Dollism USA Dollism Plus USA presented by DoA, DollHeart & MoC Sept 19-21, 2014

Peak's Woods is wonderful! They were also at the KBJD Show earlier in the year and were fantastic. I was happy to be able to see them again. (and badly wanted to buy many of their dolls!)

Oh--I forgot to mention the photo set-ups! That was just a brilliant idea! It was an fun thing to do with our dolls and although they were busy, it was not hard to wait to find the a set open. And everyone was very patient while people took time to pose and photo their dolls. And that Ramen set was just exquisite! So detailed and well-made and all in perfect scale! Just wonderful!!!

I liked the mix of smaller vendors and larger. Variety is good, I think. And sharing a booth should make the booth cost a bit more affordable to smaller vendors. But it seemed that those with full booths/tables were doing just fine. I think the vendors were pretty happy with their sales (which is very good, since vendors won't come to such events if they lose money, and I'm sure we all hope to see everyone--and more--if there is another Dollism). Not sure about a separate room... the swap meet and room sales were already separate. And the con needs big vendors (who really weren't that big, at least in presence at Dollism... I mean, Dollmore, Soom, many others had a single table and manly so-called smaller vendors had as much or more product, so what really determines "big" or "small"?) to attract the interest of attendees (who have to consider if it's worth spending so much to travel to a con). Room sales and Swap meet--those are definitely in a different category and can sort of be the 'Artist Alley' if people wanted to use it that way. Of course, I'm sure people wouldn't mind discounted vendors spots, but that might not be fair to the regular vendors who have to compete with them and are paying more. The BJD world isn't one of big huge companies, really. Some companies are definitely bigger, but they're all still pretty much small artisan boutiques when compared to non-doll businesses. And many doll companies pretty much are comprised of only one or two people.

Thanks to everyone posting their photos, too. It's interesting seeing different bits and parts that people took photos of. [I've still got to upload the rest of my ... pretty horrible... photos, but will try and get to that soon.]

I'd definitely go to the next Dollism!

 

I noticed a lack of boy clothes, too. I hung around Dollheart's booth a lot, but while they had tons of boy clothes I loved, every single piece was the exact wrong size! I also thought it was a little surprising RubyRed Galleria didn't bring any shoes... I and just about every person I spoke to was hoping to get shoes from them. Now they know for next time, I hope! I ended up spending much more at the room sales than at the vendor's hall, and much less than planned overall. Which worked out perfectly, because that meant I had enough left to get a body for the head I bought there! I thought the swap meet room was insanely crowded, especially at the beginning, but the night market/afterparty that cropped up after room sales were closed was great. I'd love to see something like that done deliberately! Room sales were fun, too, of course.

I really thought the 'Con was great. I liked the location, but I do think the hotel maybe overextended themselves a bit. We managed to get seats at the dessert buffet down very close to the kitchen (thanks again to the girls who let us join them at their table!) and also could barely hear anything. We were there a little early and got some fruit and sweet stuff, but didn't even see the savory things until later, and all we saw for drinks were sodas. We enjoyed it, but the arrangement was a bit confusing and difficult. Other than a snarky security guy who asked about the price of the doll head I was carrying knowing it would set off the drunk wedding guests in the elevator with us, we didn't have any problems with the hotel staff. I thought the rooms were great.

 

I know, I wonder what some of the vendors were thinking, with the stock they'd bought--I mean Switch, I love you, I adore you, bring more dolls next time! And clothes to dress them in!

I did end up walking away with money in my pocket, which is fine because I've done online clothing orders since then, but I went to the con to buy stuff. You're right, we don't get to do this often, if at all, and I had money to go, totally, and I did spend a pile--honestly, I spent more on the room sales, if you count Dollheart, than I did in the Vendor's Hall itself, just about, it's a pretty close race there!

