REDLINE - Jarrod is one of the first guys I got to know after I became a staff member of the then forum, Radicons customs. I'd only even clicked on that forum but a handful of times before being asked to moderate it, as they were needing a new moderator, and they had known that I'd expressed interest in helping out the staff of TFW2005. I knew virtually nothing about customs back then. I was in love with Jarrod's custom WSTs being the huge WST nut that I am.
I'm equally a Seeker nut, and was always disappointed that we got Skywarp, Thundercracker, Starscream, and Thrust, but never Dirge nor Ramjet. I'd Inquired about anyone making me a custom set of the two WSTs and he replied with a link to his little blog. I was floored at how he'd not only built his own wings for them, but they were even panel-lined so well that they looked factory! I've been a fan of his ever since.
He's been a long-standing (one of our oldest Radicons!) and active member of our community for so long, and has always been very friendly and approachable, and offering insight to help others with their own projects that I feel Jarrod is quite deserving of the honor of being our April 2009 Featured Radicon of the Month.
Jarrod's work is so wide-ranging, from modifying WSTs, to Gundams, to Alternators and Scratch-builds, he truly is one talented Radicon.
Superquad7 - "D'oh!" There are many times when Jarrod has posted a piece and find myself saying just that to myself. There are some artists that come along and create pieces that have me kicking myself in the rear for not having thought of something first. Then there are some artists who come along and create work that is simply slick and well-done. When I think of Jarrod and his work, all of this immediately comes to my mind. It’s no secret that the Alternators line has absolutely captivated me as a Transformers fan and as an artist. As a result, I will always feel a bit more connected with work from this line. The customs that Jarrod has made from this line really strike a chord with me for this very reason. Each piece he has done not only is strong conceptually, but the level of finish is always so well done. I must say that I am very envious of the recipient(s?) of his work. In short, I am a Jarrod fan.
For me to stop here with Jarrod and his work quite simply doesn’t do either much justice. I distinctly remember seeing his Gundam-esque TFs and thinking, “Well, this is surely out in left-field!” I always thought there was an interesting level of “cool” with those customs, and it was very refreshing to see some different things. I’m a HUGE RiD fan, and he’s got several Spychangers that knocked my smelly Superquad socks off. If that small scale wasn’t enough to impress, he’s got some WST customs that are mind-blowing.
Jarrod’s work will always raise heads with the level of finish, but he’ll always come out with an idea or concept that will smack you in the face. If you’re like me, you’ll still be sitting there scratching your head thinking, “man! Where’d that come from? I didn’t see it coming!” Jarrod’s work will always leave customs-enthusiasts awestruck.
If this weren’t enough, he’s a Radicon to boot. Jarrod devotes sharing his work to Radicons, and has for quite some time. He’s always been a very cordial fellow, and it’s our pleasure to feature Jarrod as April’s Featured Radicon of the Month!
Jarrod himself in front of his collection plowking - I first came across Jarrods work here at TFW2005. I must say that I was blown away by the talent that he possessed. It was present with each bash that he showed to us. The cool part to me was that he was making feasible characters out of the Alt line that should have been a no brainer for Hasbro. His Alt Dino's, his Alt Seekers (this was the first time I had seen someone use the Ford GT40 mold for a seeker....and it was good!!) But I'd have to say, out of all those really cool, and exceptionally well done custom Alts, the one that hit that sweet spot for me was his Alt Megatron....a Nissan Skyline reshell....pure win right there!! It was, and always will be one of my fave all time Alt customs ever!!
Congrats Jarrod, you sir, are one of the Masters at Alt customs in my books. This honor is well deserved.
Nemesis Predaking - Jarrod's Alt customs are among some of the best I have seen. The custom that really grabbed my attention was Alt Razorclaw. I had seen other Alt Razorclaws before but this one was different,
Jarrod took the time to integrate the Lion head so perfectly, something I have yet to see repeated. After that I started to take notice of more of his work, the Alt Dinobots & seekers most of all. In the end, Jarrod's customs always appear that they are molded & not bashed, a sign of a great artist.
Congrats Jarrod, well deserved.
