. As soon as I got to know about statues/sculptures I quit collecting comic books to be able to purchase more statues.

2 – What was the first statue of your collection? Do you still have it? Can you share a picture?

Dom: My first statue is a batman and robin statue I received for my birthday. I chose the statue myself on a family vacation in Florida at this small kiosk in the middle of Aventura mall. Yes I still own the statue and to add I have never sold a statue that has been part of my personal collection.

3 – What do you do with the boxes? With so many pieces, I just can’t imagine how you manage them.

Dom: I keep and protect every box, I have two garages and 2 storage rooms in my house. Every box is double wrapped to protect from getting any moisture or water damage. So far I haven’t spent any money on storing my boxes in storage facilities.

4 – You told me you have 550 figures on display and two hundred more scattered around your house. Do you intend to display them all? Is there room for the ones left in your museum?

Dom: I have a total of 750 statues. In my new museum area I have around 550 statues that are strictly Marvel and DC. The other 200 are on display in my living room, dining room and spare bedroom which is in the middle of getting converted into a movie room. So to properly answer your question every piece I own is currently on display in my home. I’m not the type to keep pieces in the box.

5 – From all your collection what are your five favorite pieces? The ones you love the most?

Dom:

- One of a kind Wolverine vs Hulk diorama

- Sideshow Wolverine legendary scale figure

- Prime 1 1990 Movie TMNT SET

- Prime 1 Optimus Prime Dark of the Moon

- Dr. Doom on throne ex premium format figure

6 – What’s your criterion to choose a new statue to your collection? What drives you to a new figure?

Dom: What drives me the most is the art, the colors and being a “completionist” I love having an entire set. I only buy statues of the universes/characters I love.

7 – Is there a figure (or figures) you regretted you bought? Which one(s) and why? Did you sell them?

Dom: I haven’t ever purchased an item for myself that I ended regretting, I also never sold a statue from my personal collection.

8 – What do you think about “collectors” who buys figures just to resell them for a profit?

Dom: To be honest it doesn’t bother me. It’s their choice I could obviously do the same but have no time to waste doing this. I buy statues for the art and really don’t have any interest in making money from them. A lot of people don’t have the means to collect the way I do so a lot sale for space or to pay their next sculpture which makes a lot of sense.

9 – To you what’s today’s best company and why?

Dom: I will always be a huge fan of Sideshow because of their variety but I think Prime 1 is the leader today just because of their amazing sculpts and overall quality.

10 – What do you think about the customs market? Do you have any customs in your collection? In this case what led you to choose said custom(s)?

Dom: I think they are amazing, it’s great to be able to create your own statue and get to see it be created or even on display in your own collection. I do own a few but a lot have been purchased because they fell into my lap. I’m not the type to pre-order a custom statue because it’s usually not part of a set or doesn’t fit in great with other licensed pieces.

11 – What do you think about the escalating prices in our hobby? Is there someone to blame?

Dom: I think it’s horrible. I have actually stopped pre-ordering statues because of this. Almost every statue today has decreased in price after its release so instead of paying more on pre-order day I will patiently hunt down the ones I’m missing in the near future on the aftermarket. I think it’s terrible how companies can drive away their number one fans (like me) who have supported them on every release since day one with this incredible increase in price. I think the new competition and customs are to blame. People are spending more on statues today, any company can see that and say why can’t we do the same if they are successfully selling out their products at those prices.

12 – From the SDCC18 and Wonderfest (if you followed them) what pieces get you excited about? Why?

Dom: Every single Marvel/DC statue. I just love seeing new representations of every character and how statues are getting more detailed and paint applications bringing them alive more and more. If I have to pick just a few favorites it would have to be Sideshow's Wolverine, X-23, Harley Quinn and Joker premium formats.

13 – You know death comes to all of us, so what do think will happen to your collection? Got any plans for it? If so, which are your plans?

Dom: I’m planning to reduce it in the far future. I will use the money to travel the world with my wife. I wouldn’t want to leave my family with the burden of taking care of such a big collection.

14 – Is there a company (or companies) you would never buy from? Why?

