Tags:
Interview,
Sabrina Ng
I first got to know Sabrina by her outstanding work customizing Transformers figures. Her technique is top notch and I was extremely fortunate to get a glimpse into her world. Here is the latest addition to the interview series for your reading pleasure:
AFC: Tell the fans of your work a little about yourself.
Sabrina Ng: Well, I’m 24 come this January ‘09. I’m pretty much a very cheerful girl that loves challenges. Some of my favorite past times (besides painting) are dragon boating, working out in the gym, watching Japanese anime, and SHOPPING!!! Heh, which girl doesn’t? 
I’ve also just obtained a degree in Business Management and am looking around for a job in the Human Resource field. It’s been my interest ever since I started my program. I do airbrushing as a past time. But it was so exciting that I started a small blog (http://www.artsylovers.blogspot.com/) to document and promote my work.
AFC: When did you start making customs?
Sabrina Ng: Well, I first laid hands on an airbrush somewhere in April 08? Apart from that, my only experience in arts was in designing and drawing on batik, a form of Indonesian art which I learned in school.
AFC: How did you get started making customs?
Sabrina Ng: Well, my bf saw some custom transformer on ebay a few months after the movie in ‘07 and was highly driven on bidding on it till the price went to the hundreds. So feeling dejected, he asked me if I could paint. I was like sure, I could paint. I’ve done some pretty elaborate Batik designs when I was in school. Never would I expect him to ask me to paint a toy! So when he showed me the custom (it was movie Jazz) I was like hmmmm…That’s something I’ve never done before..So without informing me, he splurged a 1000 odd on an airbrush set. He then took me shopping for paints and there I was…stuck..I mean I couldn’t possibly say no after he had bought all the equipment now can I?
AFC: How many customs do you work on at one time?
Sabrina Ng: This really depends. Large and complex customs typically sap my time pretty fast. I would only work on one custom if it was large and complex due to the many parts available for paint as compared to a smaller custom. I’ve probably done up to a maximum of 3 customs for the smaller models. It’s not something that I would try to make a habit off as once my attention jumps between 3 toys, I may find my attention to quality diminishing.
AFC: What is the custom you are most proud of?
Sabrina Ng: This is a tough question. But I guess, the custom that I am most proud of is my first custom. A Transformers the Movie : Camshaft. I’m not proud of it because of how nice it is but on the contrary, I am most proud of it as it looks really horrible. The paint was too thick, some parts were goey up till today and that the colours bled between the layers amongst the many reasons as to why it looks horrible. It serves as a reminder as to where I started out at and also for me to never stop learning from others as there is always someone out there who can teach me a thing or two about this craft.
AFC: What is your favorite toy line to do customs for?
Sabrina Ng: Without a doubt, TRANSFORMERS! I really love to work on those guys as I can fit them up with showroom shine paint jobs. I really love to have any custom turn out shiny and reflective. I just can’t tolerate for any of my customs to have any form of battle damage or chips even when necessary.
AFC: You use a really detailed painting technique, can you tell me more about your process?
Sabrina Ng: Well, I always start by cleaning the figure of any factory goo and muck. I’ll then prime the figure as this step helps paint adhesion especially on the smoother plastic surfaces. From there, what I do entirely depends on the custom’s requirement. Generally though, alI my customs are done with an airbrush at a very low PSI setting. I do many thin coats of paint while using cmpounds to buff the surface as soon as it is dry to the touch so as to improve the smoothness of the surface for a more vibrant shine.
AFC: Can you share some details about your workspace?
AFC: What customs do you have lined up for future projects?
Sabrina Ng: Well, I’m not really sure on this one as the moment I start on a full time job, airbrushing takes a backseat and I’m not really sure if I can spend that much time on it again. It’s really too tiring.
AFC: If you had one piece of advice for other customizers out there, what would you say to them?
Sabrina Ng: Well, my MAIN advice is to always do some research before you embark on something. That’s something that I need to heed as well. Many a time I’m stuck in the middle of a project because I do not have a clear idea of my goal or I’m being overly impatient in starting an idea without considering other factors. I’m facing that problem right now as I am working on Optimus Pime’s trailer. Hehe. The colour scheme is giving me a big headache.
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