Just For Fun Twelve Questions

1. How long have you been in the hobby? First doll was in June 2011 (MNF Soo)
2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs. I was first drawn to BJD for their customization and later for collecting doll fashions and accessories.
3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in? I can't remember exactly how long I waited - but pretty quick, which was as quickly as I could access the Marketplace!
4. Do you collect any other types of dolls? I have a couple Blythe and an Azone.
5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?) I have improved and explored photography, sewing, wig making and needle felting. I love my dolls because they inspire me to craft and create!
6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls? I love to photograph and style my dolls
7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!) I'm @rikkistar101 on Instagram and I'm on Flickr and YouTube
8. Where do you store your dolls? I leave my dolls out on my shelves which are set up like diaromas
9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects? My dolls have basic characters that help guide the types of clothes I dress them in and the kinds of poses and moods I try to recreate in photographs.
10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications? I prefer to customize my dolls but I do have a company faceup from my MNF Sia full set which I haven't had the heart to wipe.
11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.) The online doll community is everything to me, without it I would definitely have abandoned the doll hobby a long time ago! I love sharing and hearing about other peoples experiences in the hobby.
12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby? Don't settle, try to save for your favourite doll. Relax, don't be afraid to make mistakes, keep trying and be friendly and kind to your fellow hobbyists they will reciprocate!

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby? Seven and a half years.
2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs. Poseability.
3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in? Pretty much jumped in there.
4. Do you collect any other types of dolls? I have collections of black folk art dolls and tiny Betsy McCalls but I no longer pursue them. However, I do occasionally add to my Tokissi bunny family.
5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?) I've learned a bit of photography, computer skills and tiny prop-making. I hope to improve on these skills rather than attempt new ones.
6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls? Dressing them, changing wigs and eyes, posing and placing them in appropriate settings, and then photographing them.
7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!) I post my pictures initially on flickr Nadine But also on tumblr gatto grigio bjd And Deviant Art daasper on DeviantArt
8. Where do you store your dolls? In a spare bedroom.
9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects? I consider them to be models/mannequins.
10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications? My dolls are always changing.
11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.) The online community is very important to me, for information, conversation, and fun!
12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby? It is an expensive hobby, even at its most economical. Do you research, listen to advice, but then do your own thing.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby? 4years
2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs. The 1st time I saw bjd is at a magazine and a pencil case
3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in? I did my research and when I was in deep depression, I bought my 1st doll without a second thought and that was the most right thing I had done for myself
4. Do you collect any other types of dolls? I have nendoroids, and I am kinda thinking of collecting another type of doll in the future
5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?) Thanks to my dolls, I went back to school and now just 2 months away to be a cosmetologist. I am styling and cutting hair now, I hope to learn sewing next.
6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls? Taking their photos and dressing them up, and most of all just staring at them and developing their character and story.
7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!) Yes!!! Everywhere you can find me as violetdepravity
8. Where do you store your dolls? I have a storage case for my 15cm to 62cm and the 70cm to 72cm are displayed in the open.
9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects? They have characters and story
10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications? Because of their story I mostly customized my dolls, cost lots of money but that is what make them special ,the hard work and creativeness I give to them
11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.) The community helped me a lot, specially when I was still a complete noon and it gave me awareness
12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby? It is an expensive hobby but if you are ready to let your imagination and creativeness flows, it will be fun. Stick to what you want and not what other people likes ( ˘ ³˘)❤

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
- Since looking for my first doll, a year and 4 months. Since ordering my first doll, a year and a few days.
2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
- Customization.
3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
- I waited a few months before ordering.
4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
- Barbie, random other Barbie-like dolls. I have about 50 of them. I also have a few very old cabbage patch dolls
5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?)
- I do consider myself an artist, but I never picked up pastels before doing my first face ups, and while I have sewn before, I have NEVER made my own patterns, which I am doing now. I still want to learn wig making and sculpting.
6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
- I have them all out around my desk, so it's natural for me to pick one up and have it on my lap while I'm killing monsters in MMO's.
7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
- I post them on flickr.
8. Where do you store your dolls?
- Storing is cruel. They can't breathe in those boxes! I'm kidding, a bit. Mine are out where I can see them.
9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
- My bjd's are all based on characters from the stories I'm writing. The end goal is to shell about 20 of those characters. I have a ways to go yet.
10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
- Definitely customize.
11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
- I would drive my husband crazy with doll talk if I didn't have an outlet with other doll collectors, so I think it's pretty important!
12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
- When buying a doll, make sure you're buying from either the company or a reputable dealer.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
I got my first doll in August 2014, so 2 years

2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
I like to create characters and the idea that I can almost bring them to life fully and physically interact with these creations from my mind.

3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
I waited 4 years before buying my first doll! I just couldn't chose the right one, so eventually I impulsively bought one just to have something to play with. I ended up selling him, but I still loved that doll a lot.

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
I do, I also collect action figures, MH dolls, porcelain clowns, and I'm starting to buy Disney Animators dolls and Blythes!

5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?)
I have learned a lot about sculpting and mods of that sort. I hope to learn how to make wigs, eyes, and paint basic faceups one day!

6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
My fav way is to dress up my dolls. I don't do a whole lot with them right now because I'm in the midst of moving, but I hope to start photographing them more soon

7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
My Instagram and Tumblr are linked in my signature!

8. Where do you store your dolls?
On top of my dresser. I'm going to be moving them onto a shelf in a closet at my next house.

9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
Most of them have incredibly detailed backstories and character traits planned out, but I have been having trouble figuring out a few of my dolls.

10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
I prefer to customize dolls, I don't usually like fullsets because they don't feel unique enough to me.

11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
I think the community is very important to me. I really love my local community! We have awesome meet ups and there is a yearly doll convention that I went to this year, which was awesome! I really love the community on Instagram too, it is much more personal then Tumblr IMO

12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Don't let what you see online scare you away from collecting these beautiful dolls! You do you, and people will be drawn to your uniqueness

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?

7 years give or take, I purchased my first full doll in 2009 ^^​

2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.

Their aesthetic, be it beautiful or strange or gruesome, no two dolls are alike
​

3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?

I waffled a long time before buying my first doll... the price and the exchange rate were a big factor, not to mention that I was still in school at the time. Once my first arrived however, it was a slippery slope ever afterwards XD
​

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?

I have some monster high repaints and some animal type ball jointed dolls, but my first love will always be resin dolls.​

5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?)

Carpentry, believe it or not. I had never worked with wood before, but I learned to use a scroll saw, a dremel, how to make a woodpaste, how to upholster, etc... What I'd really like to acquire is some photography skills... because I'm absolutely abysmal! I'd also like to try my hand at wig-making, though finding the materials is somewhat daunting. ​

6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?

I like dressing and redressing them, posing them, and admiring their beauty...now if only I could take decent photographs ​

7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)

Nope, sorry... I don't use any social media aside from Facebook and Tumblr, but with my aforementioned photo skills, I'm not terribly inclined to share ​

8. Where do you store your dolls?

They have their own place in my room where they can't be manhandled by others, out of direct light, but still out in the open... I want to admire them, not hide them away, even if it pains me to see them yellow.​

9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?

Character is probably a bit of a stretch, but personalities is a better definition for me. I feel like each doll has its own unique characteristics and quirks, but they weren't planned before hand but came about more from the bonding and customization process of each.​

10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?

I'm a customizer all the way, it's a large part of my bonding process... when I have the choice, I will generally opt out of a factory face-up, even if it's limited, just because I'd like to bring them to life myself...so to speak... I've even commited some full-set sin, as it were, such as a removing the default eyes and installing eyelashes into a Volks DD Rise o_O​

11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)

I think the community is super important! There is wealth of knowledge and ideas online and in person... meetups are my favorite though, I've made many friends that way ​

12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?

I would tell them to seek out their local group before they buy their doll if they are undecided... That way they can truly see the sizes and how to dolls work, and may even help them decide what direction to take. I would also advise them to budget for the doll they want the most, even if they end up buying a cheaper doll in the interim... chances are they will end up investing in the doll they want in the long run anyway ​

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
I've been interested in the hobby and learning all about it for years now, but I only just yesterday ordered my first doll!

2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
They're so beautiful and detailed, and I've always liked dolls but I'd never seen such pretty ones.

3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
Well, been waiting for about 3 years now, so.

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
I do like fashion dolls, MH, EAH, etc. but I only keep a few, I wouldn't say I "collect" them.

5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?)
Getting my first doll will be an opportunity for me to get back into sewing again, I want to make things for him.

6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
-(' v ')- Don't have him home yet.

7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
I did make an instagram and a tumblr (both are totoroears) where I'll be posting pictures of my boy when he gets here.

8. Where do you store your dolls?
-(' v ')-

9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
I already have characters planned that I want to make with dolls.

10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
Customizing a doll seems much more fun?

11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
Well I'm hoping to maybe join a meetup group that's not to far from me soon so I'm looking forward to meeting potential friends in the hobby! So far, people on this site have been very nice.

12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Research, I guess. Research as much as you can.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
Since July of 2004. Slightly longer than I've been on the forum.

2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
Just how life-like they look, but also the ability to customize, since I enjoy crafting characters/storytelling.

3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
Uh, I didn't really wait that long.

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
No. I dislike how dead most dolls look to me. (I don't really count figures like nendoroids or pinky street as dolls)

5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?)
I've learned to paint them (very different than painting other things), photography, sewing (sort-of). I'd like to tackle eye-making, I think.

6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
Story crafting. That is, writing and depicting stories, or just brainstorming them.

7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
I haven't really updated my tumblr in ages, not with real and/or consistent content.

8. Where do you store your dolls?
A lot of them are displayed about my room. In bookshelves, or on desktops. I have some that don't fit elsewhere neatly stowed in a set of drawers, though.

9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
Characters. I don't do well with pretty objects. Eventually it becomes clutter, and when I need space that's what goes :/

10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
I have never kept a full set intact ^^;

11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
It was more important to me when I started out. But these days I'm fine on my own doing my own thing. I think that's partially why I've withdrawn from social media.

It helps that I have a IRL friend with dolls, though.

12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Budget, budget wisely. Don't settle for less when you could just save for a year more. And don't let the tastes of others dictate what you do with your own dolls.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
I bought my first bjd in 2008.

2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
They are just so pretty! From their fancy outfits to amazing hair styles and face ups, they just drew me right in as soon as I saw them.

3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
I think it was about a year after seeing them for the first time, before I bought my own. The price issue was the biggest thing. I was hired to paint a huge mural for a local town and I then used that money to buy my first bjd full set.

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
I have a fairly large hot toys collection as well as a few pullips. I also now own a 1/3 Azone and a smart doll. But I mostly collect nendoroids and anime figures.

5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?)
My photography skills have improved a bit, but I'm stuck using a not so great camera so far. I liked sewing too before I got into bjd and I made a few clothing articles.

6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
Dressing them up in fancy outfits. I love trying new looks for them.

7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
A bit. DA: http://keelerleah.deviantart.com/
Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/keelerleah/
My figure collection: drowranger ‹ Users ‹ Community - MyFigureCollection.net (Tsuki-board.net)
8. Where do you store your dolls?
I don't really store them. They are on display in my room all the time. It's fairly dark, so I'm not to worried about them being out all the time.

9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
I've started creating characters for them now. But when I started they were just pretty objects.

10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
I like full sets. Most of my dolls are full sets actually and I'd never break up the set.

11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
A bit I suppose. I've never gone to a meet up (there aren't many doll collectors in this area) so the community is mostly online for me. I don't post to terribly often, but I enjoy looking at other people's dolls.

12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Get the doll you truly want. Don't settle for another because it's cheaper. It may take longer to save up enough money, but in the end you'll likely be happier with your purchase if you get the one you want more. And if it's a sold out limited, take the time to look around for awhile. You may find the doll for sale somewhere from a previous owner.

