Shop: Fish Designz
Owner: Eugenio Banda
City/State: Avondale, AZ
Nothing will ever motivate you more than being told you can’t do something. For some, it is these moments that will come to change our lives. This is exactly what happened to Eugenio Banda, better known as Fish Designz, whose story began over 16 years ago.
While working on his car, he decided to visit a local Audio Express and commission them to create a very unique speaker box—one that the crew insisted would be impossible to make. So, inspired by some fiberglass designs the original “Fishman” had created, he was off to prove them wrong. “The original Fishman would have ‘how-to tips,’ so I figured, if he can do it, so can I,” Fish says. And so what began as a challenge, would eventually take him down into a world where “custom over factory” would be the rally cry.
These days, Fish is working with some of the top car clubs and members of the Lowrider community. The lengthy lists of heavyweights include Society, Majestics, Lifestyle, and the Imperials, as well as cover cars “Spirit Runner” and “Breaking Bad.” “I’m here to help you build your dreams,” Fish says. His company offers everything from custom trunks to full custom interiors. “We do it all,” he continues. “Anything from electrical to fiberglass and even custom paint.” With projects averaging anywhere from one month to over a year for completion, the limits are only dictated by your imagination, and of course your wallet. While most shops appear to take the easy route and simply wrap everything, Fish takes pride in the creativity and ingenuity needed to create one-of-a-kind designs for each vehicle. “Every car is different and thus every car should look different,” Fish says. No need for templates or drawings, just the trust from the client that their vision will come to life.
Fortunately for Fish, he has found his creative calling. Not only can you see his work at almost every major Lowrider or custom carshow. He will be unveiling his own visual art piece … a 2001 Lincoln Town Car that will soon be hitting the show circuit.
LR: What has changed over the years?
EB: Nobody is doing fiberglass anymore. Everybody is using material to cover everything. Glad to see paint making a comeback over the last few years.
LR: What would you like to see change?
EB: The copying needs to stop, create your own ideas. Consult with your client more and come up with something unique for their car.
LR: Where does your inspiration come from?
EB: Dave Rivera ‘Fishman’ and the masterpieces John Kennedy has and continues to build. Most importantly, Bugz of Bugz Auto art who I collaborate with constantly.
LR: What does the future hold for the custom interior/trunk world?
EB: Each new creation raises the bar. It seems as if everything is molded into a one-of-a-kind piece. The client, however, will truly dictate the future. It’s their imagination and budget that allows us the opportunity to create these visual masterpieces.
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