Dom: No there isn’t. I am very open to all companies. I love to see variety in my collection and to see what other companies can offer once their pieces are released in hand. If I have to pick one it would be Hot Toys because I don’t collect action figures or toys.

15 – How do you see the statue’s market today? Any changes since you began? Please, develop a bit over the subject.

Dom: The market has took a turn for the worst. We are no longer purchasing collectibles that are hard to obtain yet we are paying more than ever to own these so called “collectibles”. There are so many new collectors in the hobby who buy and sell so quickly and so many statues just floating in the community. I don’t feel many people have the same love for collecting it is more a money making business and for me that is the biggest turn off. You will never see a statue sold at 300$ on pre-order and be worth almost 4-5k 10 years down the road like for example a Dr. Doom on throne premium format. The rarity has just gone straight out the window.

16 – What characters you would love to see transformed in 1/4 statues?

Dom: My favorite band Metallica.

17 – Do you think this hobby is addicting? If so, do you consider yourself addicted? If so (once again), how do you control your craving?

Dom: Yes, I do think this hobby is very addicting. I consider myself an addict at 100% but just like any addiction you need to be able to control yourself. If I don’t have the money to spend I will not order any statues but I have in the past used flex pay options or also made arrangements with monthly payments with collector friends to help afford certain statues. Like I mentioned earlier I have today completely stopped ordering any new pieces because prices are just not justified any longer and US$ to Canadian $ conversion does not help me either. I love collecting but I’m not ready to just throw my money in the garbage or put my life in jeopardy over collecting.

18 – There’s much ado about Sideshow new more realistic take on portraits, what do you think about it?

Dom: I’m always opened to new concepts from artists, after all we are buying the art created by them, the way they see, the artist in their eyes at that specific moment. If you’re not a fan of that sculpt or vision all the more reason to keep your money in your pocket. I don’t know many people who complain about the Mona Lisa and ask Leonardo Da Vinci to change the way her face looks. Lol. That’s just my opinion, of course. Seems like everyone is an artist today in this hobby.

19 – What do you think about the Facebook collectors’ community? Do you believe they (we) influence the market somehow?

Dom: I think there are pros and cons to this subject. When I was younger I figured I was the only collector who existed. Through time and the development of the internet I slowly began to meet other collectors from forums or on YouTube. Collecting was always great and very low key. Prices were fair and always very easy to find good deals from comic book stores, eBay or Kijiji. Since the creation of Facebook a lot of this changed. Yes it’s great to get in touch with so many collectors around the world but this also created a lot of fake collectors, a lot of people just looking to make a quick buck and many others who think they might become rich from this hobby. People looking at this hobby more as a business. Today a lot of people compare each other from one another. There is a lot of jealousy out there and worst of all a lot of people getting scammed. People sending money to purchase a statue but never receiving it. Send deposits and then sellers deleting profiles. Just not right that these things happen to people who share the same passion & hobby.

20 – Is there a sculptor (or sculptors) you like are more fond of? Could you name them?

Dom: Martin Canale, Pablo Viggiano would probably be my favorite sculptors. They have produced some of my favorite sculpts by Sideshow and are also probably the most talented in the industry in my opinion.

21 – Will you buy the new Wolverine life-size bust from Sideshow?

Dom: Most probably down the road when I find him for less than retail.

22 – Name your three favorite characters.

Dom:

- Wolverine

- Superman

- Batman

23 – Name three favorite movies.

Dom:

- Batman 89

- TMNT 90’S

- Transformers

24 – Name three favorite bands/singers.

Dom:

- Metallica

- Bon jovi

- Eminem

25 – What message/advice would you give to humankind? What life taught you?

Dom: The best message I can give is to follow your dreams, do not let anybody tell you otherwise. We have only one life to live and the best way to live it is with as much happiness as possible and with the least amount of regret. What life always taught me is that nothing comes easy and with hard work anything is possible. I’ve always been a big dreamer and hard worker. I am currently 32 years old. I have my dream job and live in my dream house, which is actually my childhood home that I purchased from my parents. I finally completed my museum in my basement that I have always dreamed about having and did everything with my bare two hands and of course help from my best friends and family. Many people told me I wouldn’t be able to do it or I dream to big but in the end my dreams became a reality and if it wasn’t for my positive way of thinking and never giving up in myself I would have never been able to prove them wrong.

