How to Make Custom Action Figures: a Beginner's Guide

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  • Опубліковано 16 тра 2024
  • Let's learn how to make custom action figures! This is presented in a beginner-friendly way, hopefully. By upgrading your toys, you are also making your photography better!
    I'm breaking down custom figures into 5 categories. I really hope that these can inspire you to upgrade your toy collection and make your own figures!
    This is one of my longest videos. I have it all divided into chapters for each section. Please let me know if you have any questions.
    CUSTOM ACTION FIGURE TOOLS:
    Army Painter Starter Set: amzn.to/3GUKdxa
    Citadel Paint Starter Set: amzn.to/4890FGf
    Vallejo Black Wash: amzn.to/4asmKRx
    Vallejo Brown Wash: amzn.to/3NDM2m3
    Tamiya Masking Tape: amzn.to/488ZTsP
    Mr. Hobby Matte Spray: amzn.to/3RStv8k
    Krylon Gallery Series Matte Spray: amzn.to/41tr8f6
    Krylon ColorMax Clear Flat Spray: amzn.to/47894sj
    Gundam Markers: amzn.to/3GLEUAp
    White Brushes for Dry Brushing: amzn.to/481E4v7
    Starter Mini Brushes: amzn.to/482o0ti
    Army Painter Brush Set: amzn.to/41yyVZ5
    Army Painter Wet Palette: amzn.to/3TpUSHU
    Airbrush/Compressor Bundle: amzn.to/48833Nu
    Master Airbrush: amzn.to/475CQO7
    Zeny Compressor: amzn.to/48lHd8Y
    Vallejo Basic Airbrush Paint Set: amzn.to/48nheOy
    Airbrush Primer: amzn.to/3RrqGJP
    Dremel 3000: amzn.to/3TrvMs9
    I love sharing toy photography tips and tricks and enjoy answering tutorial requests, so feel free to leave any ideas in the comment section.
    SUBSCRIBE for more ACTION FIGURE PHOTOGRAPHY TUTORIALS like this: / @amusingking
    EQUIPMENT:
    My main camera: amzn.to/3YAXinE
    My second cheaper camera: amzn.to/45sS9Af
    Camera I recommend to beginners: amzn.to/45goTwP
    Favorite Light for Toy Photography: amzn.to/3KIpaQQ
    Wire 9 Gauge (huge roll): amzn.to/3OZ0Aha
    ===============================
    LINKS & RESOURCES:
    Instagram: / amusingking
    TikTok: / amusingking
    Find all my equipment here:
    www.amazon.com/shop/amusingking
    Find all my accounts here:
    linktr.ee/mattmafilms
    #customfigures #actionfigures #toycollector
    cinematic lighting
    How to do toy photography?
    What is a custom action figure?
    How to make a custom figure?
    Best tools for custom action figure?
    00:00 Introduction: Making Custom Figures
    01:07 Kitbash: Custom Figure 1
    04:39 Weathering: Custom Figure 2
    12:25 Painting: Custom Figure 3
    23:18 Soft Goods: Custom Figure 4
    28:24 Full Custom: Custom Figue 5

КОМЕНТАРІ • 94

  • @paulbell9957
    @paulbell9957 4 місяці тому +19

    Enjoyed this mate. Something I've wanted to try but never really known where or how to start, mixed with that fear of messing a figure up. This is a great help 🙂🙂

    • @amusingking
      @amusingking  4 місяці тому +3

      Dude nice! Yeah, I could totally relate to that. Took me awhile to jump in. Now I can’t stop haha. Glad you liked it🙌🏼

    • @Duckandpluck
      @Duckandpluck 3 місяці тому +2

      @@amusingkingthank you so much bro I have been crying to find a way to do this I thank you keep up the amazing work😎!!!

    • @amusingking
      @amusingking  3 місяці тому +1

      That's awesome! Glad it was able to help! Thanks so much

  • @galenkelly4859
    @galenkelly4859 3 місяці тому +42

    Did I see a buzz lightyear inspired mandalorian in your stack of awesomeness?

  • @willsmith8276
    @willsmith8276 Місяць тому +12

    Love seeing people genuinely enjoy something so wholesome

    • @amusingking
      @amusingking  Місяць тому +1

      Ayy nice. Yeah, I definitely enjoy this :)

  • @ofpmarine
    @ofpmarine 4 місяці тому +5

    This video is answering some of my in-depth weathering and figure customization 🤘

    • @amusingking
      @amusingking  4 місяці тому +1

      Nice! If you have any other questions, let me know🔥

  • @danielmilliken8903
    @danielmilliken8903 3 місяці тому +7

    I found you today and I’m happy with how you made this video. There’s hardly any vids on covering customizing and this is a valuable one. All around your work is awesome and I’m so very thankful. I’m hoping you make more tips ect. Maybe topics for in detail custom work showing work in progress. 🤘🏼⚔️ Thank you so much for your help bro !