Now, I can appreciate the sentiment of an Artist's Alley--I adore artist alleys at other cons--but I don't think that should completely preclude the smaller but plucky vendors from being in the main room. That being said, I adored the room sales. LOVED the room sales, and I wasn't altogether sure about the room sales, but they were just fantastic! People were just amazing, and so creative in many cases--and I thought it was absolutely brilliant that some of the vendors did room sales as well, Peak's Wood and Dollheart totally won me over with their room sales, they ran away with my money, LOLOL! But I got a load of fantastic things.

Argh, now I'm just sad the con isn't this weekend again! I want all the vendors to know we're coming with money saved to splurge on things, I would love to see more model dolls to do things like resin match, that's a brilliant thought, and if any of them are curious, they can always put up polls on FB or wherever and ask us--I'd be delighted to tell a dolly company what I'm looking for in advance!

.hlp

 

I would love next time if there were more companies that had individual modern, high quality pieces to buy. I bought all four colors of the Nalisinko flats with bows lol, and Darak had a gorgeous dark red ninestyle dress that was perfect for one of my girls. I really wished Dollheart would have bought DD outfits, I would have been in trouble then lol.

 

idrisfynn, I didn't know Darak Doll had SD clothes!! And heidipay, I second about the Switch clothes! They were awesome and I would have been all over that. If I could have got near their table. LOL!

Linda S.
galatia9

 

Hi SDink - My boy is really going to get a big ego now, haha. What a compliment! I really enjoyed your class and I would've loved to talk with you too. I was out in the line waiting for the class to start and talking with a really sweet girl behind me about how huge of an influence you were on us getting into the BJD hobby. Your beautiful dolls were the first ones I even remember seeing and what got me interested in all of this in the first place. So thank you! I definitely hope to see you again at another show and will be sure to say hello.

 

I know it is a little late, but I wanted to thank everyone who helped put this together! I didn't really get to meet many people since I was too exhausted, but I had fun sitting around the DoA booth and watching over the photo-staging area. Everyone was so respectful of the props that I didn't have a job to do! I drove each day so I didn't get to do room sales either, but I really hope there is another Dollism so I can better enjoy it. I also finally got some real Buffalo wings, which was a major plus!

 

I would love to have a separate area for Artist Alley where you buy a single table for a smaller fee like at other conventions, but reserved for commissions. I was thinking more along the lines of doll-related commissions, like Face-Up Artists, Illustrators, Clothing, etc, where they would display their talents and take orders for commissions/pre-orders, etc. I think that people who are looking to sell on a larger scale and have immediately available products should be in with the other doll companies and whatnot, as that is at-hand retail. (Immediate gratification!)

I meant to comment on the lack of love that certain doll companies were receiving earlier, but my phone decided to glitch and I lost my post. I feel that the Dollism Plus USA crowd is largely invested in Asian Ball-Jointed Dolls, and when people come to spend, they have saved up funds to spend on their ABJDs. It's a very niche market, and if the majority of the crowd is not interested in a certain product, there isn't much to be done. My husband asked me, "What is up with the non-Asian-looking dolls?" for two of the vendors and I explained to him that they were still BJDs, just not Asian companies that most people are familiar with.

I assist a friend who runs one of the largest Indie arts and crafts shows in Rochester. It is a juried show (though there is no jury fee) and I can tell you that many vendors are declined, because they're just not a good choice for the show due to not fitting the general theme of the show. When they are declined due to an ill fit, it's not only for the benefit of the show over-all, it's also to save the vendor themselves expenses so they don't go home without profits by the end of a show. Particular crowds go to spend at particular shows. If Dollism Plus USA wants to bring in non-Asian BJD hobbyists, there needs to be more investment in advertising to extend their reach into that specific niche. I'm not certain what the demographics for attendees were, but I imagine many of them originated from DoA, which is also largely into Asian BJD. I believe I saw exactly one ad in (I believe it was) Haute Doll for Dollism Plus USA, as well as MoC sending out a flyer with an order I received from them. I imagine the Dollism Plus USA event hosts may be getting used to running a convention, as it's very intimidating and stressful, so they may not want a huge crowd.