ALPHAMAGNUS - There are two qualities that give Jarrod an edge here at Radicons. His attention to detail is staggering, every piece of work looks as if it was factory built and machine painted. The most important quality is his professional attitude, I don't believe I have ever seen him waiver or get the slightest bit unhinged here. which might be the fact his customs are that awesome, or that he doesn't mind when people want to attempt to replicate his work. Congrats Jarrod!
autobotx23 - Jarrod's work always impressed me due the mount of detail and care that he puts into preserving the original mold's qualities while also integrating his bash work in flawlessly. As a Noob, i wondered "How come I cant see any super glue?"
It kept me pushing forward to reach his level of detail and polish, a goal I'm still striving for today. When i think of what a Professional Basher's work should look like, I can't think pf many more people than Jarrod.
He's also a well rounded basher, from repaints to scratch-builds. I know one day I will get the nerve to follow his WWI Optimus walk-through to have one of my own.
Jarrod's Classics Dirge The Interview R: Tell us a little about yourself.
J: My screen name is my real name; I’m 28 and live in Orlando, Florida. I work at Magic Kingdom full time and work one day a week at Japan HQ in the Florida Mall where you’ll usually find me behind the counter working on something. I live with my girlfriend who shares a lot of my same interests and who actually likes and approves of my collection (awesome!)
I’ve been a huge
TF fan as long as I can remember and there’s never been a time in my life that I haven’t owned or collected them. I’m also a pretty big anime fan, especially if there’s mecha involved.
R: What got you into the art of kitbashing? Why do you like kitbashing? How long have you been into kitbashing?
I guess it started back in ’96 with painting up Beast Wars toys for more show accuracy, and building Gundam kits. It progressed to minor modifications like adding more articulation, and then to small scratch-building. I think my first “big” project was turning a 1/144 Gundam Heavyarms into Optimus Prime. I’d say I’ve been moderately kitbashing for 10 years, and seriously doing it for the last 5 or so.
Kitbashing gives me the chance to explore some creativity and talent I didn’t realize was there before. I enjoy the chance to challenge myself, and to create something didn’t exist before.
Jarrod's Classics Wheeljack and Marlboor Wheejack R: How did you get to your level of customizing? Did you have any formal training and/or previous experience in your background? What have been some useful resources for your artwork that you suspect others are unaware of?
J: Lots and lots of practice! Most of what I know about painting and building came from my Dad. He’s been into scale modeling (mostly WWII fighters and tanks) as long as I can remember, and I picked it up from him. As a kid, I started with planes and jets and stuff, but moved to Gundam kits and the like as a teen when I had my own cash to spend. Shortly after I started modding my Gundam kits, and then took those skills over to kitbashing Transformers.
R: What are some of your short-term goals as a kitbasher? What is your ultimate goal as a kitbasher?
J: Short term, I’d like to get somewhat caught up on the growing stack of to-do customs….actually that’s probably a long term goal, there’s so many!
R: Do you have a dream project, and if so, what is it?
J: I’d really like to totally design and scratch-build a fairly in-depth transforming robot of my own, whether it be Transformer or not.
R: What other hobbies do you have, if any?
J: I’m still a Gundam builder, and I’ve got a good selection of Macross kits as well. I also collect all kinds of Japanese mecha toys, Macross, Brave, SOC’s, little bit of Sentai.
Jarrod's Sailor Moon R: Do you have any advice for up-and-coming kitbashers?
J: Don’t give up and keep practicing. Start with something you don’t care screwing up, and have a clear idea of what you want to do before you start. Also be patient, the projects I take my time on always come out better…and don’t have fingerprints in the paint….
Use the right tools for the job too, even if you gotta spend a little cash. You’d be surprised how much eaiser things are with the right cutting tools. Good paint brushes are a must, and good airbrush and compressor totally improved my work.
R: What is your inspiration for your projects? What influences your character choices?
J: Whatever my buyers say they want! For my own pieces though, it’s usually to fill some void in my collection. Sometimes I’ll see a custom here on the boards or elsewhere that really catches my attention, and I’ll build something similar for myself, or just use a particular mod I saw in a totally different piece.
R: Who are some of your favorite kitbashers and inspirations?
J: Lobo’s Alts have always amazed me; I know I’ve borrowed a few ideas from him. There are so many others too, Viagra Prime, Superquad7, Sabsabby, Dak, Sodawilly, just to name a few
R: What figure has been your favorite to work on so far? Why?