Thanks for the interview! I’m quite sure collectors will love it!

P.S.: if you are interested in reading more interviews, click here. 

LIST OF INTERVIEWS

INTERVIEW’S LIST (FROM NEWEST TO OLDEST)

I decided to create a post with all interviews and their respective links. That way will be easy to spot somebody you want to read about and by just clicking on the name of the person go to the interview. I will update this post every time I do a new interview so one can always access all them by here.

I hope it helps.

COLLECTORS

- Dom Peeps

MARKET INTERVIEWS

- Erick Sosa (owner of PrototypeZ Studio)

- Danny Lim (owner of Imaginarium Art)

- Pablood-Z talks about Sideshow Killer Croc (Art Director/Lead Artist Imaginarium Art)

- Kotobukiya, Sideshow, Diamond Select, Gentle Giant - Ed Bradley (painter)

- Pop Culture Shock - Jerry Macaluso (owner, sculptor, art director)

- Sideshow - Amilcar Fong (sculptor, designer)

- First 4 Figures - Alex Davis (owner)

- Sideshow - Mark Newman (sculptor)

- ErickSosa (sculptor, producer, owner, manager etc.)

- Sideshow –Alfred Paredes (sculptor)

- XMStudios – Bryan Tan (co-founder)

- Prime 1 Studio - Alvaro Ribeiro (sculptor)

- Iron Studios - Gabriel Ebehardt (projects & developing)

- Sideshow -Matthew J Black (sculptor) – PART I
- Sideshow - Matthew J Black (sculptor) – PART II

- Randy Bowen



CUSTOMS INTERVIEWS


- PART I - PRODUCERS

- PART II - SCULPTORS

- PART III - PAINTERS

- PART IV - COMMISSIONERS

“CUSTOMS” INTERVIEWS – PART IV: COMMISSIONERS

The last part of this article should indeed be the first as everything begin by them: the commissioners. I didn’t even know that this role existed in the customs Market until this afternoon (August 9). Luckily, the first part of the interviews pave the way to a commissioner, Wolfgang J and a new interview, as well as a new part of the article was born. I don’t know very well what a commissioner does and this interview is an attempt to clarify that.

Addendum (August 11): luckily enough, my articles lead me yet to another commissioner (who chose to remain anonymous) and now we have an interview with two viewpoints of commissioning and the Customs Market. What is great, so I can present a broader perspective on the subject.

-x-x-x-

1 – So before the producer comes into scene there are the commissioners, is that so?

Wolfgang Krenner (WK): I wouldn’t say there is a rule for that as the people at certain factories work by themselves but some offer people to commission statues to be made.

-/-

Commissioner 2 (C2): Well that's kind of a complicated question.  Producers can and do make their own pieces, however someone that wishes to commission a piece can approach a producer about doing so.

2 – What exactly a commissioner does?

(WK): My part - when I did my Deadpool commission - was to bring the idea to life. Have someone to sketch the idea and a good Sculptor/3D Sculptor to get it done.

Sketches of the Deadpool on throne in different parts of development.

-/-

(C2): Another complicated question.  For the most part the commissioner is the idea person, they seek out the producer with an idea in mind.  The commissioner also has to be the financial backing unless some deal is worked out beforehand.

3 – Do you get a share of the profits of a custom you helped to design? How much (percentage)?

(WK): Also depends on the factory. I insisted that for myself I’m only interested in statues and I don’t need to make a profit (especially when it’s a custom statue). I decided that with my share I want to get kits to have them painted at Fat Monster Studios and support some of my friends with statues for reviews and give my closest friend one for free as he couldn’t afford it.

-/-

(C2): You do indeed get a share of the profits if you so choose to produce several copies instead of having a one of a kind.  The percentage is also negotiated between both parties.

4 – From where commissioners get their ideas?

