How do you carry your dolls around a convention?

I don’t think there’s any way to make a big doll not at least a little bit of a hassle at cons. You just have to figure out if the hassle is worth it for you.

At conventions I usually only have one or two dolls (I’m a bigger doll collector too), and they’re either in the carrier/backpack or one’s in my arms if I feel like sharing that I’ve got them (usually to meet other doll owners). I don’t know what it’s like where you’re going, but at my local con bags are searched as you go in so I try to keep things pared down. It’s a workout but I like having the option to put them away if I don’t want attention because of them.

 

I usually bring my yosd to conventions since he’s easy to handle and light as well! 65cm sd13 dolls can also be hand held~

 

I collect MSD size, but I've tried a regular doll carrier bag and a backpack in the past and I preferred the backpack. It distributes the weight better so my back or shoulders aren't hurting at the end of the day (Plus I can store con swag in there as well. ). My doll got a bit tousled in there, but I didn't worry about that. I just fixed her up when I decided to take her out.

 

I used to carry mine around at cons, and I'd usually dress them as a coordinating character to my cosplay. They're a pain to lug around, especially if you're big into shopping in the dealers room/artist alley. Basically they're like carrying around props, if you're used to that. Always in the way, and a bit of a handful (literally).
However! If you do choose to dress them in character with you, then they're a valuable accessory! And if you have some sort of bag you can tote them in, that'll also help. Ita bags are good for MSD-size and below. SD-size and up you're gonna want a normal backpack.

 

Haven't gone to a con yet, but I'm going to one in July. I plan to take one SD and carry him around the whole time. I don't see carrying an SD around for too long as a problem so long as it's just the one. I'm also physically disabled, so I sit down a lot, and that helps. Just in case I'm taking an empty bag with a shoulder strap I can fold up and put in my purse for if my arm gets tired. One SD can sit comfortably in those large bag replacement totes.

 

I was walking around with a friend at Anime Detour this last month and we were both carrying dolls and she lamented over there not being a sling to carry dolls in so I have been thinking of making one so that it's hands-free but I have to find the time. I've seen other people do it with their dolls in the crook of their arm

 

Haven't been to a con yet either. We don't have them here in New Zealand. Such a shame, as there are BJD lovers here, for sure! I think maybe NZ Comic Com could bring out some Dollfie Dreams?
If my dream came true and there was a convention here, I would carry the Lucky BJD I picked to come with me in my hands to show off. LOL!!

 

Does con security ever bother your dolls when they're NOT in bags? I'd be too paranoid to bring one in a bag, especially if people are gonna be stabbing my things with security batons, but do they ever touch dolls out of bags? Like the airport probably would..?

 

@AceDragonElf I've never seen a problem with a doll out of a bag, I've been in the dealers room and artist alley walking around with no trouble. I feel like if there was a problem then bjd's would be listed in the props that aren't allowed. Some cons also have meet-ups and bjd panels

 

I hand cary them like a child/baby

 

If you’re bringing a bag for your wallet and other essentials with you on the con floor, make it an over the shoulder long duffle/overnight bag. Whenever I carry a big doll around in the crook of my free arm at a con that arm gets sore and stiff relatively quickly, so having a place to put the doll is a good idea. If you can’t find one long enough, storing them in a sitting position in a box shaped cooler bag works great too (and it keeps your lunch fresh lol)

 

I haven't used it yet, but I bought a dog stroller to use at conventions. It sits higher off the ground that a child's stroller, so the dolls are more visible and less likely to be kicked accidently.

 

I usually just carry my doll around like a prop when they come out with me (although I'm still super conscious and embarassed about carrying a doll around as an adult). The biggest doll I've toted around is only 54-ish cm and about a kilo heavy so that's reasonable even for someone like me with CVS/ME/Fibro. It does knock me out the next day. I figure bigger dolls take a much higher toll on your arm muscles. With SD dolls I usually have someone with me who can take over the doll when I need my arms free for something. Tinies also get carried around like a little prop but they can be stashed in eyeglass cases, make-up bags, pencil cases, lanterns, ... I don't find anything YOSD or below ever gets in the way during shopping or anything though.

 

Since I only bring vinyl dolls to conventions... I have a chain around their waist with a metal ring on it. The hook is attached to a hook on my bag's shoulderstrap. It lets me have my hands free and still have a doll out of the bag. But I think it would only be doable with light dolls like Dollfie Dreams, Obitsu, SmD, and similar because of the weight.

 

I've brought 1/3 sized dolls to very large conventions (60,000 to 150,000 peopled). If you're just wanting to bring your doll to a meetup, it's probably best to keep it in a carrier that can be carried in a vertical position and kept close to your body if you're at a busy convention. A carrier also helps if you want to keep your hands free...