    • @amusingking
      @amusingking  3 місяці тому +2

      Yooo that’s awesome! I really appreciate this comment. And yeah, definitely have more detailed stuff coming soon 🙌🏼

  • @Plastic_Jokes
    @Plastic_Jokes 3 місяці тому +4

    Lots of great information! Thank you so much! I've only ever doubled in custom figures before but I'm definitely getting more into it these days. I've already tried some of these techniques and am excited to try some new ones.

    • @amusingking
      @amusingking  3 місяці тому +2

      Sweet! That’s really cool! It can definitely become addicting haha. Glad you found the video helpful🙏🏼

  • @Damned_Damian
    @Damned_Damian 4 місяці тому +1

    I really like your way of customizing!

    • @amusingking
      @amusingking  4 місяці тому

      Thanks so much! Means a lot

  • @nilshagerklint091
    @nilshagerklint091 2 місяці тому +4

    Thanks for the tips i have customized before but woth markers i was little then but now i started to paint warhammer and miniatures. So my painting skills has gotten better and i also draw so it's very fun. Right now im focusing on making a custom jedi with a custom clone commander so i hope it goes well. You are the best iv'e subbed to you now😊👍😁🫡

    • @amusingking
      @amusingking  2 місяці тому +1

      Ayy sweet. Custom Jedi sounds cool! Thanks so much for the sub. I really appreciate the support🙏🏼🙏🏼

  • @paynestoysamples
    @paynestoysamples 3 місяці тому +3

    One way that works for joints is to get gel superglue and use a toothpick to put it over the paint in a very thin coat you have to break it up into multiple areas going slowly so as not to seize the joint. It’s a long process and relies on a enough gap in joint. I do the cnenter insert dry it then bend knee or elbow to see if it scraped off. Cosmic legions and mythic legions have some tight tolerances

    • @amusingking
      @amusingking  3 місяці тому

      Oh dang, that sounds cool! I hadn’t heard of that but will have to give it a try

  • @markdurham3434
    @markdurham3434 4 місяці тому +2

    Excellent video, lots of good information there and entertaining too.

    • @amusingking
      @amusingking  4 місяці тому +1

      Awesome, that’s great to hear! Thanks so much

  • @murcanfrenchfry9721
    @murcanfrenchfry9721 3 місяці тому +1

    Cool!!! Will definitely have to try this,

    • @amusingking
      @amusingking  3 місяці тому

      Nice, go for it! Let me know how it goes!

  • @box2boardhobby89
    @box2boardhobby89 3 місяці тому +1

    Thanks for this.I’ve been doing Warhammer painting and kitbashing for ages…. Never even thought about this for action figures but my son is starting to do it, and now I’ve got the bug, so thanks for this. Very helpful!

    • @amusingking
      @amusingking  3 місяці тому

      Sweet! That's really cool! I have a 5 year old son that is starting to mix certain pieces from figures and it's really cool to see. Careful with the bug, it can get out of control lol

  • @the_articulated_artist
    @the_articulated_artist 4 місяці тому +1

    Nice production value on your video! Keep it up!

    • @amusingking
      @amusingking  4 місяці тому

      Thanks so much! Really means a lot and will do!🙌🏼🔥

  • @darthalba3785
    @darthalba3785 8 днів тому +2

    I wish I could do this.
    Only thing I've done is just switch parts and heads on Marvel Legends.

    • @amusingking
      @amusingking  7 днів тому +1

      Ayy that’s a start! Try weathering a figure next with a brown or black wash🔥

  • @kellywall3656
    @kellywall3656 4 місяці тому +3

    I’m definitely going to try the matte spray just to knock down some of the glare. And to be honest I wasn’t really sure about your first figure (Cody) but when you show the photo I have to admit it looks killer!

    • @amusingking
      @amusingking  4 місяці тому +1

      Yeah! The matte spray is really good. I just did it on a cheap Pokémon figure and it made it look so much better.
      And that’s a good point too! Some figures might look way better in a scene/photo than in hand.

  • @Bodnar_photography
    @Bodnar_photography 3 місяці тому +1

    Really great info here matt, really do appreciate how you make things that are totally outta my wheel house completely attainable! I’ve painted and weathered some stuff, but haven’t made much of a custom wired cape or anything and have been wanting to (but I’m afraid of sewing machines 😂😂😂)
    Once I get the chance, I’m going for it!