 

I enjoyed Dollism so much. I would like to thank all the people who organized it, the volunteers, and the other vendors. It was wonderful. I went as a first time vendor for the doll jewelry I make with my mentor, silversmith Carrie Foley, we were in the back corner, our booth was Dragonfly, we shared a table with Oscar Doll.... Lee of Oscar Doll is the sweetest young man, he was very apologetic because his customers at times blocked the front of our side of the booth. He let me pick out a pair of his gorgeous crytal eyes as a gift, in apology! I was thrilled to receive them.

I didn't find a dollie that I wanted to take home, but did find eyes and clothes, a fabulous green pirate hat with peacock feathers, from BJD Outfitters, and shoes. In retrospect: I wish I had bought more Nalsinko shoes, they are so pretty! I was a little disappointed that I didn't see anyone selling 70cm doll bags or those handy little restringing tools... I really need one of those. I met so many fun people, and had such a great time.

Lets do this again!

 

Just so you know Nalisinko had a fabulous show. She was eager to come back, so you'll definitely see her again if a next convention coming. A lot of Chinese companies were unsure of coming to the USA for a show, Nalisinko is one of only two that came. RingDoll backed out the last minute. The hope is that Nalisinko and Spirit Doll did so well (they sold out everything they brought), that other will be more confident coming to the US.

 

I didn't even look at the vendor table prices but I know in most conventions they are way to expensive for me to do with adding hotel costs, travel and what not on top of it, Artist Alleys traditionally have been for people who have smaller stock of handmade items, commisioned illustrations, etc and for less on the table. As much as I enjoy making stuff, paying a huge table fee and breaking even just is never my sort of thing so the less booth price is always a plus, but thats just me. The room sales though gave people the option to have their items for sale so its more or less better than an Artist Alley since you have to pay for your room anyway...I went to several of the rooms which were packed so I can see that having it more out in the open in an Artist alley section would be a benefit as far as space to move around. As long as the next Dollism is close by I will probably go again.

The only thing I was disappointed about but which wasn't a huge deal was the room sales, by the time I got up to open up my room for sales after the Dessert Buffet I had security tell me to shut down..it was great for them to allow us to go downstairs in the atrium area but there was definitely not enough tables or space and no light where I had my stuff briefly I ended up only staying down for about an hour.

Other than that I just wished I had taken more photos..lol. It was a great time meeting new people and seeing those people in person that I had chatted with on and off in the forums. For being my first bjd con it was fabulous now I know what to plan for the next time I go...one being brining one manageable doll with me..lol

 

I'm thrilled that they had a good show. I hope the other vendors who traveled so far did as well. I'd like to think that those who made it here from overseas felt that it was worth the effort and expense.

 

I hope the Chinese vendors feel more confident about coming next time. I'd love to see them!

 

I didn't have hardly any money so room sales (we actually missed those but did the swap meet and the other "Room Sale") weren't that big a deal. I did sell a few things and traded a few, so I was happy, but knew most of mine wasn't what people wanted. I hope to come to the next one with more money.

 

Personally I LOVED the room sales. My mom and I met a lot of great people that way that otherwise we wouldn't have.

 

I also hope the Chinese companies felt comfortable and did well. I would love to see more of them come next time.

 

Congrats on your win!! I was just wondering about that the other day.

 

Oh! Hey April! I was at KBJD too and sat at the Peak's Woods table -- I can verify for you that they totally rocked, and were so moved that one of the ladies cried. The table pretty much rushed to her to make sure she was okay, which she was, of course, but I know they felt very welcomed by their American fans. I think they felt really confident coming into Dollism NY as a result! I love Pan's can-do attitude, actually. She's one of those people who you could wake up in the middle of the night and she'd be ready to go in about 10-15 minutes, like a sparkly, black-clad firecracker. Lol! But both ladies are awesome!

https://www.facebook.com/PeaksWoodsBJD/photos_stream

 

I am told that Darak, which means attic in Korean with romantic connotation of having all the wonderful victorian items, is one of the newest BJD companies in Korea. The president had book about scuptures at Con. I really like the idea that he was constantly studying. The president of Switch only brought five dolls to Con since everything was done by order. I simply had no idea Switch was that popular. Dollmore had a gangbuster business, but they also brought so~ many dolls for the Con. It was really cool to see so many wonderfully customized dolls. There were so many creative and talented people at Con.