 

This looks fun

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
I first got really interested in BJDs in about 2002 I think, but stopped keeping up with bjd news for years when I didn't find one I liked enough to commit to buy, so probably only 5-7 active years in the hobby really.
2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
I love how people customize their dolls in such creative ways. Aside from some very niche stuffed animal hobbyists, no one else I've seen does the kind of intense customization that BJDs allow for (i.e. faceups, outfits, sanding/sculpting mods, prop creation, etc). Honestly I think I enjoy looking at the way other people involve themselves in the hobby just as much as I enjoy owning dolls myself. I'm constantly surprised and inspired by the other people in this hobby and I love that.
3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
Haaaa I waited nearly a decade before buying my first bjd. There were a few reasons: I had so many non-bjd dolls and other hobbies that made me happy and busy, plus I hadn't yet seen a bjd whose "look" pulled me in. I had to discover my grail doll before finally going "Yep, I'm going to do this!" and about a year later I bought my first bjd and started saving for my grail!
4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
Yes. Porcelain dolls, Pullips, musical wind-up dolls, porcelain figurines (those aren't really "dolls" though) as well as teddy bears in fancy outfits I own a few fashion dolls and Madame Alexander dolls, but I don't specifically collect those.
5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?)
I feel like I have a better eye for art and color combinations because of studying faceups. It's different than what I had to learn for (human) makeup application because our faces naturally have colors already there, so the area-specific color application in faceups was something I had to learn and has helped me understand my own aesthetic preferences more. I've also started trying to do my own faceups, which has improved my meager art skills immensely!
6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
Dressing them and finding the perfect outfit/wig/eyes combination. There's nothing more satisfying to me (in regards to my own dolls) than finding a combination that just WORKS! I love being able to change their looks in so many different ways, which is why I have more eyes, wigs, and clothes than I could ever possibly use.
7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
I rarely use social media but I do store a few pictures on a flickr account: flickr.com/ker246
8. Where do you store your dolls?
It's funny actually... The bjds are out in the open but the less expensive dolls are safely in cabinets! But that's because I move the bjds around all the time. I do fear the day one of my doll's curly wigs gathers too much dust (because curls are so finicky and easy to mess up, I'll likely never get the dust out of that wig) but I have no desire to put my bjds behind glass doors. I would love to eventually set up "rooms" with props for them, but I need to learn how to do that sort of panorama design first.
9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
They don't have characters, per se. They're more than pretty objects though. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I don't "shell" any characters in my dolls, but they seem to have their own personalities. I know it's all just fun stuff in my head.
10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
I am so damn picky about everything that I've never seen a full set I would keep completely intact! I'm trying really hard to think of one, and the closest I can think of is one that I would still change the doll's eyes and add even more accessories to the outfit and style the wig differently (or just replace it now that I think about it more) so... nope haha!
11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
Sharing information is key to any hobby, I believe, so the online community is a huge part of the hobby for me. Sharing IRL pictures when stock images aren't enough, sharing measurements not listed on company websites, showing side-by-side comparisons of different dolls, and (most importantly to me) sharing images of your faceups and other customization ideas with other people so everyone can grow from the abundance of creativity! People come up with things I would never think to do in a million years, and I just love seeing that. The other people in this hobby make my imagination grow (for better or worse haha!) and teach me how to do things and encourage me to pursue what makes me happy.
I really appreciate the warmth and kindness I've experienced from other bjd people. I won't name any names, but there have been some people in this hobby who have just been incredibly kind and welcoming, absolutely beyond words. I'm really grateful for many of the experiences I've had with others in this hobby and I really didn't expect those instances to have such a huge impact on me as they did. It makes me really happy and I hope to always give back those same good vibes to others in the community.
12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Oh wow... There's a lot... but I'll narrow it down into the things that I think are most important.
A) Be respectful of other people's preferences: a sculpt you might think is the ugliest thing in the world might be someone else's perfect grail! It's okay to disagree on beauty standards. It's part of what makes the hobby so interesting!
B) If you're having trouble with something in the hobby, ASK FOR HELP! People are usually open to talking about their experiences and willing to give you advice. There are so many facets and options that can make entering the bjd world seem overwhelming, so don't be afraid to ask about things when you're confused
C) Make your first doll one that you WANT, and don't buy dolls that are just "good enough". Those dolls won't make you happy and it will stress you out and it will be a bad time - I promise! This isn't about some philosophical reasoning like discovering your perfect little resin angel soulmate - this is about your mental health, people! I don't know what it is, but buyer's remorse in the bjd hobby is somehow exponentially more potent than that in any other hobby. It's probably because dolls look so much like people and their little eyes look back at you like they have thoughts. Anyway, remember that it's better to have a collection of unconventional dolls that make you happy rather than having dolls that you weren't 100% into in the first place. There's no point in wasting your time or money on those, especially in a hobby where there are so may different choices available! Create a doll collection that expresses you, in order to make yourself happy. The hobby should be fun!

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
I got my first doll back in 2013 I think but I was interested in dolls much before that.
2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
I love how I can make them look like my characters in the story that I'm writing.
3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
I looked for a while the right sculpt and gathered money. When I realized that I have the money I need, I bought a doll. I should have waited little more.
4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
No. Does it count that I try getting many Switch-dolls?
5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?)
I knew how to sew before getting into this hobby but now I wish that I learn how sew this small scale. I also wish to learn how to make wigs.
6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
Getting them new things and dressing them. After that I usually take photos.
7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
My blog! I wish to get more readers and nice comments. I also post photos on Flickr and you can find the link in my signature.
8. Where do you store your dolls?
They are on the shelves. I really don't have room for all my SD sized dolls.
9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
Characters.
10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
I don't buy full sets as I don't like the company face-ups.
11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
Well, I think both of them are important. Some like meetups, some don't. But online is very important due to all information etc.
12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
I think they should go to a meetup and see which doll size they like the best.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
I discovered BJD in 2008, but ordered my first one in December 2015. So for eight years or for eight months, depending on your point of view ^_^
2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
I love the fact that everything in the doll can be customized, each doll is so unique !
3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
I waited about eight years to get my first doll.
4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
Yes, I also collect Pullip dolls.
5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?)
I have learnt how to do faceups (on my Pullip and Monster High dolls), and also photography.
6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
I love making clothes for my doll, and take photos of my dolls
7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
I mainly post photos of my dolls on Instagram
8. Where do you store your dolls?
I store my dolls on my shelves in my bedroom.
9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
They don't have characters for now, they just have a name.
10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
It depends on the doll, I guess ^.^
11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
The BJD community is amazing, it really helps to know more about this hobby.
12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Don't be afraid to show your dolls

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby? About 8 years though I kinda had a 6 year hiatus after my son was born
2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs. Posability and they look awesome
3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in? Waited I am pretty poor most of the time
4. Do you collect any other types of dolls? ALL OF THE FASHION DOLLS
5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?) Yep I learned about wig making I was already a half decent seamstress but I'm heaps better now and because of all the excess "fibres" from wig making I have taken up spinning
6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls? Making them clothes
7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!) not really apparently collecting dolls is creepy
8. Where do you store your dolls? it depends but most of the time my BJD's have been in their boxes
9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects? Bit of both
10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications? Bit of both
11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.) I have been out of the hobby for quite a while so I am just getting back into things and it has changed since I first started out and I'm not huge on being "social" in general
12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby? Put money away each week for you "doll fund" and if you have a talent for sewing then make clothes to sell to buy more dolls Check out sales (I have a 70cm boy coming that cost me less than $400USD) Keep an eye on exchange rates especially if you're outside the US as most prices are in US$

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
Since early 2008, ordered my first doll in June, got it in August.

2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
Customizing!
I actually lost pretty much interest in all other figures/toys because of that. If I can't customize it, I have a hard time enjoying it.
I just love working on them and love watching others create.
On top of that I am very much into photography and they are interesting, and easy, models.

3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
I had to wait a while because I was still in school and low on funds.
My first doll was picked after browsing through many websites, and after talking with my father, who helped me decide and let me order him.

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
Yes!
I actually started with Blythe two years ago, tried out Pullip and Pure Neemo too, and I also had a DD.
Only my Blythe are still there, but I stick the six ones I have and do not have any interest to own more.

5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?)
I always liked photography but was never really trying it.
BJDs changed that, and with them I got really into it and till today they are still my favourite thing to photograph.
However, I learned to paint face-ups and got an airbrush just for them!

6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
I usually have them standing in their cabinets and just look at them when I come into my doll room.
I am not a big playing/carrying around type, I enjoy them from afar.
Next to that I love to dress them up and take pictures.

7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
I do
Next to Flickr and Tumblr I mostly post on Instagram nowadays.
It's the only place where I share snapshots and show some "behind the scenes" stuff.
Flickr and Tumblr are the place for finished photos and my face-up portfolio, Instagram is for everything.

8. Where do you store your dolls?
Most of them are either in Detolf cabinets or Billy cabinets, with glass doors.
I only have three that are currently more out on the open (want to change that soon too).
Here's a photo that shows the current furniture setup.
Some of the dolls belong to my partner though, so they are not all mine

9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
They all have characters.
I tried a few times to have a doll "just because pretty", but it never really worked out.

On the other hand it can get a little exhausting, because I have characters I'd love to have but can't find a doll for...while there are lots of dolls I like but have zero use for.
Argh!

10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
I don't buy full-sets (unless the outfit the doll comes with is just perfect), so far all dolls I ordered arrived blank.
I only have three Soom heads with default face-up, because I wanted proof they are legit, but they will be wiped as soon as I have time to repaint them.
I customize them myself and have a very specific look for my dolls in mind, most full-sets don't fit this at all.

11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
Very important!
I met my local group shortly after I got my first doll, it was always good to know to have them by my side.
I enjoy helping newbies and like to post my stuff and see what others think about my work.
I could live with just me and my dolls, but a lot of the fun is to talk with others, exchange tips and talk about dolls and plans you have with them.

The community can be a little exhausting though, but I did my best to limit my experience and avoid people/communities that are unpleasant (like recast forums, Tumblr Confession blogs or lots of the Facebook groups).

12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Read lots of tutorials, FAQs and other things about the hobby.
Do not immediately buy a doll, it either ends with tears (in case of recasts on ebay) or frustration, maybe even downright disappointment.
Dolls won't run away and it's good to know what you are getting into.

It's tempting to save money and do everything yourself, however, it's best to start with a little finished package.
Get a painted doll, two wigs, two pair of eyes, a full outfit and you are ready to dress up, change looks and take pictures of a somewhat finished looking doll.
Get yourself a cheap head from Alice's Collection to first try face-ups on.

There are lots of rumors floating around how this community is so horrible, however, it's up to you to shape your experience.
Avoid places that just breed drama (like Tumblr Confessions blogs) and surround yourself with nice people.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
I ordered my first doll in 2010, got her in early 2011, that makes a bit more than 5 years. Oh wow *0*
2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
One?? That's hard.. I'll tell two ^^ Beauty and creativty. I think no further explanation is needed
3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
Ohh yes I waited years. I first discovered BJDs around 2007/2008 when I was looking for drawing references. The dolls' prices really made me think for a long time. I did lots of research before I ordered my first doll though, so no time was waisted I think.
4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
I have some blind box collectibles like Sonny Angels and some anime figurines, but I am interested in other types of customizeable dolls too. Projects for the future~
5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?)
I am working on improving my photography skills, I have learned to do my own faceups (which is a really important point to me, I wouldn't feel my dolls truly close to me if I haven't painted them myself) and I kinda learned to sew! I would like to try making wigs in the future as well.
6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
I love to take pictures of them, to make them interact with each other. I also love playing dressup x3 All of these are according to their characters.
7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
I have a flickr and an instagram account where I post pictures of my dolls. I tried making youtube videos too a while back, maybe I'll get back to doing them someday...
8. Where do you store your dolls?
I don't have a display or diorama for them (I am planning to do the latter though), they are where I am ^^ I like to keep them close to me, even when I'm not doing anything with them I like to know they are there.
9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
Yes, my dolls have characters. Even if they hadn't, I wouldn't think of them as just mere objects. They are just too personal, extentions of me in a way. I'm sure you know what I mean.
10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
Although I've seen a lot of gorgeous fullsets, I don't think I would ever go for one. I just love the customizing aspect of this hobby too much.
11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
I find it important to be able to share the hobby with others. Although I don't interact with others as much as I would like to, I love sharing pictures and seeing others' creativity.
12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Research before buying! Research before doing your own faceups/mods! Know your priorities when it comes to money! And finally, don't let anyone put you down, your dolls are yours only, you don't need others' approval on how to style them and so on.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
I've been in the hobby since summer 2009.