    • @amusingking
      @amusingking  3 місяці тому

      Ayyy I appreciate it Marc and glad you liked the video! My only experience with a sewing machine was my senior home economics class lol surprisingly, I remembered a few details to help me get started. I have a more detailed soft goods video coming later.
      Definitely try it out and let me know how it goes🙌🏼

  • @johnf9987
    @johnf9987 4 місяці тому +1

    Great tips there man 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

  • @ryantorney5581
    @ryantorney5581 3 місяці тому +1

    thank you, thank you , THANK YOU! I run a channel about GI Joe Classified figures and my scratchbuilding projects around that line. I just started exploring making my own custom characters and Variants on existing figs and am trying to learn as much as possible. So this video was an amazing thing to come across. The sealer point for a start to painting is awesome. I just hand primed a figure with hobby primer, but there are definitely some softer pieces I can see why that approach is so good. I will be using that approach next fig , for sure! Thanks so much for this amazing video! Subscribed with a vengance😮😅!

    • @amusingking
      @amusingking  3 місяці тому +1

      Yo!! That’s awesome! Glad you were able to find it useful🙌🏼 and thanks so much for the support with subscribing. Really means a ton. If you have any questions or requests, let me know! :)

  • @shakestheclone1995
    @shakestheclone1995 3 дні тому +1

    Sweetness

  • @AFAFsamedwards
    @AFAFsamedwards 10 днів тому +1

    Great video sir. I’ve sanded down the knee and elbow joints a little bit to keep the paint from rubbing off. If there’s a better way please let me know. As soon as I get home from work I’m reworking my Black Krrsanton. Great job on all of these dope customs sir. Thanks for sharing and have a good day brother.

    • @amusingking
      @amusingking  10 днів тому +1

      You’re definitely welcome! And thanks 🙏🏼 yeah, I need to try sanding the joints for future projects. I’ve heard that’s the best way to deal with joints besides dying the figure.

    • @AFAFsamedwards
      @AFAFsamedwards 10 днів тому

      @@amusingking yes sir.

  • @Blade-bird
    @Blade-bird Місяць тому +2

    If you use kids paint a certain one then you can weather your figure for a bit then you can wash it off

    • @amusingking
      @amusingking  Місяць тому

      Oh yeah! That’s a good tip!

  • @MattGreandActionFigureOfficial
    @MattGreandActionFigureOfficial Місяць тому +2

    Thank you so much for this video, I’ll sub to you ❤

    • @amusingking
      @amusingking  Місяць тому +1

      Wow that’s awesome. Glad you enjoyed it and thanks so much for the support 🙏🏼

    • @MattGreandActionFigureOfficial
      @MattGreandActionFigureOfficial Місяць тому +2

      @@amusingking can I ask u a question?
      For custom u use the DAS too? Or something else like that?

    • @amusingking
      @amusingking  28 днів тому

      Yo, sorry for late reply. I'm not sure what DAS is.

  • @mr.temserian37
    @mr.temserian37 3 місяці тому +2

    Great video! Could you make another indepth about cutting and sewing custom cloth for figures please? 😃

    • @amusingking
      @amusingking  3 місяці тому +1

      Yes! For sure. My plan was to make this one as kind of a general video but then taking each section later, and going more in depth. Still trying to improve and get better. Making custom clothes is definitely at the top of my list.

    • @EdsHouse00
      @EdsHouse00 2 місяці тому +1

      Sewing and making soft goods would be awesome.

    • @amusingking
      @amusingking  2 місяці тому

      Nice, good to know. I’m still practicing to get good patterns and figure out certain details. Hopefully can do a video soon.

  • @troyjohnson220
    @troyjohnson220 3 місяці тому +1

    Hi, great video. What do you use to prime before color and seal the figure once finished. Thanks

    • @amusingking
      @amusingking  3 місяці тому

      Thanks so much! I use the same stuff for before and after. Either the Mr. Hobby matte spray or the two from Krylon that I list.

    • @amusingking
      @amusingking  3 місяці тому

      For 3D prints or if I’m repainting most of the figure, I’ll use an airbrush and I have the gray, white, black primer from Badger. I have it listed as well.

  • @therealunclassified
    @therealunclassified 26 днів тому +2

    The way to do joint is sand them down.thats why the pinles construction sucks for customs. . Dying is another old way of doing it as well.

    • @amusingking
      @amusingking  26 днів тому

      I have heard of sanding the joints, is that just to give space so the pieces are not rubbing against each other? But makes sense why the lines aren’t good.

  • @nightpigeon882
    @nightpigeon882 2 місяці тому +1

    That 501st armor looks like it would be from the kenobi series Era.
    How would he look with a poncho?
    Mabye cals?