 

Oh yeah. There are few things that I like better at a Con than Artist's Alley -- that is the truth. I would be happy to look through photos of face-ups from reputable artists, for example. Find out about their process, how much experience they have, and when they open commissions. Also, to look at the way they paint eyebrows which (to me anyway) can throw a doll's face-up. It would be a lot better to me than the sort of hunt-and-peck method I use when I'm desperately trying to find someone for one of my dolls, because there might be a chance I could talk to the artist and get a feel for him or her. And I'm up for anything where there are artists with BJD artwork. Love that! XD

I have to say that vendors make a HUGE difference to the amount of traffic a booth gets, I think. I think of Pan at Peak's Woods for an example. Her energy is really welcoming and excited. She loves snapping photos of Peak's Woods fans at the table! I personally do best where vendors are as excited as I am. Lol! This is probably different for a lot of people traveling around the vendor floor. But it does play in. For the most part, I found all the vendors were really great this time around, but there are some companies, in specific, I feel like I specifically came to see. I wish Luts had made it! But I was freaking out to see Soom, Peak's Woods, and Oscar! I was surprised by DollHeart, altogether, and Switch, so that was a real treat! I think Doll people like to spread the love, but yeah, I do gravitate to the ABJDs because it's so rare to see them in America in person!

 

I am finally back in Spain! It was a blast, I had a great time and I am delighted to see how good did my girls do around the area! Jenny Nemesis, I will never forgive you not passing by to say hi ; P !! I am only sad not to have meet more DoA friends, but things were quite hectic in our boot. Thanks to everyone for your support and the great time! :^*

 

Nanyalin, I was so pleased to meet you after so many years! I'm glad to hear you did so well at Dollism. And best of luck to you with your creativity and your sales! Your dolls and their styling were absolutely beautiful.

I didn't know you were back in Spain! I hope all is well for you.

Linda S.
galatia9

 

Awww [MENTION=2072]Nanyalin[/MENTION], I'm so sad I didn't get a chance to stop by the booth when it WASN'T totally crammed with people! I didn't spend that much time in the dealers' room on Saturday... and every time I passed by your booth, you were just swamped. (Which is good for business, I suppose, but bad for those of us who just wanted to come waste your time. ^^)

Well, there is just no other option but for you to come back to the States again for another event soon. You will have to come to California next. It's a longer flight, but we have excellent burritos here.

 

Ha! Fun seeing all those photos with Pan and others in them from Dollism! She has SO much energy and enthusiasm. It's always good to see her and all the amazing dolls! I probably saw you at the KBJD Show... sadly the crowds weren't so big there. --I'm glad Peakswoods felt good enough to come to Dollism.

Yeah, I SO appreciate the companies that came from so far away! It's a big expense (time and money) to do that. I really hope they will be encouraged to travel over to the US more often.

Artist Alley with customizers--that's a great idea! It would be great to see people who take commissions--clothing and other things, too.

So happy to see you back in the US after such a long time! (I think I owe you some Paneki sketch/print money--but I am bad at keeping records, so I don't know how many prints sold... and I am terrible at remembering things! agh. )

It was wonderful seeing your fantastic dolls! I'm glad you had such a big success with them.

-- and I agree with JennyNemesis: you should come to California some day!

-----------

I finally uploaded photos of Dollism to Photobucket. They aren't great (I have a tiny old camera and just took quick pics of odds and ends). If anyone sees a photo they don't want posted, just tell me, although I really tried to keep faces out of it. And if anyone wants to download any of the con, feel free.

======


Some photos have been transferred to Flickr from Photobucket: 14-09-BJDs-DollismPlus
Niagara Falls: 14-09-Niagara Falls

 

I hope next year's Dollism Plus will be at Chicago. It is midpoint for everyone in US including Canada. Also, Chicago have fabulous lakefront with best architecture in US with some of the best museums. It is also very easy to get around with the public transportation.