(WK): Reading comics, watching movies.

-/-

(C2): Ideas can come from anywhere from a particular comic panel that they like to a random idea they think up.  The beauty of customs is not being restricted by what licensors deem appropriate for a pose or sculpt.  You want a specific character in a specific pose?  Go for it.

5 – How do you know your ideas will sell?

(WK): I got a lot of feedback when I first posted the idea of Deadpool on throne and Xionart was also like "let’s do this"... so I had more than just "a good feeling" about it.

-/-

(C2): In short, you don't.  It's a risk investing in a custom piece, you could end up losing big time.  You have to judge what you think people will like or find interesting enough for them to spend their hard earned money.

6 – If there’s an exchange between you and the community in such early stage of development of a piece, how to guarantee your idea is not stolen? Is that some code of honor in the customs Market?

(WK): Of course. The statue community on Facebook is a vital part of the whole Custom Market. also I have to admit that I’m writing with like 10 people at once all the time on Facebook and considering Deadpool I talked to Alex Thomas from Radd Titan [Facebook group] day and night about the parts that should be included and how to do it. Also when you post it on Statue Collectors [Facebook group] you get a lot of input and good ideas.

-/-

(C2): You can put your idea up for critiques from the community, ask for what should be added or changed.  Most of the time you work in private, communicating with the producer and artist until you feel you're far enough along to being taking interest on the piece.  I'd like to think there's a friendly gentleman's agreement not to steal ideas, but in reality anything is possible.

7 – What’s the most fun and the hardest part of being a commissioner?

(WK): The most fun about it is to get in contact with people who share the same passion for statues and get to know people around the world. We are all united by the same hobby. The hardest part is probably the waiting time until you see a prototype or a painted prototype! ;)

-/-

(C2): The most fun is hands down working with the artist to fulfill the idea you have.  Seeing a piece take shape with your input as well as the artist is truly something special.  The hardest part is definitely advertising your piece and dealing with customer service aspects.

8 – Is there projects that start without having a commissioner involved?

(WK): Of course - a commissioner is not necessary to do a good statue when you got a factory with good ideas themselves. ;)

-/-

(C2): See question 1.

9 – Does the commissioners serve like a seal of quality for a given figure? Or the producers fit that role better? Or both?

(WK): Sure... you build up your reputation as a creative member of the community but the quality is determined by the factory and the products/paintjob you chose or the factory choses.

-/-

(C2): Not quite sure what you're asking here.  I mean if you're new to the commissioning world I can see where you might want to link up with a producer that is well established so that you can have some credibility for your project.

10 – Could you hinted us what you’re cooking up right now?

(WK): At the moment I’m working closely with David Warboss from Fat Monster Studios on several projects like the custom painted Deadpool with base which is ready to be shipped but we also focus on doing custom paintjobs from several other commissions and soon my Captain Punisher will have its appearance as a prototype. The origins of this project are from "War Journal" which is a series which takes place in the time when Cap got assassinated in civil war and someone was supposed to take his role - so Punisher did it (but only for a short time as he decided he feels more comfortable killing in a sleeveless shirt).

Cap Punisher, another creation of Wolfgang Krenner and collaborators.

Daedpool custom painted is coming out.

-/-

(C2): That'd spoil the fun.

11 – How the brainstorming for a new figure happens?

(WK): Usually with some alcoholic beverage and Google… :P

-/-

(C2): For me it isn't so much brainstorming as that makes it sound like a process geared at pushing out products.  If I feel strongly towards something and I think others will appreciate it, I'll begin planning the piece.

12 – How much time on average from the first idea to the finished sketch sent to be modelled?

(WK): Depends on the producer and how picky you are about changes. I started the idea for Deadpool on throne with Alex Thomas and Abdel in December 2014... so we officially released the info on February 2015 and till it was shipped and everything it took almost a year - but mostly because we had a lot of changes and Romell Compra was so nice to not kick my ass for all those changes :P

-/-

(C2): That can vary wildly.  You can have an idea, but then where you go from there depends on how you approach it.  You can hire a concept artist or go straight to approaching a sculptor to begin work or any number of avenues.  All of which takes time, communication is crucial and shouldn't be rushed.