2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
Ball-jointed dolls are an amazing outlet for creativity. The possibilities in this hobby are endless!

3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
I shamelessly jumped right in.

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
No, but at one point I collected action figures. Currently I also have a few off-topic 11cm Obitsu tinies on my wishlist.

5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?)
I've started taking photography more seriously, and over the past few years tried my hand at creating props. I always hope to improve upon my face-up and customizing skills, and within the next few months I plan to make my first doll wig. Hopefully I pull it off!

6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
Write about their adventures... but then, I wrote about their characters years before they were shelled in resin.

7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
Yes, primarily on Tumblr.

8. Where do you store your dolls?
I store my dolls in a large, glass cabinet I inherited from my mother after she passed away. I try my best to keep out sunlight by using a reflective solar curtain.

9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
Characters. Always.

10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
I personally have no desire to keep full sets intact. It's customize or bust with me!

11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
I've never been to a meetup before, but the online community is a large part of the hobby's experience for me. I love meeting new people and interacting with others, so a place like DOA is like my second home.

12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Buy the sculpts that make you happy. Remember these dolls are for your enjoyment and your enjoyment alone, so don't worry about whether or not others approve of how you choose to customize them. Express yourself!

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby? Two and a half years now, though it feels longer than that because I've known people with BJDs well before I got one of my own.

2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs. The sheer amount of creative possibility each doll has. I love it!

3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in? I waited. I did my research, and I did it well. I did just into the deep end size-wise by buying a 70 cm doll, but I still adore him to this day and he's what kick-started my love of big boys.

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls? I've got a couple of Monster Highs, and a bunch of rather old Barbies, but the latter are all on the chopping block. Female dolls are not really my thing.

5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?) Oh yeah! Face ups, re-stinging, wig making, etc. It's been amazing. I love learning new skills and the BJD hobby has really given me a lot to play with (no pun intended).

6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls? Hugs for all! Simple things really; a quick brush of the wig, a tilt of the head...then there's all the photos I take...

7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!) DeviantArt link is in my signature! I'm also RavenMadGeo on Instagram.

8. Where do you store your dolls? In my bedroom. The big boys stand leaning up against the bookshelves, the smaller ones sit on a side table or stand on my desk.

9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects? Characters! I'm a writer (among other things) and if they're not the shell of a pre-made character, they scream at me from their webpages and create a new character in my head right there and then.

10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications? Both. I have three full sets, two are still more or less intact, one is being uh...reshuffled.

11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.) It's nice being able to share this hobby with other people, I've made some amazing friends through it, so I'd say it's very important.

12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby? Never be afraid to ask questions! The BJD world can be so overwhelming, you will need help with something at some point. Ask, and we shall share.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
Since April of 2005, so 11+ years

2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
Their size is very appealing to me, as well as the posability.

3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
I'd been saving and acquiring bits before joining DoA, but I had my first head in very short order--in my defense it was a grail--and ordered my first full doll on layaway shortly after that.

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
Oh yes. I love dolls.

5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?)
I picked up a lot of skills from my other dolls and model-kits that I was able to bring to BJDs, but my skills have definitely improved from working with BJDs all this time.

6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
It rather depends on the day. I really enjoy just playing with them and writing stories for them.

7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
No. I don't do social media at all.

8. Where do you store your dolls?
Most of them are upstairs on a coupe of large tables in my living area. I have a chair on my desk downstairs where some of them can come and hang out during the day.

9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
Characters! I love to write stories for them, and it's nice to have visual references to work from. ^^;

10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
I get squirmy about selling off bits of a fullset, but I almost never use the fullset bits. I prefer to get the doll mostly blank and naked. XD

11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
It depends on the day. Some days I really want to share and be involved, but on other days I'd rather just hide and play dolls by myself. That being said, some of my best friends are people that I have met through the community.

12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Get the doll you love, not the doll that's cheapest, or has the shortest wait time, or is what someone else tells you to love. Get the one you love, do them up how you please, and enjoy them how you want to enjoy them. If cell phone pics on Instagram make you happy, then don't let anyone bully you into not sharing because it's not the most perfect picture ever. Just be happy and have fun.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
Bought my first doll at the end of 2012.

2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
Face sculpts, especially those with open mouths.

3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
I waited a while, maybe 2 or 3 years? The price was what drove me a way.

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
I started collecting Monster High dolls right before I got into BJDs. I don't collect MH anymore. I tried a Pullip once, but couldn't get into it.

5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?)
I had been sewing before I got into BJD, but having them sure has helped me to become better at it!

6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
Sewing clothes for them and taking them outside for pictures.

7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
I used to on here, Tumblr and DA, but I haven't in about 2 years...

8. Where do you store your dolls?
I used to have them out on display, but now they're all packed away in their boxes because I live overseas the majority of the year and I have to many to drag around.

9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
A little bit of both. Most of them have a little bit of a story, but most aren't very developed.

10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
The fullsets I have are intact, except for changing out eyes. I mostly can't afford fullsets though and sew for my dolls instead.

11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
Fairly important, I always got more out of it by sharing pictures I took and the outfits I made.

12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Make sure you really want a specific doll before buying it. They are expensive. But don't settle. Go for something you really want, otherwise you won't be as happy.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby? I joined DoA in May of 2013 and got my first BJDa few months later in August.

2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs. The customization, definitely! I love getting a blank doll and making it my own.

3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in? I waited because I found BJDs through Blythe and was focused on those at first. After I received my first BJD I fell totally in love and never looked back.

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls? Most of my "fun" money goes to BJDs but I do have a collection of Monster High dolls and a Hujoo Nano Freya that is off topic here. I used to have Blythes but I sold them to get more money for resin dolls.

5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?) Oh yes, I've learned so much! I knew how to sew a little bit but I've learned so much more since getting into BJDs. Faceups are another skill I've been learning, and wig making too. One day I would love to try my hand at making resin eyes.

6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls? I've been lazy with my camera lately but I love photographing them or crafting for them the most. When I'm not feeling well sometimes its nice just to redress them or brush their hair. And I enjoy moving them around and putting them in different poses while I do something totally unrelated to dolls.

7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!) Instagram, Old Flickr, New Flickr, YouTube

8. Where do you store your dolls? Either in my closet or the bedroom with blackout curtains.

9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects? They all have characters but some are definitely more detailed than others.

10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications? Customize, for sure. But I do want a Peak's Woods fullset!

11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.) The community can make everything a lot more fun but its good to remember you can enjoy your dolls on your own too.

12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby? Its hard to stick with just one! And others have already said this but you can never do too much research. DoA is an excellent resource.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
Eight years +

2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
Customizing and creating characters (both mine and already-existing). I love the creative aspect of BJDs, mine are a constant WIP, and I will never get tired of working on them.

3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
I looked around for a few months, found the doll I decided I wanted in november of 2007, but didn't buy him until April 2008

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
Nope

5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?)
Faceups, wig making, light modding. I sort of half-ass my photos, though I would like to think I'm better at it now than I used to be. I don't necessarily want to learn new things so much as get better at what I already do.

6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
Working on them. Even just cleaning or restringing or re-dressing. I do like to take photos but that's more about of showing off the result of something I did than making pretty photos.

7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
mostly flickr
vampyre_angel13

Rarely on twitter or instagram, but it does happen
@vampire_angel13 • Instagram photos and videos
VampireAngel13 (@VampireAngel_13) | Twitter

I have a blog I used to post on a lot, but I fell away from it recently....Someday I'd like get back to it.
Paint It Black Studio

8. Where do you store your dolls?
On shelves in my room.

9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
Characters. I mostly attach to the character of a doll, not the doll itself. Which is why it's so easy for me to move them on...once the character no longer interests me, the doll doesn't either. Backstory and personality are just another part of the creativity for me.

10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
Customize or sell. I have fullsets just for the dolls, which got wiped and redone and never see their fullset items, and a couple I bought for the parts, and I've sold the doll.

11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
Very. Without the community I never would have gotten more than one doll, I probably would do nothing with him, and I wouldn't have some of the most wonderful friends I could ever hope for. Both online and irl.

Also, I am sometimes only motivated by outside variables....so having this community around provides me with the push I need to actually do things to my dolls. Not to mention all the knowledgeable people out there to answer questions and bounce ideas off of!

Going to meets is also a big motivation to get things done. A lot of the local meets are themed, and some of my dolls might never get changed or touched (lol) if not for them. And I love being social and talking BJDs with people.

12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?

• Please don't buy recasts.
• Use this site as much as you can.
• Be friendly and polite but please don't be shy. Everyone here was new once, we all know how overwhelming it can be, so don't be afraid to ask questions.
• Try not to be influenced by others when choosing your doll(s). Pay more attention to what you want and you like, rather than what other people think you should want or like.
• Avoid "doll drama".
  It's ridiculous. I mean really, these dolls are expensive toys and we're in this hobby to have fun. Letting negative people who can't seem to find any joy in their own lives and therefor have to break down other people, upset you over something that should only bring you joy is no way to live. Love your dolls and have fun!

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby? Since 2008
2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs. Their beauty and the possibility to sew for them
3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in? I waited years 'cause when I discovered them the only choice where to import (the already pricy) Volks from Japan and it was way over my budget.
4. Do you collect any other types of dolls? I have a dozen Little Pullips.
5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?) I learned to sew a bit (more or less decently) and I improved my photography skills.
6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls? I like to sew for them and photograph them.
7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!) Yes! I have a "blog" on Tumblr and a flickr that I update once in a wile.
8. Where do you store your dolls? In a cabinet or inside their boxes.
9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects? They all are characters (it helps to keep the number down, so as to not impulse buy every pretty doll.)
10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications? Never bought a fullset.
11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.) It's an interesting add but I'd also enjoy my dolls the same way without.
12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby? Come with us, we have pretty dolls.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
Since 2010! A friend mentioned that she had been wanting a BJD for years and I, being the googling scholar, got hooked. I joined DOA within a month or two but didn't get my first doll until 2011.
2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
I think it's their limited realism. While I could never get a full scale BJD, having a doll that I can make into a person with its own personality and style is something I very much enjoy. I could never get an anthro doll for this same reason, though. As for the limited part, I want to be able to tell that the dolls are not human because I like to draw a fine line between fantasy and reality.
3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
I waited a year which is actually a whole lot less than some people who've waited 5 years+. But I observed a lot about BJDs and aspects of the hobby before I bought my first doll.
4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
No. I had a few Pullips before I bought my first BJD but I no longer collect them.
5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?)
My photography has gotten a little better (for a click and point camera, I guess) but I haven't attempted anything else. I hope to attempt sewing and eye making in a few years.
6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
I like to leave my doll on my desk while I do work and just talk to it once in a while. I'm a pretty hands off collector.
7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
Youtube
Instagram
8. Where do you store your dolls?
I keep my dolls in their boxes under my bed. I'm not too conscious about yellowing but it's the safest place to store them.
9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
My dolls all are given personalities, backstories, and styles but I don't attach the character to the doll as strongly as some other people do. I consider myself a "casual doll enthusiast".
10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
If I bought a fullset I would keep in intact. I think the point of a fullset is to keep it the way it looks. If I wanted to customize, I would simply order the basic version (if available, that is).
11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
The community is pretty important to me. I'm not very social and I don't post a whole lot (though much more than some). But having a community means that I can ask questions and seek help when I need to. I can share my dolls and enjoy others'. I would still like BJDs without a community but then I would just be an adult sitting alone in a room with a doll.
12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
While you don't need to do a year's worth of research before getting a doll, do some basic research like doll care and community do's and don'ts.
Every group has friendly and unfriendly people. It's simply a fact of life.
Bad things are unavoidable but you can choose to stay in negative or positive places.
It's a hobby. Enjoy it. Stay lighthearted.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby? 13 years. They feel like dog years.
2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs. I can customize and pose them. Also, there are handsome male dolls.
3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in? I didn't put up much of a fight. Resistance is futile.
4. Do you collect any other types of dolls? I used to collect 16" vinyl fashion dolls, but got rid of most of them when I discovered BJDs. I still have vinyl Ginny dolls, and a small collection of antique/vintage jointed wooden dolls.
5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?) I got into sculpting because of BJDs. Also my surfing skills have greatly improved.
6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls? Making up stories for them, and sewing their costumes.
7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!) TFAsiduri
8. Where do you store your dolls? Some get to stand out on a shelf. Most are in their boxes in the closet.
9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects? They are most definitely characters!
10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications? Both. I don't have any really valuable fullsets though.
11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.) I would be sad if there was no online community. And I've met some very good friends in real life through BJDs.
12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby? Take your time, do your research, buy the doll you love. Give back to the community. Avoid toxic sites, they'll just make you feel bad.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
7 or 8 years? That counts the "admiration period" though.