J: Ugh…that’s a tough one! My WWI Prime is still one of my fav’s. To this day, I’m still a bit surprised that I managed to plan that thing out, finish it and actually have it come out looking like it was supposed to…and it transforms! I’m also quite fond of Alt Megatron, he came out exactly as I had hoped, and I love his Skyline mode (even if it does sit too high off the ground).
Jarrod's War Within Optimus Prime R: How long does it typically take you to complete a project from start to finish?
J: It differs on just about everyone I do. Anywhere from a week to almost a year depending on how much work is involved and how lazy I feel on any given day.
I can usually crank out a figure like Classics Wheeljack or Swindle in about 2 weeks, others like Alt Sludge in 2 months or so.
R: Which TF is your favorite and why? Favorite TF character? Favorite series? Favorite toy (non-custom)?[Answers do not need be the same for each question]
J: You know, I’ve never really had a favorite character, I guess it would be
G1 Prime by default though. I’m really a fan of pretty much Transformers in general. The original
G1 Cartoon will always be a favorite for nostalgia’s sake, but Beast Wars easily ties it, or comes in a very close second.
Favorite toy…that’s another tough one! I think MP Prime is nearly the most perfect Transformer I own, but I’ve got a lot of favorites including: MP Grimlock, Movie Ironhide Primus, Unicron, BT Skids, BT Grimlock, Car Robots Wildride, Fire Convoy, Big Convoy, the original gorilla Optimus Primal,
G1 Skids,
G1 Devastator, oh and pretty much all of Classics/ Universe (the new mold stuff at least).
R: What was your first customs project that you worked on? Any memorable stories to share?
J: Well the first real project that I did was converting a 1/144 Gundam Heavyarms in an anime styled Optimus Prime, it even transformed….kinda. That one, and a few more Transformer-from-Gundam conversions I did later won me the Model Competition at one of the Anime Festival Orlando’s back in 2002 or 03 or sometime.
Jarrod's Gundam Prime and Galvatron (Prime was his first real project) R: What are your favorite movies//TV shows?
J: Lots of sci-fi and action stuff, for movies: Aliens, Serenity, Spider-man, Transformers (’86 and ’07), Wall-E, and so many others….oh and anything with Seth Rogan, Jonah Hill or that group of guys in it.
TV: Lost, Heroes, Family Guy, Terminator, Firefly
R: What do you consider your strengths as a kitbasher are? Weaknesses?
J: I like to think I’ve always been great with small scale stuff, heads, weapons, etc. I’ve become quite proficient at making just about anything out of styrene, and I always pride myself on my smooth, factory like paint jobs.
As for a weakness, I’d really like to be more original. Just about everything I do is to replicate an existing design or character, or I use a technique I saw somewhere else. I’m horrible at trying to come up with a totally new color scheme for example, or an original character. I always still put my own touches in there though.
R: How would you describe your work environment? (For example, do you like to have certain music going while making customs or do you have certain things set up that immediately inspire you?)
J: I work in the living room so I can have the TV on, and quick access to the computer incase I need to do any research. That’s it really.
R: What are your favorite things about the process of making a custom? Pet peeves?
J: I love that first instant where I can really see the character come out. Like when I was working on Classics Wheeljack for example, despite the fact that he was still all yellow, and had no wings, it was when I put the faceplate on, Sunstreaker became Wheeljack.
Disassembling annoys me, as does masking; just seems so time consuming! I also hate waiting for the paint to dry on all those disassembled parts, I just want to put it back together right away, lol.
Jarrod's work table R: How do you incorporate other elements outside of Transformers into your work?
J: I’ll occasionally toss in a little tidbit from Gundam or Macross into a project, but only rarely, and that’s really it.
R: What are things you look for as “cool” in a toy? Describe what you like/dislike in certain Transformer toys.
J: In terms of Transformers, I like when equal emphasis is given to both modes, glaring robot bits sticking out in alt mode is distracting. In modern Transformers, I like as much poseabilty as possible. I’m a fan of complicated but not tedious transformations, but I equally like simple but totally original or clever transformations.
To me, transforming IS the gimmick; I don’t need lights, shooting missiles, key-activated gimmicks (I will admit though, some of those were pretty clever), etc getting in the way of a potentially good toy.
R: What do your non-TransFan friends say about your work?
