Creating a custom figure is a fun and exciting hobby.  But knowing where to start can prove to be frustrating.  Here are a few tips to help you get started with your custom project.
 

1) What "body type" does the character have?

 If you are creating a super strong character like The Hulk, Venom, or even Superman, you don't want to use Spider-Man or Robin as your base.  Look for a figure with the same structure as your character.

2) Character detail:

When choosing a base figure, think about what type of detail you need.  Does the base figure have a similar outfit? Gloves? Boots?  Does his or her face look the the character I wish to create?  Remember though, the base figure doesn't have to have all the ideal detail, you can always sculpt the style of boots that you need.  Sometimes, I like to find the base figure that has the least amount of detail, IE: armor, belts, boots, etc.  This frees me to re-create the detail I need that is specific to that character.

3) How much articulation do you want your creation to have?

 Remember, the more moving parts your custom has, the more difficult the job may become.   Marvel Legend figures tend to have 20 points of articulation or more , and come in a huge variety of styles, but  painting allot of joints can prevent the figure from moving and being posed.  DC, Secret Wars, Super Powers or Animated style figures have less articulation, from 5 -10 points, making them better suited for the beginner or one who wishing to create a more "statue" style figure.

 4) Body Parts:  

Sometimes the base figure just doesn't have what you need and it's up to you to find the right part.  Some figure comes with extra  heads and hands, grab these figures whenever you can.  You can always use an extra limb!  Just remember when transplanting another head or limb onto your custom figure, make sure that it's in the same scale.  Even if the part is slightly too large or small, when the figure is complete, you may see the difference!

5) Capes, Jackets & Armor:

 Capes and armor (fabric or plastic) are great things to save.

 You never know when you are going to need them.

6) Weapons & Accessories:

Most action figures now a days come loaded with accessories.  DO NOT throw anything away!  Guns, swords, knifes, bases, it ALL good!

7) 12" or 1:6 scale action figures and clothes:

I find this type of custom figure to be the most challenging, mainly do to the fact that the figure relies on you finding the right outfit.  If the figure you're customizing is wearing a military style outfit, you're in luck, there are plenty out there for you.  Otherwise, get ready for some heavy searching!  Street clothes or "everyday" outfits are very tough to find.  The standard Ken outfit may do the trick, but are slightly smaller then your standard 12" figure.   There are a few other doll lines that have male figures and outfits that will do the job, but the outfits style have something to be desired.  I found that the Barbie "My Scene" line has the best  offering.  As for the body, there are a few types to choose from, all with varying points of articulation.  GI Joes, Dragon, America's Finest, DDI, Medicom, Sideshow, Ken and even those cheap knock-offs you can find at Wal-mart are all great. The heads are, for the most part, easily removed and swapped onto another body.  However, some are not and will require you to do dome gluing and re-sculpting of the neck in order to fit.