His passion is break dancing. It took him around the world and introduced him to the world of hip-hop culture. But his day job did not align with what he loved. So, he took the leap, quit his position at the local chain cinema, and combined his fascination with hip-hop and his talent for sculpting.

Mohd Saiful Zainal (BBoyBlackz) admits that the first step was a scary one. Although he has the skills that he developed from childhood, having to make his own toys, he had mouths to feed, a family to support. But his wife has confidence in him.

He also took the right steps by going to one of the best figure sculptors in world, Mufizal Mokhtar, to learn. Impressed with his willingness to better himself and what he wanted to do, Mufizal not only helped Saiful with the knowledge that he has but also with some equipment to start with.

Saiful admits that although he found great success in his first year, he also faltered. He is a master at the craft but a beginner in business. He spent too much on his workshop too fast.

Once again, he went out to seek help and Mufizal is one of the few who helped him.

Still, he faced difficulty from artists and musicians who had an issue with his work. Some complain because he uses their likeness, others because the commissioned piece he did look like their work.

He would take down photos from his digital platforms and destroy moulds upon request. It doesn’t bother him anymore; he makes one-of-a-kind figures and small runs anyway.

Now Saiful has to turn down clients because his job queue is full. His wife is helping him out, and he makes at least 400USD a figure.

Although his one-of-a-kind work is relatively unknown here, out there, in the US, the UK, Japan, and other countries, his hand made figures of some of the biggest legends in hip-hop, is highly sought after.

BBoyBlackz: Instagram