5 Practical Tips for Creating Customised KAWS Figures

Contents

1. Selecting the right materials
2. Planning your design
3. Painting your KAWS figure
4. Adding custom details
5. Sealing and protecting your customised KAWS figure

Bringing your own twist to a KAWS figure can be a fun and fulfilling project. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a beginner in the world of customisation, these five practical tips will guide you in creating your own customised KAWS figures. Let's first dive into the exciting world of selecting the right materials.

Selecting the right materials

Choosing the right materials is the first step in your customised KAWS journey. The materials you select can make or break your final piece. Here's a rundown of what you'll need:

Base Figure

Starting with a good quality base figure is key. You'll need a genuine KAWS figure—these are usually made from vinyl or plastic. While there are many fakes out there, a true KAWS figure has a certain heft and finish that counterfeits just can't replicate.

Paints

Next, you'll need paints. Acrylic paints are a popular choice for customising KAWS figures due to their versatility and wide range of colours. Brands like Golden and Liquitex offer high-quality acrylics that are perfect for the job. Remember, it's all about adding your own flair, so feel free to pick colors that speak to your personal style.

Brushes

Invest in a set of good quality brushes. These will give you the control you need to apply your paints with precision. A variety of sizes will be helpful, from small detail brushes to larger flat brushes for broad strokes. Pro tip: Always keep your brushes clean to ensure they last longer and perform better.

Sealant

Lastly but definitely not least, you'll need a good sealant. This is what will protect your customised KAWS figure from dust, scratches, and fading. A clear acrylic sealant is usually the go-to choice for many artists.

Now that you've gathered your materials, you're all set to bring your unique vision to life. Remember, the most important ingredient in your customised KAWS figure is your creativity. So, let it run wild and have fun!

Planning Your Design

Let's move on to the next stage—planning your design. This stage is just as important as the actual painting. It's all about figuring out what you want your customised KAWS figure to look like. It's the blueprint to your creativity.

Sketching Your Design

Start by sketching out your ideas. You can do this on a piece of paper or digitally if you prefer. This helps to visualize your design and gives you a clear path to follow when you start painting. Don't worry if you're not the best artist; even a simple sketch can help you plan out color schemes and patterns.

Choosing Your Theme

What kind of vibe do you want your customised KAWS figure to have? Maybe something vibrant and energetic? Or perhaps something more minimal and sleek? Choosing a theme can help guide your design choices and give your figure a cohesive look.

Studying Your KAWS Figure

Take a close look at your KAWS figure. Notice the curves, the lines, the textures. Understanding the form of your figure can help you make design decisions that work with the shape, rather than against it. This can be the difference between a design that looks awkward and one that looks like it was always meant to be there.

Research

Look for inspiration everywhere. Check out other customised KAWS figures, visit art galleries, browse through design websites. The more ideas you expose yourself to, the more creative your final design will be.

Remember, planning isn't about nailing down every single detail. It's about giving yourself a direction to go in. Don't be afraid to change your plan as you go—sometimes, the best ideas come to you in the middle of the process.

Painting your KAWS figure

Once you've planned out your design, it's time to bring your customised KAWS figure to life. Painting might seem daunting, but don't worry: we've got some tips to make it easier.

Preparing Your Figure

Before you start painting, make sure your KAWS figure is clean and dry. This helps the paint adhere better and prevents any dust or dirt from getting trapped under the paint.

Choosing Your Paint

Acrylic paint is a great choice for customising KAWS figures. It comes in a wide variety of colors, it's easy to work with, and it dries quickly. Plus, it's water-soluble before it dries, which means you can easily clean up any mistakes.

Painting Techniques

There are a few painting techniques that can come in handy when customising KAWS figures. For example, you might use a dry brush technique to create a textured look, or layer different shades of color to create depth and dimension. Feel free to experiment and see what works best for your design.

Taking Your Time

Remember, painting your customised KAWS figure isn't a race. Take your time and focus on each detail. It might be tempting to rush, but patience pays off in the end with a better-looking figure.

Once you're finished painting, give your figure plenty of time to dry before moving on to the next step. You wouldn't want any smudges or smears on your hard work, would you?

Adding custom details

Now that your KAWS figure has a fresh coat of paint, it's time to add some custom details. These unique touches can really make your figure stand out and reflect your individual style.

Using Fine-Tip Markers

Fine-tip markers can be a great tool for adding small, intricate details to your customised KAWS figure. You could use them to draw patterns, add facial features, or even write small messages. Just make sure your paint is completely dry before you start!

Applying Decals or Stickers

Decals and stickers can add a whole new dimension to your KAWS figure. They're easy to apply, and they come in a wide variety of designs. Just remember: once they're on, they're on, so make sure you're happy with the placement before you stick them down.

Adding Textures and Embellishments

There's more to customising KAWS figures than just painting and drawing. You can also add textures and embellishments to give your figure a unique feel. For instance, you might add some fabric to create a cape or some beads for a necklace.

When adding custom details, it's all about having fun and expressing your creativity. So let your imagination run wild, and see what you come up with!

Sealing and protecting your customised KAWS figure

After pouring your heart and soul into creating your customised KAWS figure, the last thing you want is for all your hard work to get damaged. That's where sealing and protecting comes into play.

Sealing with a Clear Coat

Once your custom details are in place and have fully dried, it's a good idea to seal your KAWS figure with a clear coat. This is a special type of paint that provides a protective layer, helping to prevent scratches and other damage. It also gives your figure a nice, shiny finish.

Handling with Care

Even with a clear coat, your customised KAWS figure will still need to be handled with care. Try to avoid dropping it or exposing it to extreme temperatures. And of course, keep it out of reach of pets and little siblings who might not understand its artistic value!

Storing Correctly

If you're not planning to display your KAWS figure right away, make sure you store it properly. This means keeping it in a cool, dry place and wrapping it in a soft cloth to prevent dust buildup and accidental scratches.

By taking a few extra precautions, you can help ensure your customised KAWS figure stays looking its best for years to come. So take the time to seal and protect your masterpiece — trust me, it's worth it.

If you enjoyed our blog post on "5 Practical Tips for Creating Customised KAWS Figures" and want to learn more about developing your unique brand as an artist, we recommend checking out Karen Oldhoven's workshop, 'Create Your Brand Inside & Out.' This workshop will help you dive deeper into the process of defining your brand's identity and values, which is essential for creating customised art pieces that truly resonate with your audience.