13 – Commissioners are responsible for selling and marketing the pieces to the community or this the job of the producers?

(WK): My regular job is in an advertising agency so I do most of the visuals myself and, it’s hard to explain, but people just write you to get more info on the product. Like I said it’s about creating a kickass piece which will get the collectors to get in contact with you instead of running around advertising it. ;)

-/-

(C2): It can be a bit of both, usually I've found that it's the commissioners duty to market their custom.

14 – What’s the difference of a commissioner and a producer after all?

(WK): Hard to tell - we better leave this out or it gets confusing. ;)

-/-

(C2): Producers either serve as go betweens or produce the pieces themselves.  Commissioners are individuals with ideas that they'd like to pursue via a custom

15 – Do you have input on the overcome of the piece once it’s passed to production?

(WK): I was able to fix some parts I didn’t like, like transitions, but this depends on the factory.

-/-

(C2): Not sure what you mean here, if it's your project you should have creative control.  Though once something is in production you really can't change much without it costing you greatly as 3D printing can be exorbitantly expensive.

16 – How do you became commissioners? Tell us a bit of your story.

(WK): My story about collecting is pretty funny as I played World of Warcraft with friends for a long time and we were into collecting figures for about 30-50$.. just for the fun of it. When I one day saw the Arthas statue by Sideshow I knew I needed to have this for my gaming room and shortly after I found a local guy selling it for a good price. So when I got my first piece I was completely hooked and started spending my weekends building Ikea Bestas [modular furnishings very used to display statues] in my bedroom ;)

I’m just grateful my girlfriend is very tolerant about my hobby as others might have already freaked out with 30 + statues in 1 room! ;)

-/-

(C2): Just have had ideas that I thought others would enjoy as well.

17 – Can one live solemnly of commissions or do you have a second job to complement income?

(WN): For me it’s not about the income – let’s be honest I invested a lot of time and money - more than I got out of it, but I managed to make collectors happy and this is what counts for me. In total, I made a few thousand with the kits but the money got mostly invested into Fat Monster Studios to be able to get new airbrush and new material for printing. I want to invest with them as they are in Europe and "just around the corner" so I have influence in the projects and can assure quality.

-/-

(C2): (Too personal)

18 – What it takes to be a commissioner?

(WK): Creativity ;) we have so many creative people in this industry I’m proud I could be a part of it with Deadpool.

-/-

(C2): Other than having an idea and approaching a producer to see if they'd take your commission, it involves finding an artist you'd like to sculpt your idea in either traditional sculpt or via an electronic tool like Z-Brush or similar modeling software.  You also have to have enough funding to begin the preliminary work on your potential piece.

19 – What would astonish you the most: to see an alien or to see a ghost?

(WK): as I don’t believe in ghosts until I’m one myself I would love to see an alien - but I would prefer if it wasn’t like the Alien from "ALIEN"! ;)

-/-

(C2): Ghost.  Statistically speaking, aliens should exist.

20 – Three favorite bands and three favorite movies

(WK): That’s a hard one - I rarely can say I have a real "favorite" and I kinda don’t have the time anymore. But I’ve never changed my taste in music, I still listen to a lot of oldschool hiphop which was always my favorite music. I could say my favorite artist is Chris Webby and the movie I enjoyed the most in the last few years was Guardians of the Galaxy - I also really enjoyed the soundtrack

-/-

(C2): Bands: The Heavy, RHCP, and The Bee Gees.

Films: Goodfellas, Oldboy, and Shawshank Redemption.

21 – Any last phrase or quote or message you would like to leave to our readers?

(WK): Oh damn, I hate to be inspirational - I always feel like one of those posters you put on your wall in the office so you don’t freak out completely. I’m just happy that this hobby brings together so many people of different countries and nationalities

And last but not least I want to shout out some special thanks to

Alex Thomas and Radd Titan

Romell Chompra

Bien Flores

Jay from Halimaw

Azad Karazhan

Carlos Rego

David Warboos and the whole FAT MONSTER STUDIOS TEAM

Abdel from XIONART

And of course everyone who worked with me or is in regular contact with me who I forgot due to the fact that it was a heavy hitting Friday. ;)

-/-

(C2): Recasts are cancer, support your local artists by either buying legit licensed pieces or by buying customs from reputable people.

