Just For Fun Thirteen Questions

1. Were you into bjds before joining DoA? (And where did you first learn about them?)

I think I actually joined about the time I got into DoA - I was referred here by my friend, who got me into BJDs. (And who had been referred to, and converted, by another friend!) I actually first learned about them at Winnipeg's AiKon in... 2009? Maybe? But I didn't know what they were at the time. I also haven't been back to AiKon, so I don't know if they still have doll stuff. I kinda hope they do...

2. What do you do for an occupation? (And have bjds affected your career?)

My money-making job right now is as a security guard! And since I live at home, I'm able to put quite a bit into dolls at the moment. Call it a bit of freedom before I go back to college! Also, I have a bit of a dream that I'll some day be able to use my dolls as a historical project/display thing, since I'm technically a historian, I guess.

3. Do you own more or less than 13 dolls? (And is that a good thing?)

I own less - six, including those enroute. Funnily enough, my and my aforementioned friend's dolls add up to 13 right now! My dolls + wishlist only comes to 12, so less than 13 is... good?

4. Do you participate only on online doll communities, or do you also go to meetups, conventions?

Only online so far. The nearest meetups I know of are in Edmonton, which is seven hours away, and not very conducive to actually seeing people. I'm vaguely thinking of seeing if anyone wanted to get together at one of our province's cons this upcoming year. (There's one in Regina and one in Saskatoon, and I could make both of them easier than Edmonton.) Or if AiKon still has doll stuff, I'd try to find a way to go! But, if I'm being honest, I don't think there are enough collectors in our province to make it worth it...

5. Do you have friends or relatives that are into bjds?

My two best friends are, actually! And they're both DoA users, too.

6. What kind of dolls do you like the best? (A particular size, gender, style/type, brand?)

Gosh, I have to say boy YoSDs. I just want like a hundred of them. My favourite doll is a SpiritDoll Innocent.

7. How much of your life is about bjds? (Have bjds overshadowed your other hobbies?)

They haven't... so far. My other hobbies, especially book-related ones, still probably consume more time and maybe money. Unless we're counting abroad trips as a hobby? In which case those are... still probably less than the books let's be honest.

8. Do you have a particular doll-related interest? (Photography, sewing, customization, making dioramas, collecting props?) OR a particularly unusual doll interest?

I really like photography of dolls (and also landscapes and buildings!) so I try to work on that whenever possible. I also sew virtually all of my clothing because that's easier than buying or finding someone to commission. I'm also trying to work hard at that... I think the amount of background research I put into my dolls is a little unusual - especially since my sewing ability isn't actually good enough to reflect that research. I'm getting into props and dioramas recently, too!

9. Do you have favorites among your dolls or love them all equally?

Right now, Otakar (aforementioned Spiritdoll) is my favourite. We'll see if that changes when my grail boy gets here though.

10. How have bjds changed your life for the better?

I think so! At the very least, I can manage my impulsiveness a bit better. But not my bank account, that's for sure!

11. Characters: do they come first before the dolls, or after, or sometimes, or never?

Depends! Otakar, Hideyasu, and Nadya (and all the dolls on my wishlist) had characters before shelling. Dagny and Fuyu went through several drafts of wildly different characters/settings before I was happy with them. Vissarion was modelled around the fullset, though I created the character two years before buying the doll, so...

12. How much do you customize your dolls?

Again, depends! Mostly it's just the basics - faceups, eyes, wigs, clothing. But Nadya's going to be a hybrid (because I am cheap) and Boris is going to require some mods for facial scars. So not as much as some people, but more than others...

13. How many years have you been into BJDs, and how much longer do you think that will last?

Five years! And I'm really hoping it'll last as long as my dolls do.

 

1. Were you into bjds before joining DoA? (And where did you first learn about them?)
No, I joined DoA after receiving my first BJD as a gift! I learned about them after Knibitz got into them (we were into Pullips together).

2. What do you do for an occupation? (And have bjds affected your career?)
Currently, I am a lab technician at a biotech facility (but by degree, I'm a physicist) and no, it hasn't.

3. Do you own more or less than 13 dolls? (And is that a good thing?)
I own more than 13! It depends on how I feel at the time, most of the time, I feel pretty overwhelmed, but can't seem to downsize since I'm really attached to the OCs that have developed.

4. Do you participate only on online doll communities, or do you also go to meetups, conventions?
I do all three!

5. Do you have friends or relatives that are into bjds?
My sister used to be into the hobby but not anymore; I have a few local and online friends that are into BJDs.

6. What kind of dolls do you like the best? (A particular size, gender, style/type, brand?)
I love fantasy dolls in the MSD size, specifically Minifees! But I am also a lover of Luts Zuzu Delf line.

7. How much of your life is about bjds? (Have bjds overshadowed your other hobbies?)
BJDs have taken a step back a little since my daughter was born, I don't have as much free time, but BJDs are my main hobby.

8. Do you have a particular doll-related interest? (Photography, sewing, customization, making dioramas, collecting props?) OR a particularly unusual doll interest?
Dolls (in general, since it stemmed from my Pullip days) really got me into photography and sewing! Once I have my own house, I plan on building dioramas for my dolls so they can have their own special place.

9. Do you have favorites among your dolls or love them all equally?
I do have favorites, my main muse, Zephii & her two Corgis, Kairi & Zelda (who are modeled after my two real Corgis).

10. How have bjds changed your life for the better?
I think so, they allow me to be creative in my own way. (Only downfall I see is that it's a luxurious, expensive hobby)

11. Characters: do they come first before the dolls, or after, or sometimes, or never?
It's a mixture for me. Some already have characters before they arrive, while others develop when they arrive and there are even times where the character just spawns from another character that already exists.

12. How much do you customize your dolls?
I wish I could paint or make wigs/eyes, but I really can only sew!

13. How many years have you been into BJDs, and how much longer do you think that will last?
I got my first doll in 2008, but didn't really get into the hobby until 2010, so I'd say I've been in the hobby for 7 years as of this month! I stick with hobbies for a very long time, I don't see me leaving the hobby any time soon.

 

1. Were you into bjds before joining DoA? (And where did you first learn about them?)
I was for a short time before joining DoA. I first learned of them a VERY long time ago when my kids were babies. At that time, I could not afford them, and I forgot about them over the years until a good friend reminded me in early 2015. I started doll watching then and ordered my first doll (Granado Charles) that summer.

2. What do you do for an occupation? (And have bjds affected your career?)
I am a writer. My bjd's shell the characters I write about, so I do find it easier to find inspiration with them around!

3. Do you own more or less than 13 dolls? (And is that a good thing?)
More than 13! It's a good thing, though I am starting to run out of space. I'm expecting my limit will be around 30 or so, again, mostly due to the running out of space thing. I do plan to pause at 25 and work on 'finishing' the ones I have before shelling a few of the villains.

4. Do you participate only on online doll communities, or do you also go to meetups, conventions?
I love going to meet ups. I do not go to conventions.

5. Do you have friends or relatives that are into bjds?
Only the friends I've met at meet ups, and a couple of very good online friends.

6. What kind of dolls do you like the best? (A particular size, gender, style/type, brand?)
70cm, and I'm so glad I wasn't scared away by people saying they're too heavy or too big. They're perfect for me.

7. How much of your life is about bjds? (Have bjds overshadowed your other hobbies?)
Oh man, this is THE question huh... I don't log in my games much anymore. I'm too busy sewing, customizing, making wigs, etc... Which isn't really a bad thing. I also write a little more than I used to, which is a good thing!

8. Do you have a particular doll-related interest? (Photography, sewing, customization, making dioramas, collecting props?) OR a particularly unusual doll interest?
I've always liked photography, sewing and crafting. I wouldn't say they're specifically doll-related, but the dolls do give a direction.

9. Do you have favorites among your dolls or love them all equally?
I can't say I love them all equally, but I do love them all individually.

10. How have bjds changed your life for the better?
I've met some great people at meet ups, and the dolls themselves are a fun way to express myself artistically, as well as gain inspiration for writing.

11. Characters: do they come first before the dolls, or after, or sometimes, or never?
Generally the characters have existed long before the dolls. There have been two exceptions. There was one doll that was a free event head (Impldoll Martin) that I got and wasn't sure what I was going to do with, but it turns out he's perfect for one of the characters. Another time, I ordered a Dollshe Saint without having a character for him. I created a new character for him and wrote him in while waiting for the doll. I'm currently experiencing no-character angst over another sculpt, but I think I'll be able to resist for now.

12. How much do you customize your dolls?
I refuse to buy a doll with a face up as I prefer to do my own. I don't feel like it's my character unless I've done the customization. I like procrastinating when it comes to body blushing, but I do like their hands to be done, and if they have freckles on their bodies, then I do eventually get around to putting the freckles on their bodies. I have dyed four dolls, and intend to dye more in the future. There are three characters I'm going to have to go Dr Frankenstein on. Those three have horns, wings, claws, tails and talons, but I haven't found any single doll that fits what I'm looking for, so it's going to be all about putting parts together, making other parts, and modifying if need be.

13. How many years have you been into BJDs, and how much longer do you think that will last?
I'm two years in now. I still have my barbies from 25 years ago, so I expect I'll always have my bjd's as well.

 

1. Were you into bjds before joining DoA? (And where did you first learn about them?)
Yes! I honestly feel like I've been interested in bjds since I was in middle school. I have memories of scouring Iplehouse and Luts' websites and writing down every doll I wanted in a little Hello Kitty notebook ^^. I can't entirely remember where I first heard about them, but somehow I stumbled onto Iplehouse's website and fell in love with them all.

2. What do you do for an occupation? (And have bjds affected your career?)
I'm currently a student, so they haven't really affect much in that area.
3. Do you own more or less than 13 dolls? (And is that a good thing?)
I only own one at the moment, with two lovely heads on the way, so less. While it's not a bad thing, I'd certainly love to have some more~
4. Do you participate only on online doll communities, or do you also go to meetups, conventions?
Only online, at the moment, but I'd love to go to a meetup or a convention, though I'd definitely be a bit nervous. There's a couple conventions around where I plan to go to college, so I'm hoping I could attend those in the future!
5. Do you have friends or relatives that are into bjds?
Not really, unfortunately, but I am honestly dying to make some bjd friends. My dad is pretty interested in bjds though, lmao.
6. What kind of dolls do you like the best? (A particular size, gender, style/type, brand?)
Fantasy dolls. Any kind of fantasy dolls, whether they're vampires or elves or mermaids, have 3 eyes or 4 arms, I love them. I also really love dolls with unique body shapes, like Serenade Doll or Doll Chateau!
7. How much of your life is about bjds? (Have bjds overshadowed your other hobbies?)
I spend a lot of time (probably more than I'd like to admit) looking at dolls and doll clothes, props and eyes and all that jazz, continuously adding things to my endless wishlist.
8. Do you have a particular doll-related interest? (Photography, sewing, customization, making dioramas, collecting props?) OR a particularly unusual doll interest?
I really like photography and editing photos, especially because that's the most accessible doll hobby at the moment, but I'm dying to get into sewing. I don't know a single thing about sewing at all, but ever since I got my first doll all I've wanted to do is sew her clothes.
9. Do you have favorites among your dolls or love them all equally?
Well, I love my one girl, Eiria, to death, but I have a feeling when these heads come in I might fall head over heels for them. I don't know if I could truly pick a favorite, though.
10. How have bjds changed your life for the better?
Saving money. Holy crap. I'm honestly the type of person to kinda, spend money if I have some left over, unfortunately. With bjds, though, you can't doo that because of the the high price points, so when I really want a doll, it's a good incentive for me to chill out with the impulse buys.
11. Characters: do they come first before the dolls, or after, or sometimes, or never?
My first girl, Eiria, was an impulse buy, so I didn't really have any idea of who I wanted her to be. After a while of having her, getting her a faceup, I started building her character as well as the world I wanted to place my dolls in. Besides one exception, from then on I've made characters around sculpts I like and plan to get. They usually then become full-fledged OCs that I really work on, but they usually always start with me seeing a character in the sculpt and then building it to fit in their world. Sometimes it's a struggle, because I'll see a sculpt I really like but have no idea how to fit them into the world. At that point, their character would probably come to me later.
12. How much do you customize your dolls?
I love the idea of having a blank canvas to build off of, and I feel like it's kind of a bonding experience to customize and make stuff for your doll. However, the most I've done on my own is some body blushing, and I'm currently making a wig for my girl, since I probably wouldn't be very good at faceups and don't have a sewing machine for clothes.
13. How many years have you been into BJDs, and how much longer do you think that will last?
Oh, it's been a looong while, I'd probably say maybe 6 years? If little me browsing bjd websites counts, lol. I usually don't really drop hobbies once I've gotten interested in them, and considering I've already been in it for 6 years, I don't see myself leaving this hobby anytime soon

 

1. Were you into bjds before joining DoA? (And where did you first learn about them?)
Yes, I learned about it 3 years before joining in a goth forum and only entered on DoA when I got my first bjd.

2. What do you do for an occupation? (And have bjds affected your career?)
I'm an artist and writer. BJDs quickly become their own universe that I write and make art of.

3. Do you own more or less than 13 dolls? (And is that a good thing?)
I own 10 with a floating head. I don't consider good or bad, just that I want more.

4. Do you participate only on online doll communities, or do you also go to meetups, conventions?
Only online but maybe I would meetup with others if they lived closer.

5. Do you have friends or relatives that are into bjds?
One friend is a bjd collector and my mom really love them as well, but she collect other type of doll.

6. What kind of dolls do you like the best? (A particular size, gender, style/type, brand?)
I like 1/4 and smaller dolls, male and androdinous sculpts with fantasy traits, half closed eyes or really big round eyes. Love DZ, Souldoll and Withdoll tinies.

7. How much of your life is about bjds? (Have bjds overshadowed your other hobbies?)
Not much, they take more time when they arrive and I customize them. After they look pretty and make me smile, I will take some photos or pose them but that don't happen everyday.

8. Do you have a particular doll-related interest? (Photography, sewing, customization, making dioramas, collecting props?) OR a particularly unusual doll interest?
I like customization and learned to make eyes and wigs because of them. I do some miniatures for them as well but I don't think I can relate photography just on them because I need it for my career.

9. Do you have favorites among your dolls or love them all equally?
Ajit and Madaris are my favorites right now, because I'm love seeing their relationship grow. Is usually the last one to arrive or the ones I'm working more on the moment.

10. How have bjds changed your life for the better?
They helped me to learn priorities and wait for what truly moves and inspire me. Just because I like one sculpt as it get out that doesn't mean I will want it later after the excitement dies out, is worth to pay more for something you love than settle for something cheap just to have it, you also may love something cheap more than an expensive item. And just have fun, that is what matters.

11. Characters: do they come first before the dolls, or after, or sometimes, or never?
They come after the doll, because I get inspired by the sculpt and the customization process to see what character show itself.

12. How much do you customize your dolls?
The basic: face-up, eyes, wigs and clothes. I also have 2 hybrids but without mods. I will be doing minor and big mods on new characters, so I'm excited for it.

13. How many years have you been into BJDs, and how much longer do you think that will last?
It's been 10 years going to 11! I want it forever.

 

1. Were you into bjds before joining DoA? (And where did you first learn about them?)
No I wasn't but I've always flitted about the arts. I'm hard pressed to remember where I "learned" about them. I think it would be the familiar path of looking up random stuff up online, seeing a beautiful doll, and going from there.

2. What do you do for an occupation? (And have bjds affected your career?)
My dolls haven't affected by career but I'm glad through my career; I can afford my dolls. I work in the tech industry.

3. Do you own more or less than 13 dolls? (And is that a good thing?)
Yes. Not sure it's a good thing though. I only wanted 6 max. I actually envy smaller collections.

4. Do you participate only on online doll communities, or do you also go to meetups, conventions?
I participate in all when I can.

5. Do you have friends or relatives that are into bjds?
I met several people through DoA that I happily call my friends. I've enjoyed doing non dolly related things with them as well. My mom thinks my dolls are cool. One day I'd like to buy her one.

6. What kind of dolls do you like the best? (A particular size, gender, style/type, brand?)
I used to be all about the big boys, then a couple smaller dolls popped in, then girls, now I'm all over the place. I tend to prefer dolls that are on the realistic side. Brand is hard to peg, but I do tend to gravitate toward dolls that don't look quite perfect and have a bit of character.

7. How much of your life is about bjds? (Have bjds overshadowed your other hobbies?)
Maybe 15% at the moment. For a while my bjds overshadowed everything but now the hobby is in maintenance mode. I have a lot of hobbies and collections and switch focus often.

8. Do you have a particular doll-related interest? (Photography, sewing, customization, making dioramas, collecting props?) OR a particularly unusual doll interest?
I had big ambitions when I started. But the truth is that I'd rather work with customizers, find new artists, take photos, collect props and curate clothing.

9. Do you have favorites among your dolls or love them all equally?
In my mind, I love them all equally but I do have my favourites. There are different things that I love about each one.

10. How have bjds changed your life for the better?
They bring me an immense amount of joy. Just looking at my dolls brings me happiness.

11. Characters: do they come first before the dolls, or after, or sometimes, or never?
With my first doll, there was a character and that character spawned the other characters in my core group. I've written quite a bit about them. After my main 6, the rest of my dolls are more or less "just pretty." They all have personalities and back stories that may connect with other dolls but nothing as in-depth as my core group.

12. How much do you customize your dolls?
Face up, a couple have tattoos or body blush. 99% of the time I buy my dolls blank and then send them off to an artist. I only buy dolls if I like the way the artist made them, plus I'm not committed enough to want to learn how to carve and mod my dolls on my own.

13. How many years have you been into BJDs, and how much longer do you think that will last?
Since 2012. I think I'm in for the long haul. I transition through hobbies, so while my dolls may not be the number focus right now, I still enjoy them and will continue to collect when I find dolls I love.

 

1. Were you into bjds before joining DoA? (And where did you first learn about them?)
Yes. I came upon resin BJDs partly by chance. I was originally into the small vinyl Obitsus -- I was looking for an artist's pose model that I could also make clothes for, but I soon wanted something more realistic-looking. Iplehouse turned up in my searches, and the rest was history (ironically though, none of my current dolls are from Iple).

2. What do you do for an occupation? (And have bjds affected your career?)
I'm currently working freelance as an artist for board games. My dolls HAVE in fact been used to model both client works and personal portfolio art (samples include this and this).

3. Do you own more or less than 13 dolls? (And is that a good thing?)
I only have two on-topic dolls, and I'm quite happy with that. =)) I do think of possible sculpts for minor characters in their story, but at the moment I have no plans to shell them.

4. Do you participate only on online doll communities, or do you also go to meetups, conventions?
It's fortunate we have a local community in Manila, and I do join meetups when I can.

5. Do you have friends or relatives that are into bjds?
I didn't even know two of my coworkers in my previous job were into BJDs until I came across one of them listing some wigs for sale in a local forum!

6. What kind of dolls do you like the best? (A particular size, gender, style/type, brand?)
I am into the larger realistic SDs like Granado, Iplehouse, Impldoll, LLT, and Fantasia (back when they were still up and running, that is). I have no particular preference for a doll's gender, but I am partial to the "manly" men type when it comes to boys.

7. How much of your life is about bjds? (Have bjds overshadowed your other hobbies?)
Currently BJDs are pretty much my primary hobby, because there is so much customization involved. I handmake most of my crew's clothes, and it has provided little time for other hobbies. I still play video games and make personal art on the side every once in a while though, just to prevent hobby burnout.

8. Do you have a particular doll-related interest? (Photography, sewing, customization, making dioramas, collecting props?) OR a particularly unusual doll interest?
I like designing clothes! Turning them into actual clothes is another matter -- still learning and working on that! While I am very interested in photography, my skills there are close to nil compared to my digital illustrator capacity.

9. Do you have favorites among your dolls or love them all equally?
I only have two at the moment, and it would be unfair of me to still play favorites when it's just the two of them. XD

10. How have bjds changed your life for the better?
I've gotten to know new people who are just as passionate about the hobby, and for a freelancer who is pretty much work-from-home, that helps keep your sanity!