 

It's also absolutely horrible to drive to Chicago. We drove by Chicago last week, and it took two or three hours to go a length of road that would have taken 45 minutes without traffic.

 

I had a great time too and thanks to all who put this event on. You guys did an amazing job.

 

The BJD Stop Motion is LIVE! Yippee!!
Thanks again to all who came to see it!

You can find it in the photostories subforum,

or directly on YouTube if you prefer


EDIT:
Because I am a tired pooh-brain, I put it in the gallery subforum at first. Blech. Working to fix that problem. Link has been corrected to the appropriate sub-forum.

 

Yay! I wanted to see it Anne but when I saw you with it, it seemed like you were going to wait on others...came back after a few minutes and you were gone.

 

Hi, I'm Nalisinko XD
Ho, WoW, I had retured to China at 2th Oct, I had a wonderful trip at US, and I had an amazing memories from NYDP !! That's really perfect ! I had met so many friends and my idols, until today, I still could felt so much exciting and happy ! I hope I could join DP at next time, and I will bring more beautiful to join in ^0^

 

I definitely loved seeing you and your very pretty creations there Nalisinko. Thank you so much for coming! Glad you had a good time.

 

Room Sales were the absolute best part IMO! It was like a 15 story slumber party as we all scurried about in our pjs and took over the elevators. The official vendors were great, but I was entirely underwhelmed by soom, who didn't bring any clothing, wigs, accessories or blank dolls for that matter. From what I saw it was just a table with their new limited sets. Other companies like Mellow Doll and Darak did a fabulous job and I was happy to see them there! I loved finally meeting Nalisinko in person and I hope to see her there next year...with some Rosette clothes please!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Yay! I dropped by the room a number of times (SO BEAUTIFUL!!! --better than any art installation I've seen. ), but missed all the showings of your film. Thanks so much for posting it!

It was fantastic that you came all the way from China. I have admired your clothes and shoes and designs for a long time, so it was very exciting to see you and your work in-person. The dress with the flowers was just magnificent!

Room sales really did add to the whole experience, I think.

Soom only had a few dolls displayed, but they still managed to subtract money from my bank account, even so. I'm actually happy when they don't have a TON of stuff! They had the cool horns and wings--and I snapped a bunch of those up. And I ordered the Toad. I'd managed to resist all the sale periods, but having hims specially available (along with a few other limited dolls) for pre-order just did me in.

 

Thank you so much to everyone who made Dollism Plus USA possible!! I adore you, and look forward to seeing you in 2016!

https://www.flickr.com/photos/ggdollfashions/sets/72157645911620386/

 

ggdoll, it was so nice to meet you and see your beautiful costumes. I wish I could have bought ALL of them instead of only two.

 

Included are photos from Dollism Plus. I may have taken photos of your dolls. I apologized I do not remember everyone's forum names.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/42658822@N08/

 

Alewife Thank you. Nice to meet you too… And All!

 

ggdoll,
Hi, I will be very glad to meet you again. Anywhere. I like photos you took at Dollism. Many thanks for your pleasant company.

 

ggdoll-- Thank you for posting your photos! It was wonderful to see you at Dollism. I bought your purple dress. --And I remember you going off to take photos around the town on Sunday evening. I hope you found a place for dinner. We just went to TGI Fridays.

ninaelise-- It was lovely to see your photos. Did you go to Niagara on Monday when it was rainy? If yes, we might have passed you by there!

 

Thanks a lot ^^ I cannot waiting meet you and all again at next time XD

XD Rosette outfits,~huh~I will XD I wanna join the PNW BJD EXPO at May 2015, and I think I need prepare so many things before that time XDDD

Yes, it's a long way ^^;;; Thanks a lot, I love that flowers dress too, but it's sold out so fast... ^^;;

 

Thank you! I want to thank everyone who let me take photos of their dolls. I went to Niagra Fall on Thursday when I first got to Buffalo.^^ I took the Maid of Mist as suggested. It was definitely worth it in my opinion.

 

ninaelise, your photos from Maid of the Mist are amazing-- kind of scary!