-x-x-x-

Thank you so much. You helped me to cover all the parts of the Customs Market. May you enjoy great success in you commissions and in your lives overall.

Below the links of the other parts of this article:

- PART I - PRODUCERS

- PART II - SCULPTORS

- PART III - PAINTERS

TO SEE A LIST OF LINKS TO ALL 

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS FROM CCFIGURES

CLICK HERE.

“CUSTOMS” INTERVIEWS – PART II: SCULPTORS

In our journey across the customs market seas, we dock to talk to a center piece of the whole process of the Market: the sculptor. Without the sculptor the producers have nothing to produce and the collectors have nothing to collect. Is the sculptor who gives life and movement, expression and body, who materializes the project into a piece that can be replicated (or not).

To broaden even more our discussion of customs market I’ve contacted two sculptors who I’m sure will give different perspectives of the custom sculptor work since one works only with 3D software sculpting and the other only with hand sculpting. The first is from the first world, the other from the third world (Manila, Philippines). One is a young talented man, the other a 50-year-old sculptor whose greatest joy is to know their kids are going to school. They are David F. Barruz and Martin Apollo. Both very talented artists no matter how different the methods and realities are.

-x-x-x-

1 – Hello, thanks for talking to our readers about the customs market. The first question that comes to my mind is: how do you get a work? How a project of a sculpture arrives to you? Is there more than one way? Please explain to us: how sculptors get their jobs?

David F. Barruz (DB): Hello! Thank to you and your readers for this opportunity.

It's funny because I don't try to get a job really. I didn't knock any door but I will do of course.

My commissioner uses to work in more than one project with me and these people use to recommend me to others.

The world is changing and every professional needs to understand this change.

I just try to show my work on social networks and try to help as much as I can to my commissioners and other sculptors mates.

This is not a competition about who is better, this is about learn, teach and do the best you can for collectors.

So, this is my way to get a job: just passion, hard work and good felling.

-/-

Martin Apollo (MA): I got my first project from a producer here in Manila; it was Superman by Alex Ross it was displayed on an event, toycon, then other producer contacted me that's where I got my works.

2 – Once the character is chosen do you create it freely or there is a brainstorming or the commissioner briefs you to say exactly what he/she/they want?

(DB) All depends of the client and the project. For example, I can make my 3D concept art for wargames miniatures with my team.

I always work with my commissioners. They are a very important part of the team.

I could say that my commissioners are the director and I'm the art and technical director... and digital sculptor of course! Lol

-/-

(MA): When a producer give me a work from a commission, I just have to follow what they want with the project even if I did not like the outcome of my work.

3 – Do you work with 3D software sculpting or you still use your hands and clay to sculpt? Or use both (in this case, in what hand sculpt betters the 3D modelling)? If you use 3D software which one(s) you use?

(DB): I must say that I'm a digital professional.

This a great question: What is better hand sculpts or digital sculpts?

I think that we are talking about 2 different technics that can be complemented.

But think about it like this: what is better watercolor or oleo paint?

3D let us work faster and be ready for changes... that is the truth.

Practicality, speed, flexibility. That is 3D digital sculpting.

-/-

(MA): I'm a traditional sculptor I also wanted to learn 3D sculpting. For me I feel hand sculpting is best because I do it from scratch.

Martin Apollo loves to use his hands to sculpt,
even though he dreams in learn 3D digital sculpting

4 – What gives you more pleasure in sculpting? Which stage of the process is more fun?

(DB): I enjoy every phase except cutting lol!

For me the most important is the pose. I really enjoy finish the pone with anatomy... more even if it's a female sculpture. Men are not so beautiful and sensual. Hahahaha.

-/-

(MA): For me everything is fun from start to finish. […] Women superheroes are very hard to sculpt.