    • @amusingking
      @amusingking  2 місяці тому +1

      That’s true! And sounds cool. I will definitely try that🔥

  • @CarlosMendez-ki2lh
    @CarlosMendez-ki2lh 25 днів тому +1

    There's a cloth die u can use boil it in water n let figure sit for an hour or two

    • @amusingking
      @amusingking  25 днів тому

      Yeah, that’s the one I new to try out

  • @Coolittlelizard
    @Coolittlelizard 10 днів тому +2

    I follow you on tiktok

    • @amusingking
      @amusingking  10 днів тому +1

      Ayy that’s awesome! Thanks for the support 👍🏼

  • @steakosaurusrex
    @steakosaurusrex Місяць тому +1

    For some reason I recognize the name Amusingking but not Matt Ma. But either way, I'm glad I found this channel!

    • @amusingking
      @amusingking  Місяць тому +1

      Haha! My IG and TikTok are amusingking! Not sure if you have seen my pictures on there. Glad you found this channel too🙌🏼

    • @steakosaurusrex
      @steakosaurusrex Місяць тому +1

      @@amusingking ha yes I see I follow you on Instagram for toy photography. I guess I just got tripped up finding you by searching custom toys on UA-cam being a different context than searching toy photography

  • @doro626
    @doro626 2 місяці тому +1

    My first time using rit dye to make a white gi joe turbble bubble blue, the dye was not taking. I was leaving it in there longer and longer and eventually I checked and the dye took perfectly, BUT the plastic pieces also warped. Remember to check your parts frequently and I also should have placed them in something so they werent touching the bottom of the croc pot I was using ( used a croc pot to control the heat better). Ill use a heat gun to reshape them ( with a respirator mask. Plastic fumes are dangerous)

    • @amusingking
      @amusingking  2 місяці тому

      Oh wow! Definitely some good tips. Thanks for sharing. I still haven’t tried any dye but when I do, I will keep that in mind

  • @RalphCifra
    @RalphCifra Місяць тому +1

    Hello bro. Great video. I also do custom repaints for action figures. 🎉🎉🎉

    • @amusingking
      @amusingking  Місяць тому +1

      Hey! That’s awesome! Painting is so addicting haha. Definitely something I’m really trying to get better at

    • @RalphCifra
      @RalphCifra Місяць тому +1

      @@amusingking thank u bro. I subscribed.

  • @brandtrey1
    @brandtrey1 18 днів тому +1

    By matte coat......you mea using a coat of primer, correct?

    • @amusingking
      @amusingking  17 днів тому

      Some might be a primer but there’s also a sealers. The Krylon UV Resistant Clear and the Mr. Hobby super clear are labeled as sealers. But the other one I show from Krylon Colormaxx is labeled as a primer, I believe.

  • @RyanByrne999
    @RyanByrne999 4 місяці тому +1

    Your airbrush/compressor combo link is wrong. Can you please post the correct one. The link you have up for it is for primer. Thanks

    • @amusingking
      @amusingking  4 місяці тому

      Dang. My bad. Thanks for letting me know!

    • @amusingking
      @amusingking  4 місяці тому

      I updated it. Thanks again for letting me know.

  • @emman799
    @emman799 3 місяці тому +1

    Do you like painting Warhammer miniatures too?

    • @amusingking
      @amusingking  3 місяці тому

      I love the look of Warhammer but haven't painted any. I do have Imperial Assault miniatures that I started painting a couple; never finished though.

    • @emman799
      @emman799 3 місяці тому +1

      @@amusingking when do you decide to paint Warhammer miniatures?

    • @amusingking
      @amusingking  3 місяці тому

      Not sure. I have a friend that's interested in getting into Warhammer.

  • @Kimmi_Kaiy
    @Kimmi_Kaiy 4 місяці тому +1

    Do you make them for other people? I need a grandpa action figure with moveable legs, arms, torso and head... Around 6 inch tall

    • @amusingking
      @amusingking  4 місяці тому

      Ayyy just saw that you commented here 😂

    • @someguy13
      @someguy13 3 місяці тому

      People are always begging for free stuff in these comment boxes. Why Don you just make it yourself?

    • @amusingking
      @amusingking  3 місяці тому +1

      lol they never mentioned for free. I had received a message and was actually a paid commission.

  • @IAmADad56
    @IAmADad56 2 місяці тому +1

    You are too hard on yourself with that trooper. I thought it looked great. Man def went through some hell with a story to tell.

    • @amusingking
      @amusingking  2 місяці тому

      Haha thanks so much! And yeah, I can definitely see that 🔥

  • @therealunclassified
    @therealunclassified 26 днів тому +1

    Anything with an L I've noticed.

    • @amusingking
      @amusingking  26 днів тому

      lol I’ll have to check it out

  • @therealunclassified
    @therealunclassified 26 днів тому +1

    You pronounce some words like an American Latino.

    • @amusingking
      @amusingking  26 днів тому

      Haha that’s awesome. I haven’t heard that before 😂 I live in Texas and my wife is Hispanic.

  • @187umkillah
    @187umkillah 10 днів тому +1

    Dude you shouldn't do youtube.