11. Characters: do they come first before the dolls, or after, or sometimes, or never?
I have a general idea of a character before I search for the sculpt, but most of their actual characterization happens when they arrive home and are subjected to all the customizing.

12. How much do you customize your dolls?
I am no modder or faceup artist, but I am quite specific with regards to how their faceups are supposed to look (and I inform the commissioned artist accordingly). Their eyes were custom made, and if I had my way, their hair (my boy's wig is an exception -- it looks so good on him that I'm not letting it go despite being secondhand). For their clothes, I definitely go all out and handsew like crazy.

13. How many years have you been into BJDs, and how much longer do you think that will last?
It's only been over a year, but I haven't lost steam yet. In fact, I think I'll be staying in this hobby for a long, long time because I've found a way to actually integrate it into my work.

 

1. Were you into bjds before joining DoA? (And where did you first learn about them?)
Yes and no, I had interest in the hobby and wanting to join it so I was into into it like, mentally ??
I first learn about them when I was a teen, I saw photo on DeviantArt but I didn't get in the hobby because I was even more poor than now, lol. (And my parents wouldn't order anything via the internet, so…)

2. What do you do for an occupation? (And have bjds affected your career?)
I'm a webdesigner, and I think BJD affected my career since I'm wondering if I won't quit in the future years for doing something that is into the hobby.

3. Do you own more or less than 13 dolls? (And is that a good thing?)
I have only two, I'm a big, big newbie !

4. Do you participate only on online doll communities, or do you also go to meetups, conventions?
I'm a member of a french community and I attended a little convention in my city few months ago.

5. Do you have friends or relatives that are into bjds?
I have two close friends into BJDs and that, of course, precipitate my end ! x)

6. What kind of dolls do you like the best? (A particular size, gender, style/type, brand?)
I'm not really sure because I can't have the pretension to know all already. But I really like some companies like Dollzone or Luts, and I really want an MDD one day because they're so freaking cute. I do not have preference for gender and as the size, I don't know for now since I have only a YOSD and a MSD.

7. How much of your life is about bjds? (Have bjds overshadowed your other hobbies?)
Since I'm in the beginning of it, not that much. I just play less of video games for crafting !

8. Do you have a particular doll-related interest? (Photography, sewing, customization, making dioramas, collecting props?) OR a particularly unusual doll interest?
Photography, sewing, and collecting props but that's so hard ! Is stalking other BJD on Instagram count ?

9. Do you have favorites among your dolls or love them all equally?
For now I really love my first doll more but the second one is in WIP mode so I'm not sure for the future.

10. How have bjds changed your life for the better?
I'm wondering. I don't know ! They bring my joy for sure.

11. Characters: do they come first before the dolls, or after, or sometimes, or never?
They come first, that's my number one motivation into this hobby ! I love to search for days the sculpt that will suit and how customizing it will help. That's fun !

12. How much do you customize your dolls?
Not a lot for now since I'm a newbie but I hope I could do all one day.

13. How many years have you been into BJDs, and how much longer do you think that will last?
It's only being six months lol but several years I think !

 

1. Were you into bjds before joining DoA? (And where did you first learn about them?)
Yes, I was. I actually learned about DoA after I got my first doll. I first learned about BJD's around 10 years ago from a classmate who owned a few and showed them off at school once. At that point I thought it was a bit weird for a guy to have dolls, but I really liked them

2. What do you do for an occupation? (And have bjds affected your career?)
Right now I'm still a student. Which means I don't have a lot to spend on my dollies. They haven't affected my career, but my classmates do think I'm a bit crazy when I show off my dolls or hype about a new one coming in!

3. Do you own more or less than 13 dolls? (And is that a good thing?)
I own less than 13 dolls (I have 2, 3rd is on the way!). I don't really think any amount is good or bad, but my boyfriend thinks it's good He doesn't really like my dolls, so he's glad we don't live in a dollhouse

4. Do you participate only on online doll communities, or do you also go to meetups, conventions?
I'm mostly online, as my country doesn't have a lot of meetups or conventions. But I'm willing to go to those!

5. Do you have friends or relatives that are into bjds?
Nope, I have a friend who ownes a BJD, but she doesn't really care about it, which is so sad!

6. What kind of dolls do you like the best? (A particular size, gender, style/type, brand?)
I mostly like MSD girls, but I recently fell in love with Iplehouse SD males, so I guess the slightly bigger dolls have my preference!

7. How much of your life is about bjds? (Have bjds overshadowed your other hobbies?)
BJD's aren't overshadowing my life. I have a lot of hobbies, and I can spend a lot of time looking up some things about BJD's, but I still make time for my other hobbies

8. Do you have a particular doll-related interest? (Photography, sewing, customization, making dioramas, collecting props?) OR a particularly unusual doll interest?
I'm really into sewing. I haven't really done it before, but I'm about to make my first dress

9. Do you have favorites among your dolls or love them all equally?
Right now I have a favorite, but I am giving my first doll a make-over and then we'll see

10. How have bjds changed your life for the better?
BJD's are basically a good way for me to vent. I used to get angry really easily, and throw stuff. Now that I have BJD's I don't. I'm a lot more protective of stuff and don't even get angry anymore!

11. Characters: do they come first before the dolls, or after, or sometimes, or never?
They usually come either after the doll or never. I can't really get a doll based on a character.

12. How much do you customize your dolls?
Not that much. They get new wigs, eyes, clothes. And sometimes a new face-up.

13. How many years have you been into BJDs, and how much longer do you think that will last?
I have been in the hobby for about 1,5 year, and I hope it'll last forever! I love these dolls

 

1. Were you into bjds before joining DoA? (And where did you first learn about them?)
I was! I'd known about them for a few years before I finally caved and bought one (thanks to the encouragement of a like-minded friend). I originally heard of them way back in my days on Gaia Online, but it wasn't until I'd become friends with this particular person (who I hilarious met through my other favourite hobby - cosplay) that I really started to get into them.

2. What do you do for an occupation? (And have bjds affected your career?)
Well I'm a qualified geologist, and a barista...the mining sector's been hit pretty hard and so I've had to be a little more creative with where I apply for a job. I'm more annoyed about the fact that I spent 5 years at university doing two degrees only to come out with...nothing. Have they affected my career? Sort of. I've started getting back into art and writing. It's something I've always loved. I was told as a kid that science pays better than art...but it's looking like it might be the other way around for me at the moment.

3. Do you own more or less than 13 dolls? (And is that a good thing?)
More. Much more! I love them. Working on them, taking photos, sewing, it's all relaxing to me. They've all become important characters in their own stories, and it's fun to have a 3D representation of that day's particular muse sitting with me as I write.

4. Do you participate only on online doll communities, or do you also go to meetups, conventions?
I am very active in both online and local groups. I helped host a market/meetup only last weekend in fact.

5. Do you have friends or relatives that are into bjds?
Family, no, but friends, definitely! It was a friend who really got me into the hobby, and as a result I've made so many more wonderful friends, both locally and overseas. It's really quite amazing.

6. What kind of dolls do you like the best? (A particular size, gender, style/type, brand?)
Big, buff, 70 cm guys! Absolutely love them. I do lean towards the more realistic looking ones, like DollShe and Granado, but I also adore smaller, more fantasy styled dolls.

7. How much of your life is about bjds? (Have bjds overshadowed your other hobbies?)
Not overshadowed, but seamlessly integrated. Bjds have become my testing ground for new craft techniques, sewing, jewellery making, even photography. They make for very patient models. Often these things then get turned into 1:1 scale an used for cosplay for myself. Not to mention the fact that writing their stories has helped improve my creative writing skills to a point where I'd be happy to actually get published. While I might not interact with my dolls every day, I am constantly thinking about what I can do next. What new things I can try, what can I make, how does this thing work, etc?

8. Do you have a particular doll-related interest? (Photography, sewing, customization, making dioramas, collecting props?) OR a particularly unusual doll interest?
I do a little bit of everything really. It's so much fun working on a doll until they look just they way you envisioned your character would look.

9. Do you have favorites among your dolls or love them all equally?
My big guys tend to be played with a lot more because I find them more comfortable to hold. That said, my little ones are usually the go-to when it comes to adventures and travel because they're far more conveniently sized and weigh much less.

10. How have bjds changed your life for the better?
I have met some simply amazing people through this hobby - people who have greatly helped me through some dark times toward the end of my thesis. The dolls themselves provide a welcome relief to come home to after work. They're characters who I can relate to and feel comfortable around in the physical absence of friends.

11. Characters: do they come first before the dolls, or after, or sometimes, or never?
Sometimes they come before, sometimes they come after. Most come before though. I don't think I could ever have a doll with no character. I enjoy creating them too much and just cannot resist.

12. How much do you customize your dolls?
Depends on the doll/character. Some get fancy face ups and extravagant clothing, others have default face ups and casual clothes. Almost all have scars or tattoos though. I'm currently working my way up to permanent mods, drilled ears, opened eyes, etc.

13. How many years have you been into BJDs, and how much longer do you think that will last?
I've been into bjds for almost four years now. I think this is something that will last me forever. It's such a good, all-round hobby for me and the characters that have come out of it are incredibly important to me. Not to mention the friends I've made.

 

Oh this seems like fun

1. Were you into bjds before joining DoA? (And where did you first learn about them?)
Yes! Once upon a time I saw my first BJD and thought it was GORGEOUS! But it was too expensive and I didn't know what I could use a doll for.. Fast forward to a convention for artists that I attended where a person showed me a Minifee that they brought! I was in looove! A month later I joined the danish bjd community and about a year after I joined DOA

2. What do you do for an occupation? (And have bjds affected your career?)
I am a seamstress and I would love to make clothing for bjds sometime in the future

3. Do you own more or less than 13 dolls? (And is that a good thing?)
I have less right now, if we only count full dolls and not floating heads.. I have a loooong wishlist so I would like to have more.

4. Do you participate only on online doll communities, or do you also go to meetups, conventions?
I am more active with meetups and conventions than online.. I am very much a lurker type in general.

5. Do you have friends or relatives that are into bjds?
Most of my friends and my partner is into bjds.

6. What kind of dolls do you like the best? (A particular size, gender, style/type, brand?)
Girls in MSD and SD size I love when dolls have small teeth poking out

7. How much of your life is about bjds? (Have bjds overshadowed your other hobbies?)
A lot! I have this thing where I will shift in my interests but bjds have always been an anchor point so to speak.

8. Do you have a particular doll-related interest? (Photography, sewing, customization, making dioramas, collecting props?) OR a particularly unusual doll interest?
I like sewing, posing, faceupping and modding.

9. Do you have favorites among your dolls or love them all equally?
Tough question.. I think that I have a favourite but it changes whom is my favourite..

10. How have bjds changed your life for the better?
I don't know..

11. Characters: do they come first before the dolls, or after, or sometimes, or never?
It depends.. Sometimes I see a doll and BAM a character is formed and I must have that doll.. But I can also buy a doll and let the character come to me slowly.

12. How much do you customize your dolls?
ALL OF IT! XD I must make my own faceups in order to bond with my doll and to make it mine

13. How many years have you been into BJDs, and how much longer do you think that will last?
Since 2009, so that is 8 years and I think I will be in it until the day I die I do not plan on having kids so I will not have that responsibility to distract me.

 

1. Were you into bjds before joining DoA? (And where did you first learn about them?)

They came at about the same time. discovered BJDs through the Ruthsdolls Sasha-Doll-Clothing website where I saw a an Angelregion doll listed on their second-hand-dolls sales page.

2. What do you do for an occupation? (And have bjds affected your career?)

Librarian/cataloguer

3. Do you own more or less than 13 dolls? (And is that a good thing?)

Yes and yes

4. Do you participate only on online doll communities, or do you also go to meetups, conventions?

Meets, conventions, and anything else I can

5. Do you have friends or relatives that are into bjds?

Friends

6. What kind of dolls do you like the best? (A particular size, gender, style/type, brand?)

SD size BJD's, Sasha dolls, Cloth dolls.

7. How much of your life is about bjds? (Have bjds overshadowed your other hobbies?)

Some - it's hard to quantify.

8. Do you have a particular doll-related interest? (Photography, sewing, customization, making dioramas, collecting props?) OR a particularly unusual doll interest?

Sewing, I suppose, but I sew lots of other stuff too including full sized costumes for historical reenactment and SF conventions.

9. Do you have favorites among your dolls or love them all equally?

Definate favourites.

10. How have bjds changed your life for the better?

They are the "dream-cdolls" I designed when I was nine (back in the 70's) and I've met some great friends through having them

11. Characters: do they come first before the dolls, or after, or sometimes, or never?

After, and gradually as I get to know the doll.

12. How much do you customize your dolls?

Depends on how much needs changing about them Mostly hybriding to ge the right body for the head.

13. How many years have you been into BJDs, and how much longer do you think that will last?

12 years or so. It will probably be a lifelong thing sinmce I designed BJD's as my cream dolls as a child

Teddy

 

1. Were you into bjds before joining DoA? (And where did you first learn about them?)
I was, I had my first doll for a month or so before I joined. I learned about them by seeing someone with one in person, who refused to tell me a thing about them, even what they were. I tried searching and finally came across an ad for Junky Spot in a magazine. I went from there to learn a little more about them, and then buy my first.

2. What do you do for an occupation? (And have bjds affected your career?)
I'm a graphic designer/artist and no, not my actual career.
They affect my free-time art by sucking up my free-time so I don't do it as much as I used to XD

3. Do you own more or less than 13 dolls? (And is that a good thing?)
Way more. Sometimes. Sometimes I would love to go back down to 13, but I don't think I could pick. I have too many favorites.

4. Do you participate only on online doll communities, or do you also go to meetups, conventions?
I love meetups and conventions. I'm social, I like to do the people thing. Plus, dolls!

5. Do you have friends or relatives that are into bjds?
Lots of friends. My mom has, like a toe in the hobby lol. I gave her a doll so she can do stuff, she just doesn't.

6. What kind of dolls do you like the best? (A particular size, gender, style/type, brand?)
Right now I'm into more realistic, larger males in the 70cm range, but that's fairly recent. I lean more toward male dolls, but pretty much all sizes. I do lean toward certain companies, but really it's about anything that catches my eye or fits characters I decide I need.

7. How much of your life is about bjds? (Have bjds overshadowed your other hobbies?)
My other two hobbies are art and comics, and they always overlapped. I got into comics partially because I liked to draw, and then because of comics I started drawing comics...Then I got into BJDs to bring my comic OCs to "life". Then I stopped collecting/reading comics because it was too expensive to do both....but that didn't last. I did do one thing before dolls that I stopped doing - crafting. My best friend and I used to make human crafts and sell at shows, and we eventually stopped and shifted to making and selling BJD stuff at conventions instead. But I actually consider this to be burnout more than BJDs actively affecting it. The only thing I miss from the indy craft scene is the friends I made, but I still see some of them every once in a while. And I have new/more friends made through BJDs so it's a nice balance.

So BJDs didn't really overshadow my other hobbies, they filled in the cracks. All of my hobbies merged into one giant amalgam of a hobby which I call my life. lol

8. Do you have a particular doll-related interest? (Photography, sewing, customization, making dioramas, collecting props?) OR a particularly unusual doll interest?
Customizing and styling. I wish I was better at photography, but I'm not. I like to collect props but I don't do much with them.

9. Do you have favorites among your dolls or love them all equally?
I've never loved them all equally, I have favorites. My current favorite is my Ringdoll K/Dollmore model/ hybrid. I get attached to character as much as, and more than the actual doll, and his character is my obsession right now, so he's the fav.

10. How have bjds changed your life for the better?
I met some of my best friends in the world right here, on DOA (and then in person at doll meets lol). It doesn't get better than that.

11. Characters: do they come first before the dolls, or after, or sometimes, or never?
Almost always before. Sometimes, but not often, after. Never never. lol
I have to have a character or the doll is just an empty shell and I lose interest.

12. How much do you customize your dolls?
A lot. I do faceups, mods, tattoos, scars...I make wigs or do their "hair". I hybrid them within an inch of their lives. I can't sew so I don't make clothes but I have a friend who does so I do her faceups and wigs and maintenance and she will make the clothes I need so I do get to design them that way. Customization is a massive part of why I'm in this hobby.

13. How many years have you been into BJDs, and how much longer do you think that will last?
9 1/2 years omg. And I hope it lasts forever? I have more than just money invested in this hobby. Like I mentioned above, it's more or less seamlessly integrated into my other hobbies, cutting it out would leave a huge hole. And I would really miss going to meets....

 

1. Were you into bjds before joining DoA? (And where did you first learn about them?)
No, I learned about them in 2007 through doll magazines and the web while I was recuperating from surgery.

2. What do you do for an occupation? (And have bjds affected your career?)
I am a fashion designer, they haven't so much affected my career so much as making me adapt techniques to their different sizes.

3. Do you own more or less than 13 dolls? (And is that a good thing?)
I own more unfortunately, sometimes I wish I had only one that I could exclusively concentrate on. Because I have around 20 I feel scattered and unfocused sometimes.

4. Do you participate only on online doll communities, or do you also go to meetups, conventions?
I used to go to meetups, I would love to go to a Volks event one day.

5. Do you have friends or relatives that are into bjds?
Not really, though I have met people through the hobby.

6. What kind of dolls do you like the best? (A particular size, gender, style/type, brand?)
That's a hard one. I guess my favorite ones are the tall lanky Dollshe boys, although I own every size.

7. How much of your life is about bjds? (Have bjds overshadowed your other hobbies?)
It depends on the moment. I can ignore them for months and then all of a sudden go back to them with renewed interest. Most of my other hobbies can be applied to bjds.

8. Do you have a particular doll-related interest? (Photography, sewing, customization, making dioramas, collecting props?) OR a particularly unusual doll interest?
I like to design clothes for them and photograph them.

9. Do you have favorites among your dolls or love them all equally?
My Dollshe Saint is my favorite, even more than my Bermann for some reason I bonded with him the most.

10. How have bjds changed your life for the better?
They have given me another creative outlet and their beautiful presence is a pleasure.

11. Characters: do they come first before the dolls, or after, or sometimes, or never?
They come after.

12. How much do you customize your dolls?
I'll sand them and blush them, but somehow never really get around for face-ups since I know good artists and can often trade my sewing services for their face-ups which would be better than mine anyways. I always toy with the idea of keeping one just for experiments of this sort but never get around to it.

13. How many years have you been into BJDs, and how much longer do you think that will last?
I got my first doll in 2007, my interest probably will last for a long time. Hobbies ebb and flow for me, I can stop one for a couple of years and then take it up again. I don't sell my dolls so they are always there. A lot of my other hobbies like sewing, knitting and photography complement the doll hobby anyways

 

1. Were you into bjds before joining DoA? (And where did you first learn about them?)
Yes, I got into BJDs a year before joining DoA. I found out about BJDs in highschool through multiple sources, one of them being Shoujo Beat magazine which had an article on them, and also through Kerli's 'Walking on Air' music video. I was already a doll and figurine collector so they immediately sparked my interest. I think Dream of Doll, Iplehouse, Luts and Buddy-doll were the first few companies I stumbled upon and I remember sitting in the computer lab on my spare class adding dolls and clothes into carts and looking at all the options together without actually buying anything.

2. What do you do for an occupation? (And have bjds affected your career?)
I recently just graduated from a Bachelor's program in Animation. I'm currently working retail until I find a job in my field and I do freelance illustration on the side. I wouldn't say that BJDs have affected my career, but I definitely pull inspiration from them in my artwork.

3. Do you own more or less than 13 dolls? (And is that a good thing?)
I own less than 13 dolls, I have two MSDs a Tiny and an SD floating head. I never planned on owning more than one doll, and I don't feel like I'd like to own a large collection. I get very attached to inanimate objects so if I don't pay attention to my dolls equally I feel bad and the more dolls I own the harder it is to focus on all of them.

