Hello DoA!

Welcome and I think after you have done enough research and looking at owner photos you will have a better idea of what is realistic and what is just companies fantasizing their dolls. Reality can be a huge let down if you don't do your research as I have discovered time after time. Make comments in gallery, discussion threads and be careful what you say. Don't offer to buy or say your looking for anything real specific. That can get you banned from marketplace for at least 6 months. You want to keep comments on others posts as just nice and simple. In discussion threads you can ask questions like how long did it take to get a doll from a company, how hard is it to find clothes, shoes, patterns and so on for that specific doll. Do your own research and join Flickr or./ and Instagram to see others dolls. Take notes and have a budget for doll, face up and clothing so you don't overwhelm yourself or your bank account. Avoid Ebay and any places that seem to have dolls you desire at too good of deals as most likely Recasts and you don't want those. Find people here you feel comfortable with and who have experience here. Once you have your marketplace access keep in mind everything said in advice both here and in person if your lucky enough to attend meet ups or even Conventions. Fairyland are beautiful dolls but are often recast due to popularity and you wnat paperwork and ownership photos before you send your money. Some are in hobby for awhile before they buy that first doll and it's because they have learned that is a lot of money to just spend on what they hope will be love at first sight. My first 3 were quite the wow factor, but fell out of love quickly when I realized how quickly they could fall apart and all because I didn't know how they were put together. Now some 500 dolls later I know what I love and what I can pass on. It is very easy to love a photo, but it's better to love the reality. Be Safe and Have Fun.

 

I'm still pretty new at this (both DoA and bjd's, generally) -- it can certainly be overwhelming! I just try to take joy in the processes of researching, daydreaming, window shopping, learning

 

Hi Rheynna! That is so funny, I found out about BJDs a decade ago while researching Pullips because I was going to buy a Pullip X'D! Then my mind changed when I discovered BJDs haha! Instead I got a 1/4 Angell Studio girl and I never regretted (still have that baby!) :3 I started making her clothes, then met my bestie who taught me how to make wigs, then learned to make my own faceups and eyes... Remember there is no rush in finishing a doll but if you are willing to learn, there is no end to how much fun you can have! I hope you'll find everything you need here and more, and have a blast!!