2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
The customization and art of it! That pretty much encompasses it all!

3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
I researched for less than a year before buying my first off the MP right here at DoA.

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
Not really, though I do have a few Monster High dolls (well, one doll, one little vinyl thing). I do collect statues and figures from various anime series/video games though. Oh, wait, I do collect Lalaloopsy minis to some extent. XD;

5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?)
It has made me a budget master. Just kidding (except not). Creatively, I hope to get better at sewing and photography, and I'm not horrible at face-ups (definitely not the best though haha).

6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
I just like to sit and admire them. I like dressing them, but that's pretty much a "once-per-doll" occasion.

7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
Nope! Maybe in the future, but most of my collection is currently "in-transit". I'm also just getting back into the hobby after a bit of a burn.

8. Where do you store your dolls?
In the closet, where they hopefully won't yellow. I'm SERIOUSLY limited on space, though I do plan to get a nice display shelf. And some backgrounds. And a chaise lounge. And...

9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
For me, the dolls themselves don't have "character" - they're just pretty objects. But they do represent my OCs.

10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
Customize, customize, customize! That's the whole point for me.

11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
The online community is pretty important to me! It helps me not feel so alone in this expensive, non-mainstream hobby. I don't know anybody else who's serious about dolls (I once sold a head to a friend, but I don't think she ever did anything with it). If I had the opportunity to do a meetup, I don't think I would. I'm shy in general and shy about my characters that they represent.

12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Make SURE you love your first, don't be afraid to customize (but be careful!), respect the hobby and everyone in it!

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
Since 2008. 8 years now!

2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
I think the biggest thing that draws me to BJDs is their looks. Just how beautiful or surreal or creative they can be!

3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
I found out about them and joined DoA awhile before I finally got my first boy. I had to research a lot, and save up.

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
I used to collect Monster High, but I quit. I do still love to collect Azone Pure neemo though, I love them so much!

5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?)
I've learned how to sew a little bit because of them. I also think they've helped my photography skills to become better(just not for them! Hah). I would really like to get even better at sewing and also learn how to body blush.

6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
Taking photos of them, for sure. But I talk to them sometimes too. ^^:

7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
I do sometimes share them on Tumblr and Facebook. But I don't have strictly doll accounts.

8. Where do you store your dolls?
They live on top of my dresser. I'm not really one to be fussed about them yellowing and I don't have any WS dolls that haven't already yellowed a TON due to age.

9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
All of my resins have characters, some of them aren't terribly complex, but they have them none the less.

10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
Customize the doll for sure. I do like fullsets sometimes, but I generally don't buy them unless I really want the outfit, but it is likely I'll change it a lot.

11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
SUPER important. I really love my current local community, but we don't get together often and the dolls don't really interact much. I'm very character driven and I find I don't really enjoy my dolls much when I'm the only one playing with them or their character. :/

12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Patience, Patience, PATIENCE! This is not a hobby to get into if you want instant gratification. Everything takes time! Do lots of research, and make sure you don't just jump on the first thing you can afford. Find that perfect doll and save up for it! Overall, just enjoy your dolls YOUR way and don't like haters get you down.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
I joined the hobby in 2013 when I bought my first doll.

2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
I love they way they can be customized. The whole reason I joined the hobby was to make models of my characters.

3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
I did some research and saved up for a couple months before I bought my first doll.

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
I don't have other types of dolls but I do collect anime figures.

5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?)
I already knew a bit about sewing and photography before I joined, but I've been learning more. One of the big things that I'm working on is faceups.

6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
I like to sit them on my lap and play with the joints while I think of ideas for their background stories.

7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
I post on Tumblr and Instagram and I go by resinclaws on both accounts. I post a lot of other stuff besides dolls too.

8. Where do you store your dolls?
They sit on the table next to my bed. When I'm away I'll put them back into their boxes.

9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
Each doll is a character from one of the stories I have written (more like scratched down on a notebook) or they're characters I roleplay with or both.

10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
I have a hard time splitting up a fullset at first but eventually I start to replace the wig and eyes and then replace the outfit slowly.

11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
I enjoy the community quite a bit and think it's great to know that so many people are into the same hobby.

12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Before buying a doll definitely do your research. Don't buy the first doll you see because you might find a doll you like even more than the first one.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby? If you count the year I tried to convince myself I don't need such a doll, but stared at pictures of them - since 2009
2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs. The possibilities they offer and the dreams you can transfer through them.
3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in? I waited about a year.
4. Do you collect any other types of dolls? No,at BJDs only.
5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?) I am still learning, and I hope to improve in taking pictures and face-ups.
6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls? To craft all kinds of things form them.
7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!) No, none (maybe YouTube one day).
8. Where do you store your dolls? In a glass cabinet (it is a bit crowded now).
9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects? Every single one is a character with a story.
10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications? I always customize them,
11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.) Well, I like sharing what I do, but only to a certain extent. I prefer playing with my dolls rather than sharing playing, it takes so much time.
12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby? Be open to everything. Don't say "I can't do this or that." You might be surprised what you can do. And do not look at the work of people who have been doing things for years. Then you will be disappointed of your own work. First, they also were beginners at one point, and second, they practised just like everyone has to do.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
I've been in the hobby for about 4-5 years, more or less.
2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
I love how customizable they are so you can change them according to your tastes.
3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
I waited about 3 years until after I knew about BJDs before buying one.
4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
I have a few Monster High dolls, I mostly bought them for customization reasons though!
5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?)
Well, I've been wanting to teach myself to sew because of dolls. I have made a few wigs and have been practicing my faceup and photography skills though!
6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
I really enjoy posing and playing with them. Fixing their wigs, tweaking their pose a little bit, making sure their clothes are straight,. Just the simple things
7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
Not yet! Been thinking about making an Instagram for doll related stuff.
8. Where do you store your dolls?
In their boxes in a dark, cool place. They're usually on display on a shelf though.
9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
Both, really! I've been thinking about making a more serious story for my dolls though!
10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
If I buy a full set, I keep it intact. If I buy a basic doll I'll customize it
11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
I'm naturally a very reserved person so I'm not super active in any communities. I lurk more than I post! I'd be interested in going to a doll meet one day though to see if I enjoy it.
12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Take your time, save up, and don't settle for less. But most importantly, don't jeopardize your personal life (bills, groceries, gas, etc.) to buy a doll. It's not worth it to spend more than you can afford.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
~6 years, holy cow!

2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
Just, so pretty... Seriously, though, it's the ability to customize. Also, I finally have a reason to actually learn to sew!

3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
Waited for about a year before purchasing my first through Mint on Card.

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
I've started collecting Pullips! Hoping to add an Isul eventually.

5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls?
I've learned how to do faceups and a bit of photography. I've also picked up sewing again and I'm planning to keep going with that until I can sew my own doll clothes!
Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?)
Wig and shoe making is up next!

6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
Getting them all put together and admiring them. I'm too impatient for posing and photographing most of the time, and so I prefer to just have them on display in cute poses.

7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
Not really. Once I get a smart phone I definitely want to check out Instagram!

8. Where do you store your dolls?
In a beautiful solid wood display cabinet with ever shrinking display space.

9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
A few do, but otherwise I refer to them affectionately as "expensive, fancy hangers."

10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
Does an enhanced fullset count as intact still? I think I'm definitely on the customize end of the spectrum.

11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
It's nice to have, but I can live without it. My dolls are very much a personal enjoyment.

12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Have fun, ignore the haters, and do you!

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?

Almost 11 years.

2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.

They're excellent photography models. Much less twitchy and impatient than the human kind. XD

3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?

I saw BJDs for the first time back in 2000-2001, when a friend came home from visiting family in Japan with her first pair of Volks girls. I didn't find a sculpt I wanted to buy myself until that same friend tossed me a link to Luts after she bought her CP/Delf El in 2005.

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?

I have a few others, but I don't collect them seriously.

5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?)

I've sewn on "human scale" for years, but it wasn't until I got these guys that I tried making anything smaller.

6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?

I just tinker around with them these days, making or changing outfits and such. I used to take a lot more photographs.

7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)

I'm a Luddite. I don't really "do" social media.

8. Where do you store your dolls?

I have two matched sets of display cabinets... One set downstairs on the main level of my house, the other upstairs in the room I use as a library and sewing space.

9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?

Both. My crew are almost all character avatars to one degree or another... but I have no illusions about them being more than very cool (and very inanimate-) toys.

10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?

I have these dolls to tinker with. Leaving a full set "as-is" would take away a lot of the fun for me.

11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)

I don't go to meets anymore, so the meat-space community for me is limited to a couple of friends, both of whom were friends of mine long before my crew (or theirs-) came along. The virtual community is fun for general chatting and seeing what's new, but I'm not comfortable with some aspects of the on-line hobby "culture", so I maintain some personal distance.

Mostly it comes down to this... I bought my dolls for *me*, not for you lot. As long as I enjoy having them around, the community is just sort of an extra.

12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?

Buy what you love. Do what you want. Ignore the snots... And don't be bullied by your own collection. You're the animate one. You're footing the bills, you get to call the shots... If you don't like a doll, you don't have to feel guilty about that. Send it on to a new home and get to finding one you DO love.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
Since 2006, my first doll arriving early 2007

2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
The art of them. I love how each one is unique, and no two look the same.

3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
I researched for about a year before finding which one was right for me.

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
I do have one PureNeemo who hangs out with my big guys.

5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?)
I've learned how to restore dolls, and I love doing it. I want to continue to learn how to mod and restore by using epoxy.

6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
Dressing them and posing them. I really need to take more photos.

7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
Not as often as I should.

8. Where do you store your dolls?
They hang out on shelves in my room.

9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
All of my dolls have specific characters. I tend to not keep those that don't.

10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
It depends on the character. If I get it as a full set, I'll usually keep it.

11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
I personally go back and forth. I've met some very very important people through this community and I wouldn't trade those experiences for the world, but at the same time, there is the down side that it can become very toxic if you let everyone's opinions get to you. I love this community, but I also love taking breaks and enjoying my dolls as just MY dolls.

12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
It is your doll. What you put into it, is what you get out of it. Don't let others try to steer you away from or put down what you personally love. At the end of the day, what is yours and yours and you should love it.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
I've lurked around for about three years now, however I actually bought my own BJD just last year!
2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
I love the connection people have with their dolls, and the time that is put in to really create those connections.
3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
I wanted to wait and make sure I was ready before I spent such a large sum, so I definitely waited!!
4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
I love Blythe dolls!
5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?)
I haven't put as much time in as I should, so I haven't learned much. I would love to master sewing!
6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
Trying on new clothes and wigs, and really trying to invent the doll itself.
7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
Unfortunately I don't!
8. Where do you store your dolls?
I kept the box my doll was shipped in, and he rests inside with a pillow around him.
9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
I'd like to give my dolls characters, but I have a hard time doing it without copying aspects from creators that inspire me.
10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
Most definitely full set, I've been that way since I was a child.
11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
I think it can be important, but you can have a good time without them.
12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Try everything!! Look at different sizes, sculpts, genders, and really try and see what you like the best. Remember, you don't always have to spend an absurd amount of money, some dolls can be put on layaway and some are simply cheaper. Find what works for you!