J: I get the “You MADE that !?” alot
R: How has the new movie affected your customs?
J: Not really at all…in fact I think I’ve done a total of like 3 customs of the Movie characters. I try to keep the same style as whatever series I’m making the custom for.
R: What artwork do you do outside of Transformers customs?
J: Building and painting Gundam and Macross kits…which is a lot of the same kinda stuff. I’ve done a few non-
TF customs too, most recently a Batman and Superman Mighty Muggs, I’ve scratchbuilt a body kit for a 1/24 Honda S2000 for my friend. I’ve also built and painted a single resin figure, a 1/6 Sailor Moon for my girlfriend.
Jarrod's parts area R: What non-TF artwork heavily influences your customs work and why?
J: Er…nothing really.
R: If you like to read, what are some of your favorite books and why? How does this impact your artwork?
J: I like to wait for the movie adaptation
R: When you listen to music, what do you like to listen to and why? How does this impact your artwork?
J: Modern rock mostly.
R: What toys besides TFs do you enjoy and why?
J: I’ve got a pretty good Macross collection, mostly Yamato’s stuff, I’ve got a moderate Brave collection including all 3 of CM’s GaoGaiGar’s and Studio Halfeye’s Great Might Gaine. I’ve got a few Soul of Chogokins as well, mostly the transforming ones, and I’ve got a few Sentai Mechas as well. I love transforming robots of all kinds, from the $4
TF Legends to the $200 Japanese masterpieces.
R: Boxers or briefs?
J: Boxer briefs! Or briefs.
R: What trends do you see in your own work and what do others tend to say about your customs?
J: I’ve been paying more attention to the little details lately that really help make the character, especially getting the head just right. My full time buyer keeps telling me that whichever is my newest custom is always the best I’ve ever done. I’ve been told numerous times that my paintjobs are factory-like smooth and flawless.
Jarrod's Alternators Soundwave w/ Cybertron Laserbeak, Ratbat, and Buzzsaw R: How has making Transformers customs impacted your life uniquely?
J: I have far less videogame time than I’d like! Seriously though, I think it’s pretty cool that people from around the world own something that I made, that’s something I never expected.
REDLINE: I’ve been a fan of your work for years, bro. I still cherish the WST Dirge and Ramjet you made for me several years ago. I like them enough so that I have no interest in getting the KO ones on e-bay, and those are only 9.99 apiece! You’ve made customs ranging from WSTs, to Scratch-built War Within, to minorly-modified or re-shelled Alternators. Do you have a niche that you feel most comfortable in? I realize that a lot of what you do is dictated by what your cross-town friend wants you to make for him, but what lines do you like to work on/collect for yourself?
J: Thanks, I think those were my first commission pieces ever, I ended up selling about 5 sets.
I’m pretty comfortable with just about anything. Just by chance though, I still haven’t gotten around to trying anything from Animated. Normally, for myself, I work on whatever line is currently out. I usually end up making little touch-ups and such to about half of all my figures. But yeah, about 75% of what I make isn’t for me.
You made a really awesome follow-along guide for your scratch-built War Within Optimus Prime, have you thought of doing anything else? Even some of your “less complex/difficult” modifications are really ingenious, and I know a lot of Radicons out there would love to know how to do them for themselves.
I’ve actually thought about posting more WIP’s or follow along’s but I always forget to snap some pics in the process. Or, sometimes I don’t want to spoil the unveiling with unfinished shots, lol.
Jarrod's Mgshinmusha Gundam Superquad7: You've been making custom Transformers on a commission basis for some time now. While those go to their respective client(s?), do you have any custom TFs in your own collection? If not, what TF customs would you like to have in your own collection made by your hand? . . . and by another's hands?
J: Yeah, I do still have a good collection of my own stuff: Alt Megatron, Starscream, and Razorclaw are mine, I’ve got my own Classics Thundercracker, Dirge, Sunstorm, Seaspray, and I kept one of the 4 Wheeljacks I made. Plus there’s numerous ones where I’ve just added some paint detail or an extra balljoint or so.
There’s a few Alternators that I had a hard time letting go, the Dinobots for sure, Skywarp, and Soundwave as well.
I’d like to own something painted by Sabsabby85 or Crefigz, they both have amazing airbrush skills that I can only dream of. And their work with metallics and clears…simply superb.
