CUSTOM ACTION FIGURES: 101 – Interview with “Da Hawaiian”
CUSTOM ACTION FIGURES: 101 – Interview with “Da Hawaiian”, Byron Hernandez
By Rob Panick, a.k.a. General Panick
On this week’s edition of Custom Action Figures: 101, we have an interview with Byron Hernandez of Hawaiian Style Customz and Mayhem Customs, also known as “Da Hawaiian”. Byron lives on the island of Oahu in Hawaii, and is married to his supporting wife Jesika. They have a 6 year old son named Byron Jr, or BJ, that many of you may know if you have participated in Byron’s contests. Byron is a child of the 80s who grew up with G.I. Joe’s, Transformers, Voltron, Silver Hawks, etc…
Those of you who are familiar with his work know that Byron is one of the top customizers in our hobby. Not only does he put out some of the most awesome customs you’ve ever seen, he also gives a lot back to the custom community with his contests and overall love for the hobby. And best of all, he’s a great guy that is always willing to help out any customizer and answer their questions.
Without further ado, here’s my interview with Da Hawaiian…
Rob Panick: Aloha Braddah B! Thanks for sitting down and talking with me today!
Byron Hernandez: No problem Braddah! I’m honored to do this interview.
RP: First off, as I always ask fellow customizers, how long have you been customizing and what got you started?
BH: I’ve been customizing a little over a year and a half. What got me started was about two years ago my son opened up some POC figures that I had bought a couple years prior. I saw how he enjoyed the GI Joes so I thought “hmmm, I’ll show my boy how I grew up collecting G.I. Joes” and since Hawaii was limited on G.I. Joes I went on eBay bought more and more figures. Then I fell upon custom G.I. Joes, so I looked at the ones listed and thought “I can do this”. Growing up I built custom car models, so it kind of clicked and took off from there.
RP: What’s your favorite figures to customize?
BH: I enjoy all of them but really love my camouflage and things that are different.
RP: As everyone who has seen your figures knows, you’re one of the most bad ass camo painters in the hobby. How do you get your camo patterns so tight?
BH: Well I use a 15/0 or 20/0 brush, after dipping my brush I spin it to keep a tight point and go from there.
RP: What’s your workspace like?
BH: Messy but I know where everything is if that makes sense. My wife usually tells twice a week “okay time to straighten it up”.
RP: Glad to know I’m not the only one, lol!
BH: I run two tables. My desk is covered with parts and mock ups now. Then I stole half the dining table to paint because of the better lighting.
RP: If you could give advice to someone who is brand new to customizing, what would it be?
BH: A Dremel is a customizer’s best friend.
RP: Give us your best “secret trick” you use when customizing.
BH: No real secrets, but nice, crisp paint apps go a long way. Always prep your figures good. Better prepping equals better results.
RP: What other things are you into besides customizing?
BH: Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, I trained under Relson Gracie for many years, big waves, street racing and enjoying time with the Ohana.
Okay, now for my favorite part of my interviews… it’s random question time. I’m going to consult my handy, dandy random question generator for the next three questions. Don’t think about the questions too long and give me whatever answer pops in your head.
RP: Seen anything weird lately?
BH: A girl walking half naked down the street.
RP: If you could change one thing about the world, regardless of guilt or politics, what would you do?
BH: Try to steer the youth away from drugs.
RP: If you could eat lunch with one famous person, who would it be?
BH: Alicia Silverstone, she’s a hottie!
RP: Byron, thank you so much for talking with me today and sharing your insight with us. Mahalo â nui!
BH: Much Mahalo Braddah glad and honored to do this interview for you and Serpentor’s Lair.
Go check out more of Byron’s amazing work on his Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hawaiian-Style-Customz/505316856265436
Rob Panick is a 39 year old Georgia native and a lover of action figure customizing and all things Star Wars. He is the father of two toddler boys and he and his fianceé Rebecca own and operate Galactic Plastics. She’s a Star Wars geek too and they’re getting married on Star Wars Day!
For more Tutorials and Video’s with Rob Panick, make the JUMP TO THE FORUM!