If you're at a less crowded con, you can carry your doll around. But be aware that they can get rubbed and knocked about and you might lose magnetic pieces and wigs and hats and shoes, etc.! If you have a delicate doll and it isn't part of your costume, it's probably best to have some sort of carrier for it.

At a crowded con, things like roller-bags and strollers will be difficult. But might work for some cons.

 

I've carried one of my SD sized dolls around at an outdoor meet in a Build-a-Bear carrier like this:

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/313vZXLWEgL.jpg
https://s3-media1.fl.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/0M__zIy-soGjzRJkeib1gA/o.jpg

They may be designed for small children to wear but they're pretty adjustable (I'm nearly 6ft tall and overweight so the shoulder straps expand a lot)

I've also carried one around at costume convetions, SF conventions, and doll meets sat on my lower arm (with it bent at the elbow and my thumb tucked in my belt or waistband)

Teddy

 

I dont haven't first doll yet but I have thought about how to go about doing things like this when the time comes. I already carry ITA bags at conventions. They're great! Not only can you customize it the way you want you can also kind of see in them to show off anything you want to out in that "window". Plus, they're roomy! So great for a doll and con swag! ^^ let us know how it goes!

 

I usually just carry them, but I prefer to keep it to MSD-sized if I'm gonna do that. I've heard there are people developing shoulder harnesses, too. Basically a little seat and strap so your doll can chill on your shoulder.

 

Omg I would LOVE a shoulder harness! I really like the idea of carrying around my doll on my shoulder, but obviously that's difficult because of physics

 

I've been working on one of these too! I think I almost have it worked out on the drawing board, and then I'll be trying it in 3D! I'll post a thread when I have something to share!!!
I love doing Steam punk cosplays, and I've always thought a dolly conductor in a shoulder saddle would be super cute and convenient I've also considered a pixie version for renn fairs :3

Last year I was at a con and I had 4 large dolls with me, I had to carry all of them on the last day because of the hotel check out schedule.... it was terrible, and I would definitely not recommend carrying more than one doll at a time. That being said I typically use a reusable grocery bag for a wallet and water bottle, and I can fit my 70cm dude in there as well if he's kneeling/sitting on his feet. Then his head sticks out a bit so I can still show him off if I feel like it
It's definitely easier to carry a doll around on the days you're not in on cosplay

 

I've never been to a con that had that intrusive a securtity setup - how awful.

But I've never had more than occasional friendly curiosity about my dolls from Airport Security.

Teddy

 

I found a clear bag that was a good size for a 1/4 doll sitting, and put my MDD in it. He's visible, but protected. Unfortunately its much too small for 1/3 unless the doll was kneeling and poking out the top, which could be cute I guess.

This bag was from Glassons - it's an Australian site but searching 'clear tote' brings up a lot of similar bags on amazon etc. I'd really like to find a bigger one that a 1/3 doll can fit in! I know the dealer yuriqlo sells them clear bags for this purpose at doll events in Japan, but I've never seen one not intended specifically for a doll that was big enough.

 

I'm going to a con soon and pondering this. Last time I had two SDs in my smallest suitcase. Not perfect, but I didn't have to carry them. Now I have three and I am pondering either a grocery bag or my medium suitcase. What I really need is a collapsible wagon though.

 

Most of my dolls are SD, and I prefer to only take one and carry her openly. Sometimes I'll stick her in a tote bag if I need both hands for something. I own a doll bag, and I use it for transportation to doll meets or travel, but I don't like taking it to cons because it's big and bulky and annoying for frequently putting the doll in and taking it back out. I've had friends who use the wagon/stroller method, but it seems like the biggest hassle to me--nearly impossible to take up and down stairs, might not be room for it in panels or workshops, really hard to get through crowded areas without disturbing other people, difficult to deal with if you need to go to the restroom, and if you're pulling a wagon behind you, it's really hard to keep an eye on your dolls and for a random person to grab one while your back is turned. It might be easier if you're going with friends who can help you move around and watch your dolls, but I'd still rather carry mine. I've also learned that if I take more than one doll, I end up regretting it by the end of the day anyway--one ends up staying in the tote and getting ignored and just making my shoulder sore.

 

Ive brought my dolls to conventions before (he was 65/70cm at that time) and so, i had him in a bachpack to carry him around, or i carried him in my arms. it was nice for a bit as i liked, and he liked, all the comments he recieved about him and his tattoo work that was done. I am happy with that, but you do have to be careful as well as not to lose anything.

One time i was walking and his wig fell off, so luckily someone stopped me, but still.

some people use itabags, a friend of mine has a custom itabag of her doll and carried him in that, which is what i would like to do as well... just have to find that perfect bag for him.

i might invest in a carrier though since i did read in a comment on the thread that at busy places it might be better, but it would have to have a shoulder strap too of course.... but Dufffle bags could work too.

dont forget about bringing a easy on and off face mask for your bjds!!!