4. Do you participate only on online doll communities, or do you also go to meetups, conventions?
I mostly go to Doll North since I've been going to Anime North since 2009. Since I'm usually in the artist alley I'm already at the convention so I swing by just to see whats happening. I'd like to go to more meetups but they usually happen when I have other stuff going on, plus I'm shy and I feel like I need someone to go with me so I have someone to talk to.

5. Do you have friends or relatives that are into bjds?
I have a few friends that are into bjds. I actually found out recently that a lot of people who were in my program collect them.

6. What kind of dolls do you like the best? (A particular size, gender, style/type, brand?)
I prefer MSD because they're easy to handle and less heavy compared to SD and have more customizeability compared to YOSD and Tinies. However, despite the fact I swore of SD size dolls because of their size, I'm kind of missing the amount of maturity in their sculpts that you don't really find in MSD size dolls, especially since the characters I have for my dolls are adults and are supposed to be very attractive and mature looking. So my opinion might change if I ever make the switch over to SD.

As for brand, I kind of love LUTS, they were the first doll company I ordered from, I have a Kid Delf and a Tiny Delf and an SD head and I used to own another Kid Delf that I plan on replacing. I love how sturdy they are, I love their aesthetic, I just love LUTS.

7. How much of your life is about bjds? (Have bjds overshadowed your other hobbies?)
So I'm also into cosplay and for a while my dolls took a backseat while I cosplayed. For the past year and a half I kind of set aside cosplay to focus on my dolls. Both hobbies are terribly expensive and I can't live in both communities and still afford to feed myself, pay bills and take care of my animals. So I kind of go back and forth between hobbies.

8. Do you have a particular doll-related interest? (Photography, sewing, customization, making dioramas, collecting props?) OR a particularly unusual doll interest?
I like doing faceups and while I cosplay I haven't really gotten into sewing for my dolls but I would like to. I also enjoy photography as well. I eventually would like to try wig making as well as customizing a space for my dolls, not necessarily a diorama but I don't want them to look like they're just sitting on a shelf I want them to have their own environment.

9. Do you have favorites among your dolls or love them all equally?
I try to love them all equally but my Fairyland Juri10 was a grail so I tend to spoil her. My Kid Delf is still naked, although it's hard to find fairy/elven clothing that suit his character and is readily available so that's my excuse.

10. How have bjds changed your life for the better?
They give my inspiration and get my creativity flowing when it comes to my art. Whenever I feel artist block or I don't feel the motivation to draw I pick up my dolls and sit them next to me at my desk and they make me feel creative.

11. Characters: do they come first before the dolls, or after, or sometimes, or never?
My first doll didn't have a character and I had the HARDEST time bonding with her. I loved her, but I just couldn't figure out what to do with her. She sat on my shelf naked for forever until I finally bought a pair of fairy wings and stuck them on her and decided that she was going to be a fairy. I created a whole character around her and my other two MSDs were bought to compliment her story. I've since sold her as I plan to re shell her but I don't think I would buy another doll unless I had a character made up first because I don't want to go through that again. The only exception would be if I find this fantastic limited edition doll that speaks to me and the character doesn't matter.

12. How much do you customize your dolls?
I've never done any mod work but all my dolls have custom faceup and their clothes are either commissioned or pieced together from people off etsy or something I've made myself. Other than wigs and shoes everything my dolls own were someones creation off etsy or their personal store.

13. How many years have you been into BJDs, and how much longer do you think that will last?
I got into ball jointed dolls in 2007-2008. I didn't get my first doll until 2011 though. I would like to think that it would last forever since there's always something you can do with them whether it be sewing or painting or photographing them. I feel like I'd eventually like to make my own someday so if anything that would keep my in the hobby longer, but you never know.

 

1. Were you into bjds before joining DoA? (And where did you first learn about them?)
Yes, I discovered bjds before I joined DoA. I was a lurker for a long time before I joined (good old days when the forum wasn't as big and there were no viewing restrictions.)
I first learned about bjds when I was searching for customizable 1:6 dolls; my bff collected Volks Dollfie, Azone and Obitsu dolls, I got interested in them and accidentally stumbled
upon Volks' Shirou Tachibana sales page (he was already sold out but the price listing made me do a double turn, as I thought he was a 1:6 Dollfie).


2. What do you do for an occupation? (And have bjds affected your career?)
I'm a graphic designer, bjds have not affected my career in anyway.


3. Do you own more or less than 13 dolls? (And is that a good thing?)
I own less than thirteen bjds but own eight floating heads and six complete bjds (I own way too many OT dolls though). I think it's a good thing; in the beginning I only wanted one
vampire boy, then I said no more than ten when I got my third one. So I think it's good that I don't own more than that (at least not complete bjd).


4. Do you participate only on online doll communities, or do you also go to meetups, conventions?
Barely participate on online communities, never participated in real life doll community or live events.


5. Do you have friends or relatives that are into bjds?
No, sadly. I have a few friends who have shown random signs of interest but never got any to actually pull the trigger.
All of my friends love dolls however, just none of them collect bjds.


6. What kind of dolls do you like the best? (A particular size, gender, style/type, brand?)
I like male bjd better, I think mainly because I have a ton of OT female dolls already and male dolls of other kinds tend to be really boring or cookie-cutter-looking (to me).
I love anime and classical art, so I don't really tend to go for one style more than another. I do prefer my mature males to be more realistic, but I love anime, so I wouldn't mind
more anime-looking bjd options. I do mind proportions however; I like well balance (more realistic/idealized) bodies, which sadly don't exist in any toy hobby, as of yet.

7. How much of your life is about bjds? (Have bjds overshadowed your other hobbies?)
Very little. I have too many other hobbies, a large family of fur-babies and not a lot of time.


8. Do you have a particular doll-related interest? (Photography, sewing, customization, making dioramas, collecting props?) OR a particularly unusual doll interest?
All of them, sadly I suck at all! Although that hasn't stopped me from trying most except maybe making dioramas and prop making. Lol! DX


9. Do you have favorites among your dolls or love them all equally?
Yes. I love my dolls equally for different reasons, but I do tend to favor my largest male.


10. How have bjds changed your life for the better?
No. I've always loved dolls, from the moment I was born (more than likely), these types of dolls are a bit easier to customize than others but I feel like they are just like most of the
other dolls I've always enjoyed collecting (a lot pricier but pretty much just dolls). So, these dolls haven't changed my life anymore or less than other dolls have (dolls in generally play an important
role in my life, but I don't feel these in particular were the cause -- I would say Barbie had the most impact as that is what I first got when I was a very young child).


11. Characters: do they come first before the dolls, or after, or sometimes, or never?
Character comes first for me, but if I like a sculpt I'll more than likely get it even if there is no character for it.


12. How much do you customize your dolls?
I do a lot of modifications on some, I am a bit obsessed with getting my doll's faces to look as close to the way I want them as possible. I paint their faces, for the most part. I randomly enjoy making wigs for them as well.
Very little anything else, as I already mentioned I suck at almost all aspects of the hobby; photography, sewing, making props, etc.


13. How many years have you been into BJDs, and how much longer do you think that will last?
I've liked bjds since 2003, but didn't get a hybrid doll until winter 2004, and a full resin one until 2005 - I joined DoA then (was a lurker for a long time, but not while it was still
a Yahoo! group).

 

1. Were you into bjds before joining DoA? (And where did you first learn about them?)

Sorta. I stumbled across some BJDs on DeviantArt and went digging around to learn more about what they were, then once I learned they were able to be customized I started searching for forums. The rest is history!

2. What do you do for an occupation? (And have bjds affected your career?)

When I started collecting BJDs I was a financial associate registered with FINRA but after the firm I worked for merged with a larger bank I changed careers. For the past six or so years I've worked as a freelance copywriter (which I love way more than the field of my degree).

Have BJDs affected my career? Yes and no. I certainly have less money because of them! *snort*

3. Do you own more or less than 13 dolls? (And is that a good thing?)

I own more than 13 dolls. IMO, there is no "magic number" and it's all based on preference. The more the merrier here!

4. Do you participate only on online doll communities, or do you also go to meetups, conventions?

I'm pretty much only involved here on DOA, on Instagram, and Tumblr. I'd love to attend meetups and cons but there aren't that many in my area.

5. Do you have relatives that are into bjds?

Relatives? Into... BJDs? *laughs*

No. Not at all.

6. What kind of dolls do you like the best? (A particular size, gender, style/type, brand?)

I am addicted to 1/4 scale. When it comes to brand, I love variety and rarely buy from the same artist/company twice.

7. How much of your life is about bjds? (Have bjds overshadowed your other hobbies?)

TBH I sold off my other hobbies to feed my BJD obsession and am 100% fine with that.

Does that answer your question?

8. Do you have a particular doll-related interest? (Photography, sewing, customization, making dioramas, collecting props?) OR a particularly unusual doll interest?

Photography, crafting props, dyeing dolls, and face-ups are my biggest doll-related interests. I also love collecting urethane eyes and colognes inspired by my characters' "signature scents."

9. Do you have favorites among your dolls or love them all equally?

Whew boy. I want to believe I love them all equally but... I don't. My Dolkot Day (Keith), Dollzone Jake (Eric), Doll Love Hugh (Felix), and Bobobie Ariel (Axl) are particularly spoiled.

10. How have bjds changed your life for the better?

BJDs allow me to express myself---my heart---in ways that I cannot do safely day-to-day, given the conservative area where I live. They have brought more joy to my life than I ever thought possible. They are, without a doubt, the best hobby a Mint like me could have ever asked to discover.

11. Characters: do they come first before the dolls, or after, or sometimes, or never?

Characters ALWAYS come first. I've passed up many a doll I loved simply because the sculpt wouldn't work for any of my preexisting characters. Sure, I could just make a new one... but I have enough OCs waiting for their turn to be "resin-ified" as is.

12. How much do you customize your dolls?

A LOT. Nine out of ten times I piece together a doll's outfit little by little (IE: I don't buy full sets), I design their face-ups, I dye and/or mod them myself (when necessary), style/cut/modify their wigs, make their jewelry, and infuse a part of my soul into each and every one.

13. How many years have you been into BJDs, and how much longer do you think that will last?

I've been actively in the hobby since 2009 so... eight years?

And I hope to be involved in the community for countless more---I rarely say forever, but hey, you get the point.

 

1. Were you into bjds before joining DoA? (And where did you first learn about them?)
I first heard about them in a Yahoo group for jointed vinyl fashion dolls. Then I saw them around here and there, and joined Our Silent Friends on Yahoo (hadn't heard about DoA yet). What really got me interested was the magazine cover with the three Volks boy dolls. I thought they were gorgeous, and there were so few good-looking male dolls in the fashion doll world. When Elfdoll first started selling in the US, I bought Soah and joined a Yahoo group for Elfdoll. There I heard about DoA, which by this time had moved to the forum. At the time you could be a guest, so I didn't officially join DoA until it changed to require registration. I've been living here ever since!

2. What do you do for an occupation? (And have bjds affected your career?)
I'm a print estimator. BJDs have not affected my career at all, except when I stay up too late doing Triathlon challenges. My company is a great source of shipping boxes, though!

3. Do you own more or less than 13 dolls? (And is that a good thing?)
Several times 13. I don't think it's necessarily a good thing. I often wish I had fewer dolls and more clothes/props/furniture.

4. Do you participate only on online doll communities, or do you also go to meetups, conventions?
I do go to conventions, and used to go to local meetups.

5. Do you have friends or relatives that are into bjds?
My relatives are not into them, although my sister is very good at finding BJD-related things for me to buy! Several friends are BJD collectors. Most of them live out of state, so we get together when we can, and stay in touch online the rest of the time.

6. What kind of dolls do you like the best? (A particular size, gender, style/type, brand?)
Human, usually between 60-70cm, slightly on the dolly side of realistic. I like male and female sculpts equally. I have a few cat anthro tinies.

7. How much of your life is about bjds? (Have bjds overshadowed your other hobbies?)
All my hobbies have been sucked into the BJD vortex-- painting, sewing, photography, storytelling.

8. Do you have a particular doll-related interest? (Photography, sewing, customization, making dioramas, collecting props?) OR a particularly unusual doll interest?
I have a love/hate relationship with sewing and painting faceups. I'd like to learn to make doll furniture.

9. Do you have favorites among your dolls or love them all equally?
There are three that I love that I'll never part with.

10. How have bjds changed your life for the better?
I have very good friends that I would never have met if not for BJDs.

11. Characters: do they come first before the dolls, or after, or sometimes, or never?
The sculpt comes first. The character develops later. Sometimes that happens right away, sometimes it takes a while.

12. How much do you customize your dolls?
Have Dremel, will travel!

13. How many years have you been into BJDs, and how much longer do you think that will last?
About 14 years. I don't see any reason for ever losing interest in the dolls themselves, although I might not participate in online communities as much as I do now.

 

1. Were you into bjds before joining DoA? (And where did you first learn about them?)
I got my first BJD about a year and a half before I joined DoA, and had admired them for a few years before that. I used to be into OOAK dolls, I repainted Barbies before I knew that was a thing, and I made ragdolls to make up for the lack of diversity in male dolls, so I accidentally found BJDs while searching eBay for OOAK male dolls.

2. What do you do for an occupation? (And have bjds affected your career?)
I'm mostly a housewife, but I work part-time at Spencer's. I used to be the store manager, and the paychecks were nice to buy dolls more regularly, but I enjoy working much less because it gives me time to work on and enjoy the dolls I already have.

3. Do you own more or less than 13 dolls? (And is that a good thing?)
I currently have 19 on topic BJDs and a few off topic. Ideally, I'd like to only have 13, or maybe less, but I can't decide who I'd want o part with, so it stands.

4. Do you participate only on online doll communities, or do you also go to meetups, conventions?
I try to go to local meets as often as possible, and I've been to STL BJDCon twice and hope to go back. I'd LOVE to make it to Doll North or Dolpa one day.

5. Do you have friends or relatives that are into bjds?
Yes! My sister got her first doll a week after I got mine. I also have friends in the hobby, but I met them through the hobby, so I'm not sure if that counts. :P

6. What kind of dolls do you like the best? (A particular size, gender, style/type, brand?)
I mostly prefer human dolls in the SD size range, from semi-realistic companies. My two favorite dolls are from Luts. I also really like tiny pets and fantasy dolls, especially Doll Chateau, Doll Factory, Aimerai and DollZone.

7. How much of your life is about bjds? (Have bjds overshadowed your other hobbies?)
Oddly enough, almost all of my hobbies can be incorporated into the doll hobby--sewing, writing, painting, photography, roleplay, miniatures, dioramas--so I guess you could say a lot of my life does revolve around dolls, but I also enjoy gaming, travel, roller coasters, ghost stories, mysteries and planets.

8. Do you have a particular doll-related interest? (Photography, sewing, customization, making dioramas, collecting props?) OR a particularly unusual doll interest?
I'm a sucker for collecting props, especially tiny foods.

9. Do you have favorites among your dolls or love them all equally?
Of course there are no favorites! How could you even ask that?? (Luc and Lakin are my favorites. Shhhh!)

10. How have bjds changed your life for the better?
I have met most of my closest friends through the hobby, either through local meets or role play. I have also improved in many or my artistic and creative skills because of the dolls, and when I'm upset or stressed out, just sitting alone with the dolls and taking photos or changing their clothes really lets me step away from reality for a bit.

11. Characters: do they come first before the dolls, or after, or sometimes, or never?
Character almost always comes first because I have to bond to the character to enjoy the doll. But sometimes...sometimes...I just can't resist a pretty/cool doll.

12. How much do you customize your dolls?
A lot. I've owned one fullset in my entire time in the hobby, and I didn't enjoy him until I redid his faceup and changed his clothes, eyes and wig. I like to make dolls fit my characters, so they all have custom faceups (all but one are by me), carefully choses eyes and wig, clothes to fit their characters, and I've even modded a few to be what I really want. About half are also hybrids.

13. How many years have you been into BJDs, and how much longer do you think that will last?
I've been interested BJDs for about 14 years, I think? I've owned my first since April 2, 2008, so almost 10 years of ownership. I don't see that changing any time soon.

 

1. Were you into BJDs before joining DoA? (And where did you first learn about them?)

Yes! For a bit, at least. A friend got me into them, and I was hooked almost immediately.

2. What do you do for an occupation? (And have BJDs affected your career?)

I'm currently working as an archaeological field tech! Dolls haven't really affected it, though my supervisor and field partner do like hearing about my current projects in the truck to sites.

3. Do you own more or less than 13 dolls? (And is that a good thing?)

Less! I currently have three whole dolls and two floating heads (not counting one I have on layaway and one that will be sold). I'd love to have more! But this is also a good number.

4. Do you participate only on online doll communities, or do you also go to meetups, conventions?

Currently I'm mostly online (and just DoA at that). I'd love to go to meetups and stuff, but I'd have to travel a bit and it doesn't really fit with my work schedule.

5. Do you have friends or relatives that are into BJDs?

Not really? My friends like hearing about it and seeing my progress with projects, but they're not really into it themselves. And that's fine with me!

6. What kind of dolls do you like the best? (A particular size, gender, style/type, brand?)

I have a lot of MSD boys, but I wouldn't say I like them best. So far, MSD boys have just happened to shell the characters I wanted! I have boys and girls (and neither) on my wishlist, and in all different sizes! I do love weird and quirky dolls, especially with sculpted in expressions and teeth.

7. How much of your life is about BJDs? (Have bjds overshadowed your other hobbies?)

BJDs are my biggest hobby, and I like it that way. It hasn't taken over my life or anything; most days I don't do much more than look at them and smile, but I do love taking them out for pictures and stuff whenever I can.

8. Do you have a particular doll-related interest? (Photography, sewing, customization, making dioramas, collecting props?) OR a particularly unusual doll interest?

I really like taking pictures! Also some crafting, especially leatherwork. I wanna try making props, but I haven't yet!

9. Do you have favorites among your dolls or love them all equally?

Hmm... This is hard. I love all my dolls for different reasons! Overall though, I'd probably have to say Ilya, because he's just so unique and cool and I love making stuff for him.

10. How have BJDs changed your life for the better?

Well, it helps keep me occupied, so that's good! And it just makes me happy, I really love it.

11. Characters: do they come first before the dolls, or after, or sometimes, or never?

Always! But when depends. Sometimes I shell a character, sometimes I see a doll I love and make a character for it. But I have to have the character basically done before I get the doll, I wouldn't buy something I don't have a character for.

12. How much do you customize your dolls?

As much as I can! I haven't done any modding though; the only modded doll I have was like that when I got it, and it's just an eye opening. I like having really amazing faceups and outfits, but I wanna try big mods soon!

13. How many years have you been into BJDs, and how much longer do you think that will last?

I've been into BJDs for about eight or nine years? But I had about a four or five year hiatus, so really it's more like four or five years all together. I'm excited for many, many more!

 

1. Were you into bjds before joining DoA? (And where did you first learn about them?)
Only a few months or so. I learned about bjd 5 years before I bought my first one. A swedish pen friend of mine intrudoced them to me. I was shown the Fairyland site and from time to time would go back to it, because I admired the dolls so much.
Took my a while to finally take the plunge and buy a BJD. It wasn't a Fairyland-doll though.

2. What do you do for an occupation? (And have bjds affected your career?)
I'm an English/German teacher in Japan. And no real affect, sometimes I talk with my older students about my dolls.

3. Do you own more or less than 13 dolls? (And is that a good thing?)
Less. One is at home and three are on there way. I think it is a good thing, as I live in a super tiny apartment and have no storage space anymore (゜〇゜)

4. Do you participate only on online doll communities, or do you also go to meetups, conventions?
So far only online, I'd love to go to a doll meeting, but there doesn't seem to be one close to me. If anyone has infos about the Japanese doll szene let me know.

5. Do you have friends or relatives that are into bjds?
Sadly no, but my mum show interest and sometimes asks about my doll. I usually ask her for advice, if I am unsure about buying. One of my friends as sometimes as well.

6. What kind of dolls do you like the best? (A particular size, gender, style/type, brand?)
I like MSD. Not to big not to small. I always admire Fairyland from afar and I think just recently I discovered LoonSoul for me :3 I also keeping my eye on the Granado MSD-boy.

