How open are you with your BJD as a hobby?

Not very quiet about it to be honest. My coworkers know I collect dolls, as do all my friends and my husband has always been pretty supportive of any hobby I dedicate my time to. I'm grateful for that. I've also been the one to not care what others think as well but sometimes that's easier said than done.

 

You both have more brawn than myself, I’m so secretive from people in my past throwing my handmade dolls, toys, and art away; I really admire when people have strength to love their hobbies bravely. Only five people I love unconditionally know, and two thought it was “creepy” but they respect it anyways. (Funny enough, they have a massive anime figure collection but feel weird about my love of BJDs.) I wish I was bolder about it like I am about most other things. But dolls are way on my down-low. Insert Gandalf’s, “Is it secret, is it safe?” vibe here. Haha!

 

Actually I even brought my dolls to my workplace, bcs my boss wanted to see them XD. She thinks they are creepy yet beautiful . I'm a graphic designer, so I guess people expect me to be a little excentric .

 

My sister collects fashion dolls so she gets the idea behind bjds and finds them interesting.
My parents probably just see it as another eccentricity because they don't get why I'm into jfashion or video games either.
No way would I ever be open about my hobby at work - I have a lot of coworkers that have nothing better to do than gossip and they already pick on people for the slightest variation from what they consider "normal" hobbies

 

Most everyone that knows me knew I collected Monster High dolls. I gave those up after gen 2 got cancelled and found myself with the finances to buy my first bjd. I don't talk much about them unless people come over to the house and then I'll show them a couple of them that I don't mind being touched. I hope to attend some meet-ups or conventions so I can talk to other collectors.

 

As a transmasc neurodivergent person, I already pass as a freak, so it’s not this hobby that is gonna make people think I’m weird =‘)
As for my family and close friends, my parents love looking at my faceups and dolls, my mom sew for them and own a few herself, my enbyfriend likes them and is very supportive, same for my friends.

 

I don't hide it, even at work - what I do in my free time has absolutely no bearing on my professionalism and if they don't like it, it's not my problem ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Don't ask if you don't want to know!
My family think I'm nuts (no change there, I've always been... eccentric ) but they don't care as long as I'm happy

 

Everyone who knows me pretty much expects me to be eccentric so collecting dolls isn’t anything too crazy. I’ve told one coworker because I always ask her for sewing advice, but I mostly have talked about it with people in my private life. Most people in my life are just kind of bemused about it.

I was hanging out with old friends from college last night and a few told me that they love seeing my doll pictures and what I make for them! My one friend says she thinks my boys are so cute. We are all weird artist types so that’s probably why but it was so nice to hear!

 

I've let some coworkers know that I enjoy them; we're all kind of geeky and so there's no judgement towards me and my love for dolls, even though it's not everyone's cup of tea.

 

I wouldn't say I am secretive but I definitely don't volunteer the information. I want too but I have so much anxiety I don't even tell people about all my pets, my family knows and two people outside my family knows about my dolls thats about it.

 

Ooh, this is a good question.

I’m slowly learning to own it. Like many collectors have said on here, people have a tendency to say they don’t like dolls or find them creepy. A lot of times if people say that to me, I feel as if they are saying by extension that I am creepy and unlikable.

But that’s really not true. I can say I don’t like football and find it stupid, but that doesn’t mean I’m calling the person who likes it stupid. So essentially I’m trying to learn not everything is an insult and I don’t need to take it all so personally. What matters is if people treat you differently after they find out.

By now most of my friends know about it. I don’t tell strangers or most family members.

I did have a really nice experience the other night with some non-doll friends…my D&D group is on a break and I asked them if they wanted to have a craft night. They did, and while they were over I brought down one of my boys to make him a new wig. My one friend who previously said dolls were creepy thought he was actually really cool up close and found him fascinating. Even wanted to hold him! I count that as a serious victory for my confidence. It definitely made me feel like I could trust her more and just own my hobbies!

 

In my case, I won't be telling you if you don't ask, but if you do ask, I won't hide it.

