Sorrell Rebecca

Tums Old comics Into Fashion Art
Interview conducted by Jason Setnyk
The Seeker March 2013

Dots of red, yellow, blue and green which once adorned the funny pages will have new life because of a fresh idea. Tyrannosaurus Bex Custom Creations owned by Rebecca Sorrell specializes in creating custom shoes and accessories using old comic books. This creative entrepreneur, who lives in Cornwall and works at the Hospital, explains how she got started with this new enterprise. Rebecca Sorrell answers five questions for the Seeker.

1. What was your creative inspiration to start this business?
   I have been a fan of comic books and super heroes since I was a little girl. My creative adventure began as a somewhat selfish endeavor. I was frustrated with the lack of available super hero and comic book inspired shoes for women like me. I decided that instead of paying ridiculous prices to order the things I wanted online I could combine two hobbies of mine, comic books and making collages and turn them into one of a kind pieces.

2. Where are you getting all these old comics from?
   I had my own personal collection of comics to get me started as well as some donations from friends and family. I also go to Fantasy Realm and stockpile on their older issues or to acquire specific comics that have been requested that I might not have on hand. They have been very helpful in giving me great-prices for what I need!

3. What can you create out of using these old comics?
   The possibilities are truly endless for what I can create. So far I have been making shoes for men, women and children, purses, and Ipad covers I have orders for guitar cases and straps for local bands and I am hoping to start furniture soon. Basically anything that offers me a surface to create on I am able to customize in my own style.

4. Who is your favourite comic-book character and why?
   My favorite comic book character is Batman. I am his self proclaimed biggest fan for sure. He embodies the sort of qualities that I try to emulate in my every day life. A hero without powers using compassion for mankind to do good to all who deserve it. He reminds me a lot of my other hero, the late Jack Layton. He fought for the little guy in the same way that Batman does, just minus the mask and the cape.

5. Based on the early popularity of your Facebook group (over 150 likes in about a week), what are your plans/next steps for your business? Will we see your products in stores or will it remain custom orders online?
   I have been truly overwhelmed with the success of the Facebook page so far. I never imagined that I would have such a positive response in the first week since going public. I am truly blessed to have amazingly supportive family and friends who have been helping to spread the word of my venture. I would love to see my product in stores in the future and I welcome any business that is interested in opening their doors to this unique product. In the meantime I am keeping very busy with the success of the Facebook page and the orders have been pouring in. I have custom requests booked on the way until May and as the weather warms and the snow melts I anticipate much more.

If you would like to order your very own, one of a kind creation today, visit and like Tyrannosaurus Bex Custom Creations on Facebook: www.facebook.com/TyrannosaurusBexCustomCreations