7. How much of your life is about bjds? (Have bjds overshadowed your other hobbies?)
Right now I am a little bit in frenzy, but usually BJDs is a laid back hobby for me. I love Hollys company and from time to time I will play with her.
Though this might change with the new arrivals.
My main hobby is Cosplay and I belive it will stay that way, as my friends are mainly from there. I will squeeze in my dolls whenever I feel like it.

8. Do you have a particular doll-related interest? (Photography, sewing, customization, making dioramas, collecting props?) OR a particularly unusual doll interest?
Sewing it is for me! And sometimes working a little on my diorama. As I have no decent camera photos are not really an option, but that is ok too.

9. Do you have favorites among your dolls or love them all equally?
Well, Holly is my first and shall always have a special place in my heart.
For the new ones I am looking very much forward to JinChan Shine (σ≧▽≦)σ He is so cute in the pictures! I hope he will be equally cute in real life.

10. How have bjds changed your life for the better?
I am not sure they changed my life at all...not yet anyway.

11. Characters: do they come first before the dolls, or after, or sometimes, or never?
uuuuhm, a little bit before but i usually wait for the doll to arrive and let me tell her my character. For Holly, I had a rough Idea for her character but just recently I got a clear Idea what i want to do with her.

12. How much do you customize your dolls?
Besides the clothes not much. I lack the skill and also the motivation.

13. How many years have you been into BJDs, and how much longer do you think that will last?
I think I have Holly about 2 or 3 years now :3 and I think it will last!

 

1. Were you into bjds before joining DoA? (And where did you first learn about them?)
Yes, but only because I had to wait until the transition to the new server was done before I could join. (I first learned about bjds through a couple of online friends, one of whom asked me to make things for their bjds.)


2. What do you do for an occupation? (And have bjds affected your career?)
I own a small crafting business. (some of the items I make and sell are for bjds, so yes in some ways)

3. Do you own more or less than 13 dolls? (And is that a good thing?)
I own two full dolls and one head currently. (and in my case that is a good thing both in terms of space and finances)

4. Do you participate only on online doll communities, or do you also go to meetups, conventions?
Only online at this point as the closest doll conventions and meetups are just a bit further away than I want to travel.

5. Do you have friends or relatives that are into bjds?
Yes, a couple of online friends, and I got my sister into bjds as well.

6. What kind of dolls do you like the best? (A particular size, gender, style/type, brand?)
I seem to be gravitating toward dolls that are 60cm or larger, and the majority of my planned collection will be male.

7. How much of your life is about bjds? (Have bjds overshadowed your other hobbies?)
Um not a huge amount I guess in terms of my life overall. But I would say that bjds pretty much get equal time as all my other hobbies.


8. Do you have a particular doll-related interest? (Photography, sewing, customization, making dioramas, collecting props?) OR a particularly unusual doll interest?
I mostly enjoy the sewing and photography aspects of the hobby. I would love to be able to make dioramas and collect more/larger props but right now at least don't have the space for them.

9. Do you have favorites among your dolls or love them all equally?
I don't really have a favorite among the dolls I currently own, but once I get one of the dolls on my wishlist I probably will since I'm planning to turn him into a character doll of my all time favorite anime character.

10. How have bjds changed your life for the better?
I guess that it's given me another thing to talk with my friends and family about. (and another hobby to add to my list of hobbies, lol) Apart from that though I'm not sure that they've necessarily changed my life for the better (or for the worse) though they are something I do enjoy.

11. Characters: do they come first before the dolls, or after, or sometimes, or never?
To get on my wishlist/purchased I have to have a character in mind for the doll. However two of my dolls have characters that I made up after seeing the doll on the company website, rather than searching out a doll to match a character I already had in mind.

12. How much do you customize your dolls?
Not as much as some people since I'm not very good at things like faceups or modding but I do pick out wigs and eyes for them, and will probably end up sending out at least a few of my planned dolls for custom faceups at some point in the future.

13. How many years have you been into BJDs, and how much longer do you think that will last?
I've been into bjds since 2015, and at this point in time don't really have plans to not be 'into them'.

 

1. Were you into bjds before joining DoA? (And where did you first learn about them?)

I first saw one on eBay while looking for an "elf figure" for one of my D&D characters . It was a Luts Naniru head with custom elf ears. Doing a bit of research led me to the DoA and addition that has lasted over ten years.

2. What do you do for an occupation? (And have bjds affected your career?)

I cannot say much about my job online, but it is great work for a great company. BJDs have not affected my job (other than the occasional time off request for meets).

3. Do you own more or less than 13 dolls? (And is that a good thing?)

More.... and I am not certain when that happened. Someone asked how many I had and I started counting them off on my fingers and I ran out of fingers before I was done.

4. Do you participate only on online doll communities, or do you also go to meetups, conventions?

I am on several forums and Facebook groups and I have been to both large and small meetups. I would love to go to a convention, but a multitude of factors keep me from traveling very far.

5. Do you have friends or relatives that are into bjds?

Yes, I have a few friends that are into the hobby, and my husband has one doll (though he says it is his most expensive action figure).

6. What kind of dolls do you like the best? (A particular size, gender, style/type, brand?)

The older CP/Luts Delfs. I love the faces and the simple jointing.

7. How much of your life is about bjds? (Have bjds overshadowed your other hobbies?)

Aside from the occasional table tope RP session, BJDs are my primary hobby, even if I do not do much with them. I like window shopping and lurking on the various forms and groups.

8. Do you have a particular doll-related interest? (Photography, sewing, customization, making dioramas, collecting props?) OR a particularly unusual doll interest?

Does the constant hunt for the next one count?

9. Do you have favorites among your dolls or love them all equally?

I do tend to give the girls way more love....

10. How have bjds changed your life for the better?

I met @Pandy !

11. Characters: do they come first before the dolls, or after, or sometimes, or never?

Yes.

12. How much do you customize your dolls?

Until recently, not much. I had only had two dolls modded (eye openings), but recently I sent a doll out for a full dye job and very unique faceup.

13. How many years have you been into BJDs, and how much longer do you think that will last?

Over ten years. I do not see me wanting to get out of the hobby at any point.

 

1. Were you into bjds before joining DoA? (And where did you first learn about them?)
Not really. I saw my first BJD on someone's Livejournal, looked up Volks, saw the price, and quickly closed the browser window. Some time passed and late one night I suddenly remember these cool dolls (but didn't remember the price) and looked them up again. This time I delved further into it, found DoA, found a Soom Xmas sale, and ordered my first doll because I liked her faceup. I made all the newbie mistakes, but I still have her all these years later so there's that.

2. What do you do for an occupation? (And have bjds affected your career?)
I harvest souls in a suburb of Hades known as Phoenix. The only connection between my job and dolls is I use any promotion as justification for a new doll.

3. Do you own more or less than 13 dolls? (And is that a good thing?)
My 13th doll should arrive late August. I feel like I'm at my cap, but I also know if/when I move into a bigger place that cap will increase.

4. Do you participate only on online doll communities, or do you also go to meetups, conventions?
Online only, and that just barely. I did a meetup once but didn't talk to a single soul because I was super nervous and shy.

5. Do you have friends or relatives that are into bjds?
I have converted one friend into a BJD owner.

6. What kind of dolls do you like the best? (A particular size, gender, style/type, brand?)
I find I'm partial to 60-65 cm dolls mostly, and I don't think I really have a gender preference. I just like pretty.

7. How much of your life is about bjds? (Have bjds overshadowed your other hobbies?)
I think with all my hobbies/interests I have phases where I will be intensely into it and then put it on a back burner for a while.

8. Do you have a particular doll-related interest? (Photography, sewing, customization, making dioramas, collecting props?) OR a particularly unusual doll interest?
I love taking pictures...well, I love looking at the pictures, taking them can be frustrating at the time lol. I've recently gotten into making photo books, mostly because I got free book codes, but still. Fun times. I keep trying to learn faceups but I'm too impatient to stick with it.

9. Do you have favorites among your dolls or love them all equally?
I think my favorite rotates. That's a lie. It's totally my YoSD Lin, Anna.

10. How have bjds changed your life for the better?
Yup!

11. Characters: do they come first before the dolls, or after, or sometimes, or never?
Eeeh...Mostly before, although some of my later dolls' characters are very bare-boned compared to earlier purchases.

12. How much do you customize your dolls?
So far just the basics: eyes, hair, usually faceup. I'm quite boring.

13. How many years have you been into BJDs, and how much longer do you think that will last?
It's been 10½ years so far. Considering I've been a Hanson fan for 20 years, I think I have the wherewithal to collect these dolls for decades too.

 

1. Were you into bjds before joining DoA? (And where did you first learn about them?)

Yes, for a few years. I learned about them by accident on a google search for a "Snow White doll".

2. What do you do for an occupation? (And have bjds affected your career?)

I became disabled in 2012 from a chronic illness. It sucks.

3. Do you own more or less than 13 dolls? (And is that a good thing?)

No, and probably for me it is.

4. Do you participate only on online doll communities, or do you also go to meetups, conventions?

I like to go to meet ups when I can, though I don't go very often anymore because of my illness and the challenges of getting around. Thank goodness for online communities.

5. Do you have friends or relatives that are into bjds?

I have made at least one very good friend through bjds.

6. What kind of dolls do you like the best? (A particular size, gender, style/type, brand?)

I have kept my collection so far to 70cm and 1/3 scale sized dolls, although if get another, it might be an msd. The girls out number the boys, but that wasn't really a conscious choice. I guess "vaguely 19th century" would somewhat describe my dolls' style.

7. How much of your life is about bjds? (Have bjds overshadowed your other hobbies?)

Bjds used to take up a much more considerable portion of my life because they were my only hobby. However, at a certain point, I wanted to make things for my dolls, and that sent me into trying to learn a number of other skills.

8. Do you have a particular doll-related interest? (Photography, sewing, customization, making dioramas, collecting props?) OR a particularly unusual doll interest?

Yes. Sewing, sculpting, make up. All things I never would have seen myself doing otherwise.

9. Do you have favorites among your dolls or love them all equally?

Alas, I want to love them all equally (and I try), but there is a favourite.

10. How have bjds changed your life for the better?

I never had a hobby before bjds. It was amazing to find a community of creative people to engage with. I came to bjds for the dolls, I stay for the people.

11. Characters: do they come first before the dolls, or after, or sometimes, or never?

Characters usually come after the dolls. I might like a sculpt because it reminds me an OC, but once the doll arrives, they are their own character.

12. How much do you customize your dolls?

It depends on the doll. Some of them are only blushed and face-uped by me. Others are hybrids I researched to find a good fit. One of them, I am currently trying to do serious modding on.

13. How many years have you been into BJDs, and how much longer do you think that will last?

Nine years. Who knows? I'm out of the obsession period, but still engaged for now.

 

1. Were you into bjds before joining DoA? (And where did you first learn about them?)
Yes, I found out about them at DragonCon. I was between panels near the Tolkien Track area, resting, & a little group of Goth Lolitas settled the next couch grouping over, pulled out violin & coffin cases & pulled out their dolls. OMG so beautiful! It was 2006 or 2007 - Luts, D.O.D., Volks. I'm sure one girl had a Ducan. Then I saw a booth selling doll shoes, checked the price, realized that the price for the DOLLS had to be prohibitive, & stopped myself from checking them out more until several years later when I had access to some money. I joined DOA not long after, before I actually got my first doll.

2. What do you do for an occupation? (And have bjds affected your career?)
I'm retired US Navy/government. So they kind of ARE my current 'career' LOL

3. Do you own more or less than 13 dolls? (And is that a good thing?)
Oh, lots more! Great thing! I've nearly completed my list of characters needing to be shelled!

4. Do you participate only on online doll communities, or do you also go to meetups, conventions?
I've been a geek girl my whole life, so of course incorporated all things BJD into that. Online, local meetups, conventions! All of it!

5. Do you have friends or relatives that are into bjds?
I really tried to get my daughter into them, since she's an artist & I wanted her to do face-ups LOL She has one & no interest in painting them. My family think they are rather cool tho. I've a friend who had a BJD, which I found out after I started buying them. Plus I've lots of friends now from being in the hobby

6. What kind of dolls do you like the best? (A particular size, gender, style/type, brand?)
I like realistic dolls, which is why I like BJDs in the first place. My dollie world is 1:3 scale, so the kids are tinies, w/older kids & middle schoolers being MSD & late teens/adults being SDs. I have males & females, but it was the gorgeous guys that really drew me in - since they are so rare among other dolls (except for action figures).

7. How much of your life is about bjds? (Have bjds overshadowed your other hobbies?)
Not overshadowed - almost all my other interests can be expressed w/BJDs. I'm a costumer & cosplayer, & so my dolls are of course cosplayers LOL I write, I'm a photographer, I've loved collecting little things all my life, so that all fits in perfectly with BJDs. The only 2 things that really don't are my beledi dancing & singing - so of course my dolls are dancers & singers (some of them) LOL

8. Do you have a particular doll-related interest? (Photography, sewing, customization, making dioramas, collecting props?) OR a particularly unusual doll interest?
All the above.... My dolls are a group of cosplayers I make photo books of my little group.

9. Do you have favorites among your dolls or love them all equally?
My Iplehouse Bichun, Renji, is my fav. Slightly.

10. How have bjds changed your life for the better?
Well, it's given me focus in retirement (although I started collecting before I retired). I've met tons of great people as well!

11. Characters: do they come first before the dolls, or after, or sometimes, or never?
Oh, when I first decided to get dolls, I spent weeks researching & deciding what I was going to do with them. I read a bunch of photo stories & had made up the background story for all the dolls, created Crosston Creek (the little town near Atlanta, GA they all live in), knew it would be cosplayers & basically the alternative community in the town - all before I ever ordered a doll. I then spent lots of time picking sculpts (mainly of dolls that could cosplay various Bleach or Gintama characters LOL) while I was waiting on layaways for the first 3 dolls :d My character list is pretty much the same as it was then - only expanded somewhat. My choice of sculpt to shell my characters changed with research, new dolls coming out & availability on the MP, but I've only changed characters with 2 of my dolls (I switched them w/each other because after I got them I realized each would work better as the other character LOL). Note: Each of my dolls represents a resident of Crosston Creek, NOT the characters they like to cosplay!

12. How much do you customize your dolls?
I can't even put on make-up evenly so I can't do face-ups. But I do pay attention to them. Often the company face up is fine - & IH is so great since it offers different ones. Sometimes I ask the company for a custom job & there are some that I send to face-up artists for custom work. I've also got some hybrids, when I think I need certain bodies for a sculpt that are different than their own. I of course change eyes (some have cosplay eyes AND their own LOL) & all of them have quite the wardrobe, for cosplay & everyday. Lots of wigs as well.

13. How many years have you been into BJDs, and how much longer do you think that will last?
A little over 6 years since I got my first BJD. I've loved dolls & little things my whole life, and have been a geek pretty much that long (original Star Trek fan here - still a Trekkie). So for the rest of my life!

 

1. Were you into bjds before joining DoA? (And where did you first learn about them?)
Only by a few months. I first learned about them from a Hobby Japan article back in the late '90s, but had put them in the "that's neat but not for me" file because they were just the original Volks girls. A few years later I was playing around with Dollfies and got some of the Volks News flyers in an order, and Isao and Tohya wrecked it for me. XD A friend on a now-defunct fashion-doll told me how tricky it was to get them, I discovered DoA through a Haute Doll article shortly after that, and very shortly after that I joined.

2. What do you do for an occupation? (And have bjds affected your career?)
At the moment I'm a full-time parent who is trying to transition my kid from home-schooling to public high school. I've been doing odd jobs and stuff to earn doll money, and I hope to be substitute-teaching later this year and full-time teaching next year. I can't say that BJDs have affected my career, but they have helped the fun money fund. ^^;

3. Do you own more or less than 13 dolls? (And is that a good thing?)
Many, many more than 13 at this point. XD I think it's a good thing, because I do enjoy them.

4. Do you participate only on online doll communities, or do you also go to meetups, conventions?
I'm sort of in the middle of nowhere right now, so I'm almost exclusively online now.

5. Do you have friends or relatives that are into bjds?
Oh yes. My brother and son both have BJDs, and most of my friends at this point are BJD people.

6. What kind of dolls do you like the best? (A particular size, gender, style/type, brand?)
I like SDs the best in the 55-65cm range. I like a sort of stylized realism, not too anime and not too real. I have an admitted fondness for Volks, Dollmore, and Souldoll.

7. How much of your life is about bjds? (Have bjds overshadowed your other hobbies?)
Dolls were always my primary hobby, so they have become the focus of my doll collection.

8. Do you have a particular doll-related interest? (Photography, sewing, customization, making dioramas, collecting props?) OR a particularly unusual doll interest?
I do have a love for doll-scale knitting. I like people-sized knitting, but doll-knitting is the very best in my book. I really love making doll props too.

9. Do you have favorites among your dolls or love them all equally?
I have favorites! Unidoll Jace is my favorite head sculpt, Souldoll Giselle is my favorite girl, Volks Link is my all-around favorite "go-places" doll, Batchix Lagoon is my favorite mini, AprilStory Minngu is my favorite tiny, and my Illusion Spirit-DF-H hybrids are two of my favorite to photograph and pose. I suppose all of them would be my favorites in one category or another, or else I wouldn't have them!

10. How have bjds changed your life for the better?
They've given me a creative and social outlet through a very difficult time period in my life, and have been a tremendous comfort when things have gotten hard or tricky.

11. Characters: do they come first before the dolls, or after, or sometimes, or never?
All of the above? XD I have dolls that fit into all of those categories.

12. How much do you customize your dolls?
It varies. I usually do my own face-ups and frequently enhance ones that come with factory face-ups. I like to separate fingers and toes, though a few dolls have had nose-jobs, eye-openings, one has had his cheeks sanded, and in the case of my Souldoll Giselle, a breast reduction. If hybrids count, then I have several of those.

13. How many years have you been into BJDs, and how much longer do you think that will last?
I've been into BJDs for 12 years at this point, and I don't see that changing, really. I've been into dolls since I was a small child, and BJDs are sort of the ultimate dream doll for me--the posability, customization, size, variety of sculpts and bodies, etc., are everything I ever wanted in a doll.

 

1. Were you into bjds before joining DoA? (And where did you first learn about them?)
Yes. I first learned of BJD in 2005, got my first doll and officially joined the hobby in 2009 and wasn't able to join DoA until 2012.

2. What do you do for an occupation? (And have bjds affected your career?)
I'm a lawyer. BJDs have not affected my career. There's really not much intersection between my work and this particular hobby.

3. Do you own more or less than 13 dolls? (And is that a good thing?)
I own more than 13 dolls. Sometimes I think that's a good thing and sometimes not.

4. Do you participate only on online doll communities, or do you also go to meetups, conventions?
I participate in both, although there aren't many in-person opportunities where I live.

5. Do you have friends or relatives that are into bjds?
I don't have any relatives that are into BJD. I do have friends in the hobby though.

6. What kind of dolls do you like the best? (A particular size, gender, style/type, brand?)
I prefer large dolls, although I do have some small ones. I prefer realistic sculpts and I have a decided preference for males.

7. How much of your life is about bjds? (Have bjds overshadowed your other hobbies?)
No, BJDs have not overshadowed my other hobbies. I was really afraid they would at one point, especially with my main hobby which is photography. BJDs have actually damaged my credibility as a serious amateur photographer, and I deeply regret that. Otherwise, my life is taken up very little by BJDs and my other hobbies have remained intact. I won't deny that BJDs have had a more important role in my life in the past than they do now, but I've come to realize that, for me, it wasn't a good or mentally healthy situation.

8. Do you have a particular doll-related interest? (Photography, sewing, customization, making dioramas, collecting props?) OR a particularly unusual doll interest?
I would say photography is my particular doll-related interest, but more because of the photography than because of the dolls.

9. Do you have favorites among your dolls or love them all equally?
I definitely have favourites. Each of my favourites is different for different reasons, though.