I am more wary of saying their price because well, you know, in desperate times... And I only keep that info for my closest relatives (those who live with me and could be affected if I go on a shopping spree). If someone else outside the hobby asks, I would just say that as any other hobby, it's not a need, so sometimes can be seen as a waste of money, but it makes me happy, so that's enough for me. Also, sometimes I let them believe that they are as expensive as a Barbie (as no one has access to them that it's not me or my partner), so I don't have to end up listening a list of reasons why I shouldn't spend my money on the hobby or the others don't have negative feelings towards it like jealousy about the money I can or can't spend and such.

So, secretive? No. Wary? Totally.

 

I am very open about my hobby, because i’m really proud of my dolls. I mean, i don‘t just tell randomly people that i collect bjds but if anyone asks about my hobbies, i tell them about my dolls. Everyone i know knows about my dolls and many of them think they are creepy but they are still very supportive and i’m grateful for that
But still i‘m scared to go out in public with them :,)

 

I’m very open about the hobby in certain online circles and with my closest friends, and one or two family members know, but otherwise I don’t bring my dolls up in person or online. I’ve run into too many people who find it creepy for a grown man to appreciate dolls.

 

I can't keep anything to myself (perpetual oversharer here!) so since getting into the hobby I've gone as far as to tell my coworkers about it! They definitely think it's weird, but I'm already kind of the "black sheep" of the office, so I feel like it fits me fine. It's been neat seeing the transformation from "that's so weird!" to "aww, okay, that's kind of cute", even if they definitely don't fully get it!

 

I don't hide it, but I also don't really tell about it if it's not a topic of conversation, like what are your hobbies, what do you do for fun or so. I also don't really deep into it if the other person is not asking more. My family, friends and classmates at university courses know. People at my work know I like dolls, but I don't think they know about BJDs, because we have not really been super deep about it. I am wary with new people or people that I don't know well, because I have met some doll phobic (or rather just hateful) people before, that have commented how dolls should be burnt etc. Later I was just happy I did not say anything about my dolls. Not because I am wary of what they think of me, more like, I don't want to hear vulgar things said about my BJDs if that seems a high possibility. Most people who know me a bit better also know that I love all little curiosities, have lizards as pets and I love the dress in vintage clothes among my other hobbies, so I think they would just expect me to have some other not so common hobby.

 

I wouldn't tell anyone at work about my hobby-- I dont want to get looked at as childish or anything. I will tell every single one of my friends, even those who don't want to listen. xD If they go into my room they'll see my little collection anyway. I'm proud of them, so I might as well be annoying about them.

 

i don't mention it at work, but all my friends know! we often go to doll events together. i've gotten a few of them into the hobby

 

I am open about it to one of my closest friends. When i decided to order my first doll, they encouraged me and were very excited, because I only paint resin statues and not dolls, which was very new I have not told my family or my less close friends yet, but I would like to surprise them if they visit me or see my doll(s) by chance.

 

I've been super open about it since coming back into it. A lot of my friends are beautiful and talented people who want to help make things for my doll. Just yesterday a bunch came round, we all donned breather masks and were all sanding down the doll in fixing up!

 

When I first learned of the hobby I didn't mention any interest of it to my family and friends for a long time. When I finally had the courage to mention it to my older brother a year or two later he laughed at me so I dropped the idea of getting one for awhile. When I had my first steady income as an adult I decided that I didn't care anymore and bought my first doll when I was 20. Slowly my family and close friends were told and all of them didn't mind or was supportive. I don't know if I will ever show them to anyone I'm not close to though.

 

I tend to tell people that I've gotten to know (personal friends, coworkers), but I don't talk much about it with strangers. I also have a hard time taking my dolls in public to photograph them. I've gotten some weird reactions, and these days I've just been too tired to deal with that. I would really like to get past that at some point, because photographing my dolls in new places is one of the funnest things for me about the hobby.

