Meet the Artist ~ CustoMHized UK
What is your name (and usernames)?
Amanda Penfold and CustoMHighzed UK
Where are you from?
UK – Kent
Age-
32
How long have you been in the art industry?
I have only been customising dolls for about a year now but I have been very interested in OOAK dolls and wanted to have a go for about 5 yrs now
What got you started?
I have always wanted to custom Barbies but was worried that I would ruin a beautiful doll , but then I started collecting Monster High in 2008 for my daughter and discovered the world of Customed Monster High over the internet and I could no longer resist the urge to have a go.
What types of customs/art do you do?
I have only ever customised Monster High doll as I am a little obsessed with them, oh and I have customised a My Little Pony into Draculaura. I am going to have a go at a My Scene or Barbie soon.
What sort of mediums do you use?
Mostly synthetic hair, the more colourful the better, I use acrylic paint, sealant and finish of with a bit of gloss. I am waiting of a can of MSC from the USA as I have seen some fantastic work done using it.
Are there any products you just can’t live without?
I find it very difficult to recreate a doll without beautiful colourful hair, which I mainly purchase from Retro Dolls UK
What is your most favorite custom you have made?
Ohh this one is hard but I’m going to have to say Georgie Gorgan because she was my very first doll I customised that I was really happy and fell in love with.
What is your least favorite custom you have made?
I had a few in the early days when I was just getting started but that is because I am a bit of a perfectionist and wanted to be good instantly but it really does take practice. But now I love all my dolls I make and am so proud of my creations that I find it really hard to part with them.
What is the worst injury you’ve had from working on customs?
I have stabbed my finger a few times with my rooting tool but other than that I would say customising is quite a safe hobby
What is the funniest mistake you’ve made while working on your art?
I’m not very confident with my face ups yet and feel I still need a lot of practice, so I make a lot of mistakes while doing them and have to rub it all out and start again but I don’t find it very funny and quite often get really annoyed with my self.
Who/What inspires you?
Well Monster High, I love the diversity about them, they are so different to the dolls I grew up with. And to be honest there are a few other Monster High Customisers (including Still Plays With Dolls) over the internet that really inspired me and gave me the confidence to give it ago.
What projects are you currently working on?
I currently working on Harriet Hyde (Holt Hyde’s sister ) and a Coraline Commission which I am really excited about. I have a huge list of ideas for dolls but to be honestly I normally just create a doll as I go along, picking a doll and then matching their hair colour to their eyes and skin tone and I will then create them a matching outfit finally creating a character.
Do you have any odd habits while working on customs/art?
errmm not sure, think I might have to pass on that one
What types of art do you enjoy?
I into quite colourful art: anything bright and in your face I LOVE IT!!
Do you take commissions?
Yes I have done a couple and it really touches me that someone else has confidence in my work to trust me to create a doll for them. I am only just starting out so hopefully I will be doing a lot more commissions in the future (finger crossed) :0)
Where can people see your work and contact you?
I have a page on facebook called CustoMHighzed UK
I have a flickr account (lovablepenfold)
and a Deviant Art account ( penfold1709)but really need to update this
Do you have any favorite tips or tricks?
Practice, practice and more practice. Ohh actually I do have one tip, when rooting a doll hair use a smaller needle on the hairline than the rest of the head otherwise you will split the head because the hairline holes are tiny
What advice do you have for someone just starting to get into customizing/art?
Do your research before hand, take your time and don’t rush out buying loads of stuff ( like I did). If you have any question check out my facebook page
I am more than happy to help with any Qs or advice that I have learnt so far