10. How have bjds changed your life for the better?
They haven't, really. In fact, in some ways they've changed it for the worse.

11. Characters: do they come first before the dolls, or after, or sometimes, or never?
All my dolls are just avatars of my original characters. Some of the characters existed literally decades before I even discovered BJD, and those characters would continue to exist regardless of whether or not there was a doll. I really don't think of my dolls as characters themselves. I see them more as a three-dimensional snapshot, representing a character at a specific point in time. My characters are dynamic and cannot adequately be represented by something as static as a doll.

12. How much do you customize your dolls?
It really depends on the doll. Some of mine are customized quite a lot while others aren't.

13. How many years have you been into BJDs, and how much longer do you think that will last?
I've been "into" BJD since 2005, so about 12 years? If we're talking about how long I've actually been in the hobby, it's 8 years. I think I'll always have some interest in BJD, as I've had a lifelong interest in dolls in general, but I find myself being less and less "into" BJD as time goes on, and I can't see myself being as active in the hobby in future as I have been in the past.

 

1. Were you into bjds before joining DoA? (And where did you first learn about them?)
I started the hobby after joining DoA for quite some time. I first learnt about them around 10 years ago, when I saw DOD Ducan while scrolling through google images but didn't try to find out the hobby. I just think he looks very expensive and tried to forget the handsome boy.

2. What do you do for an occupation? (And have bjds affected your career?)
Currently an unemployed leech at home XD I started this hobby right before I quit so finances are tight and I can't buy much for my boys.

3. Do you own more or less than 13 dolls? (And is that a good thing?)
I only have 2 full dolls right now, aiming to get more different sized bodies and many more floating heads but I don't have the money and space so I guess that's a good thing.

4. Do you participate only on online doll communities, or do you also go to meetups, conventions?
There aren't much doll events here in Singapore and I'm still new to the hobby so I have not gone to any doll conventions here yet.

5. Do you have friends or relatives that are into bjds?
Nope. So lonely... haha

6. What kind of dolls do you like the best? (A particular size, gender, style/type, brand?)
I like the boys only and especially the more korean looking sculpts. I'm more concerned about proportions than size, I only like the grown boys as compared to msd and babies.

7. How much of your life is about bjds? (Have bjds overshadowed your other hobbies?)
I have another anime figure collecting hobby but I have reduced a lot of spending there due to bjd and also unemployment. My new bjd hobby has also made me realise that I bought a lot of figures that I don't really love.

8. Do you have a particular doll-related interest? (Photography, sewing, customization, making dioramas, collecting props?) OR a particularly unusual doll interest?
Photography and sewing but I suck at both lol

9. Do you have favorites among your dolls or love them all equally?
I tend to play with my first full doll more even thought another floating head arrived first.

10. How have bjds changed your life for the better?
Yes mentally but no financially haha. But it's one of my dreams to own a doll so I went for it and I'm really happy I did.

11. Characters: do they come first before the dolls, or after, or sometimes, or never?
After, sometimes or never, I'm bad at coming up with characters. But I enjoy coming up with names for them.

12. How much do you customize your dolls?
Quite minimal. I can only do simple faceups because the doll company's not offering the service so I got no choice but to do it myself. From wigs to shoes are all bought from stores.

13. How many years have you been into BJDs, and how much longer do you think that will last?
Only 3 months for me. I hope it lasts as long as I have the ability to afford.

 

1. Were you into bjds before joining DoA? (And where did you first learn about them?)
Yes I was. I first found BJDs back in college somewhere between 06 and 10. I think I was mostly looking at SOOM. I mainly remember this version of Sabik in ancient Chinese dress that I wanted like no one's business. I was still a massive anime nerd and loved how these male dolls looked like anime bishies brought to life. But being a broke college student living with parents I was never going to be able to afford a doll. I stopped looking at the sites and forgot about them for years until early this year.
I honestly cant remember how I noticed BJDs again but I somehow ended up on Mint on Card giving Lan Ling a good hard look. And from there it was just a matter of time. I'm independent and have some money, if not much to spend on these guys.

2. What do you do for an occupation? (And have bjds affected your career?)
I am a call center rep for Wells Fargo. Not the regular phone bank thank the gods but I handle 401ks. My hobbies have never affected my career, including this one. A few co-workers know I'm into dolls and maybe they think its a little weird but they don't really care for the most part. I already have a plethora of figures in my cubicle so they may figure it makes sense.

3. Do you own more or less than 13 dolls? (And is that a good thing?)
Less, and really only have plans for four, maybe five. Its a good thing in so far as me still having money. If my finances were unlimited you bet your ass I'd have at least twenty.

4. Do you participate only on online doll communities, or do you also go to meetups, conventions?
I would like to go to meetups but so far there have been none close enough. The soonest I may get to one will likely be Anime Detour next year. Unless a Twin Cities meetup happens before then.

5. Do you have friends or relatives that are into bjds?
No not yet. I may be able to convert a friend of mine in Texas though. I'm going to visit next year and I will be bringing Orsino along. She's already drooling over him even though he's still headless (he will have a head by the time I visit) and we have plans to do photo shoots with him while I'm there.

6. What kind of dolls do you like the best? (A particular size, gender, style/type, brand?)
I love male dolls, and so far I'm not terribly picky about maker. I suppose I'd have to find a very bad one. I may sour on Miro doll as I get other makers like Granado and Loongsoul. Orsino's Spiritdoll body already outstrips Falhen's Miro. But Falhen is my first doll and he will always be special because of that.

7. How much of your life is about bjds? (Have bjds overshadowed your other hobbies?)
No, I'm still a gamer and they actually mesh well with my crafting and sewing interests. Bjds slot nicely into all my creative pursuits, even writing. Falhen and Orsino have a huge backstory I need to hammer out someday. They are really muses to me.

8. Do you have a particular doll-related interest? (Photography, sewing, customization, making dioramas, collecting props?) OR a particularly unusual doll interest?
Everything you mentioned above, I can't think of any other doll related interest I have. So nothing terribly unusual I guess.

9. Do you have favorites among your dolls or love them all equally?
So far Orsino is a huge fav. He will have his official outfit and props long before Falhen. I made a wire frame for his staff last night and will sculpt clay around it this weekend.

10. How have bjds changed your life for the better?
They keep my creative juices flowing and keep me happy at work. Always a bonus when you work in customer service.

11. Characters: do they come first before the dolls, or after, or sometimes, or never?
The characters my dolls shell completely dictate what doll I get. Falhen was looser in image so it wasn't hard to find a decent shell for him. Orsino has been the hardest so far because I will need to modify his head and even picking that head took a few weeks of scouring sculpts for something close to his mouth and eye shape. I got lucky with Logan, Granado released a head sculpt that was painfully perfect for him. The two dolls I have plans for are also completely dictated by the characters they shell. Won't say who they are yet, its a secret.

12. How much do you customize your dolls?
I do just about everything from they're face-ups and blushing to apoxie mods and making their clothes.

13. How many years have you been into BJDs, and how much longer do you think that will last?
Counting the years I was just gazing wistfully at them maybe three. This is my first year in the hobby and I don't see myself getting bored with it anytime soon.

 

1. Were you into bjds before joining DoA? (And where did you first learn about them?)
I have been interested in BJD's prior to joining DoA. I first saw a BJD around 2004, when a High School friend showed me a Super Dollfie on her computer and I was mesmerized by their beauty and detail. I was never able to get one then due to the price and financial situation. Throughout the years I have always researched (stalked) them, until earlier this year I finally decided that I will get one. I proceeded to learning about them, recasts etc. and finally placed my order for Mystic Kids Lillian last month!

2. What do you do for an occupation? (And have bjds affected your career?)
I am a stay at home dog mom and wife (aka spoiled).

3. Do you own more or less than 13 dolls? (And is that a good thing?)
I have my first doll on order along with a practice head so...1.25 dolls?

4. Do you participate only on online doll communities, or do you also go to meetups, conventions?
I will be going to meetups in the future as well as taking part on Instagram, DOA.

5. Do you have friends or relatives that are into bjds?
My husband supports me in everything I do or am interested in, so yes. He is awesome!

6. What kind of dolls do you like the best? (A particular size, gender, style/type, brand?)
Not sure yet, I am still discovering that.

7. How much of your life is about bjds? (Have bjds overshadowed your other hobbies?)
Recently, it has taken up a lot of my time as I am learning, researching and looking for items to get me started in this new hobby. My other hobbies with coincide along with this one as I do photography, editing and am quite crafty.

8. Do you have a particular doll-related interest? (Photography, sewing, customization, making dioramas, collecting props?) OR a particularly unusual doll interest?
Photography, editing, customization.

9. Do you have favorites among your dolls or love them all equally?
My favorite doll...is the only one I will have right now haha.

10. How have bjds changed your life for the better?
I hope it will .

11. Characters: do they come first before the dolls, or after, or sometimes, or never?
I'd like to think that my doll's characters will be changing constantly, allowing me to explore many creative, design avenues.

12. How much do you customize your dolls?
We shall see

13. How many years have you been into BJDs, and how much longer do you think that will last?
Ineterested for many years without even having one, so I am sure it will continue once I have one.

 

1. Were you into bjds before joining DoA? (And where did you first learn about them?)
Yes I was. I found out about them when I was surfing the internet looong time ago (11/12 years ago? I can't remember properly)
2. What do you do for an occupation? (And have bjds affected your career?)
I'm a goldsmith, but bjds haven't affected my career.
3. Do you own more or less than 13 dolls? (And is that a good thing?)
Even with off-topic dolls I still have less than 13, but I have a real black cat! x)
4. Do you participate only on online doll communities, or do you also go to meetups, conventions?
Only online.
5. Do you have friends or relatives that are into bjds?
My friends and co-workers do like my dolls, but they don't have any.
6. What kind of dolls do you like the best? (A particular size, gender, style/type, brand?)
Most of my dolls are cats so I thinks this is it. Oh, and most of my collection have a bit grumpy face expression. Oh well ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
7. How much of your life is about bjds? (Have bjds overshadowed your other hobbies?)
Well, not that much.
8. Do you have a particular doll-related interest? (Photography, sewing, customization, making dioramas, collecting props?) OR a particularly unusual doll interest?
I always loved taking pictures so when bjds started to be the part of my life it was normal that I started to taking photos with them too.
9. Do you have favorites among your dolls or love them all equally?
Hard to choose the one and only.
10. How have bjds changed your life for the better?
I think I've started to be more creative when I take photos. But did they change my life for better? They make me happy so probably we can say that.
11. Characters: do they come first before the dolls, or after, or sometimes, or never?
Character of my very first doll came when I saw her face on the company photo, the same happened with my 3rd and 4th doll, but my 2nd doll was different. I read one book and fell in love with one of its characters. I had in my mind his image and on one great day I saw that gorgeous face! This time character came first long before I found a perfect doll.
12. How much do you customize your dolls?
Not much, but maybe one day I will finally find some bigger amount of free time to learn how to sew. Lately I only doing face ups on my practice head.
13. How many years have you been into BJDs, and how much longer do you think that will last?
11/12 years now? Can't remember very well and it was with breaks. Though If I start to count from the year when I received my first doll so it's only 2 years. But how long that will last? No one knows, nevertheless sometimes I think to myself that it would be nice being an old lady and still have my bjds somewhere near .

 

1. Were you into bjds before joining DoA? (And where did you first learn about them?)
I found out about BJDs on deviantart. I joined doa to learn as much as I could about the different companies and maintenance before buying one (joined january, ordered in may the same year)

2. What do you do for an occupation? (And have bjds affected your career?)
Receptionnist for my dad's tiny business

3. Do you own more or less than 13 dolls? (And is that a good thing?)
Definitely less xD I only have two floating heads at home, and I don't plan on going over 10 ever.

4. Do you participate only on online doll communities, or do you also go to meetups, conventions?
I went to monthly meetups during the first year when I started collecting, but then I stopped. I think I took a break from BJDs altogether. I tried to join local communities again last year, but once again I sort of took a break (not on purpose this time. I've been without a complete doll for all of 2017!)

5. Do you have friends or relatives that are into bjds?
In 8 years I have met ONE person (aside from meetups) who likes dolls

6. What kind of dolls do you like the best? (A particular size, gender, style/type, brand?)
These days I like to collect SD girls

7. How much of your life is about bjds? (Have bjds overshadowed your other hobbies?)
I've slowed down a lot in the past years. for a long time it was pretty much the only thing I spent my money on, and I spent a lot of time making wishlists. Now it's more of an after-thought

8. Do you have a particular doll-related interest? (Photography, sewing, customization, making dioramas, collecting props?) OR a particularly unusual doll interest?
I do like collecting props! Always been very fond of ministures. someday, when I have more space, I hope to make dioramas so I can showcase my props (and have an excuse to have MORE props) :}

9. Do you have favorites among your dolls or love them all equally?
I think favourites are inevitable

10. How have bjds changed your life for the better?
They haven't everyday I wish I had picked a less expensive hobby

11. Characters: do they come first before the dolls, or after, or sometimes, or never?
i start making characters when I'm considering buying new dolls. Some characters never really develop past "sweet, wears pastel colours" though. Some come to life as I play with the doll.

12. How much do you customize your dolls?
Usually just faceups, but I've done ear and chest mods (and certainly will again)

13. How many years have you been into BJDs, and how much longer do you think that will last?
8 and a half so far! I don't know if I'll ever be able to quit. I tried TWICE but always get sucked back in.

 

1. Were you into bjds before joining DoA? (And where did you first learn about them?)
Yes, I first got into them when I saw a DZ 1/4 boy on DeviantArt. I then joined the Gaia Online BJD guild, followed by DoA. I only had Dollfie Pluses at the time I joined DoA.

2. What do you do for an occupation? (And have bjds affected your career?)
I'm a medical laboratory scientist, and BJDs have zero impact on my job. Actually, my job allows me be able to afford dolls and accessories.

3. Do you own more or less than 13 dolls? (And is that a good thing?)
I've reached the point of no return and I have over 13 dolls... I don't want to get rid of anybody with a name (and a body), but I am trying to move on a few floating heads and an OT DC event doll.

4. Do you participate only on online doll communities, or do you also go to meetups, conventions?
I've been going to conventions a little longer than being into BJDs (by a year or so), so I do got to BJD meetups at cons. I also go to meetups outside of cons, though a lot less than I used to.

5. Do you have friends or relatives that are into bjds?
Friends, yes! I got a few friends into BJDs in college, one being my bf @Durgaaz and we collect them together.

6. What kind of dolls do you like the best? (A particular size, gender, style/type, brand?)
For size, definitely minis/45cm range dolls. As for type/brand, it's Minifee Shiwoo all the way! XD

7. How much of your life is about bjds? (Have bjds overshadowed your other hobbies?)
I dedicate a decent portion of my hobby life to BJDs. But I also make use of them to work into my other hobbies. I like making jewelry and pendants- perfect for dolls. I like to sew every now and again- a good chance to join a swap and flex my sewing finger muscles. I've also more recently (about a year ago) become more dedicated to the anime figure/merch collecting hobby. So while dolls are still my predominant hobby, I find myself spending a bit on figures as well.

8. Do you have a particular doll-related interest? (Photography, sewing, customization, making dioramas, collecting props?) OR a particularly unusual doll interest?
Probably collecting props and jewelry/accessories for them. I don't have a whole heck of a lot of clothes for everyone (usually 1 main outfit), so I use that opportunity to accessorize.

9. Do you have favorites among your dolls or love them all equally?
I'm guilty in that I definitely have favorites. My first doll will always my favorite. I also seem to pay attention to my minis more than my 60cm crew. But I like looking at them all equally as much.

10. How have bjds changed your life for the better?
I would say so. It hasn't been kind to my (or my parents') wallet, but I'd given me an outlet to still do artsy things. I had a rough few years in the hobby, but now that I'm pretty competent in my skills (only took 10 years) I think I can tackle most anything doll-wise.

11. Characters: do they come first before the dolls, or after, or sometimes, or never?
Mostly after. Ashe (DS Husky), Shu (Volks Kanata), and Ed (CP Juri 06) existed as 2D characters before I got into BJDs. But now that they have 3D forms, I rarely draw them any more because I physically have them and can play with them and photograph them. All the rest were made on the fly with a sculpt, or vaguely were based on a sculpt and then fully fleshed out upon arrival.

12. How much do you customize your dolls?
The majority all have faceups by me (exception are 4 with default faceups and 3 with other artists' faceups). It's kind of a bonding experience to give them a face imo. Also, some have custom ears or horns. I try to get them as far away from their default company appearance as possible.

13. How many years have you been into BJDs, and how much longer do you think that will last?
I joined DoA in June 2006 and I got into BJDs a bit earlier in 2006. So it's been over 11 years now haaaaaa. I think if I've stuck with them this long, I'll continue to be in the hobby, whether or not I'm involved with the online community.

 

1. Were you into bjds before joining DoA? (And where did you first learn about them?)

Yes, Ive know about them for years through doll collector magazines I used to read as a teenager. I joined DoA shortly after purchasing my first BJD (DZ Cozmo 2nd hand)

2. What do you do for an occupation? (And have bjds affected your career?)

My full time job is a claims processor at a Tribal Medical Clinic, and my seasonal job is managing an outdoor movie theatre. The only way any dolls have affected my work is I tend to be in a much better mood when I bring one to work with me.

3. Do you own more or less than 13 dolls? (And is that a good thing?)

More.... Flip the number around for it to be spot on. It's a very good thing. I channel a lot of anxiety into my dolls, They get me through the rough spots.

4. Do you participate only on online doll communities, or do you also go to meetups, conventions?

I do it all. I love meeting other doll lovers in person. Im typically shy and anti social, but put me with other doll lovers and I will talk their ears off.

5. Do you have friends or relatives that are into bjds?

Lots of friends in the hobby. I love when we can all share new tutorials we have tried or talk about the next doll we are saving for.

6. What kind of dolls do you like the best? (A particular size, gender, style/type, brand?)

I like Man dolls. lol. My favorites tend to be SD size Men (from Iplehouse)

7. How much of your life is about bjds? (Have bjds overshadowed your other hobbies?)

A lot of it. I usually always have a BJD with me or am doing something for my BJD's

8. Do you have a particular doll-related interest? (Photography, sewing, customization, making dioramas, collecting props?) OR a particularly unusual doll interest?

I do it all, Photograph, Customize, Craft, Sew... Nothing to unusual...

9. Do you have favorites among your dolls or love them all equally?

My fave's are my twins, John and Joe (Iplehouse Arvid).. Just dont tell Joe that I like John better.

10. How have bjds changed your life for the better?

They give me an outlet. If im sad, or having anxiety or just need to escape, i will hid away with my dolls until I feel better about life.

11. Characters: do they come first before the dolls, or after, or sometimes, or never?

I had some Old OC's that I hunted like crazy for particular dolls to perfectly shell them, but for the most part, its the doll then the character. If a character never emerges, I get bored and end up selling the doll.

12. How much do you customize your dolls?

`100%, When buying new, I only buy blank dolls. I like to pick everything. I do my own faceups, I sew clothing when needed, I am practicing wig making and hope to get into shoe making soon. I love that no one will have a doll just like mine. I will buy second hand with faceups if the doll catches my attention.

13. How many years have you been into BJDs, and how much longer do you think that will last?

Actively about three years. But as an admirer well over 15 years. There was always something in the way of me getting my first doll. So glad I have them now.

 

1. Were you into bjds before joining DoA? (And where did you first learn about them?)
I was - not to date myself but I was on a mailing list for BJD for awhile before I found and joined DoA. (I couldn't remember the name for the life of me, but thanks to @Alewife I remember now that it was Our Silent Friends!) I don't think it was a long while though! I saw blurry pictures of Volks promos online and was completely taken with them (the first doll I really remember was Lady Sylvie) - but it was several years before I got my first doll.