Plowking - With your Alternator Customs Jarrod, what made you pick the Nissan Skyline for Megs? And what was it about the Ford GT 40 mold that made you use it for the Seekers you did?
J: Actually, the credit for the Skyline goes to my good friend, who’s a bit of a car guy, he thought it would make a great Megatron. As soon as I saw the kit I wanted to do it, the factory colors were already Megatron’s, the car was powerful looking, and I hadn’t seen this car used before. I decided to use the Prowl mold based on the shape of the legs and the simple transformation, after all this was going to only be my second re-shell attempt.
I’d been wanting to do a Starscream since I saw SQ7's full set of Seekers from the Impreza, but I wanted something that looked more, well…., jet-like. One day I realized just how well Mirage’s doors worked as wings, and I could see his face working quite well as Starscream’s as well
Jarrod's Alternators Ramjet ALPHAMAGNUS: first off, I am in love with your alternators! Namely the Swoop and Sludge. Do you (or your "full-time buyer") plan to finish off the Dinobots? I am anxiously awaiting the rest of the group, as they were once a dream of mine to do.
J: Yep! Snarl will be a re-shell of a classic Shelby Mustang, and a Slag will be a near scratch-build with a Prowler car mode. Don’t know when I’ll get around to them tho, I’ve got about 15 Classics pieces in my lineup as well.
AutobotX23: Howdy sir! I was curious about your seeker Alts as well, particularly the Ford Ramjet Was he dreamed up by the customer or was he a personal idea that you sold?
J: Ramjet was the buyers idea…I think I had some color suggestions though.
Nemesis Predaking: Jarrod, I loved your Razorclaw, being the Predaking fan that I am. How much planning & trial 'n error did it take to finally get it right?
Also any plans to finish making them all, and perhaps a possibility of them combining too?
J: Thanks! Honestly Razorclaw was one of my quickest and most true to concept Alternators I’ve done. The only tricky part was getting the chest cavity deep enough to allow the lion head enough ground clearance in vehicle mode. There was a lot of cut, test, cut, test, etc. Unfortunately, he is the only one I have planned at the moment.
Jarrod's Superman and Batman Might Mugs Jarrod's Galleries 
Generation-1 Arcee 2 - Scratch Built Customs - TFW2005.COM 
Megatron Upgraded - Generation 1 Customs - TFW2005.COM 
Optimus Prime Gundam - Other Customs - TFW2005.COM 
Laserbeak - Scratch Built Customs - TFW2005.COM 
Bumblebee Classic Camaro Improved Paint - Transformers Movie Customs - TFW2005.COM 
Dark Devastator - Generation 1 Customs - TFW2005.COM 
Megatron Leader Size Repainted - Transformers Movie Customs - TFW2005.COM 
Jazz Gundam - Other Customs - TFW2005.COM 
War Within Optimus Prime - Scratch Built Customs - TFW2005.COM 
Galvatron Gundam - Other Customs - TFW2005.COM 
Starscream Gundam - Other Customs - TFW2005.COM 
Car Brother Clampdown - Robots In Disguise Customs - TFW2005.COM 
Laser Rod Optimus Prime - Generation 2 Customs - TFW2005.COM 
Diaclone Driver - Scratch Built Customs - TFW2005.COM 
Raven Gundam-Valkryie - Other Customs - TFW2005.COM 
Hound G1 (Jarrod) - Alternators - Binaltech Customs - TFW2005.COM 
Optimus Prime Musha - Other Customs - TFW2005.COM 
Megatron (Jarrod) - Alternators - Binaltech Customs - TFW2005.COM 
Worlds Smallest Optimus Prime Upgraded - Legends And World Smallest Transformers Customs - TFW2005.COM 
Galvatron-Musha - Other Customs - TFW2005.COM 
God Fire Sword and Brave Sword - Scratch Built Customs - TFW2005.COM 