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?

I caved and bought my first BJD in 2005, after several years of having my partner show me photos of giant expensive dolls in Volks ads.

2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.

The combination of realistic posing and artful sculpting. More fun than a cast bronze, less low-brow than an action figure.

3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?

I waited until my partner jumped first.

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?

I started shelling characters in Dollfie Plus form, but quickly tossed all of their little bodies at eBay when I saw Dreaming Shiwoo.

5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?)

Hello, yes! I never would have expected BJDs to turn me into a silversmith at 1/3 scale, but here I am. I have mostly given up painting dolls, but I think about making jewlery all the time. All the time. I would love to improve all of my doll-related skills, but I also really like supporting other artists who do those things better than I can.

6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?

Making jewelry for them. It's kind of unfair, because my favorites are now the ones who wear a lot of jewelry, which means I want to spoil them...with more jewelry. The less Bohemian characters get neglected.

7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)

My Flickr is most doll-related, my tumblr has become less so because Space Exploration and Climate Change, my Instagram is crappy WIP shots flowers and cats, Pinterest is just for doll styling inspo, and I mostly ignore my Facebook and Twitter and Google+. There was an LJ and a DA back there somewhere...

8. Where do you store your dolls?

They are all out on display in one or the other of the two rooms that aren't the kitchen. Dusty collarbones are dusty.

9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?

Both. The house rule is No Doll Without a Pre-Existing Role, but sometimes we rewrite history a little to add a pretty doll that simply can't be missed.

10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?

I try to keep all of the fullset parts even if I don't use them. I have cannibalized far too many dolls over the years to care about limited fullsets, but I did sell a one-off and replaced it with a blank version of the same sculpt to avoid altering it.

11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)

It's vital. I treasure both the local friends and the online friends to whom this community has introduced me, and I owe DoA a huge debt for the things I have learned in so many arenas of my life.

12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?

Most people cite the customizing potential as the main attraction, so that's the angle from which I offer this: Find one doll that you really like that is easily replaceable and focus on it for a year. Take it apart, put it back together, get some basic supplies and paint it several times, make it some clothes out of paper and tape and socks and stuff you were going to throw away and take photos and delete them before you post them anywhere and take more photos and make more stuff. Learn to be fearless and stupid and creative and comfortable with that doll. Then think about what your favorite part of that experience was and work on getting better at doing that.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
Officially since February of 2015, when I got my first doll. :3
2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
How beautiful they are.
3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
Jumped right in. My friend got one for Christmas in 2014, and I told myself, "Hey! I have enough for a doll. Why not order one RIGHT NOW?" And I did. That same day. My first came a month later.
4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
No, not at the moment. I used to collect porcelain dolls and Monster High dolls but it wasn't for me so I don't anymore.
5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?)
I learned a bit of sewing, and aspire to do wig making! Photography is also one I'd like to improve on I suppose, but it's not a priority.
6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
I love just sitting and holding them. Dressing them up and just spending time with them. They watch TV with me, take turns going around the house with me sometimes. I got special UV blocking curtains so I could walk around in near darkness with my dolls lol.
7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
No...no really. Not yet.
8. Where do you store your dolls?
In the closet (it's their bedroom) or their boxes. Depends on how lazy I am that day.
9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
They have characters, of course.
10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
Depends- How much did I pay for said fullest? Was it exactly what I wanted? I'm not likely to get a full set doll in the first place because one of my favorite parts about BJDs is that you can make them whatever you like. So I guess I'm more likely to customize rather than keep a full set.
11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
Well, honestly, it's not important as in life or death important, but it makes it SO much more fun to be able to meet up with people and even just talk with others who share the same interests and are in the hobby. I mean... I could go without it but I'd rather not.
12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Start slow! Your doll doesn't need a full wardrobe before it gets to your house. Consider everything carefully because $10 there and $12 here adds up very quickly. Make sure what you're getting is what you want! Try not to get something just for the price, because you will probably regret it if you don't like it! Get the basics and choose carefully-- eyes, a wig, and an outfit. Everything else will trickle in slowly without having to murder your wallet!
Also, try making things yourself! Stuff like clothes and face ups and eyes and even wigs. It's usually much cheaper and very fun to be able to customize it down to every detail how you want it!

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
Since 2004, so about 12 years? Wow, time really flies. ^^;

2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
Their customisability, definitely. I was attracted by the fact that these dolls could be made into whatever character you wanted and the fact that they could be photographed in various poses to make a story was also a plus factor.

3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
I looked around for a while at the possible sculpts to find one that I liked (and whose price tag did not scare me too much. *lol*).

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
Nope, although I did collect My Little Ponies when I was younger.

5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?)
Definitely! I took up crocheting, and sharpened my photography and sewing skills. I have also attempted faceups and wig-making, but am not so successful at those for the time being. ^^;

6. What's your favourite way to interact with your dolls?
I like to just sit them beside me as I do my own things in my free time, and occasionally pose them or fiddle with them, or just looking at them is fun. ^^

7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
Yup! I have a page on Facebook here: (Kogata Yatsura | Facebook)

8. Where do you store your dolls?
In a covered bookshelf most of the time. ^^ One of them is literally on top of my books because of lack of space. Haha.

9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
I like to write my own stories, so naturally I made up characters for them.

10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customise the doll to your specifications?
I haven’t got any full sets so far, but I doubt I would keep it intact, unless I really like the clothes and wig and they fit the character I planned for the doll.

11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
A community is not absolutely necessary per se, but it’s fun to have people to share pictures and thoughts with and to see how differently others customise their own dolls. It’s refreshing and inspiring to see the various talents we have on Den of Angels. And it’s great to get suggestions and ideas for when you’re stuck as well.

12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Do lots of research and go for the doll you really like instead of the so-called cheaper options. Don’t forget to save up and budget well to make sure you can afford it. There are so many types and sizes and brands of BJDs that it may seem daunting at first, but look at one company at a time. There’s no rush (because you need to save up anyway), so take your time and enjoy the process.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
Since 2006 when I ordered my first doll.

2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
They're customizable pieces of art.

3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
Jump right in. BJD were everything I ever dreamed of.

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
No. I have a few designer toys and vintage action figures though.

5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?)
I've learned quite a few: photography, face-up painting, wig making, sewing, sculpting, mold making … And patience.
Hoping to learn: making doll related videos

6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
I like to enjoy their beauty, pose them and make up stories on the fly.

7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
I post a lot on Flickr
Some highlights and updates on my Blog and Pinterest
and sometimes on Instagram

8. Where do you store your dolls?
They have their own space out of the sun in my living room.

9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
They all have characters, some more sophisticated than others. Some of them are shells for some very old characters from my comics, some just seemed to write themselves into existence.

10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
I'm the customizing type. In fact, I have never owned a full set. I don't find them attractive because they imply that for the sake of conservation of value you are not to change anything, better not even take them out of the package.

11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
I couldn't imagine being in any hobby without a community to share my experience with. I enjoy going to meets, connecting with people, showing my dolls and looking at other people's dolls. The online community has been extremely helpful and is a great inspiration, too. I love how variegated the BJD community is, how creative and generous.

12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Try to gather a lot of info, but don't overthink. Get the doll you love, not the one that seems more reasonable. Choose fun and creativity over perfection. Connect, be friendly.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
Since 2010. I got my first doll at A-Kon and joined DoA soon after.

2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
Poseability.

3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
I jumped right in, but did I take a few moments to google and verify what the dealer told me before buying.

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
Yes though bjds are now my focus. I collected Barbies and I occasionally find a Pullip at a local store.

5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?)
Nope, I wish. I would like to learn to sew!

6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
Look at them and be happy they are mine.

7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
My flickr

8. Where do you store your dolls?
I did have a really pretty bookcase with glass doors from Ikea but it's at my Dad's house. I need to get another for the apartment. Right now most of my dolls are still in their boxes but some of my girls are on a little purple bookcase next to my side of the bed.

9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
Pretty pretty

10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
Intact. Adia (Iplehouse Benny SE) wears different clothes because her fullset has jewelry that get lost easily. All my fullsets have the same makeup and eyes they came with. If I buy a fullset it's because I liked the full set!

11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
Online is good for seeing a variety of dolls and concepts. It's easier for me to be me in writing, too, lol. In person meets are usually disappointing? I hate small talk...

12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Join DoA! It's a good place for questions, information, and a heads up on new releases. DoA makes avoiding recasts, recasters, and scammers easier, too, because people are very good about identifying them and warning you. Other than that, play -your- way even if it seems everyone is playing another way. Be you, do you, make you!

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby? I'm the same age as the DoA forum -- I opened my first BJD box on August 17, 2004.

2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs. When I look at any of my dolls, I still stop in my tracks and think "what a beautiful doll, WOW." It's a moment of pure joy.

3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in? I dithered for about six months before that first order.

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls? Yep -- Sasha dolls and Tonner fashion dolls (though I don't play with them nearly as much as I used to; the clothes and shoes are tiny and fiddly compared to my favorite SD size).

5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?) I've learned a little about photography, and I've improved my knitting skills -- plus I've absorbed a ton of information of all kinds by being active on DoA!

6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls? Changing their clothes and moving them to sit in different groups and poses around my house.

7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!) Does Flickr count as social media these days?

8. Where do you store your dolls? At this point, I don't store them unless they're packed up for sale. Their boxes are in the closet of my spare bedroom, but the dolls sit wherever there's space for them (bookcases, the fireplace mantel, the top of my bedroom dresser, the piano, the hutch that was supposed to show off pretty china . . . )

9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects? They have individual personalities, for sure, but their characters are fairly shallow compared to a lot of dolls on DoA. I don't build detailed or even consistent backstories for them, just a general concept (they all more or less belong to an anime-style school system, from nursery school through university). I guess I would say that my dolls know they're dolls, and like being dolls -- unlike Pinocchio, they aren't interested in being Real.

10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications? Both/and. I generally keep the fullset items in the doll's original box, and since I tend to buy dolls with faceups that I already like, the faceup mostly sticks around until it's so shabby it has to be redone. But I nearly always change wigs, eyes, and clothes to suit my own taste.

11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.) The online community is important; I very seldom make it to in-person meetups because of distance and my work oblivations.

12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby? Don't make assumptions and don't pretend to know more than you do: read, research, and ask questions first; state your opinions and buy later.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
6 years

2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
I love their highly customizable nature that they can be however we imagine them to be and their poseabilty.

3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
I kind of just jumped in when I ordered my first doll, though I did some research and got permission from my parents before placing my very first order.

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
Nendoroid and figures from various animes, don't know if they are even count as dolls

5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?)
Photography and face-up, but my face-up skill still needs a lot of improving.
I really want to learn how to sew but let's just focus on one skill at a time XD

6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
Change clothes, wigs, eyes and take photos of them, oh also dress them up and just let them sit beside me while I browse the Internet XD.

7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
Yes I do! I have Instagram and flickr, feel free to check them out~
Instagram: 柚子/Yuzu (@mo29368) • Instagram photos and videos
Flickr: 柚子/Yuzu

8. Where do you store your dolls?
My smaller dolls are on display somewhere in my room, and the large dolls are in the boxes or carrying bags since I have no more space for them.

9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
I usually create a character for them once I fall in love with a certain sculpt and adjust bits of their personalities after they arrive and I get to "know" them. I am also planning to do some photostories with them too!

10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
Probably fully customize them to my likings, but I will definitely keep all items in their fullsets(if they have) since I am very into collecting stuff XD.

11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
The online community is quite important to me as it helped me a lot with hybriding, comparisons etc. and that you can get objective comments on how to improve on either photographing or styling.