2. What do you do for an occupation? (And have bjds affected your career?)
I have a very boring data-entry job at a title company. So no, not really! I am starting a BJD-related small business with my wife though

3. Do you own more or less than 13 dolls? (And is that a good thing?)
More! I'm up to 25 now... not including floating heads Sometimes i think I should downsize since we're running out of space for them, but... I love them all. So I guess I'll have to make more space.

4. Do you participate only on online doll communities, or do you also go to meetups, conventions?
I love to go to meetups! I would really love to go to a doll-centric con but so far finances just haven't lined up. Besides here, I participate a bit on Tumblr and Instagram.

5. Do you have friends or relatives that are into bjds?
My wife and I collect together! And I have a couple friends in the hobby, and also some local friends we met through the hobby I've met so many wonderful people through dolls!

6. What kind of dolls do you like the best? (A particular size, gender, style/type, brand?)
I started out collecting in the 60cm range, but now I kind of prefer MSD-sized girls. A lot of my wishlist is still around 60cm though. I learned through the explosion of Soom's popularity that 65cm and up is just not my ideal size. I much prefer the older stylized/anime aesthetic over realism.

7. How much of your life is about bjds? (Have bjds overshadowed your other hobbies?)
At the moment, quite a bit. I tend to cycle through hobbies, but BJD are a perennial favorite. I spend a lot of my free time doing doll-related activities, but I haven't given up any other hobbies (mostly video games, cosplay and rp) yet.

8. Do you have a particular doll-related interest? (Photography, sewing, customization, making dioramas, collecting props?) OR a particularly unusual doll interest?
I learned to sew basically because of dolls and cosplay, and I'm very into that now. At the moment I'm learning to make wigs!

9. Do you have favorites among your dolls or love them all equally?
I definitely have favorites - though sometimes the favorites cycle. My all-the-time favorite is probably my Juri 05, Skye. At the moment she's joined by my Peakswoods Viyol and AngelRegion Halloweird... and my Soom Mylo and Resinsoul Fei... well, I have a lot of favorites.

10. How have bjds changed your life for the better?
I feel like I've tried a lot more artistic endeavors because of them. One of the things I love about this hobby is how willing everyone is to learn new skills, and it's inspired me a lot!

Also, my first doll was the first really big purchase I made on my own. I actually feel like realizing I could make that amount of money happen (given enough time) was a huge step for me in learning to be fiscally responsible. It came at a good time, since it was right after I moved out of my parents' house.

11. Characters: do they come first before the dolls, or after, or sometimes, or never?
Usually after. I tend to see a sculpt I like and then make a character while I save or wait. That's probably how I ended up with so many

12. How much do you customize your dolls?
I buy them blank and design their faceup and style. I'm lucky that my wife is a wonderful artist who will let me dictate everything about a faceup to her. I do have two with company faceups that I like... but I always think maybe I'd like them even more with a custom faceup.

13. How many years have you been into BJDs, and how much longer do you think that will last?
I joined DoA in 2005, and I think I was "into" BJD starting in maybe 2003-2004? So 13 or 14 years now! Honestly, I can't imagine not at least liking BJD, if not being actively in the hobby. I hope I keep having fun with dolls for the rest of my life.

 

1. Were you into bjds before joining DoA? (And where did you first learn about them?)
I found them through Google, I'm pretty sure? I was interested in BJD for years before I joined DoA.

2. What do you do for an occupation? (And have bjds affected your career?)
I'm an aspiring photographer, and so far they have not. Although, I'd like to do more photography work with BJD in the future.

3. Do you own more or less than 13 dolls? (And is that a good thing?)
Less, and while I don't want 13, maybe a few more would be nice xP

4. Do you participate only on online doll communities, or do you also go to meetups, conventions?
Only online for the time being.

5. Do you have friends or relatives that are into bjds?
I have one friend who likes BJD, but sadly that's as far as it goes for me, none of my friends or family would ever collect dolls too.

6. What kind of dolls do you like the best? (A particular size, gender, style/type, brand?)
SD males, which are extremely difficult to find clothes for.

7. How much of your life is about bjds? (Have bjds overshadowed your other hobbies?)
Sadly, BJD hardly impacts my life at the moment, as getting the money needed to support this hobby on top of my others is very challenging, lol.

8. Do you have a particular doll-related interest? (Photography, sewing, customization, making dioramas, collecting props?) OR a particularly unusual doll interest?
Photography, but I'd like to try sewing and dioramas in the future.

9. Do you have favorites among your dolls or love them all equally?
Love them equally.

10. How have bjds changed your life for the better?
They've made me become more open to listening to myself and my interests, I think? I was really against telling others I liked BJD for the longest time because I was embarrassed, but it's helped me grow confident in defining who I am and what I like.

11. Characters: do they come first before the dolls, or after, or sometimes, or never?
Gah, I think it really depends the doll. Sometimes after.

12. How much do you customize your dolls?
I'm terrified of mods, I think that's what this is asking? So not much, outside of sanding. Lol.

13. How many years have you been into BJDs, and how much longer do you think that will last?
I've been into BJD for ~3 years? I think it'll last forever, I hope so, anyway.

 

1. Were you into bjds before joining DoA? (And where did you first learn about them?)
Yes, but not for long. My (then) roommates introduced me to BJDs, and I joined a finnish speaking forum first and a little later DoA.


2. What do you do for an occupation? (And have bjds affected your career?)
I'm a radiology nurse (I think it's the translation/proper term), and I can't say that dolls have had any effect on my career

3. Do you own more or less than 13 dolls? (And is that a good thing?)
I own less than 13, at the moment 6 and a rolling head. I switch between getting anxious about how many dolls I have and wanting more.

4. Do you participate only on online doll communities, or do you also go to meetups, conventions?
Mostly only online communities.

5. Do you have friends or relatives that are into bjds?
I have a few friends and acquaintances who are into BJDs, and my mother finds them interesting though she's not in the hobby herself.

6. What kind of dolls do you like the best? (A particular size, gender, style/type, brand?)
I find myself gravitating towards slim mini girls and 70cm men
My favourite companies are Souldoll, Dollshe and Iplehouse, but there are a lot of great looking dolls. I prefer a more realistic look to my dolls.

7. How much of your life is about bjds? (Have bjds overshadowed your other hobbies?)
Not a lot. I enjoy handling them and customizing/playing with them, but they're still just an interest among others.

8. Do you have a particular doll-related interest? (Photography, sewing, customization, making dioramas, collecting props?) OR a particularly unusual doll interest?
I love props, I'd like to make a diorama! I also enjoy faceupping and spending time just browsing for dolls/props/clothes.

9. Do you have favorites among your dolls or love them all equally?
I definitely have favourites
Maybe that means I don't love the rest enough and should sell them..?

10. How have bjds changed your life for the better?
They've given me new experiences and I've seen how skilled people are and what you can do with "just" dolls. It's also a great creative outlet.

11. Characters: do they come first before the dolls, or after, or sometimes, or never?
They usually come after the doll has arrived. I'd like them to come first... But I need to meet the doll first to know what they're like.

12. How much do you customize your dolls?
I do my own faceups and blushing, and I've done some easy modifications. I'd like to make clothes, but I've never learned how to sew, so it feels a bit daunting.

13. How many years have you been into BJDs, and how much longer do you think that will last?
I've been to BJDs since 2014, so about 3 years. I'm sure I'll be interested in BJDs for years to come, and I have a few dolls I'll keep around even if I decide to "quit".

 

1. Were you into bjds before joining DoA? (And where did you first learn about them?)

Yes. ^__^
I was in the hobby by myself for a year before I joined DoA. I had seen someone holding a doll while visiting my local aquarium and knew instantly that I had to have one. I've always loved dolls, and jointed dolls especially, and the one I saw was so large and detailed. It was love at first sight. I went home and furiously researched until I could figure out what they were because I was too shy to actually ask the person what kind of doll it was. ^.^"
Haha...and of course, due to the price, it took quite a while before I could purchase my first doll. I was living in a tiny apartment at the time, and working retail, but I just had to have one, so I wouldn't let it go. Hehe.

2. What do you do for an occupation? (And have bjds affected your career?)

I am currently a stay at home mom. Though I've been dealing with a shoulder injury for over a year now...so I'm more of a stay at home and try not to break myself further...person. >.>

3. Do you own more or less than 13 dolls? (And is that a good thing?)

I do own more than 13 dolls. It is both a good and not so good thing, hehe. It is good because many of my dolls are basically grails to me and I feel so, so lucky to own them (a friend once joked that all my dolls are grail dolls to me). But on the other hand, I live in a small house and I have negative doll space. If it were just me, I'd be content to live with my dolls crowded around me, but that is inconsiderate to my family, so I have had to pack dolls away for the time being.

4. Do you participate only on online doll communities, or do you also go to meetups, conventions?

I also attend local meetups. I have a lovely local community. ^__^

5. Do you have friends or relatives that are into bjds?

I have friends, which I have made through my local BJD group, but we spend time together outside of dolls as well. ^__^

6. What kind of dolls do you like the best? (A particular size, gender, style/type, brand?)

I love big dolls. 60cm-80cm (the beautiful huge dolls 90cm and up are also sooooo tempting, but lack of space and my perpetual shoulder death preclude me from thinking they would be practical to own. T.T). Hehe, and if you had asked me this question just a year or two ago, I'd have said that I also strongly prefer female dolls (as they made up practically the entirety of my collection)...but I have had an explosion of male dolls in my collection recently! I love dolls that have dreamy, half-closed eyes, full lips, and high cheek bones. ^_~

7. How much of your life is about bjds? (Have bjds overshadowed your other hobbies?)

They are everything. XD

8. Do you have a particular doll-related interest? (Photography, sewing, customization, making dioramas, collecting props?) OR a particularly unusual doll interest?

I feel like I can honestly check off all of the above. I have been trying to seriously improve my photography skills in the last few years, as well as my faceups. But I also did my first doll modification just last month! I sew clothing for my dolls, I have a diorama set up in the little space I can muster for it, and I love to hoard tiny things that I think would suit my dolls whenever I spy them. I'm also dabbling a bit in writing for two of my dolls' characters. Haha, but they were based of of D&D NPCs that I ran...so who knows how that falls.

9. Do you have favorites among your dolls or love them all equally?

I do have favorites...but many, many favorites. I don't know if I could pick just one. Hehe.
I also have phases where one (or two) doll(s) will by my muse for a period of time.

10. How have bjds changed your life for the better?

I think BJDs have pushed me to really consider priorities: how I spend my money, how I spend my time, what skills I choose to develop. They also have brought me good, good friends. ^__^

11. Characters: do they come first before the dolls, or after, or sometimes, or never?

Hm...sometimes I have a character before a doll, but then it doesn't always work once the doll arrives and they want to be something else! Mostly, I purchase dolls I love, and then create characters for them. Some of my dolls don't have much more character than a name or a style. Some dolls...apparently, want a whole novel written about them...

12. How much do you customize your dolls?

Hm, I have only just dipped my toe into actual, physical modifications...but the vast majority of my dolls have a faceup done by me. I also have hybrid dolls and such. So I'm happy to change them to suit my tastes.

13. How many years have you been into BJDs, and how much longer do you think that will last?

Well, ok...let's see...my first doll arrived in 2008...so...9 years? I don't foresee myself growing tired of them ever. ^__^

 

1. Were you into bjds before joining DoA? (And where did you first learn about them?) I was not into bjd's. I ran across them as I was looking to find items to make a wedding doll out of an off topic doll. I used the DOA website often as a reference. I finally joined when I found out that my teenager had been looking through the doll websites for years, but never mentioned them to me because of the cost.

2. What do you do for an occupation? (And have bjds affected your career?) I am a math geek on a mission to inspire future math geeks....and not yet. It is still my summer.

3. Do you own more or less than 13 dolls? (And is that a good thing?) I own less than 13 dolls. This is not a good thing. I've ordered more.

4. Do you participate only on online doll communities, or do you also go to meetups, conventions? I am not in an area where meet ups occur. I have plans to go to a convention in Tokyo next year.

5. Do you have friends or relatives that are into bjds? My teenage daughter loves them.

6. What kind of dolls do you like the best? (A particular size, gender, style/type, brand?) I prefer human, male and female, adults.

7. How much of your life is about bjds? (Have bjds overshadowed your other hobbies?) My hobbies blend with bjd's. I am a seamstress, an artist, a former photojournalist, a scientist, and an avid researcher.

8. Do you have a particular doll-related interest? (Photography, sewing, customization, making dioramas, collecting props?) OR a particularly unusual doll interest? Yes. I'm down for all of those. I have an unusual interest in doll shoes, which is kind of weird.

9. Do you have favorites among your dolls or love them all equally? No favorites yet. I am loyal to all.

10. How have bjds changed your life for the better? Of course. Anything new adds interest and fun.

11. Characters: do they come first before the dolls, or after, or sometimes, or never? In my limited experience, the hair and eyes make the character. I chose hair and eyes with characters in mind, but they all turn into someone a bit different once put together.

12. How much do you customize your dolls? I just select the hair and eyes, then create clothes accordingly.

13. How many years have you been into BJDs, and how much longer do you think that will last?[/QUOTE] Let's say months. Time will tell.

 

1. Were you into bjds before joining DoA? (And where did you first learn about them?)

Yes - I think I found out about BJDs through my other hobby, vintage 80s My Little Ponies. The MLP forum had a dolls subsection and I remember seeing pictures of BJDs and thinking they were amazing. I'd collected character dolls as a child and more 'adult' dolls appealed to me!

2. What do you do for an occupation? (And have bjds affected your career?)

I'm an academic archaeologist. BJDs and other hobbies have been good for making sure I have work-life balance in a career that can be time demanding.

3. Do you own more or less than 13 dolls? (And is that a good thing?)

Less - I have 5 right now and want to keep around that number. I don't like have too many collectibles as I don't feel I can spend time with or appreciate too many.

4. Do you participate only on online doll communities, or do you also go to meetups, conventions?

I have been to meet ups in the past but not recently. There are not many people into BJDs in north east England as far as I can tell!

5. Do you have friends or relatives that are into bjds?

My sister like them but doesn't have any of her own (yet!)

6. What kind of dolls do you like the best? (A particular size, gender, style/type, brand?)

I prefer MSDs that are a bit ethereal looking. I have one larger size who I can't decide whether to keep.

7. How much of your life is about bjds? (Have bjds overshadowed your other hobbies?)

They definitely did for a long time! Then I fell out of all hobbies for a while for job/house moving reasons. I'm slowly letting them take over again!

8. Do you have a particular doll-related interest? (Photography, sewing, customization, making dioramas, collecting props?) OR a particularly unusual doll interest?

I like sewing but am not very good at it!

9. Do you have favorites among your dolls or love them all equally?

No favourites here

10. How have bjds changed your life for the better?

Definitely - it's healthy to have hobbies you're passionate about!

11. Characters: do they come first before the dolls, or after, or sometimes, or never?

I tend to have a character in my head and find dolls that match. But occasionally I'll see a doll and a new character springs to mind.

12. How much do you customize your dolls?

I haven't been brave enough

13. How many years have you been into BJDs, and how much longer do you think that will last?

Since around 2004. I remember as it was around the same time as I started my PhD.

 

1. Were you into bjds before joining DoA? (And where did you first learn about them?)

Yup! It took a bit after getting my first dolls to finally join DoA...then I went on a long hiatus from the hobby shortly after. Ah well, I'm here now!

I first discovered BJDs while looking for some Vocaloid music, and I found Danny Choo's custom Hastune Miku DD (before Volks made their own). From Dollfie Dreams to Obitsu, then to Resin...and from there everything in between!

2. What do you do for an occupation? (And have bjds affected your career?)

I'm an artist that dabbles in many mediums. I take commissions for off-topic dolls, and I've done a few art trades. BJDs have really inspired me to do so much, and I'm very excited to reorganize my crafting materials and dive into some ideas that have been floating around my head!

3. Do you own more or less than 13 dolls? (And is that a good thing?)

I wish I did! I currently have 7 heads, and 3 bodies total. I'm slowly working on hybridizing...

4. Do you participate only on online doll communities, or do you also go to meetups, conventions?

I've only been to one BJD convention, and I hope to go to more. Maybe a meetup, but those are a bit more private and I'm terribly shy unless I know you.

5. Do you have friends or relatives that are into bjds?

Sadly no.

6. What kind of dolls do you like the best? (A particular size, gender, style/type, brand?)

I honestly love variety. So I kinda want a bit of everything in my collection. Obitsu bodies are by far my favorite, I don't struggle as much with posing.

7. How much of your life is about bjds? (Have bjds overshadowed your other hobbies?)

I think it's the other way around... When life gets busy or another hobby/interest takes center stage then my BJDs tend to sit on the figurative back burner.

8. Do you have a particular doll-related interest? (Photography, sewing, customization, making dioramas, collecting props?) OR a particularly unusual doll interest?

Dioramas!!! I love creating little worlds, so if I could create a visual of that world then of course I would want to! I also love searching for perfectly-scaled furniture and props. It's like treasure hunting.

9. Do you have favorites among your dolls or love them all equally?

I don't tend to have favorites. But I may 'favor' someone more and take them out and pose/photograph them if they're more 'complete'.

10. How have bjds changed your life for the better?

This hobby and others spawned from it (more dolls) have really opened my eyes as to what I want to do with my life. I adore crafting. I also love drawing, and considered some professions where that would be my focus...but it never felt like 'this is the one and only thing I want to do'. BJDs inspire me to craft and create through a multitude of mediums, and that's what I want to do!

11. Characters: do they come first before the dolls, or after, or sometimes, or never?

Sometimes before and sometimes after. It's highly variable for me.

12. How much do you customize your dolls?

Not enough.

13. How many years have you been into BJDs, and how much longer do you think that will last?

I think around 4 years ago was when I got my first doll? But I wasn't very active, I didn't get on DoA until over a year later...then went into my BJD hibernation... And I've only really returned to the hobby since last year. I predict I'll stick with the hobby for a long time but life may have me put some hobbies on hold from time to time.

 

1. Were you into bjds before joining DoA? (And where did you first learn about them?)
Technically yes. I got my first doll in February, and found/joined DoA in June, so it was a few months before I made my way over here. As for where I learned about them, through roommates and anime conventions. I had a not-great roommate who was super interested in them, but couldn't quite tell the difference between BJDs and the smaller (off-topic) vinyl ones, so was rather convinced that all the fancy dolls we were seeing at cons were the inexpensive little things on Volks. While the price was nice, I never went for one, because they didn't fit what I wanted. Later, I got handed a free copy of Haute Doll at a convention, and there was one closer to what I liked pictured--but he was way more than I could afford at the time, and still wasn't quite right, so the idea was shelved again. And finally, a much better roommate decided we should get dolls so we could make and sell clothes for them, and at the same time found a doll that was exactly what I was looking for (well, except for gender, but that was easily remedied), and in a price range I was comfortable with.

2. What do you do for an occupation? (And have bjds affected your career?)
I'm a software engineer in the healthcare sector, so no, not so much.

3. Do you own more or less than 13 dolls? (And is that a good thing?)
More. Much more. More than 13 x 3. (Not more than 13 x 4 yet.) As for whether it's a good thing? I don't have any problems with it, and I don't have anyone I'm rushing to sell off, so I suppose that's good. I need two more display cases to fit everyone, though, so maybe that part's not so good, but the display cases sure look pretty on the wall...

4. Do you participate only on online doll communities, or do you also go to meetups, conventions?
I keep failing at dialing into the meetup scene around here, so currently it's online and conventions. I'd love to get back to doing meetups, though!

5. Do you have friends or relatives that are into bjds?
Discounting friends made in the hobby, no, not really. My stepmom collects Madame Alexander dolls, so she has some appreciation for mine. One of my friends tested the hobby out, and didn't really get into it. She still has the one I gave her as a gift, and gifted me the one she bought. Another has one dragon, and that's about it; she's more into anime figures. But they do all have at least some degree of respectfulness about my hobby, which is always a good quality in friends.

