I’m looking forward to learning!!!!

I'm fairly new too, waiting for a doll to come in :0

There should plenty of info on legit companies under references. Currently I am low key obsessed with coral reef dolls if you're into creepy cute. There's an artist for everyone though so you've definitely come to the right place to find your perfect match. Not to mention the work you personally put into doll with cover 90% of it's personality.

But a lot of people do say get a full set for the first one so it helps pump you up with what's possible so when you get a blank doll it doesn't feel like a chore but an opportunity.

 

Welcome @TheGhostSymposium I've been impressed to see the recent influx of intros. Seem to be a big crowd of newbies joining these days!
I think if I was to offer advice, it's not to be in a hurry. If you know you want to get your first doll sometime but aren't exactly sure what you like yet then thats an opportunity to use the internet to see all sorts of different dolls via dealer sites like Alices collection to start perusing different styles of dolls. You can look at mandarake and be introduced to all kinds of older sculpts and randomness. Most people would recommend a newbie stick to ordering directly or from an authorized dealer over second hand, for safety purposes, but you can learn about things in general, all over the place. I think a lot of things I learned I was interested in with bjd I just found randomly through lots and lots of looking at everything.
There are a lot of hobbyists on instagram too, you can learn about and appreciate so many dolls there too!
On this forum there is of course a huge bounty of information, but also many lively discussion threads where you can see how the niche circles function and see if there are groups that like the things you know you like or are interested in.

 

For legitimate dealers, I recommend Alice's Collections, Legend Doll, Denver Doll Emporium (if you're in the US), Jane's Doll Land, and Clover's Singing. I haven't bought dolls from all of them so I don't know what the experience is like, but they are legitimate. I'm also from the US so I don't know all of the different vendors specific to the UK or Europe.

What originally drew you to the hobby? A lot of people like to make their own stuff, but not everyone does. Just like not everyone makes their own characters for their dolls. It's a wide hobby, so narrowing down what you like can help people think of what kind of advice would be helpful to you.

 

Take this as a welcome gift
/threads/the-big-bjd-faq-guide-for-newcomers.850259/

 

hello and welcome! I recommend looking at a s many bjd images as you can find. the galleries here, Flickr and IG are good places to start. That'll help you decide.

 

Hi there! I'm also a beginner in this gorgeous world, and I’d be glad to offer you my help! Where do you come from? If you’re in the European Union, I definitely recommend a small dealer in Italy called BJDdreams for your first doll.

The owner is just adorable and helped me a lot with my very first BJD. She proposes dolls from several brands, second hand dolls, and a make-up service! You should definitely try and see!

Plus, you have no VAT or custom fees popping up at the delivery time if you order from her, since she’s in a EU country! (and that’s not neglectable when you do the calculations >o<)

Anyway, do you have a preference for a particular doll brand? Would you prefer to begin with a full set or a customizable doll?

I’d be happy to talk more with you! ^^

 

Hi, welcome to the hobby!!
Like others, I'd recommend waiting until you have the funds and then start with a less expensive doll! Resinsoul is good for beginners and longtime collectors alike. You can also find really good deals on secondhand dolls through IG or Facebook groups. If you're looking for a bjd dealer, I recommend Newclover-singing, I've used them myself.