 

I also had this question! Thanks! I went to a doll fair once and my 70cm boy was on my arm. But he's super heavy, do yeah not convenient. I was thinking about bringing him in a wicker basket next time because it can count as a prop and keep my phone and wallet too. But haven't tried that yet.
I did hear about being careful not to have dolls stolen at cons so at least find a way to keep an eye on him. And let us know how you carried him around please!

Ohhh!!! I want to try that shoulder harness thing too. So you happen to have seen some pictures of them? :O

 

Hello!
I have been working on a cosplay for one of my male dolls, and I was thinking it would be really cool if I cosplayed with him on one of the 'con days this year. I am really excited about doing this, but also worried about the idea because of . . . people.

Has anyone taken their doll to a convention or expo that was not doll related (anime, comic, gaming) and carried them around? What was your experience? Did other bjd people meet with you or were you by yourself? Did anyone try to grab or mess with the doll? Would you say it was a positive or negative experience?


Thanks for any input!
((Sorry if this is not in the right spot or referenced somewhere else, I could not find anything))

 

Here's a recent thread about taking dolls to conventions: How do you carry your dolls around a convention?

I have taken mine both to doll conventions and anime/gaming cons. Generally, people are pretty cool, but a few do get grabby. I just told them I wasn't comfortable passing him around, and they were understanding. It's similar to having a cosplay prop. It was fun, the only negative part is that my arm got tired from carrying them all day, and sometimes it was a bit of hassle when I needed my hands free in the dealer room or for activities. A tote bag helps with that.

 

Being a dolly person I personally love seeing other doll owners at cons carrying around their dolls! Makes me excited to see so many local - or non-local collectors and their beautiful doll

I have taken a doll to basically every con I have been to and the result is usually very positive. Most of the time people get excited, asking what sculpt they are and want to chat a bit. Or they ask questions if they are interested or unsure if they want to make the jump to getting their own doll. Some ask to hold or touch, but are usually super good about my boundaries about holding them if I do let them (most of the time I dont tho... just because I am personally a bit picky about clean hands). Only downfall I have had personally is the weight of carrying them orz they can get heavy depending how long you take them around.

I think it would be fun to cosplay with your doll. I hope you decide to. I think it would be a good experience and you would have a lot of fun.

 

I did bring my doll once to a convention
Just be extra careful as there's rarely cases of stolen/missing dolls

Definitely bring a doll carrier if you're bringing big dolls as i only brought my yosd out

 

Yes ! I have been to two different anime cons and one actual BJD con that meets in St. Louis once a year, just for dolls. It's so cool. It's always fun to see others in the hobby!

 

@CloakedSchemer I cannot believe I passed that thread up! I looked around and did searches for "conventions" and the like for 15 minutes before posting this. . . well, at least it is a semi-slightly different question. Thank you for referencing it because it reminded me about the possibility of losing items (like my guy's horns) if I am not careful. I might bring a case for the horns and only attach them if someone wants a picture or if other bjd owners are around.



I am very happy to hear that some of you report people respecting boundaries. The guy I would be bringing (70cm) is my grail doll, but no other doll I have can cosplay as Elias so. . . it is either him or nothing, but because he is my grail I am a little nervous. It sounds like no one has experienced someone just walking up and grabbing or touching the doll which is a sigh of relief.

I am not worried about his weight so much because I normally carry props, all last year (and probably one day this year) I carried around a metal lightsaber without issue. The bag is probably a good idea though. I do not like taking my doll bag in areas of large crowds because it is so bulky but maybe I will bring a messenger bag that he could sit in just in case.

 

I take mine to Science Fiction conventions and Filk Conventions, Historical Reenactment events, Costume Conventions, Comic Con, and all sorts of other non-doll events. Sometimes BJD people stop and talk to me (even if they don't have their dolls with them), or rush over if they recognize the doll/sculpt I'm carrying. Nobody's ever attempted to grab one of my dolls (I'm happy to hand them over to anyone who wants a closer look, and frequently do, but nobody's grabbed at them), I've never had any problems.

Teddy

 

A nicely made basket with a soft small blanket on the bottom and a sturdy handle works wonders. Tenshi No Sato lends them out for guests to use for their dolls at their facilities, and now I use them every time I take my dolls to a convention. Highly convenient and a fun way to show off your doll/s.

 

I normally hold mine but I also bring their cases just incase I get tired of holding them

 

I've yet to bring a BJD to a con but just recently I saw someone carrying a roughly SD sized doll on their shoulder, they might have had some kind of hidden harness but it was really cool to be honest.

 

I usually put them in a big bag and take them out.