6. What kind of dolls do you like the best? (A particular size, gender, style/type, brand?)
Hoo boy... Fantasy styles, definitely, and with a preference toward elves. Currently I have 10 elves, 5 anthros, 2 fairies, 1 other fantasy doll, 2 dragons, 2 other fantasy creatures (with a bit of overlap). Size, I tend toward MSD and smaller; only two dolls are 60 cm and that's as big as I want to go, but I've got a handful of little things (pretty much literally, I think I could hold all of them at once). Brand, I fell into the CP/FairyLand trap, after swearing I'd never get one... okay, just that one. Oh and that one's really cute. Oh, I like that one too. Oh, if I got this one, I could do this. Oh, that one's perfect for that... wait, how did I get so many?

7. How much of your life is about bjds? (Have bjds overshadowed your other hobbies?)
It's probably my primary hobby at the moment, since I've fallen off comicing for a while; I'm mostly just dragging my feet on developing a fresh script, honestly. I focus cosplay mainly onto one character, so I'm not the type of person making a new costume for every day of every convention I hit up; I'm generally just heading to the closet and pulling out the pieces I want to wear. (I do durable costumes, too, so I've been wearing some of these pieces for years--and yes, they get washed.) I mermaid mainly for the health benefits, so I only have fabric tails, which don't cost a mint. I do gaming once a week, and when I'm running I can get pretty focused onto prep, but when I'm not that's pretty easygoing. Convention running, my department doesn't do a ton outside the actual event, and my traveling arts education thing is just a few days out of the summer!

8. Do you have a particular doll-related interest? (Photography, sewing, customization, making dioramas, collecting props?) OR a particularly unusual doll interest?
Aesthetics, all the way. I love doing all the work to build up a blank doll into the character I see them as, so other people can see what I see in them. So a mix of sewing and customization.

9. Do you have favorites among your dolls or love them all equally?
There's a couple of favorites. Gabriel (BBB Sprite/Impl body), Maren (AoD Chi), Maca (FL Puki Pukisha), Ed (FL MNF Shiwoo), Jace (WD Kyle), Big Ed & Jace (CP Luts Delf Shiwoo & El), Dani (DollPamm Ivi). They're ones I tend to favor hauling around over some of the others. I don't have a single doll I'd sell, though, I do love all of them and try to get all of them out for conventions/meets/photoshoots.

10. How have bjds changed your life for the better?
I don't know, really. They're a great creative outlet, and I have a lot of fun working with and on them, but they're also little wallet vampires! But since they fill something I'd been trying to find an outlet for for years before finally discovering the right path into the hobby, I'd say they're a net positive?

11. Characters: do they come first before the dolls, or after, or sometimes, or never?
Almost always first. I've got a pile of OCs I've been working at shelling, who are now mostly there. That also branched out into a pile of character dolls I decided to shell, who are also mostly there. A few extras have wandered in, but most of them have to be justified as fitting into one of those two groups before they get purchased. There's only one group that's been worked on post-arrival, but even with them, after the first two I've had a general idea I'm working from to fit the rest in.

12. How much do you customize your dolls?
All the customization. I've sent away a couple of heads for mod work, just because I knew it would take me a while to get to them around other mod projects, but I've done my own mods, I do faceups and blushing, I've got hybrids, I do buy wigs but then I frequently customize them from how they were originally styled, and I make unique clothing for them.

13. How many years have you been into BJDs, and how much longer do you think that will last?
Officially I'm past 9 years now; my first doll (well, his head anyway) will be 10 this coming February. I think I'll be sticking with it, too; as I mentioned above, this is something I've looked for for years before finding it. That doll's character was born in the mid-90s (and one of my others is even older, late-80s!), and since shortly after developing him, I've wanted to have him in some kind of figure form. But existing dolls for repaints didn't look right, and action figure bases for "kitbashing" weren't right either. I tried the small Volks/Obitsu lines, but they were also wrong and never got ordered. But the variety of styles for BJDs finally gave me what I wanted after all those years of searching. And I think that's why my collection exploded so far beyond what I expected to have. (Seriously, I was sure I'd top out at 6, and now I have 41 full dolls and I'm not done.) Once I could successfully make that first character, I seized on seeing how far I could go making my others "come to life" as dolls. So far, I've found a path to getting all of them, and more than I originally ever planned, and it's such an exciting thing that I don't ever see myself stopping.

 

1. Were you into bjds before joining DoA? (And where did you first learn about them?)
Nope. I was toying with sculpting little figurines, and then I played a bit with Obitsus but they were extremely limited for trying to make OCs- they only come in basically one shape and Super-Pale or Even-Paler. I'd seen anime-styled Volks dolls at Cons, but the idea of paying $900+ for an anime character did not appeal to me as a hobby. Then I started looking for dolls I could customize into my OCs and ran across Soom (back when Soom, Luts, Volks, and one or two tiny new things were the only dolls around. Soom had a male doll that actually wasn't meant to be a "Bishounen", and I was hooked. I bought a Soom Lupin right away. That was 2009.

2. What do you do for an occupation? (And have bjds affected your career?)
I'm a props maker and set dresser, and an illustrator. The illustration hasn't got anything to do with dolls, but the set dressing and propmaking definitely does! I try out a lot of my methods in miniature, and keep my skillset polished and ready for work by doing doll diorama and prop stuff. Doing things in small scale reminds me that I can just as easily (with wayyy more materials) do them in Life Scale.

3. Do you own more or less than 13 dolls? (And is that a good thing?)
Oh I own too many dolls! It's so hard to decide to sell any though. You get attached. I think I just need to spend more time with the ones I am considering selling, make the images I wanted to own them in order to make, and then if I still have more ideas for them I can keep them. If not, then I'll be able to sell them without pining for what art might have been.

4. Do you participate only on online doll communities, or do you also go to meetups, conventions?
I'm pretty shy about meetups these days, having had some bad experiences in the past. My sort of local meetup group (it's usually an hour or so away) tends to only meet on Sundays, which is a religious observance day for me when I don't want to be going out to doll meets.

I have trouble doing Cons because of the crowds. I don't handle tightly packed masses of people at all well. I am much more comfortable at Doll Shows, which are seldom crowded.

5. Do you have friends or relatives that are into bjds?
I got my bestie into this stuff, and my cousin, as well as two of my friends who now have pukis. My roommate is also interested in getting OC shelling dolls and sewing for them.

6. What kind of dolls do you like the best? (A particular size, gender, style/type, brand?)
I have a pretty varied collection, but.... Fairyland posing just blows my mind. I don't have any tinies that aren't FL, except two DreamHigh fairies. The posing is just incomparable- if I got anything else I'd be always wishing they could do what my FL tinies do.

7. How much of your life is about bjds? (Have bjds overshadowed your other hobbies?)
A lot of my hobbies overlap. I do Historical Reenactment, for instance, (SCA) so I test a lot of sewing and leatherwork stuff on my dolls before trying it with the huge amounts of material you need for human sized stuff. I also love dioramas and props, and that, in larger scale, is my job and craft, so dolls help me keep those skills active.

8. Do you have a particular doll-related interest? (Photography, sewing, customization, making dioramas, collecting props?) OR a particularly unusual doll interest?
As mentioned above, props, sets, clothing, and the whole design of a doll's look and world is my passion. I do my own faceups just because I'm a picky artist. They're not the best but my OCs look roughly how I want them.If I get a doll that's not an OC it's because there are photos I want to take or a type of art I want to make and I need them to be the model for it. Everything, even the props and sets, are all in service of Photography, in the end. I actually took a whole college course just to be able to photograph my work. (doll stuff and other professional work)

9. Do you have favorites among your dolls or love them all equally?
Oh I have faves, let's be honest. If I had to get rid of almost everything, I'd keep Kevya, Lir and Elinore, Stella the TrollChild, and Pip. And Copernica.

10. How have bjds changed your life for the better?
I've learned to properly sew, hand-embroider, shoot photos, get better and sculpting and leather-work, and the crafting has kept my skill at a level where I got a career through some of it!

11. Characters: do they come first before the dolls, or after, or sometimes, or never?
Most of my dolls start as OCs I am trying to shell. Some I bought because I couldn't resist their beauty. Some I bought because I needed them to make certain art.

12. How much do you customize your dolls?
A LOOOOOOT. I have JUST one doll I didn't paint myself. (DH Studio Chibi Feiline). Most of my dolls have some kind of modding or hybridizing.

13. How many years have you been into BJDs, and how much longer do you think that will last?
I got into this in 2009 and hopefully it'll continue a long time. I plan to sculpt my own dolls eventually.

 

1. Were you into bjds before joining DoA? (And where did you first learn about them?)
Not really, I adopted my first doll shortly after my wife gave birth to a boy. Having 2 boys, I decided probably adopting a girl doll could help balance the harmony in the house. Sadly, my wife didn't pick up the hobby but she didn't object me to it, except for spending a lot of $ on dolls/doll stuffs. yeah i know right.. who can resist?

I heard about BJDs some time ago when I was researching about toys photography.

2. What do you do for an occupation? (And have bjds affected your career?)
I'm working as a digital marketeer and nope, the hobby has not affected my career, yet.

3. Do you own more or less than 13 dolls? (And is that a good thing?)
Less than 13. Only 2 in fact. Yes that's a very good thing, considering we have to keep to strict budget to make ends meet.

4. Do you participate only on online doll communities, or do you also go to meetups, conventions?
Only on online so far, there was a couple of local meetups but I'm not able to join due to family commitments.

5. Do you have friends or relatives that are into bjds?
None, but I made some friends thru FB local doll groups, only to find out they're on DOA as well.

6. What kind of dolls do you like the best? (A particular size, gender, style/type, brand?)
For portability, 1/6th scale, but aesthetically, 1/4th or 1/3th scale. I've always preferred female dolls. No preference on style or brand. I'm still very new to the hobby.

7. How much of your life is about bjds? (Have bjds overshadowed your other hobbies?)
About 15%? Not yet, but it's building up I guess.

8. Do you have a particular doll-related interest? (Photography, sewing, customization, making dioramas, collecting props?) OR a particularly unusual doll interest?
Photography! As much as I'd love to take photographs, I don't have enough props, clothes or the time to take really good photos for my dolls. =(

9. Do you have favorites among your dolls or love them all equally?
I only have 2, but I'm definitely liking my Luts Honey Delf Tarte. I called her Hitomi for her eyes!

10. How have bjds changed your life for the better?
Perhaps. It's only been a few months.

11. Characters: do they come first before the dolls, or after, or sometimes, or never?
After.

12. How much do you customize your dolls?
Totally 0!

13. How many years have you been into BJDs, and how much longer do you think that will last?
5 months for now. I think it'll last for a long time to come.

 

1. Were you into bjds before joining DoA? (And where did you first learn about them?)
Yes! But only inasmuch as I had to hunt down somebody to invite my to DoA- When I fist learned about BJDs I scoured the internet for more information, and there were a few DoA theads I could look at as a non-member. So from the begining of my interest I knew about DoA, but it took me several years to meet another collector who was already a member

2. What do you do for an occupation? (And have bjds affected your career?)
Losely, I'm an artist. When I first found out about BJDs I was a theatrical costumer. Then I stopped that and went back to school for apparel design and bought my first BJD during my sophomore year. Now that I've graduated, I've started an Etsy shop selling all sorts of BJD props and furniture! I do that mostly full-time, but I pick up occasional work with the university still So yeah, I'd say the lovely dollies have definitely affected my career!

3. Do you own more or less than 13 dolls? (And is that a good thing?)
Currently I only have 3 (#s 4, 5 and 6 are picket out and the savings jar is filling!). In my current situation I wouldn't want more than 10 I think, but I suspect if I had my own house I would have no problem owning a whole fleet!

4. Do you participate only on online doll communities, or do you also go to meetups, conventions?
I love being a part of DoA! And I follow a couple people on Flickr and Instagram. I occasionally meet up with folks in my city, and of course, I also do conventions- it's part of my job now!

5. Do you have friends or relatives that are into bjds?
My sister is also a collector All our dollies room together with me!

6. What kind of dolls do you like the best? (A particular size, gender, style/type, brand?)
I tend to gravitate to SDs, 60-65cm. I like a lot of MSDs and a few Yos, but I still think of them being part of an SD world. I'll be gettting a 70cm soon, but he'll be my largest so far!

7. How much of your life is about bjds? (Have bjds overshadowed your other hobbies?)
Most of it I still find time to be social and I still play video games and read, but because BJDs are both my primary hobby, and my source of income, I spend a lot of time in Dolly-Land!

8. Do you have a particular doll-related interest? (Photography, sewing, customization, making dioramas, collecting props?) OR a particularly unusual doll interest?
I think what I like most about BJDs is that I don't have to focus my interests! One day I can be working on making tiny polymer clay food for a banquet, the next day I can try out making shoes for the first time! I guess if I have to boil it down though, I generally love the crafting/making aspect.

9. Do you have favorites among your dolls or love them all equally?
I don't have favorites, but they get different amounts of attention at different times.

10. How have bjds changed your life for the better?
Through BJDs I have a channel of expressing myself creatively without having to answer to any one "style" or "trend" like I would have to in a clothing/home goods design path (where my degree should have lead me). I can be working on a Pirate themed line at the same time as a Back-To-School line, and at the same time a Wizard's Study line. That's really important to me, coming from a theatrical background.

11. Characters: do they come first before the dolls, or after, or sometimes, or never?
I only buy a doll once I have a generic character and place in my world for them, in order to keep myself from being miserable that I cant afford to buy every doll I fall in love with! I still let the doll tell me about themselves when they arrive, but I like to have their "plot points" established before I start saving up for them

12. How much do you customize your dolls?
So far I only do my own face-ups, and I'm definitely getting better at it! I'll probably go so far as to do scars, tattoos, and peircings, buit I don't about anything else. Maybe a few small mods somewhere down the road...

13. How many years have you been into BJDs, and how much longer do you think that will last?
I don't remember the exact moment I realized I needed a BJD, but I know its been at least 7 years, possibly closer to 10 or 11. I hope to be involved with BJDs forever! It's the first real hobby I've had other that reading and playing video games, and I get so much joy and fulfillment out of what I do!

 

1. Were you into bjds before joining DoA? (And where did you first learn about them?)
YES. I mean, an old friend had one, and I joined because of her. It took me years later to get one

2. What do you do for an occupation? (And have bjds affected your career?)
I Schedule installs at a local window + company. I make more money /for/ BJDs, but no, they haven't affected it.

3. Do you own more or less than 13 dolls? (And is that a good thing?)
MORE. And that's fine! But they take up a lot of room Lol

4. Do you participate only on online doll communities, or do you also go to meetups, conventions?
I go to Meetups and conventions. I'll be hosting one locally this weekend and I'm hoping to make it grow into something more~

5. Do you have friends or relatives that are into bjds?
My sister is now into BJDs thanks to me, as well as my neice. (.. she's thirteen. -side hand laugh-)

6. What kind of dolls do you like the best? (A particular size, gender, style/type, brand?)
Well, LUTS, for sure. I love the SD size, but own more MSDs for ease and character story.

7. How much of your life is about bjds? (Have bjds overshadowed your other hobbies?)
Uh.. A good chunk now. xD They do not overshadow my other interests though.

8. Do you have a particular doll-related interest? (Photography, sewing, customization, making dioramas, collecting props?) OR a particularly unusual doll interest?
I take photos, but less than I used to. However, my sewing has exploded all thanks to them.

9. Do you have favorites among your dolls or love them all equally?
Ren is my delf Yder and is my favorite because of it. Otherwise, My Summer '14 luts KDF is my favorite aesthetically.

10. How have bjds changed your life for the better?
I feel much less stressed when I can just sort of sit down, think over their stories, sew for them, photograph them. But in all honesty- because of BJDs I've met super amazing people that I'm super close to. I wouldn't have them in my life otherwise and I'm thankful for it.

11. Characters: do they come first before the dolls, or after, or sometimes, or never?
Honestly, it depends~ I've had them come before and after

12. How much do you customize your dolls?
Im customizing them more and more with each doll, but I generally don't do it myself

13. How many years have you been into BJDs, and how much longer do you think that will last?
9~ and I'm hoping forever

 

1. Were you into bjds before joining DoA? (And where did you first learn about them?)
I was! I saw them first on DeviantArt years and years ago. I still remember the first person I followed for BJDs and her Delf Shiwoo. This was back in like 2004 when I was 9 or so. Back then I never dreamed I'd get into the hobby.

2. What do you do for an occupation? (And have bjds affected your career?)
I used to work @ a theme park, but nowadays I make money selling on eBay. The best part is most of the work is done from home, so I don't ever come home too tired to play with my dolls.

3. Do you own more or less than 13 dolls? (And is that a good thing?)
Less!! I own 5 SDs, 1 MSD, and 2 floating heads. And that's too much for me tbh, I don't think I could handle 13 or more dolls lolol.

4. Do you participate only on online doll communities, or do you also go to meetups, conventions?
I'd love to do monthly meetups but the ones in my area are always a good hour away or so. I would love to go to a proper BJD convention tho

5. Do you have friends or relatives that are into bjds?
Yes! My best friend is planning on getting her first doll soon thanks to me >:3c And I have other friends who enjoy the doll content I provide on tumblr/twitter. Relatives-wise, my mom really likes my dolls.

6. What kind of dolls do you like the best? (A particular size, gender, style/type, brand?)
I love 1/3 size the most, but I kind of want to get back into 1/4 sizes? And I have almost exclusively boy dolls. I'm definitely more into the stylized type dolls- Switch, Crobidoll, that sort.

7. How much of your life is about bjds? (Have bjds overshadowed your other hobbies?)
I would say BJDs take up a healthy portion of my life. I budget for them, and they are my main hobby so I enjoy everything I do for them.

8. Do you have a particular doll-related interest? (Photography, sewing, customization, making dioramas, collecting props?) OR a particularly unusual doll interest?
Hmm, I like drawing my dolls I guess? And thinking about dioramas for them lolol.

9. Do you have favorites among your dolls or love them all equally?
My favorite is the guy in my profile picture lolol. His dolls is a Switch MilhwaR. He's the most developed of my dolls and has the most concrete look and style.

10. How have bjds changed your life for the better?
I love having a physical representation of my characters.

11. Characters: do they come first before the dolls, or after, or sometimes, or never?
Both. I've done more impulse buys than planning characters. Ideally though, character before doll.

12. How much do you customize your dolls?
A standard amount? I don't do heavy modding but I'll do faceups and give them the exact clothes I think of for them.

13. How many years have you been into BJDs, and how much longer do you think that will last?
About 13 (how appropriate) years into BJDs, but in the actual hobby only about 3 I think? I ordered my first doll in 2014. And uh I hope to stay in this hobby for a looooong time ^^

 

1. Were you into bjds before joining DoA? (And where did you first learn about them?)

Yes. My husband first got me into the hobby and I swore up and down that I would never buy a BJD because they were too expensive. Then I saw Dollzone Benjamin...and bought him...and spent probably twice or three times as much as my husband did on any of his.

2. What do you do for an occupation? (And have bjds affected your career?)

I am the Activities Therapist for a mental health crisis facility. Dolls are not allowed at the hospital but I do often buy them to relieve some of the stress I have at work.

3. Do you own more or less than 13 dolls? (And is that a good thing?)

Less. I currently have six right now. I keep telling myself that I won't buy anymore...

4. Do you participate only on online doll communities, or do you also go to meetups, conventions?

I don't really participate in the online doll communities much at all (other than looking for things to buy). I think this is one of my first real posts that I have made. I keep wanting to participate more on here but I never know what to do. However, my husband and I do make it out to some meetups and try to have little crafting parties once and awhile.

5. Do you have friends or relatives that are into bjds?

Just my husband right now and a friend that we bought a BJD for but I'm not sure she really cares much about it lol.

6. What kind of dolls do you like the best? (A particular size, gender, style/type, brand?)

I like male dolls with pointer features (nose/ears) and often they look a bit gloomy/sad. My favorite is still my Dollzone Benjamin. Dollzone seems to get what I like most...which is sad because of their slow production times.

7. How much of your life is about bjds? (Have bjds overshadowed your other hobbies?)

Not really. I buy them and dress them up and then just look at them once in awhile. I do want to get more props and clothing so that I can actually take photos with them and make some kind of storyline with them.

