Interview: Kixkillradio

I am usually inspired by people’s everyday life and emotions. So I capture these feelings and moments as if the figures were alive…

Do you focus only on Nendoroids or do you also collect other figures?

I primarily collect Nendoroids but I also have a few scales and figmas of my favorite series. I only buy Nendoroids that I really love or if they are from a favourite anime. I like Nendoroids because they are small and cute. They have interchangeable faceplates with different expressions and these features allow me to create a story.

Why did you decide to collect figures and take photos of them?

Apart from the fact that anime figures are pretty and cute, I love how they give me the joy to see my favourite anime in a figure form. I want my visions to turn to reality through the art of photography.

What kind of photos do you take? Is there a story behind them?

I am usually inspired by people’s everyday life and emotions. So I capture these feelings and moments as if the figures were alive.

What kind of dioramas do you make? Does it require any special tools to make them?

It depends on the season and what mood I want to capture with my figures. Most times, I base the dioramas on the figure’s personality, anime or game setting. There are no special tools in making it, you just have to be resourceful and creative.

You cooperate with SONY Corporation. How did it start and how does the cooperation work?

It was summer in 2015 when I got a call from Sony Philippines. They wished to work with me. I was stoked. Even now I can still remember that great feeling when they chose me to be their ambassador in toy photography.

The deal was they would provide me with their newest Sony cameras and I would just have to share my experience with the camera. I also did several workshops in different parts of Manila, and one in Bacolod.

It was just amazing to be able to share my passion with many people even outside the toy community.

If I noticed correctly you also get some free figures. Is it from Good Smile Company and Kotobukiya?

Yes, I got free figures from Kotobukiya and Good Smile Company for figure photography. It is astonishing when these great figure companies notice your work.

Whenever I look back, it was joy to receive such a blessing. I had always dreamed of working with them and I finally did it.

It was in 2013 when Kotobukiya reached me to promote their Cu-Poche line. A year after that, Good Smile Company sent some of their Wonfes figurines for photography. In 2017, I became a Kotobukiya Ambassador for a year.

What is your favourite anime and anime character?

Wow, that is a hard question. I love so many animes and it is difficult to choose. However, if it were not for K-On, I would not be here sharing my figure collection.

Do you use any special photography or post-production technique?

I use Adobe Lightroom for minimal editing. I always love to play with lighting to set a certain mood.

Is there any upcoming figure project you are going to surprise us with?

For now I do not have any as I have been focusing on motherhood. The projects can wait and I want to spend this precious time with my growing baby.

What would you recommend to someone who is considering starting collecting dolls and taking photos of them?

Join a community or group so that you can meet people who know a lot about Nendoroids and figurines. The toy communities I have been with are warm and friendly.

Do not be afraid to ask your favorite photographer questions. They can give you tips and ideas. Attend free workshops, you will learn so much from these professionals.

Practice your craft and be in love with it. When there is love in all you do, many people will see that. They will see that passion and start to believe in what you can do.

What do you see as the most important doll/figure photography achievement you have ever accomplished?

I think I have a few and they are all important achievements in my hobby life. The first was being a Sony Alpha Professional and having an opportunity to work with Kotobukiya, Good Smile Company, and Robotime.

What is your favorite figure photo you have taken so far?

It was a photo of a Nendoroid Sakura Miku Bloomed in the Japanese version, where Miku is sitting in an ‚Engawa‘ Japanese traditional house. She is enjoying the cherry blossom season.

You are known for making popular YouTube tutorials of building dioramas. Since you became a mother one year ago I guess they became too time-consuming to make. Are you going to continue making them again in the future?

Of course, I am planning to come back. Actually, my DIY stuff is scattered all over the place. We were supposed to move to our own house last summer but so many things had happened, such as a volcano eruption, then this pandemic and then my mom fell ill… Plus my baby is growing so fast. I do not want to miss out any precious moments right now.

I would like to thank my subscribers for waiting patiently for me to come back. I will… soon. I miss them all, just as I miss working on DIY projects and figure photography.

/21. 9. 2020/Tags:Nendoroid
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