5 – Do you love what you do or you do for obligation? Or it changes with the tides?

(DB): I do what I love for sure. This is what I was waiting for all my life.

I was working in 3D for 14 years as generalist and I could apply for films and videogames but for now I'm where I want.

-/-

(MA): Both. I love sculpting, it makes me happy whenever I finish my work and also it helps my family.

6 – A freelancer sculptor can live solemnly of sculpting nowadays? Is the income from sculpting enough to guarantee a comfortable lifestyle or do you need a second job to complement income?

(DB): Yes we can live as freelance sculptor. I must say that I'm working with a little sculpting team as a studio. We have a lot of work to do... right now 7 statues 1/4 scale and a lot of miniatures as well. I can't complain at all.

-/-

(MA): If you're in a company, let's say Sideshow, I think a sculptor there will have enough to have a comfortable lifestyle.

7 – Is there any character you didn’t get to sculpt yet but always wanted to?

(DB): Sure! Motoko Kusanagi from ghost in the shell manga. Please somebody commission me some Masamune Shirow characters! Lol!

-/-

(MA): A lot but there's one that I really love to do: Predators!

Predator. A Martin Apollo favorite.

8 – Are there periods with no commissions at all?

(DB): Not really. I was working for a Spanish miniature company and after that I get a lot of commissions. That’s why I needed to give an opportunity to my best students and now they are part of this studio project.

-/-

(MA): Yes, for superheroes, but I have to look for a job like Christmas character.

9 – Do you collect figures or have any other hobby? If you collect, what’s your grail? If you have any other hobby what it is?

(DB): Ok... I must confess I'm not a collector. My hobby and passion is my work but my grail is the Spider Gwen 1/4 sculpture is did.

I collect my own work! Lol!

In the other hand I love my long board. :)

1/4 Spider Gwen. Holy grail!

-/-

(MA): I don't collect figures, whenever I got one I give it to my brother but there's one figure that I like to have the one I sculpted for Halumaw Sculptures, Wolf Predator, that's my grail. Basketball is my other hobby. To stay fit.

10 – How much in average is a custom statue more expensive than a Sideshow one of the same scale?

(DB): I don't know really. I'm just the sculptor and don't know about custom sales and conditions. Sometimes people ask me about the statues and I just try to help giving my commissioner mail for that statue.

-/-

(MA): It’s less expensive for I only do sculpting. I don’t know for how much the producer sell them. I earn 1,500 pesos (32,04 USD quotation of 2016-07-25) per inch.

11 – How the ES (Edition Sizes) influences your work? You receive more the more statues are produced or is the other way around: if you get a commission for one statue only, your price rises?

(DB): I try to give a good price for good clients always. I like to try to help. You must have in mind what scale will be. More for miniatures than 1/6 or 1/4 statues. There are no difference for me. For miniatures, you have to make deeper details in order to easy the job for miniature painters.

-/-

(MA): Depends on the scale that I do. The bigger, the better.

12 – If you’re called to work on a big statues company would you accept or would you turn the offer down and continue to work as a freelancer?

(DB): Hummmm… I don't know! I suppose that this would depend on the conditions. I would love to work in other countries and have new experiences but I can do it to right now as freelancer. However, I'm open for new opportunities always.

-/-

(MA): I think I would have to continue to work as a freelancer, but if I were younger, I would accept it.

13 – Can you do the painting job of a piece as well as sculpting? If so do you do that or the producer of the statue gets a painter to colorize the statues?

(DB): I can make a digital paint and make a realistic image to show how the statue final paint will be.

-/-

(MA): I only do sculpting, the producer have its own painter

14 – Which was the biggest edition size you’ve ever made and what was the smallest?

(DB): Bigger was 1/4 scale and smaller was 28 mm to the eye... Sorry I'm not sure what scale it is.

-/-

(MA): I can't remember the  biggest quantity that I’ve done (more than 50) but the least is the Grimlock only one piece for it’s very big, stand 15' high, 26' long

15 – What’s your favorite character? Did you sculpt him/her/it already?