 

I am happy to see so many of you have lovely, supportive people in your lives! The people in my life are wonderful, and I know they'd be encouraging, but during my 10 years in the hobby, I've just never brought it up. It's been so long it feels like I'm leading a double life, haha! I wouldn't mind if anyone found out, but it's been my own little secret for so long, keeping it so makes the hobby feel even more special to me

 

I actively avoid talking about my dolls to non-doll people. I've had bad experiences sharing non conventional hobbies, and when I was a teen my family made it clear that they found my interest in dolls creepy (in fairness to them, I'd buy cheap porcelaine dolls at yard sales and take away their wigs/eyes for the dolls I was making), so I learned my lesson. Even with people who know i have dolls, I avoid bringing it up, and if possible I avoid showing them unless they ask.
I do take my dolls out in public though. Random passerbys don't matter. It's people I actually know whose reaction I don't trust.

 

Honestly at first when I tell people they think of Barbie and such, but once I show them pictures they understand. Not always but the majority do.

 

Most people are pretty chill about it! Some people definitely have stronger reactions than others but so far nobody in my life has like ever refused to let me show my dolls or talk about them.

 

Not at all very few people know I even have them , it's not something most people accept or understand or even find normal , my dolls are in my bedroom and it's not that anybody except me gets in there . My dad said you don't share with people what's not their buisness or you risk of making it their buisness it took me long to apply it in life but he was right as most times was.

 

Now, that’s a very wise man and a great sentiment, and I wholeheartedly agree. I don’t go out of my way to discuss them, but I don’t hide them either…that would be impossible since they’re displayed in artistic groupings throughout my home, incorporated as part of the decor. People seem fascinated by our little home, which is done up in an eclectic Bohemian style, so naturally as part of that style, collections abound. When I take them on the “grand tour”, I explain what they are and about their stories. But unless someone has personally been to my home, I never mention it.

 

Thank you so much!! I think he was wise too. Your home sounds like a very pretty place and wonderfully decorated!! Those people are kind and nice too with refined taste and open minds what a lovely combination!!

 

Pretty open about it. I view BJD more as an art form and purchase things more in line with it. I talk about it as an art form and nerd out about the niche.

 

I have zero cares about what other people think about my dolls, I like to take them everywhere I can and usually people are super kind about it or compliment them. I dress pretty out there compared to most people though, so maybe that’s offsetting the reactions?

 

I don’t tell anyone I don’t know very well. So far, most of my close friends have expressed that they find my dolls creepy but most of them just have a bunch of questions and they are generally supportive of my hobby. My fiancé, on the other hand, never found them creepy and loves them. He even jokingly talks to them sometimes.

 

It's no secret to the people who come into my home, even if I might want it to be. The dolls live here too and occupy lots of space in my house. I am very familiar with the "stink eye" response and complete lack of understanding for the artistry of doll sculpts, doll photography, doll clothing and props. I was an older adult when I fell in love with this hobby. All I'd ever done is WORK and try to save money. Learning to let go and do things just for fun was a wonderful experience. So, I sympathize with people who don't do any kind of hobbies and disapprove of the whole idea in general. I hope one day they will discover how much fun it can be.\

Some of the "outsiders" I've share a photo or two with usually say things like "I like dolls to smile" ... Same for most people who come into my house. Some people have hobbies but still disapprove of this one. Mostly all I have ever experienced from sharing about doll collecting is blank or clearly negative reactions.

My more artistic friends have been able to share the wonder a bit, and not dish out negativity. So, I'm selective about who gets invited into this part of my life. But it makes it all the more treasured when spending time with "MY PEOPLE" who get it.

 

I'm not open about it at all, sometimes I talk to my mom about it and she's supportive/nonjudgmental but doesn't really get it.
My friends range anywhere from apathy to open disgust so I just don't mention it to them, which really sucks, I would love to have a friend who shares my passion!

 

I don't really discuss my hobby with others outside of close friends and family. It's not really a can of worms I feel like opening around people who aren't already aware of it, especially if I know that person will never come to my house. I'm not afraid of telling others, but the amount of effort I have to put in explaining that I'm not a Barbie or American Girl collector becomes exhausting.