12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Always do your research and be cautious to prevent yourself from buying a recast. Don't lost in the myth of popularity. Be yourself even if your style doesn't fit the general taste. Don't feel bad if your first photoshoot/face-up/garment...etc. doesn't came out as what you imagine it to be, everyone's got their newbie phase!

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby? Since 2007
2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs. The way these dolls can pose. It makes them a little more lifelike to me.
3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in? I waited a few months. I joined DoA, asked questions, looked at different sculpts and finally chose my first in January 2008.
4. Do you collect any other types of dolls? Not at the moment.
5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?) I have gotten better at photography, learned to crochet and make miniatures and dioramas.
6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls? I like making little props for them and changing up their displays every once in a while.
7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!) Most of the time I share my dolls here on DoA.
8. Where do you store your dolls? My Realpuki has 2 dioramas that I alternate displaying him in and my other BJD are displayed in a glass cabinet. If they are not on display they are in their boxes.
9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects? Some of them are pretty dolls and (unfortunately) just get displayed, while others have a character and get played with all the time.
10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications? I think it would depend on how much I like the fullset itself. Sometimes I like the whole package, other times not so much.
11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.) I think it's important. I love my dolls and would be ok just having them on my own, but I really love coming onto DoA to chat and see what other members do with their dolls. I also like being able to get the latest news on new releases and get updates on the doll companies that I love the most.
12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby? Do your research, ask questions, read up on things and take the time looking through different companies and doll sculpts.

 

So, I got a little carried away...

1. How long have you been in the hobby?

While I had encountered BJDs before at conventions or as pictures online, I technically joined when I acquired my first doll on 5/2/11, so just past 5 years

2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.

I like the aesthetic, the posability, and the unending venues for creativity and character

3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?

I definitely waited, probably 3 or 4 years between first seeing and liking them and then actually getting one. Then I did a bunch of internet research. Then I had a crazy moment and bought a doll off of Craigslist out of a guy’s trunk! Fortunately, he had all the appropriate paperwork (receipt from reputable Convention dealer, original box, etc.), so no harm, no foul.

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?

Argh, yes. I have a massive action figure collection, ranging from 3.5” to 12” styles. Also, I’ve got two American Girl dolls (Addy and Josephina) and a bunch of their stuff. And recently I have discovered the joys of Hot Toys and similar companies’ 1/6th scale figures: Wolverine and Sabretooth from X-Men: Origins, who are terribly pampered.

5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc.?)

Learned, no; improved, definitely. I already sewed, took pictures, crafted, etc. (waaaaay more than I had time for to begin with!). I’m enjoying trying new things in this scale, though, and would like to improve my miniature prop making skills further. I also plan to make my first Tibetan lambskin wig soon!

6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?

I am boring. I mostly just like to look at them on their shelf, and I re-dress and rearrange them occasionally. Sometimes I take them out for photos, but usually only when there’s a meetup.

7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)

I am a member of a private local Facebook BJD group, but I don’t post them anywhere public.

8. Where do you store your dolls?

Dolls that are in current rotation live on top of a low bookcase in my bedroom (which has the most amazing blackout curtains ever). Dolls that I know I am selling are packed away in their boxes in my closet (so I know I’m okay with getting rid of them).

9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?

They have characters in the sense that they are named and have a personal style and perhaps some theoretical personality traits or backstory that dictates how they look or how I tend to pose them. I don’t write stories about them or anything like that (although one of my dolls is based on a character from a book).

10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?

I have never actually bought a full set in my entire doll career, so…customized?

11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in-person meetups.)

Quite, for information and assistance, if nothing else. Tutorials and step-by-step guides made by the members on DOA and the blogosphere have been my primary resources for learning things like face-ups, mods, customized wigs, etc. I also love looking at all the different ways people make the same sculpt take on completely different characterizations. For personal meetups, it’s fun to be able to swap stuff around (especially since opportunities to actually try stuff on the dolls before buying are few and far in between), and observe/hold different sizes, companies, and styles of dolls. Having a sense of community online and in-person also makes the hobby seem more exciting, rather than just: oh, look, I sure do own that doll over there.

12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?

Expect frustration. Because almost all our buying has to be done online, often over long spans of time, and sometimes with massive language barriers, being prepared for this will help you weather unexpected problems with grace. Remember that, especially when dealing with things online, there really is a human being with feelings on the other end of every avatar. They each deserve your respect while we enjoy this hobby together.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby? Since Aug 2013

2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs. The customizing factor of being able to use so many mediums on a doll

3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in? I researched for a couple months.

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls? I do like Byuls, vintage Love a bye baby dolls and other vintage anthro dolls. Almost forgot I have my fair share of Monster highs and a few Disney animator dolls. One Blythe.

5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?) I'm still trying to learn how to sew better, I learned how to reroot a doll, and make wigs. Faceups on a doll was also a new learned skill

6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls? Probably making YT vids and chatting with other YT'ers and their dolls in that community. I love making anything and everything for them and finding unique doll props and pieces for them.

7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!) Youtube: Gina isarty Instagram: Gina (@ginaisarty) • Instagram photos and videos

8. Where do you store your dolls? I have a tall standing cabinet with a glass front door

9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects? All of them have characters and names

10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications? Customize a doll to how I want it. I've never bought a full set doll. (yet)

11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.) Its huge to me. I love sharing what I do and seeing what others are doing. Even if they like different types of dolls than I do, or are doing something art wise that I probably won't with my doll its so much fun to interact and get excited about our dolls. Mostly on Youtube, Instagram and my local doll meets.

12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
1. Cheaper dolls are not bad, but only get a cheap doll if you really want it. Don't settle on a "starter" doll if you don't really love it. Find one you really love at a price you don't think is crazy high, but something you'd still love the doll and play with it.

2. Do what you love with your dolls. If you love say goth makeup and clothes, but someone says "ooh. that's so over!" Ignore them. Do what you love regardless the style, uniqueness or if it is more common place. Have fun!

3. Never say never once you're in the hobby. It always changes. lol. Always..

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?

Since about 2005 or 2006, so about a decade!
2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.

Just one thing? Really? I love the fact that there are so many ways for everyone in this hobby to enjoy and express themselves. Someone can just pull a full set doll out of the box, put it together and enjoy it as a display doll. But, people who sculpt or paint or sew or enjoy building furniture or dioramas or jewelry can go as far as they want to with these dolls. People can spend their time collecting tiny props and miniatures. People can take photos and/or write stories and do as much of the creative process in that as they're able to or they can collaborate on sets and costumes with other people. It can be a social hobby - or anti-social!!! I also love that you can literally build the exact doll you want through modification and hybrids. Also, I love the way the dolls allow people to enjoy personas and clothing that they could or would never be or wear themselves! A sixty five year old school teacher can dress her doll up as a dominatrix and totally express that part of herself (mostly) with impunity! And, it's not just having the doll or things, the process of creating or collecting is joyful and calming.

3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?

It didn't take me long to jump in after a friend of mine sent me a link to the sales page of an Elfdoll Sooah. I never thought I'd buy a bjd - or any doll that expensive. And, once I got Sooah and saw how beautiful she was, I knew she needed a sister...and friends....
4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?

I do! I've loved dolls since I was a little girl. In fact, I recall feeling almost sick when I got 'too old' for my dolls and I felt like I had to put them away. I didn't know there was such a thing as collecting dolls so it just seemed weird, in my twenties, to be buying up Barbies at the grocery store. As an adult, I collected vintage fashion dolls from the 50s, and Barbies and some modern vinyl fashion dolls. I have Blythe dolls and Poppy Parker dolls and I still have other dolls. I have always loved dolls. But, with the exception of some of the vintage dolls, the vinyls feel like dolls. The bjds feel like individuals. I collect the vinyls and enjoy them. But, I have a 'relationship' with my bjds.
5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?)

I've accepted that my photography skills are 'lacking'. Every photo I take looks like it was shot from a moving car or of a falling doll...and with a falling camera. I can live with that. I mean, it's not a character flaw, right? I think the size and scale of bjds has improved my sewing. There are a lot of things I can sew in 1:3 scale that would be too costly or too labor intensive to sew full size. And, besides that, where would I wear them?
The faceups have improved a LOT of my artistic skills and maybe my fine motor skills as well! I've definitely gotten better at that with a lot of help and advice from friends I've met through the hobby. And, I'm excited because I know I'll never be bored. There's still so much more I want to figure out, like wig-making. Maybe, when I get rid of ALL of my furniture, I can do some 1:3 scale dioramas!!!
6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?

As I said earlier, I definitely have a relationship with the bjds. When I pick one up, I can't not want to sew for it, make something for it, mod it or paint it or improve it in some way. Sometimes that's a good thing and sometimes, when I don't have time, it's a little guilt provoking.
7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)

I'm really pretty reserved about social media. I put my bad, blurry pictures on Flickr. But, that's just as a photo host.
8. Where do you store your dolls?

In my bedroom, displayed on shelves all around me.
9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?

They have personalities. I wouldn't say they have a fully developed characters, with story lines. But, they each do have a distinct personality.
10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?

CUSTOMIZE, BABY!!!
11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)

I read stuff here. And, I've made real, lifelong friends through the online doll community! But, I never feel like I have more to say on threads than has already been said and I don't want to add a bunch of "oooh, pretties" to the board just to look interactive. But, the community is important! I grew up in a small town. I live near Austin now. So, I have access to more than I even take advantage of. But, if you live in a remote area or a small town, or are confined to your home for some reason, you really need the online community to find your tribe.
12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?

Take your time. There are so many companies out there and so many dolls. And, when you first start out, they all look exciting. Try to research and find out what commonality draws you to the dolls you're looking at. Find out what each doll looks like with a custom faceup, or no faceup, or how the body poses and handles. Google Image searches and You Tube are full of photos and reviews. There were a number of dolls I got when I first got into the hobby that later I realized I got for the wrong reasons or rushed into because they were SHINY and new. Of course, if you're here, you know not to buy recasts. These dolls are handmade works of art. These dolls are often coming from the studio of a single artist. Respect the artists and respect the hobby. And, don't be embarrassed of your hobby. You create. The people who would make fun can only destroy.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
Even though I've been aware of it since 2003, when my friend showed me Volks Shirou Tachibana, I wasn't really "in" until 2006 when I decided I had to get a BJD!

2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
The customizatioooon! It's no secret that I'm obsessed with faceups, both painting them myself and admiring the work of others. I just love how much a sculpt can change just by painting and styling it in a unique way.
Also the little clothes are cute as hell. @___@

3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
I think the time between deciding to buy a doll and actually buying one was about 6 months? I was extremely picky about what to buy because at the time I was convinced I would only ever have one, LOL. I was so naive back then. XD

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
I also collect anime/game figures and toys, but no other kind of dolls. There is something about BJDs that draws me in unlike any other kind of doll I've ever seen.

5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?)
Photography is definitely something I've learned a lot about, purely because of dolls! My sewing skills are about the same from before I got a doll, but I would like to improve on that. I'm also somewhat interested in wig making but my first attempt is still in progress, and I'm not sure that I enjoy it every much. DX (Sewing is also not very enjoyable for me, but usually I'm happy with the end product so my suffering was worth it.)

6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
Painting their faces and taking pictures!

7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
I have a flickr account here, where I post the majority of my photos and blab about my characters. I also have a doll tumblr here, where I post some photos and reblog my dollie inspirations.

8. Where do you store your dolls?
They used to be out in the open, sitting on furniture or standing on my bookshelves. Until I found a large spider hanging out on my favorite boy. NEVER AGAIN! I bought a cabinet with glass doors and that's where they live now! O__O My collection is outgrowing the cabinet, though, so I may end up needing another... argh.

9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
They all have characters except for one, because he's a little kid and I don't like kids so I don't know what to do with his character. XD I only got him because he's so cute!

10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
Definitely customize. I only bought a full set once and that was because the doll was a unique size and I didn't want to be stressed about shopping for him. That set did remain in tact, I think? But only because he was so hard to shop for!

