"CUSTOMS FOR THE KID" 2023 - YEAR IN REVIEW

This year was full of challenging projects. Bold efforts that provided fruitful results. For me, it was a year full of commissions. I really feel like I grew as an artist this year in many aspects. As a sculptor, a painter, tailor, and 3D designer. Every commission pushed me outside my comfort zone and forced me to dig deeper to bring all the characters to life. The results surpassed our expectations every time.

Dad took some time out of his schedule to help me out by peppering in some posts on the blog throughout the year. He painted the offerings of our friends as well as third-party sellers showcasing some fun customizing opportunities that are available to the community to help build out our collections quickly and easily. Because Dad had only contributed in making one figure since both of his eyes were operated on in 2020, seeing him tackle several projects this year was heartwarming. It was getting lonely doing the blog by myself so the companionship was welcomed.

We were super excited when a few months ago we had the incredible privilege of being featured in the Artist Spotlight over at YodasNews.com. The website has been popular in fan circles since its inception in 2004. Having Mark Picirilli the founder of the website take the time to share our art with his readers was a real honor.

Another exciting development for us was getting the opportunity to meet actor Amy Allen from the Prequel films. Even though I was the one celebrating another year of life lived, I was the one who came to the event bearing gifts. 

I traveled to RedFive Toys & Collectibles in East Longmeadow, MA. It wasn't our first trip to the store. The Vintage Collection has a heavy presence in this toy store so it's always worth the trip to Massachusetts. As usual, upon our arrival, the pegs were completely stacked with the latest TVC waves. Even more than our last trip to RedFive. The store even had Din Djarin's N-1 Starfighter and Jabba's Palace from "The Book of Boba Fett" complete with the oversized TVC Bib Fortuna available for purchase. 

We made the trip for a special event that was being held at the toy store which had Amy Allen the actress who starred as Star Wars Jedi character Aayla Secura in the Prequel Trilogy. Amy was at RedFive and she made herself available to sign autographs and take photos with fans. The event was absolutely packed, complete with a Kylo Ren and Battle-Damaged Darth Vader cosplayers, and the store even raffled off Boba Fett's TVC Slave I from "The Book of Boba Fett". 

While at the signing, I had the chance to present the Star Wars actress with a Star Wars custom action figure I made of her character. To make the figure, all that was needed was some additional sculpting on TVC Aayla Secura action figure and a fresh coat of paint.

The day was so much fun. We even had the chance to meet up with Chris Swanski of BanthaSkull.com and John Miko of the SW The Vintage Collection group on Facebook who were also attending the event. Dad came along for the trip and got so busy talking with our fellow collectors that he never took the time to meet with Amy Allen.

We definitely recommend making a visit to RedFive Toys & Collectibles. Even when fun events aren't taking place, RedFive Toys & Collectibles is definitely our favorite toy store in the Northeast!

AAYLA SECURA

custom action figure

created by Elias of "Customs for the Kid"

The Aayla Secura action figure that I made for Amy Allen ended up getting a "Custom of the Week" feature over at JediInsider.com. She was just one of several "Custom of the Week" features that we received in 2023. We express our deepest gratitude to Jedi Insider for the continued kindness they have shown us.

We thank you all for your patronage and hope you will keep coming as long as we keep making new Star Wars customs. Enjoy the video below of all the figures we made this year. Visit our Action Figure Index for the build information for each character. Happy New Year everyone! Let's all make it a good one!

END OF YEAR VIDEO