When I discuss the bjd hobby with others it usually involves the more crafty aspects of it. Doll maintenance and modifications, making clothes and things along those lines make for good common ground conversation points that non-doll collectors can understand and bounce off of.

 

Collecing doll is not secret to me but I don’t talk about it to not close people.
Because I know there are some people like to judge other people However I don’t hide my hoppy to my family and friends
My husband said “You should be careful when you buy dolls from strangers” but I know he just worries since I got scamed few weeks ago

 

Fairly open, I think? Family and friends know I collect dolls (with toys and bears thrown in) but I don't know how many are completely aware of the BJD side of things. My friends are, and they're pretty cool with it - they've even bought me some sewing patterns as a gift before, which was appreciated.

So yeah, I'll say 'fairly open'.

 

I talk about it when someone asks me about my hobbies, usually saying I collect dolls you can customize. People don't use to understand and asks about porcelain dolls, anyway.

 

My immediate family knows. Daughter was in the hobby for a couple of years, daughter in law has been in hobby for at least 13 years and granddaughter is interested in the dolls and has a few of them. A couple she plays with when she visits, the others are stored until she's older. She has her own room here for overnight stays. I shared with mother in law from start until she passed away. She loved the small ones. I showed one to my sister in law when we all traveled to Vegas, but she didn't say much. I don't think she has ever had a hobby.
My one cousin who follows me on Facebook knows I have them, but he doesn't know what I do with them. Lol
I am an open book to people who see me photography them, but most people just ignore me.

 

I feel like I'm pretty open about it to friends since they also have their own niche hobbies!

For strangers/acquaintances, I don't really go into detail depending on the vibe haha
I'm not embarrassed, I might mention that I collect dolls or work on them as an art thing if asked!

 

I don't tell friends. Only family members know because they see all the packages. Almost everyone I know finds dolls creepy so no one wants to hear about them.

 

I'm super open about it! I post them on my personal FB page regularly...friends are always messaging me if they find doll furniture or clothes out in thrift stores or whatever, so I love having all the extra eyes on the lookout for cool props. I have a couple of doll pics on my bulletin board at work, and it's usually one of my "about me" facts any time I'm having to do some kind of dumb "let's get to know each other" work shenanigans, lol.

 

My friends know about it and they are supportive, my bestie even offered to make something for my girl in the future . As for my family, I haven't told them directly, I guess they saw the doll in my room but they haven't said anything so... Lol

 

Only if I run out of stuff to say maybe and I'm really bored

 

I haven’t really had any issue mentioning that I am a doll hobbyist. At one point I even crocheted a few dolls for myself which I was very open to friends, family. I even have an instragram for it, though I haven’t made any new crochet dolls as of recent.

People who know me will just accept things about me. Others, well… I guess they know where the door is?

 

My current friend group started because of this hobby, so of course I'm very open about it with them. Outside of that, I tend to be pretty quiet about my BJD hobby, as I've encountered many negative reactions to my dolls in the past from both strangers, people I thought were friends, and relatives. I also have known people who have a severe irrational fear of dolls, so in some ways it's out of respect for that that I keep quiet. Just like I appreciate people putting up warning for any content involving spiders. (which I cannot handle) So in general, yes I'm in the closet...outside of my friend group that is also in this hobby with me.

 

I got sick of the local people who see my dolls or works in progress for an outfit or face up and immediately bombard me with a sale pitch to "sell the completed doll or doll clothes and make a profit!"

They legitimately have no flippin' clue about the BJD hobby or what it entails yet they are suddenly the "World's Greatest Sales Manager" when they see the dolls.

So for the moment, all but one of them are stored in their pillow lined bins and are on standby for my big move to my own place. I have many other artistic hobbies (which I freelance and do make a second income with) but my dolls will remain a hidden feature of my hobby list. Just to keep my own peace of mind from the "hustle pitch" speeches.