 

A backpack or a messenger bag is how I carried around my SD at a con! Though I was also afraid to keep her in there too long so I would just end up carrying her like a baby.

 

I tried a number of things for transport since my doll is HUGE and I like taking him places. Right now, I use a yoga bag after wrapping my doll in those big air bubble wrapping things from packages. It's worked perfectly so far!

 

I’m surprised nobody has mentioned this yet! “Astronaut” bags for carrying pets are very popular on Japanese Dollfie Dream Twitter for carrying your dolls around. They’re very cute, convenient, and secure! I’m hoping to get one soon.

Spoiler

 

I use a tote bag with light colours so they don’t stain may dolls.

 

Very carefully.

... Seriously, though, my last adventure with mine was fairly basic as he was just perched on my forearm like an especially fashionable little bird, with one of his arms folded over his lap in an effort to keep his magnetic tail in check. Otherwise he was seated in his little padded carrying bag, which was inside a tote that I'd looped over my shoulder. He's only MSD sized though so I feel like I'm cheating a fair bit, haha. I remember seeing several people using cheap little folding strollers/prams for larger SDs and thought that was brilliant. Might have to look into the astronaut bag idea for meetups, hmm...~

 

I have a violin case shaped carrier. It's quite hard and very sturdy so I don't really mind keeping one of my SD in it while travelling using the subway. If anything I'd prolly hurt more than my doll would. I do carry my doll in my arms once I've reached the con. I usually carry my yo-sd in my itabag tho. I have 2 itabag just for my tiny.

 

I bought a tripod cover a while ago, I modified it so that it is more bulky and my bjd is not damaged.

 

Most of mine are on the smallish size, so in my hands. But, only at doll conventions. They stay at home for anything else.

 

I'm going to use the Vorspack clear backpack to store my 1/3 scale doll for the Montréal Otakuthon. I found it on amazon.ca. It's transparent, hands-free and I can have quick access to all of my things. I'll also bring my crossbody purse for more commodity. Can't go around lugging stuff on my arms while walking for an extended period of time.

 

This is a subject that's in my thoughts a lot at the moment.

I have two conventions (DiscWorld and Worldcon) coming up thefirst two weekends in August and was planning on taking Lula, my newest dolls, but she's a Magikademia Taliea, so fairly hefty to haul around - I took her in to work the other week and I swear the shoulder my bag strap goes over ended up three inches lower than the other shoulder by the end of my commute.

In the past for SD sized dolls I've used a build-a-bear carrier for them, but I'm a big, fat man and those carriers are designed to be worn like backpacks for little kids so I usually have the straps adjusted to full-length and wear both straps over one shoulder, but tht won't work for a doll as weighty as Lula , so I'm at a bit of a loss.

Teddy

 

I've historically always used tote bags for my SD-sized dolls. I started doing this in 2009/2010 when I would attend a local BJD convention. It was so convenient to just sit them down in the bag and then go!

A few years ago I bought a clear tote bag to carry my SD around a convention so that they were both visible and safe, and then Volks ended up releasing their own clear tote last year lol.

 

So far my no budget solution has been to ‘take shifts’ of who is carrying my doll at cons. I’ll carry until I’m tired, then my partner carries my doll until they are tired, and then they’ll go into a clear tote until I have the strength again to start carrying a 1/4-1/3 sized doll again. No issues with con security as of yet.

 

I haven't dragged my crew (all MSDs and tinies nowadays) around conventions for a long time but I used to have a small carrier (meant for a camera tripod, I think) I could wear on the front with one doll inside. Sometimes I would carry another one with me in my arms for a while, then change them up whenever I felt like it.

 

I used to carry my dolls at conventions. Until Snow Miku's hair clip came off one day. Thank goodness it fell in the bag.

Now, it's called the miracle of a cat backpack. I have Tseng, a 77cm Ringdoll Zhou Yu inside it. His legs are angled weird but it doesn't matter! He fits!

 

Sometimes a stiff tote bag is great if your dolls head can peek out from it, I really enjoy the stroller option just for aesthetic reasons personally, but if you can find a sort of hardshell cat or pet backpack that might work! I like the idea of child wagon as well but I'm always scared that someone will try to snatch or touch my doll as I am pulling the wagon behind me, one thing I've done with dolls as well is buying a carry case with a window that rolls around, they are mostly used for smaller dolls but maybe yours could sit or you could find one in a bigger scale

 

Clear tote ) Although I want to think about shoulder slings, I wonder how well those work.

 

Last doll convention I went to, I carried two 1/6 sized dolls, one in each hand. Not a wise choice. Next time, I’ll either bring a doll carrier or just hold one at a time haha

 

I carry mine in a doll carrier bag or in my hand because I mainly have 1/4 and 1/6.
RIP my arms when I used to carry my 1/3 all day