(DB): Again Motoko Kusanagi or any Masamune Shirow character. I'm waiting mates. I'm here!!! Hahahahaha

Anyone who reads this, please commission Motoko Kusanagi to this man!

-/-

(MA): Superman. That was with him I started to be recognized by the producer here.

Who could stand a chance against Martin's Superman?

16 – Is there a character or characters that you’re always asked to sculpt or you never sculpted the same character twice?

(DB): Not really. I always prefer female characters but it does not depend on me. I work for collectors and I always try to give a great piece.

-/-

(MA): Yes: Superman, Hulk, Juggernaut, Wolverine, Spiderman.

17 – What is the best part and worst part of your profession?

(DB): The best part is to see my work in a collection. I really enjoy the pictures and videos from the people. The illusion is the best prize for me.

The worst part is when commissioner doesn't follow my workflow or don't give a clear feedback because that makes me lose work.

I developed a pipeline to avoid this and still deliver great quality [pieces].

-/-

(MA): The best part is sending my kids to school. I have 5 children and they all go to college my youngest is still in elementary. The worst is working over and over in just one project takes a lot of my time.

18 – Do you believe that even in these times of 3D software modelling each sculptor maintains his/her unique style?

(DB): For sure! I have my style and my assistants have their style. Working together makes the projects better a better.

SHAZAM!

-/-

(MA): [Note of the Editor: there was no meaning asking this for Martin]

19 – How much time it takes on average to complete a statue (with the base)?

(DB): If I only work in one statue, it’s in between 2 weeks and 1 month.

-/-

(MA): Depends on a figure that you’re working. Superman takes a month. Predators takes about 3 months.

21 – What characters you sculpt the most: Marvel or DC?

(DB): For now DC but it depends on the commission.

-/-

(MA): Marvel.

Nice Spider Symbiote, Mr. Martin!

22 – Once 3D printing become a mainstream product, capable of printing and painting a statue in let’s say, one hour, and costing, let’s assume, $800.00, what will happen to our hobby? I believe it will become virtual, you’ll sell a blueprint of the statue with a validation code to the buyer and he/she will print it in their homes and customize it if they will. Assuming they know how to work with 3D software, of course.

(DB): I think that this will be the future. However, if you just print you will have not the same as a hand painted statue. Painters are artists!

-/-

(MA): [Note of the Editor: again, I saw no point in asking this to Mr. Martin]

23 – What can you tell to a collector who’s looking to acquire a custom figure but don’t know how?

(DB): just follow me in your network. Maybe you will see something you like it! Hahaha!

Serious now: The best way is Facebook, following custom statues groups and pages.

-/-

(MA): Look for the best company that do superheroes.

24 – Which big company do you think is the best? The more creative? The one you admire the most?

(DB): For me Iron Studios of course.

-/-

(MA): Sideshow. They’ve been there for a long time.

25 – What advices would you give to a person who wants to become a professional sculptor?

(DB): Learn, learn, learn, learn. Be patience, kind and never let your ego work for you.

-/-

(MA): Love your work.

26 – What would astonish you the most: to see an alien or to see a ghost?

(DB): Hahahaha! I don't know, maybe an alien?

-/-

(MA): Aliens.

27 – Three bands and three movies.

(DB): Bands: Vintage Caravan, Eluveitie, Sia.

Movies: Chihiro (Muyazaki's spirites way), Ghost in the shell, all Batman movies with Christian Bale.

-/-

(MA): Im not for bands: James Taylor, Jim Croce and Don McLean.

Movies: Law Abiding Citizen, Con Air, Air Force One.

It was very interesting to interview both of you from two completely separated worlds connected by the same profession, by same passion, by the same hobby every one of the readers here share. I would like to wish all that is best to both of you and wish specially for Mr. Martin a happy 50^th birthday on August 18. May you two and those you love and care be healthy and in peace. And in the school!

OTHER PARTS OF THIS ARTICLE

- PART I - PRODUCERS;

- PART III - PAINTERS;

- PART IV - COMMISSIONERS.

TO SEE A LIST OF LINKS TO ALL 

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS FROM CCFIGURES

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