11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
I would say it's very important to me, but not like... an absolute MUST. Without the community I would probably still have dolls, but I wouldn't do anything with them nearly as much. Most of my community interaction is online, even though I do like meetups a lot!

12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Relax! Don't be in such a hurry to buy a doll now now now. There are sooo many options and BJDs aren't going anywhere.
Don't settle for something for something you like. Wait for something you love!

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
I joined DoA in June 2006 and got my first real BJD in November 2006. I joined a group on Gaia Online prior to joining DoA, though, so early 2006. I had seen some BJDs a year or so prior on deviantArt but didn't investigate them right away.

2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
Their faces. They have that perfect balance between "anime character" and "realistic person", or at least the ones I like to collect do.

3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
I waited a few months and shopped around on different company sites. There were a lot less companies around when I joined. XD
I started with a Volks Dollfie Plus and experimented in making my own BJD before actually getting a resin one.

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
Monster High! And a few other anime fashion dolls from when I was younger (Sailor Moon, Card Captor Sakura).

5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?)
I've learned many things, mostly through trial and error. I would love to learn how to dye a doll some day.

6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
Just having them near me is enough. I keep them on my bed. I do like to redress them for the seasons and occasionally take pictures.

7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
Yep! I share them in doll-specific Facebook groups, on my Tumblr (moonage-craydream), and on Instagram (pastelcrayfish).

8. Where do you store your dolls?
On my bed! They pretty much take up half of it, lol.

9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
They have characters! Two are existing characters what a friend and I made when we were like 12, and the rest had characters developed from their sculpts. I feel more attached to things that have a name and a little story about them.

10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
I don't actually own any fullsets, but if I bought one it'd be because I like how the fullset looked as a whole. So it probably wouldn't get customized.

11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
I've had a rollercoaster relationship with the BJD community online, but I'm glad I've at least stayed on DoA and kept in contact with a small group of doll people IRL that I go to meetups with. Being active in the community sure make me buy more dolls, though. X'D

12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Go for it, and have fun! And get a doll you like, don't settle for a cheaper sculpt because you can buy it sooner. Save up, and learn! Use all the resources on DoA to learn about materials and safety measures before you start experimenting.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
Since October of 2008 - my first doll arrived December 2008.

2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
The creativity involved. I love how the same sculpt can look so different with different faceups, or styled differently, etc.

3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
I looked around a bit, but it didn't take long before getting marketplace access that I bought my first doll.

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
Do Transformers count?
I do have a few monster highs, a couple Jun Planning dolls, and one of the small big-headed Hujoos, but I don't really "collect" them.

5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?)
My photography has vastly improved, and I've learned a bit of sewing. I'd like to get better at sewing. Also I learned to do faceups!

6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
Photoshoots, though I don't do nearly enough of those.

7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
I have a Flickr and Tumblr! Both of which have lots of non-doll stuff mixed in with the dolls.

8. Where do you store your dolls?
They mostly live in an Ikea Pax unit, with shelves done up as rooms. A couple of the bigger guys are on a different bookshelf. All have curtains over the front.

9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
They all have characters. The ones that don't fit in the story don't tend to stick around long.

10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
I've never kept a fullset intact. I don't think I've ever even kept something like a Dollheart outfit intact. Pieces tend to be shared and split up between dolls. My Withdoll Juwell does wear most of his fullset clothing, but that's mostly because they fit his character so well.

11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
Very important. At first the online community was most important, as I was learning the ropes. Now it is still something I interact with daily (through a variety of ways), but my real-life friends I've made are even more important. Even if I find myself not doing anything much with my dolls or online for a while, I still would be going to meetups to hang out with them!

12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Research, research, research. Buy the doll you love, not a "starter doll". And don't believe what anyone tells you about the community being hostile - 95% of bjd owners are very cool people.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
ohhh, about 7 years ^.^
2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
I love how customizable they are!
3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
I actually saw one at a convention. I had no idea what it was, but I was like "I want this," and I bought him. Angel of Dream Ming! I had no idea what he was, so I typed the company and stuff into google. And suddenly my whole world opened :O
4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
Nope ^^;
5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?)
Actually, I always really sucked at clay. But I've improved significantly since I started collecting and making armor for my dolls. My photography skills improved, as did my sewing skills. I think I'd like to try making wigs and diorama's next!
6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
Whenever I'm writing my manga or my book, I take the character I'm focusing on off the shelf and they help me write ^.^
7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
Sure do! Facebook: AnchixDPx BJD | Facebook
Deviantart: anchimaru.deviantart.com
8. Where do you store your dolls?
haha! When my husband and I were looking for a house, he jokingly said to me, "we have to make sure there's an extra room for the dolls!" ... it actually became a serious thing we needed... So they live in the guest room on their shelves (or the tank, for the mermaids LOL) The guest closet was turned into a doll closet, and there's a photography set up for me to take pictures. I think my next house project will be painting it to look like a doll house!
9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
They all have characters! AND they're pretty objects hehe
10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
If I buy a full set doll, it's probably because I liked it as it was.
11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
Meetups helped me see that I wasn't a lunatic for spending all my money on dolls >_> Online though... I love DoA because I have a place where I can really be myself. This site has given me courage to start new projects, and motivation to finish them.
12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Please do your research! Really think about your choices! Balance your finances! This hobby can get very pricey if you're not careful. AND KEEP YOUR CREDIT CARD IN YOUR WALLET SO YOU DON'T END UP IN DEBT LIKE I DID ;_; hehe

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
Since 2006.

2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
I feel like they're beautiful in such a surreal way and I guess that is what draws me.

3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
I bought my first BJD only a couple months after learning about what they were. I did quite a bit of reading up on them in that time though.

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
The only other thing I actively collect at the moment are My Little Pony.

5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn?
Not that I can think of.

6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
Probably dressing them cute or cool outfits.

7. Do you share your dolls on social media?
Flickr

8. Where do you store your dolls?
In their boxes on a bookshelf right now. I wish I had a good display space for them but I fear dust and my cats and sunlight getting to them. Maybe someday I'll get a glass cabinet or something.

9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
No characters or stories, they're pretty toys to me.

10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
I tend to keep default faceups but often change wigs, eyes & clothes.

11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience?
Through the community I've made friends, had fun times at meets and conventions, gone to places I wouldn't have otherwise visited, and learned so much from other owners in the past. So, I'd say the community is quite important to me. I love being able to share excitement for new releases and new arrivals with other owners online, too. It makes the hobby much more interesting.

12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
This will try your patience in ways you probably can't imagine. Try to be prepared to expect that and enjoy the journey as part of the hobby instead of letting it frustrate you.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?

I was introduced (and followed) the hobby in gradeschool (2002/2003 (?)), and I've had off-topic BJDs (strung, just not resin) since 2009. I got my first on-topic BJD in 2014 who arrived a bit before I finally joined DOA (after stalking the doll pages for years) in 2015.

2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.

I like their customizability (which was the initial draw), but I've participated in other hobbies before which are similarly customizable (pullip, action figures), so what distinguishes BJDs from them, I think, is the poseability (which pullips, especially lack).

3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?

I waited 5-6 years for my first BJD, and 5 more years for my first on-topic doll. It just wasn't feasible to purchase them before. I had been saving up a considerable amount before starting, so my on-topic collection grew pretty quickly!

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?

I don't really consider myself a collector--I'm pretty mean to my dolls--but I do have a few pullips, some action figures, two momoko, some figmas, and a couple Hujoo (all that's left from my off-topic BJDs!).

5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?)

Hopefully I will be able learn to airbrush! I already knew a bit about sculpting from a dollmaking hobby, but I've learned to dremel/carve (subtractive, versus additive sculpting) from this one!

6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?

I honestly like crafting with them the most (modding, sewing, painting, etc.). I also like writing their stories--but I haven't done this recently because I've been busy with apps.

7. Do you share your dolls on social media?

I have no images of my dolls that I don't share here :-(

8. Where do you store your dolls?

I store my larger dolls (1/3) and my smallest doll (1/6) in their boxes. I also store my Dollshe Grant Fashion (1/4) in his box. I store my Planetdoll Riz (1/4) in a drawer wrapped in a scarf--she travels with me more, so she's ready to be on the go!

9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?

My 1/3 dolls are characters in a single story (inspired by Anais Mitchell's Hadestown Folk Opera). My Planetdoll Riz is a person/being (?) with absolutely no backstory, so not so much a character. All I know is that she is an awkward tween--just beginning puberty--and life is rough. I think my Dollshe Grant Fashion (1/4) is a pretty object...possibly a statue. My AncientTales Rachel (1/6) is specifically the Waterhouse Juliet Capulet--but I'm having struggles with her because I think I need hankie/scarf weight silk for her dress, and searching through them is hard! I have one option, but I like to choose from multiple

10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?

I have no fullset dolls--most of my dolls don't even have a body from the same company. I really have some frankendollies going. I also can't seem to stop modding most of my dolls: dyeing, carving, etc. I can't really handle buying a whole doll from one company--too picky.

11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)

I enjoy the online doll community a lot--it keeps me sane when I have to be separated from most of my dolls for long periods of time, and helps with procrastination for applications!

12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?

I think that people should join the hobby as soon as they want to--in whatever capacity they can (if you can't buy dolls yet, who cares). It's a really fun hobby and very creative. Also, participate in the hobby however you want--if you want to use it for photography, so that! If you want to try out a smaller doll first, do that! Know yourself and do what suits you best--easier to avoid regret that way!

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby? Six years this March
2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs. Their beauty, and the ability to customize them to my own preferences.
3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in? I was pushed! lmao my then-best friend (now girlfriend!) bought me an Angel of Dream Wang Zi for my birthday and it started alllll this.
4. Do you collect any other types of dolls? I have a lot of Monster High dolls, a small collection of Disney Animators' Collection dolls, and a few other kinds of dolls too.
5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?) I've learned a lot about photography because of the dolls! I'd love to learn to sew, but sadly I have very little artistic talent lol... I'm no good at face ups, or anything like that...
6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls? Playing with them, dressing them up, and taking pictures of them of course!
7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!) Sometimes. I have a flickr that I put all my pictures on it's dreamsforlease.
8. Where do you store your dolls? In our office closet.
9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects? They all have characters.. which are frequently under construction :p
10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications? Customize, unless they were a gift (my Wang Zi still has the same faceup, clothes, etc. that he came with).
11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.) It's important, especially online (I'm very awkward in person and not good at socializing so in-person meetups are hard for me and I often skip out even if I plan to be there.. whoops).
12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby? Take everything people say with a grain of salt, especially if it's about ~what dolls are the best~. Go with your gut when it comes to picking the perfect doll, and don't be discouraged if everything isn't perfect right away.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
I've been in the hobby for seven years. I got my first doll Christmas day 2009.

2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
I simply have a fascination with dolls. I love how human they can look; particularly when photographed. I also love how creative they allow me to be in regards to creating characters and stories for them since I'm an avid writer. Creating biographies for incoming dolls is one of my favourite things to do. Sometimes they even inspire to create full length novels.

3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
I think I first discovered dolls a year before I got my first one; I was younger and didn't think to hard about it. I don't think I jumped in guns blazing otherwise I don't think I'd still have my first doll. (old boy that he is now xD)

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
Sure do! Dollfie Dreams and the larger Obitsu are also part of my collection (as I don't classify them as BJDs). I also collect Living Dead Dolls and used to collect Monster High. (I also collect Hot Toys and anime figures; though they aren't dolls of course.)

5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?)
I wouldn't say I've learned any new skills but I'm much better at sewing now! I can't use a sewing machine to save my life still but I'm pretty good at hand sewing now. I guess one thing I have learned is making my own clothing patterns.

6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
I love taking photos of them~ I do like randomly changing the poses I have them displayed in as well.