8. Do you have a particular doll-related interest? (Photography, sewing, customization, making dioramas, collecting props?) OR a particularly unusual doll interest?

Um...I like shopping for them lol. I would like to make YouTube videos like my husband does but I am too shy lol.

9. Do you have favorites among your dolls or love them all equally?

Dollzone Benjamin (as I've stated several times now) has a special place in my heat.

10. How have bjds changed your life for the better?

Most definitely!

11. Characters: do they come first before the dolls, or after, or sometimes, or never?

My male characters all developed after I saw and fell in love with the dolls themselves. My female witch character came first and I had to find a doll that best represented her.

12. How much do you customize your dolls?

Not too much right now. I'm afraid to do a lot of stuff right now :P

13. How many years have you been into BJDs, and how much longer do you think that will last?

I would say between 2-3 years now (most of it was just waiting on dollzone to ship my dolls though). I think it will always be something I enjoy but I think I need to cut back and spend a little less this year :P ....we will see how that goes lol.

 

1. Were you into bjds before joining DoA? (And where did you first learn about them?)
I was just getting into them and was on some sites for selling second hand dolls that said they wanted your DOA references before they would sell yo you. I found out it was a great forum with lots of fun doll stuff.

2. What do you do for an occupation? (And have bjds affected your career?)
I do hotel work. Customer service, desk clerk and even cleaning rooms so a bit of everything.

3. Do you own more or less than 13 dolls? (And is that a good thing?)
less then 13 for sure. I barely own 2!

4. Do you participate only on online doll communities, or do you also go to meetups, conventions?
I've only participated online but there are no meetups near me it seems. I would go if there were.

5. Do you have friends or relatives that are into bjds?
Nope. Just me. I'm getting my sister into dolls in general though.

6. What kind of dolls do you like the best? (A particular size, gender, style/type, brand?)
I prefer female dolls but other then that I hove all kinds. Mainly ones i can dress up though. I have amillion fashion dolls. I just get anything that I like the face or hair of.

7. How much of your life is about bjds? (Have bjds overshadowed your other hobbies?)
BJDs aren't a huge part of my life but dolls in general are. my hobby is dolls. I love customizing them and making things for them. Miniatures make my heart happy.

8. Do you have a particular doll-related interest? (Photography, sewing, customization, making dioramas, collecting props?) OR a particularly unusual doll interest?
I love painting fashion doll accessories and making them pop or look more realistic. They often have interesting molding but very little detail paint. I've dabbled in sewing before but I haven't done much with it. Ilove going to thrift stories and looking for cute props and miniatures for my dolls. I have a tiny metal tellephone that it a pencil sharpener but its the perfect size for a 40cm doll.

9. Do you have favorites among your dolls or love them all equally?
My favorites hop from week to week but my favorite character is Luna and isn't even hear yet.

10. How have bjds changed your life for the better?
not much! Now I just have to wait longer for my dolls. lol

11. Characters: do they come first before the dolls, or after, or sometimes, or never?
I'm trying to shell characters I've had for years no but Agatha was a doll first and then a character. I just haven't posted her on here because she's a vinyl doll and not what DOA wants in their stuff.

12. How much do you customize your dolls?
I plan to customize every doll I come across pretty much but its most a question about following through.

13. How many years have you been into BJDs, and how much longer do you think that will last?
Less then a year but probably forever. lol

 

1. Were you into bjds before joining DoA? (And where did you first learn about them?)
Yes, I thought they were so beautiful when I first found pictures of some Volks dolls online between 2007-09.

2. What do you do for an occupation? (And have bjds affected your career?)
I am a librarian and the hobby has not affected my work.

3. Do you own more or less than 13 dolls? (And is that a good thing?)
Less than 13. It is unfortunately good for my case because it takes a lot of time managing what I have.

4. Do you participate only on online doll communities, or do you also go to meetups, conventions?
I am not too active >.< I haven't been to any meetups because there aren't any where I live.

5. Do you have friends or relatives that are into bjds?
I eventually told friends, but they did not get into bjds.

6. What kind of dolls do you like the best? (A particular size, gender, style/type, brand?)
I like MSD size dolls but all sizes are gorgeous in their own way! I like and have female dolls in general but I like both genders. I don't have a favorite brand but I think the AE dolls are lovely.

7. How much of your life is about bjds? (Have bjds overshadowed your other hobbies?)
I think bjds have filled 1/3 of my hobby pie.

8. Do you have a particular doll-related interest? (Photography, sewing, customization, making dioramas, collecting props?) OR a particularly unusual doll interest?
I liked the props at first but then I got into the sewing aspect. I like dioramas but I don't have a good set up for those.

9. Do you have favorites among your dolls or love them all equally?
I love them individually!

10. How have bjds changed your life for the better?
I have learned to be more actively creative.

11. Characters: do they come first before the dolls, or after, or sometimes, or never?
It depends, I look out for dolls that are versatile, meaning they can be something different with a little work.

12. How much do you customize your dolls?
Once in a while.

13. How many years have you been into BJDs, and how much longer do you think that will last?
I got my first doll last year and have made her two outfits. I plan to be in the hobby for a long time because there is a grail doll out there!

 

1. Were you into bjds before joining DoA? (And where did you first learn about them?)
I already had a few bjds and was in the hobby about six months before I discovered and joined DoA. I don't remember exactly where I first learned about them. I was collecting other dolls at the time so, somewhere on the internet.

2. What do you do for an occupation? (And have bjds affected your career?)
I am a domestic goddess/empty nester. Bjds have created more clutter for me to deal, or not deal, with.

3. Do you own more or less than 13 dolls? (And is that a good thing?)
Way more than 13 dolls, and it is what it is.

4. Do you participate only on online doll communities, or do you also go to meetups, conventions?
Mostly online. I went to a few meetups in the beginning and they had their good points but I also found them to be awkward, or found myself to be awkward, and I don't really like toting my dolls around.

5. Do you have friends or relatives that are into bjds?
No and no. Even though I have three daughters. I think that a lot of the dolls I bought them when they were young were more for me than for them. I guess I kind of expected them to osmotically acquire my interests, beliefs, etc., but it didn't work out that way.

6. What kind of dolls do you like the best? (A particular size, gender, style/type, brand?)
It keeps changing over time. I have a little bit of everything. Although I generally seem to have more fun with girl dolls because of the clothing options I think. Lately I've been leaning toward anthros and tinies.

7. How much of your life is about bjds? (Have bjds overshadowed your other hobbies?)
Bjds have definitely overshadowed my previous hobbies but not totally eclipsed all of them. Not a day goes by that I do not participate in the bjd world in some way, even if it's only online.

8. Do you have a particular doll-related interest? (Photography, sewing, customization, making dioramas, collecting props?) OR a particularly unusual doll interest?
I'm mostly into the photography aspect but I have done a little bit of sewing, and diorama and prop-making along the way.

9. Do you have favorites among your dolls or love them all equally?
An ebb and flow situation. For a long time I would say that my favorite was Unidoll Selina--I even have two of her, plus a geisha head. I still love her but, with so many dolls, I don't know if I can really pick favorites anymore.

10. How have bjds changed your life for the better?
Well, they certainly haven't changed my wallet for the better, but they give me an interest and artistic motivation.

11. Characters: do they come first before the dolls, or after, or sometimes, or never?
I don't do characters.

12. How much do you customize your dolls?
I don't do that. And if I want a face-up other than the company one, I find an artist to do it.

13. How many years have you been into BJDs, and how much longer do you think that will last?
I've been in the hobby since the tail end of 2008. I suspect it will last awhile longer yet. I have so much $$$, time, and space invested in it. And the thought of trying to sell all or most of them is overwhelming.

 

1. Were you into bjds before joining DoA? (And where did you first learn about them?)
Yes. I first saw them at anime conventions- usually at artist alley booths. I found Iplehouse thanks to a friend, and my first doll was an Iplehouse Mars due to that. I went over to her house when I got him to put him together!

2. What do you do for an occupation? (And have bjds affected your career?)
I'm a teacher in Japan. BJDs have not affected my career- if I have the spare cash after I've set aside money for rent, food, transportation, bills, and an emergency fund, then I have no problems purchasing one.

3. Do you own more or less than 13 dolls? (And is that a good thing?)
Less than 13. Currently at 5. I don't know if I'd want to own that many, but I think it COULD happen if I got all of my dream dolls. It'd take awhile for it to. Frankly, I'm at 5 and would still like to get a few more (but my rule is that I have to be in love with the doll before purchase. No more "oh maybe this will work!")

4. Do you participate only on online doll communities, or do you also go to meetups, conventions?
Only online at the moment, but I would like to go to a Dolpa eventually.

5. Do you have friends or relatives that are into bjds?
Nope. Only online.

6. What kind of dolls do you like the best? (A particular size, gender, style/type, brand?)
I like the slim minis because of all of the clothing options available for them on etsy and such. I amassed quite a good bit from having had unoas and minifees a lot. I think minifees have some of the best posing which is why my Lusis is a hybrid on a minifee body. My favorite companies, however, are Unoas and Volks.

7. How much of your life is about bjds? (Have bjds overshadowed your other hobbies?)
Not too much. I talk about them occasionally and show pictures to my friends. They like my dolls, but they aren't in the hobby. I play video games, too, and that tends to come first when I need some time relaxing (though dressing up my dolls is more of my anxiety relief).

8. Do you have a particular doll-related interest? (Photography, sewing, customization, making dioramas, collecting props?) OR a particularly unusual doll interest?
Nope.

9. Do you have favorites among your dolls or love them all equally?
Depends on the day. I like them all for a variety of reasons.

10. How have bjds changed your life for the better?
I think so. If I'm ever anxious or stressed out to the breaking point, dressing up my dolls, re-wigging, etc, is very soothing.

11. Characters: do they come first before the dolls, or after, or sometimes, or never?
I used to have a character and then try to find a shell. Now I operate in reverse and only very loosely have stories related to my dolls. They have "personalities" that I've given them, but nothing too intricate (however, my unoas & lati exist "separately" from my volks- they don't fit in together on my shelf, so I keep some space between them.)

12. How much do you customize your dolls?
My unoas are currently for customization. They are both modified and have artist face-ups. I change their wigs and styles regularly. I consider them more my fashion dolls. My volks dolls may change slightly, but I like their full-sets, so they will probably stay in them for some time.

13. How many years have you been into BJDs, and how much longer do you think that will last?
I got my first doll in 2009, but I didn't participate in the hobby until much later. I think 2011-2014? Then I took a break and came back now. So, I was "in the hobby" for 3 years, but I've been interested in the dolls for much longer and an owner since 2009- nearly 8 years. I love dolls. I have other dolls (pullip & azone), so I can't see myself "leaving" dolls, but sometimes taking a break from everything else is beneficial.

 

1. Were you into bjds before joining DoA? (And where did you first learn about them?)
I honestly can't remember the day I joined DoA. I first learned about BJD on DeviantART after seeing Heise's dolls. That likely lead me to DoA.

2. What do you do for an occupation? (And have bjds affected your career?)
I'm a freelance artist. I started doing private commissions but I have since branched off into commercial book covers etc. I even completed my first children's book last year. BJD haven't really affected my art directly... but the desire to buy more stuff for them has pushed me to increase my workload and speed.

3. Do you own more or less than 13 dolls? (And is that a good thing?)
I currently own 16 big dolls, 1 MSD, and 2 small ones, so yes I own more then 13. I love all of them dearly, but I wouldn't want to many more due to space issues.

4. Do you participate only on online doll communities, or do you also go to meetups, conventions?
Mostly online because I don't know many people around here that have BJD. I did have a small meetup with one friend that has dolls too. But I don't see her to often (once a year usually at local conventions).

5. Do you have friends or relatives that are into bjds?
As I mentioned above, just one friend I met at a local convention.

6. What kind of dolls do you like the best? (A particular size, gender, style/type, brand?)
I'm really starting to like the larger SD17 sized realistic dolls. I started off with smaller dolls (Luts delfs) and while I still love the ones I own, I don't really have any desire to buy anymore. All the newest dolls have been from Iplehouse and Soom.

7. How much of your life is about bjds? (Have bjds overshadowed your other hobbies?)
BJD have been a pretty big part of my life. I used to be more into the anime figure collecting hobby, but I've been selling them off in order to get more clothes for my BJD.

8. Do you have a particular doll-related interest? (Photography, sewing, customization, making dioramas, collecting props?) OR a particularly unusual doll interest?
I like photography but I'm not really the best at it. I used to like sewing stuff for them... but since I moved a few years ago and my sewing machine went in storage, I haven't really had the desire to sew much for them. I do like working with metal though (chain mail etc) so I've been having fun with that. I love collecting little props too, even if I don't usually get any use out of them.

9. Do you have favorites among your dolls or love them all equally?
I would like to say that I love them all equally but I have to admit I do have favorites. I'm really into realistic dolls now, so some of my older Volks DD girls haven't had much attention lately.

10. How have bjds changed your life for the better?
I suppose. They have encouraged me to work harder (so I have extra money to buy them things) and my skills have improved because of that....but on the other hand, I would likely have more money in the bank if I didn't spend so much on them.

11. Characters: do they come first before the dolls, or after, or sometimes, or never?
Usually while I'm in the process of ordering a new doll. I'll see a new one I want and as I'm staring at photos, character ideas just spring up in my head.

12. How much do you customize your dolls?
Not much really. All my dolls have company faceups and I usually stick to clothes made by that same company. Some who were fullsets just stay in their original outfits. I sometimes feel bad about that, but when I buy a doll I usually go for the whole overall look (including clothes, wigs, faceups etc).

13. How many years have you been into BJDs, and how much longer do you think that will last?
It's been 9 years since I got my first BJD (which I still own) and I'm still very much into the hobby (my latest one only arrived a week ago). I love them all dearly and I hope to continue with this hobby for a long while.

 

1. Were you into bjds before joining DoA? (And where did you first learn about them?)

Nope! I learned about them from a close friend and joined DoA a few months later after my casual (but gobsmacked by the price) interest turned to full on dolly love after going to a meet up with her and seeing them in person

2. What do you do for an occupation? (And have bjds affected your career?)

I'm an office specialist for the Faculty Senate at a university and they have not.

3. Do you own more or less than 13 dolls? (And is that a good thing?)

Less than 13, lol. It's not good or bad, in my opinion. It's just what I have (3 SDs, 3 MSDs and one floating MSD head)

4. Do you participate only on online doll communities, or do you also go to meetups, conventions?

I'm a member of several facebook communities and love going to meet ups and conventions. Just got back from Resin Rose!

5. Do you have friends or relatives that are into bjds?

Several friends, lol, and I've made many more since joining the hobby. Family is kind of indifferent to them but my mom humors me and responds to various pictures I send her.

6. What kind of dolls do you like the best? (A particular size, gender, style/type, brand?)

Hard to say cause all of my dolls are different sculpts and brands but I do love how seamless DragonDoll is.

7. How much of your life is about bjds? (Have bjds overshadowed your other hobbies?)

I'd say they get about equal love, but there's more to them since I can dress and paint them. My dragon figures and antique keys just kind of sit there and look cool.

8. Do you have a particular doll-related interest? (Photography, sewing, customization, making dioramas, collecting props?) OR a particularly unusual doll interest?

I'd love to do more sewing and photography. I also like drawing dolls

9. Do you have favorites among your dolls or love them all equally?

I try to love them all equally but my focus tends to go from one to the next and back again, depending on my needs or what I have.

10. How have bjds changed your life for the better?

I've made some great friends, so yes.

11. Characters: do they come first before the dolls, or after, or sometimes, or never?

Only two are based on existing characters I had. Most of the others have grown into personalities and characters but I don't have a story or anything that includes all of them.

12. How much do you customize your dolls?

Most just faceups, wigs and eyes. Modding is... very scary and I can't bring myself to do it.

13. How many years have you been into BJDs, and how much longer do you think that will last?

Got interested in about 2010? My first doll arrived December 11 2011 so about 7 years total, I think! I think it will last a good long long long time.

 

1. Were you into bjds before joining DoA? (And where did you first learn about them?)
Yes, I was. I first saw them at my first time attending A-Kon.
2. What do you do for an occupation? (And have bjds affected your career?)
I am currently trying to open a doll business.
3. Do you own more or less than 13 dolls? (And is that a good thing?)
I think around 10-12 on-topic BJD's. If you count all the antique dolls, it's over 13. I love being surrounded by dolls.
4. Do you participate only on online doll communities, or do you also go to meetups, conventions?
Mostly I just participate in communities online, but this year I was able to make it to Doll A-Kon.
5. Do you have friends or relatives that are into bjds?
I'm currently getting my sister into them.
6. What kind of dolls do you like the best? (A particular size, gender, style/type, brand?)
I usually like fantasy sculpts the best.
7. How much of your life is about bjds? (Have bjds overshadowed your other hobbies?)
Dolls have definitely taken over my other hobbies.
8. Do you have a particular doll-related interest? (Photography, sewing, customization, making dioramas, collecting props?) OR a particularly unusual doll interest?
I love sewing for my dolls and customising my dolls.
9. Do you have favorites among your dolls or love them all equally?
My favorite doll of all time is Volks Suigintou, but I will most likely never own her.
10. How have bjds changed your life for the better?
I have learned to control my temper better.
11. Characters: do they come first before the dolls, or after, or sometimes, or never?
Sometimes before, sometimes after. Sometimes the character I have in mind for a doll doesn't work out.
12. How much do you customize your dolls?
I love to do all the faceup and a lot of the sewing work myself.
13. How many years have you been into BJDs, and how much longer do you think that will last?
I have been interested in dolls my whole life, and I don't expect that to change.

 

1. Were you into bjds before joining DoA? (And where did you first learn about them?)
I'd seen them for a year or two before, but didn't get to the seriously wanting phase until a few months before ordering my first... Joined DoA around that time, after researching here. First saw them in a few wig sales photos on Ebay. None were being sold on Ebay as whole dolls back then ('02-'04).

2. What do you do for an occupation? (And have bjds affected your career?)
Artist/Illustrator. Strangely, bjds haven't affected my art in any way. (...although I did try and write some off!)

3. Do you own more or less than 13 dolls? (And is that a good thing?)
Many multiples of 13 more... Definitely in Hoarder territory. I love them all, but it's probably not a great thing otherwise.

4. Do you participate only on online doll communities, or do you also go to meetups, conventions?
Online DoA and other forums and FB, I used to go to a lot of meetups, but not so much recently, still go to conventions when possible.

5. Do you have friends or relatives that are into bjds?
Friends. Quite a few people I knew from other fandoms are into bjds! No relatives so far.

6. What kind of dolls do you like the best? (A particular size, gender, style/type, brand?)
I like a wide variety... but do have a preference for 1/3 and Male... and Fantasy (Soom, etc.) and Realistic (Iplehouse and Granado, etc.), and some Anthros.

7. How much of your life is about bjds? (Have bjds overshadowed your other hobbies?)
A big part of my life these days, and for many years (I've been very active for all these 13 years). Pretty overshadowed, but some things pop back in briefly now and then.

8. Do you have a particular doll-related interest? (Photography, sewing, customization, making dioramas, collecting props?) OR a particularly unusual doll interest?
Not really. I do a bit of lots of things, but mostly just because I have doll and like to do things with them. Mostly photography, some blushing, some faceups, some sewing, some prop collecting... nothing unusual.

9. Do you have favorites among your dolls or love them all equally?
I try not to, and really do like all my dolls a lot. I have a LOT of favorites, though... most of them are favorites.

10. How have bjds changed your life for the better?
I'm not sure. I think so, or I wouldn't be doing this for so long! It's been a lot of fun.

11. Characters: do they come first before the dolls, or after, or sometimes, or never?
Mostly Dolls first, then Characters.

12. How much do you customize your dolls?
Not much. I've opened eyes and made a few faceups and blushed a few dolls. Never major mods, and most I don't mod at all.

13. How many years have you been into BJDs, and how much longer do you think that will last?
13 Years. Probably forever...