 

Alewife^^ thank you! it was not scary as it look on the photos!

 

april

Thank you! I remember you!
I had dinner in the same restaurant. I saw you. You were passionate conversation.

 

Oh, I'm glad you found a place to eat. ... I'm always chatting ... and I tend not to see anyone unless they are sitting right in front of me. You would have been welcome to sit with us, had I known.

 

It has taken me forever to go through all my little notes after getting home. I had a wonderful time at Dollism and met so many nice people -- it was really great!! I wrote names and little comments to help me remember people--I scribbled on post it notes, receipts, business cards, and the paper sleeve from my room key-card. I've been sending out some contact/friend requests to the people in my notes so I don't forget people. If you get a request from me but don't remember me, I won't feel bad if you don't accept the request -- It's tough to remember everyone!!!! Here are some of the amazing people I met. I truly hope to see you again at a convention in the future.

Trayola
Arrowchild
Britt
A11i
SewStyle
Ourtangledbones
ShadowedForce
MagicBunny
HeidiPay
Theresa 226
Pony
GamerGirlLexi
Kimmichi
Brownie
WinonaFlammery
ArtDoll56
SDink
FunnyLori
Stella Maris
spromber
AnimeMom
essiekl
cristylee

And I met even more people but I probably couldn't read my scribbled notes!

Thanks for hanging out with me in my Room Sale, chatting with me in line, in the elevators, and in the seminars.


Robbin

My friend Monica on the left and me on the right -- we're at the Japanese garden in Delaware Park in Buffalo.

 

Nice photo of you both!

I wish I'd thought to take notes, since I have the worst memory ever...! But it was hard to even catch people's user-names, even if they were scribbled on their badges, so I pretty much thought it was a lost cause.

But it really was lovely interacting with everyone. I loved how friendly everyone was, and in such a good mood, even when odd things were happening...

 

I'm really curious as to whether there will be another convention in 2015! Does anyone know if this is a possibility?

 

I heard they are planning one for 2016. Gives them more time to plan. I hope there is another one this was so much fun!

 

Yeah, that's the rumor... skipping next year. Nothing official yet.

But I kind of hope there will be another Dollism next year. It seems to be a good idea to build up this thing, since this event seemed to go off successfully... On the other hand... I'll have to wait a while to save up some doll money, so maybe every other year would be just fine...!

 

ohhhh noooo please wait until 2016! my wallet needs time to recover!!!! lol!

 

kinda wish i got on this thread several pages ago i have some reading to do. Im the man slave Amaya had haul things around, also the same one who started his BJD collection with a Volks foursisters on a RS/Luts body. So far loving all the creativity i have seen and the comunity is awesome as well as suportive. Dollism was amazing and we will be definitely going to the next one @AmayaBambi

At the rate the two of us are going we might need a uhaul to bring the dollies over. and enough room for all the cool things we bring back! Gonna read through this thread but is there a location already scouted for the next event?

Edit* I must of been crazy to think i was going to read through 45 pages of posts. IDK if i can muster that kind of energy

 

It was a blast! I would love to have one in 2015, but oh so expensive so an extra year to save would help. I will just keep looking for news! Either way it was a blast and I am so glad I got to go! That and it was great that [MENTION=67919]MckMnstr[/MENTION] was able to get his first doll!

 

ya the only problem now is i know just how expensive your family of dolls are, which means you can no longer judge me on buying car parts!

 

I am both terrified and thrilled to think there might be a 2015 event, though someplace that's a direct flight from Seattle is always welcome as well.

And I entirely recommend reading the entire thread, it's like a mini-cocktail of being at the con, which is still a lovely memory I wrap myself up in some evenings.

.hlp

 

Ah I was wondering where this thread was! I had so much fun and I am totally down for 2015/2016 *A* I loved meeting everyone and running into people I haven't seen in ages. Room sales were a lot better than I expected, though the border was terrifying.

It was so great to meet you guys Your girl came together fast didn't she?

 

I hope it's 2016 and not next year. I wanna save up more for it, and getting there...Just wonder where it'll be.