7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
I post photos of them on Flickr and DeviantArt (links are in my signature) xP

8 Where do you store your dolls?
My dolls all sit out in my room on various shelves or pretty boxes.

9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
They all have characters of some sort; it's one of my favourite aspects about the hobby. The only ones that don't have in-depth character are my two huge Dollmore girls (A Trinity and a Lusion)

10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
I love full sets! Most of my dolls actually are fullsets since a lot of the time it's what draws me to them. I have few whos wigs I've changed but I usually love their outfits so much I couldn't change them.

11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
I wouldn't say the community is crucial to my enjoyment of the hobby; but there is something really nice about talking to other people online who are equally as passionate about the hobby as myself. I have never had the opportunity to go to a meetup but if I were ever given the chance I think it would be a nice experience. I can quietly enjoy my hobby; but at the same time being able to share it with others is great too.

12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Like many have said; this hobby is expensive so you need to be good with your money. My biggest advice is don't buy a doll just because it's 'cheap'; I don't believe settling for a cheaper doll is a good idea. It makes me sad and somewhat annoyed when people buy a 'cheap starter' doll and just end up disappointed. Get the doll you really want and I guarantee you'll be the happiest person in the world when they finally show up at your house. If happens to be cheap; awesome! If it happens to be really expensive; save up!

Be prepared to have some people really be confused by the hobby; not everyone understands the appeal and there might be some people around you that either talk it down or even laugh at it. Enjoy your hobby and don't let anyone tell you otherwise about something you love. (I haven't really had to deal with this among my parents; but I have plenty of relatives who are seriously confused and weirded out by it)

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
Only a few years - I have been an admirer of BJDs since my teens (I'm 23) but I only got my first BJD in 2015. At home I have DC Bella and DZ Gill, and I'm waiting on Iplehouse Cordelia. I've rehomed MD HeeAh and MDR Mousse However, as a small girl I pretty much played exclusively with dolls and never enjoyed playing with animal toys or anything. I stopped playing with dolls when I got a bit older and more interested in general teenage things, but I always still liked them from afar! Then a couple of years ago I saw a really cute little vinyl doll in a very cute shop, bought it on a whim, googled the brand, and in that one day, became completely obsessed with the doll world again - a good 15 years after the last time I played with one. A year or two after getting back into dolls in general I decided I was going to go for it and get a BJD. Which fairly quickly became more than one :p
2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
I love women & representations of them
3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
Ah I waited years! And I was too nervous to spend that sort of money myself - my boyfriend bought me my first. Now I buy them myself but Im grateful for him for starting me off. Otherwise I'd probably still not have any lol
4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
Monster High, Ever After High, considering buying some of the more expensive fashion dolls on the market!
5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?)
Wig making for sure. Also faceups, but technically I was a portrait artist before getting into dolls. I learned how to repaint vinyl fashion dolls before I painted resin dolls though. and I want to learn how to sew outfits soon too!
6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
I just like to pose them and dress them and think up more additions to their universe
7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
instagram.com/milklegsdolls
8. Where do you store your dolls?
In my room - I keep the curtains drawn all day so they don't get too much sunlight, unless I'm doing something that needs natural light
9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
Technically they do have characters, but they're more muses for the characters rather than very accurate representations of the characters - for instance, my girls live in a post-apocalyptic setting (ofc! haha) on a farm and should really be dirty & messy or at the very least in jeans and sensible clothing, but I prefer to just dress them in ways that are aesthetically pleasing to me, in dresses and pretty pastel colours etc.
10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
Definitely customise!
11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
I'm a lil nervous to attend IRL meetups but I definitely plan to in the future. But I don't think I'd be nearly as fond of my dolls (not just the bjds - all my dolls, inc the off-topic ones) if I couldn't talk to others about them.
12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Don't think your first doll has to be something simple or a good 'starter doll' - there is no such thing. The only important thing is that it's the right doll for you. No bjds are cheap; it's a false economy to spend $300 on something you don't love as opposed to $500 on something you will treasure for years.

I'd also say not to bother too much with what other people think - when I was considering which girl to go for for my second bjd no one voted for DZ Gill, but I loved her, and so I bought her anyway. She is still my favourite girl. They just cost too much money to buy according to other people's opinions.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
Sssssiiiiiiiix years? Ish?
2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
Faces! Also the clothes I am a sucker for fancy clothes. Give me absurdly ornate outfits for days.
3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
The plan was to wait but then JDF Terra existed and also I am a horrible horrible impulse shopper and yeah that didn't end exactly as planned.
4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
Eh, a few Monster High here and there.
5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?)
Oh man, I only wish. I suck so bad at photography and don't every ask me to sew, I may potentially get frustrated and throw spools of thread across the room. Maybe. Ugh one day I'll have time to just sit down and learn this stuff (as if).
6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
Mostly I like just having them sitting around being pretty. I'm not very good at photography, but I do like doing the occasional silly photostory - especially for box openings.
7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
I mean, there's my doll tumblr but I'm kind of in limbo atm so it's mostly reblogging other people's dolls
8. Where do you store your dolls?
Under the bed! I have a long flat sort of storage box that fits at least 3 SDs and a variety of smaller dolls, depending on how much tetris I want to play. The rest are in their boxes under there.
9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
I am a horrible, awful, character spewing nightmare so even if they don't have characters when I buy them, they end up with them anyway.
10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
If I like a fullset enough to pay for it, then they'll probably keep most of it. The most I've done on my completely fullset dolls is change eyes or wigs or occasionally added a few accessories.
11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
I.... suppose that depends on what you're looking to get out of the community to begin with? It's great for resources and inspiration, and it's always nice to chat with other doll people, but I find that it's not something I need to enjoy myself.
12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Don't be afraid of mistakes! You're gonna get sucked into a good deal and buy a doll you're maybe not crazy about. You're gonna get the wrong size wig. You might even forget that a doll wears primarily black and end up staining their amazing body blushing and have to sit and cry about it for a little bit (n... not that I'm speaking from experience). Accept it and stride boldly into dolly ownership anyway.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
- It's been 5 years since I'm in the hobby! ^^

2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
- My girlfriend was always harrassing me with BJDs and with time I've found them interesting.

3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
- It took me 6 months to order my first doll because I needed money. (It was only about 100$ but it was quite hard to convince my parents actually... They were saying "you're crazy! that's too expensive for a toy! Plus, you're not 6 anymore!")

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
- Yes, I have some Isuls home and other vynil dolls that are not BJDs ^^ but I mostly have BJDs

5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?)
- I learned how to Make up (only dolls, I'm still horrible at Make-uping myself ), to blush, to restring, to wire, to hotglue... I'd like to take time to sew and make wigs but I need more space to work... And that's not possible to do more in my actual appartment.

6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
- I like to take picture of them, to watch them before I go to sleep... They're all original characters we created with my girlfriend so they all have their own universe and that's really funny because sometimes I use one of my BJD to react to something. For example, Jaden (my Jaguar from IOS) has really shitty tastes in matter of clothes, everytime I see something really ugly I take his voice intonation to say that it's beautiful.

7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
- Yes, I share them from time to time on the French BJDs forum's reference (Matériel Celeste) and some rare times on facebook, Twitter, or FlickR but those days I dont take a lot of pics :/ I also share pictures of my doll army here of course! ^^

8. Where do you store your dolls?
- I store them in my bedroom and they're taking WAAAAY MUCH ROOM!! The whole wall is surrounded by our dolls and we don't buy more dolls since 2 years now! >___< We really should find another appartment to store all our dolls and the rest of our stuff x____x

9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
- As I said sooner, my dolls have their own universe and their own personality. Even the tinies ! ^^ Having a doll witout personality and just for being pretty does not interest me because I would feel like it's useless to have it home and I would like to sell it as soon as possible. It happened sometimes to me when I wanted to buy a doll and create a character over this doll but the match wasn't really... good. I mean, not as good as I expected. And then I sold the doll or reincarnate another character in this mold (if it's possible).

10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
- Most of the time I hate the outfits in the fullset or the make up (or both). I prefer way far to customize everything in my doll

11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
- The comunity is important of course, because we can exchange lots of informations, personal experiences, we can discover new molds, and everytime I can show to someone my dolls I show them because I think it's a good experience. I met lots of adorable people thanks to the hobby but I have to admit that I also met mean people in this hobby. But I think it's kinda part of the game!

12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
- My first advice is:
Please, be careful and don't buy recasts... I'm actually for the dark side of the force but I say NO to recasts because it's mean for artists who worked a lot on their molds, it's illegal, and you can't even be proud of buying something like that, you can't show it, so it's useless. If you really want a mold, you can wait a bit more to have it, and when you'll recieve it you're going to be even more full of joy and happiness!

And my second advice is:
Never say never! xD I used to say "I'll never have SD dolls...!! That's too expensive, too big..." and now I have 8 SD70 home... That's taking too much room.... I swear.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
7~8 years.

2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
Their versatility.

3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
Wait a long time I guess ? Saving was like forever for me. LOL

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
Yes.

5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?)
I've been improving my photography and styling skill, even though I'm not a pro yet, but I think my photos are acceptable. I would love to learn sew for my dolls in the future... if I have patience. XD

6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
Through my lens ?

7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
Yes, they can be found in my twitter & deviantart acc that dedicated only for them. I posted my dolls on instagram, but my acc is full of other things too, not only BJDs. ^^;

8. Where do you store your dolls?
Their boxes.

9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
They're pretty objects with certain character and style.

10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
Customize. I think that's the art of BJD for me.

11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
I got new friends through DoA, surprisingly, some of them have become a real friend, not only a BJD friend anymore, where we can talk a load of stuffs, unrelated with BJD at all.

12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Be patient when you want a doll. Saving is one of the most important keys in this hobby. Never got tempted with fake BJD & stuffs. Do a lot of research, so you won't got scammed.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
Since 2007, Doll owner since 2009
2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
The aesthetic some of them have
3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
I saved up for 2 years while researching multiple doll candidates.
4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
I tried Monster high and didn't like it, but i do have a few figurines other than that? No.
5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?)
I learned a lot about composition and photography also about sewing. I'd love to pick up wig making again
6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
Painting them or taking pictures
7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
I have a Flickr and Tumblr but I post most of my doll on Instagram
8. Where do you store your dolls?
In a glass cabinet that is part of a large bookcase in my living room/media room which is almost pitch black 24/7, I am very sensitive to light myself so I don't mind it.
9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
They are very pretty, but I have given them characters/personas to help me stay true to their concepts
10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
If I get a fullset I will keep the fullset parts, but I will customize it to my taste. Mix and match.
11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
Community is everything to me in this hobby, I couldn't do this alone. I have always had a community.
12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Do you research thoroughly, google everything, don't be afraid, save for what you really want It's worth it.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
Around five years now.
2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
I've always liked toys of all kinds, but another thing that I'm always extremely drawn to is aesthetical beauty. I guess their beauty is one of the thing that attracts me the most.
3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
I had to wait until I had saved enough to get one - but I did start saving right away. I probably should've waited more, though - I didn't do enough research and made sooo many newbie mistakes
4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
No, while at first I did want to collect other dolls as well, like monster high, or pullips or others, at the moment the thought of dolls like that is too similar to barbies imo, which I'm not really a fan of.
5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?)
I got a lot better at sewing! Also crafting and photography, and I'm learning to do face ups, wigs and eyes. I hope to get better at that, I guess!
6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
Ah, well, it does depend on the doll. Other than the usual sewing for them and taking pictures, sometimes I take a doll out for the day and have it keep me company.
7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
My bjd tumblr is goatharedolls, link is in my signature
8. Where do you store your dolls?
Just in a simple, very big box. I wish I had something nicer, but I don't have much room and it works- keeps dust and sunlight out when I'm not taking any out.
9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
I couldn't not have characters, I mean, they wouldn't have that much emotional value to me if they didn't.
10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
Never bought a full set and don't think I ever will - they may be nice, but I need to customize 100% in order to feel like the doll is "my own".
11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
A lot- if I'm just there alone, doing things on my own it's no fun!
12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Just to not be afraid - even if you don't know many things, or are intimidated, just give it a try! In the end, it's all worth giving a try - whether you find out that it's a thing for you or not.