I find I have carried the practice of developing a personal philosophy to the other parts of my life, as well.  Since I began customizing, I've developed a set of tenets and rules which guide me while I work, and which keep me from making the same mistakes more than once.

This is my customizing philosophy.

For more on customizing philosophy and ethics, see:

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• Customizing is a personal thing, so the only person who need be happy with the end result is you.

• Customizing is a process, not an event.  Don’t expect a finished product immediately; instead, create a rough draft, and then continue revising and editing until you reach your desired goal.

• Always use reference art.  You’ll be glad you did.

• Use the right tool for the job.  Don’t try to paint a thin line with a fat brush.

• Several thin coats of paint look better than one thick coat.

• Primer usually helps paint stick better and cover more evenly.

• Paint light colors over an even lighter primer.

• Sanding helps paint to stick, even on joints.

• Never be afraid to ask questions.

• Never be afraid to try something different.

• Never be afraid to admit that your work sucks, chuck it all, and then redo it.

• Sometimes customizing has it’s own slow pace.  If you rush some things, such as drying or curing time, you’ll likely notice a difference in the end.

• Use a very sharp hobby knife.  Not only will it cut more easily, but it will be less likely to slip and cause accidents.

• Be extremely careful with that sharp hobby knife.  Not everyone has a roommate with first-aid training.

• Always keep your eyes open for a new tool or resource for your customizing arsenal.

• When possible, use the path of least resistance; however, also try to know when to go the extra mile.  Ultimately, it's up to you to know the difference.