Sideburn Spychanger - Robots In Disguise Customs - TFW2005.COM 
Trailbreaker (Jarrod) - Alternators - Binaltech Customs - TFW2005.COM 
Hubcap - Generation 2 Customs - TFW2005.COM 
Breakdown (Jarrod) - Alternators - Binaltech Customs - TFW2005.COM 
Rumble Cartoon Version - Alternators - Binaltech Customs - TFW2005.COM 
Camshaft - Alternators - Binaltech Customs - TFW2005.COM 
Worlds Smallest Red Alert Upgraded - Legends And World Smallest Transformers Customs - TFW2005.COM 
Grimlock G2 - Alternators - Binaltech Customs - TFW2005.COM 
X-Brawn Spychanger - Robots In Disguise Customs - TFW2005.COM 
Worlds Smallest Ramjet - Legends And World Smallest Transformers Customs - TFW2005.COM 
World's Smallest Sideswipe Upgraded - Legends And World Smallest Transformers Customs - TFW2005.COM 
Worlds Smallest Dirge - Legends And World Smallest Transformers Customs - TFW2005.COM 
Sideswipe Spychanger - Robots In Disguise Customs - TFW2005.COM 
Springer (Jarrod) - Alternators - Binaltech Customs - TFW2005.COM 
Ironhide (Jarrod) - Alternators - Binaltech Customs - TFW2005.COM 
Razorclaw (Jarrod) - Alternators - Binaltech Customs - TFW2005.COM 
Roadrage Spychanger - Robots In Disguise Customs - TFW2005.COM 
Sourge Spychanger Sword - Robots In Disguise Customs - TFW2005.COM 
Worlds Smallest Bluestreak - Legends And World Smallest Transformers Customs - TFW2005.COM 
Worlds Smallest Prowl Upgraded - Legends And World Smallest Transformers Customs - TFW2005.COM 
Worlds Smallest Jazz Upgraded - Legends And World Smallest Transformers Customs - TFW2005.COM 
Worlds Smallest Skywarp - Legends And World Smallest Transformers Customs - TFW2005.COM 
Worlds Smallest Thundercracker - Legends And World Smallest Transformers Customs - TFW2005.COM 
Sludge - Alternators - Binaltech Customs - TFW2005.COM 
Ramjet (Jarrod) - Alternators - Binaltech Customs - TFW2005.COM 
Starscream (Jarrod) - Alternators - Binaltech Customs - TFW2005.COM 
Skywarp (Jarrod) - Alternators - Binaltech Customs - TFW2005.COM 
Soundwave (Jarrod) - Alternators - Binaltech Customs - TFW2005.COM 
Swoop - Alternators - Binaltech Customs - TFW2005.COM 
Wheeljack (Jarrod) - Classics/Universe Customs - TFW2005.COM 
Marlboor Wheeljack (Jarrod) - Classics/Universe Customs - TFW2005.COM 
Swindle (Jarrod) - Classics/Universe Customs - TFW2005.COM 
Classics Seaspray (J) - Cybertron Customs - TFW2005.COM 
Jarrod's Alternators Swoop Jarrod's Threads Blue Alt Rumble, with Arms! Movie Bumblebee detail/damage touch-ups Alt G1-Style Hound Movie Megatron Repaint (Yep, another!) BT G2 Boss Grimlock and Alt Camshaft w/G1 head WIP Alt Megatron Skyline R34 GT-R Alt Megatron Skyline R34 GT-R Finished! Classics Thundercracker, Ver 1 and Ver 2 Classics Cliffjumper w/ new head, guns Movie Bumblebee Repaint w/ New Head Alternators Razorclaw, Corvette mold. Alt Ironhide, plus 2 years worth of Custom Alts Alt Trailbreaker, the 2nd Commision job Alt Springer, continuing the Commisions Alt Breakdown, 'nother commision Binaltech G2/Boss Grimlock Alternators Starscream, Ford GT Alt Swoop, Ford GT, latest Commision peice Alternators Skywarp, Ford GT Alternators Ramjet, Ford GT, latest commision Alternators Sludge, Ram SRT-10 Classics Universe Wheeljack Classics Universe Marlboro Wheeljack Classics Universe Seaspray Universe/Classics Swindle Universe/Classics Sunstorm 
Jarrod's War Within Optimus Prime Jarrod's Follow-along War Within Prime Scratch-build Follow-Along 
Jarrod's Classics Wildrider 
Jarrod's Custom Classics Swindle 
Jarrod's upgraded G1 Megatron 
Jarrod's Scratch-built transforming Laserbeak 
Jarrod's WST Dirge and Ramjet 
