Just For Fun Twelve Questions

1. How long have you been in the hobby? Five and a half years
2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs. They are so versatile
3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in? I did jump right in ^_^
4. Do you collect any other types of dolls? Yes: Blythe, Animators, Chérie from Corolle, ...
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 faceup them
6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls? Sewing for them, dressing them, and taking pics
7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!) Yes, here : Flickr
8. Where do you store your dolls? Some are in a cabinet, and others on a chair, and others on my sewing desk
9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects? Mostly pretty objects, I don't develop their character a lot
10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications? I customise
11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.) Quite important, I've met very good friends, in real life, too!
12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby? Buy what YOU want and what makes YOU happy

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
Since 2012. I bought my first doll in August 2012.
2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
Must be the possibility. another thing is doll sculpt, it look like human (so sometimes i wish my doll alive LOL)
3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
I waited for three months. My first bjd was yosd size, I did my research before I bought my first one.
4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
Yes, I did. I collect nendoroid, azone doll, figma etc. Most of my collection were from Japan.
5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?)
Skills that I've learned...well, photography for sure. another thing is photoshop. I hope that I can sew and face up my dolls.
6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
Change them clothes and take picture. ( sometimes I even spoke to all of them, smh )
7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
Mostly were on Flickr and Instagram.
8. Where do you store your dolls?
My work table, but some of them are in their boxes.
9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
I love to create characters for my dolls. I got characters from movies, especially Korean drama, singers, and models.
10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
I would say customize, cus the doll will be what am I expect to be, and I think It will be come one off doll.
11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
Important, cus I've got most of doll information from here. like I said, I always do a research before I buy a doll.
12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
It is costly, so make sure that you get the sculpt that you really want.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
I ordered my first doll in 2007.

2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
The first thing I noticed about them and always loved was their ability to stand on their own.

3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
Absolutely. It took me two years from first seeing (and instantly liking a BJD) to finding the courage to spend so much money on a doll.

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
No, not really. I used to collect Blythes, but they aren't as important to me.

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, the things I learned just because of dolls was how to make doll wigs, doll hats and doll shoes. Yet I also got better in sewing and in tanking photographs because of the dolls.

6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
I think it would be dressing them up nicely, closely followed by taking pictures of them.

7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
I do have a doll tumblr, flickr and a blog. (Points to the signature for links)

8. Where do you store your dolls?
A couple of them usually stay in their boxes (yes, I'm one of these kind of owners), while a few special ones are on display in my cabinet and on my shelves.

9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
I have both, pretty objects and dolls with a longer background story and characters

10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
Guess that depends. If I like the full-set how it is, I'll keep it. Most of the time I prefer to customize the doll though.

11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
The community plays a big role as it is really a fantastic experience being able to chat with other people who have similar interests .

12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
The one famous, over-and-over-repeated advice: save up to buy the doll you really love and don't settle with the one that is most affordable at the moment.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby? First doll was purchased in 2008 at an anime con. I knew nothing about bjds except they fascinated me and WAY overpaid for the doll. I rehomed her in 2014. I was strangely sad to see her go.
2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs. Everything. The sculpts, the poseability, the clothes.
3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in? I saw them at the annual anime con I attend but could find nothing about them locally. The next year I found a vendor at the con and went in head first.
4. Do you collect any other types of dolls? Action figures, one of a kind fantasy dolls, some porcelain, and my own creations.
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 made porcelain and OOAK dolls for years. I learned to make removable wigs.
6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls? Dress them and photograph them. Making things for them.
7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!) Very seldom but sometimes on FB.
8. Where do you store your dolls? In my doll closet and cabinets and drawers.
9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects? My Resin Enchanted doll has a character. She is a traveler form another planet sent to learn about earth. She travels on a large winged ginger cat. In particular I collect dolls who are like my favorite tv and movie stars. I have a complete David Bowie minimee as Jareth the Goblin King, a Brad Pitt minimee fully dressed as Louis the Vampire, a Souldoll with a commissioned dress and faceup to resemble Stahma Tarr from Defiance, another one with a commissioned dress and faceup to resemble Margery Tyrell in her rose gown from Game of Thrones and so on.
10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications? Full set if ordered always intact.
11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.) I know of no other bjd collectors in my town. The nearest meetups are over 2 hours away. So without the community I would have no contact with other bjd collectors.
12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby? Research research research!!!! Or you will over pay like I did and not have what you want. Also if it is worth having it is worth waiting for. I was on a waiting list for 4 years to get a Marina Bychkova resin Enchanted Doll, one of 100 and there will never be any more. My Isabeau was worth every moment of those years and every penny spent on her since. I plan on taking her to my grave.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby? Interested since around 2003-ish, ordered my first BJD on April 2, 2008
2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs. I love the customization and creating physical representations of my OCs.
3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in? I waited several years. When I was first interested, I was a student with no income, then was on my own with no extra money. I finally took the dive after about 5 years of interest.
4. Do you collect any other types of dolls? I own an Obitsu, an AiDoll, a few fashion dolls, and ElleoDolls dog and an American Girl, but I don't really collect them, just buy a few here and there that appeal to me. Most of the other dolls I own I had long before the BJD hobby.
5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? I have learned faceups, blushing, prop making, restringing, basic modding, patterning, and improved my photography skills. I would still like to improve my photography, wig making and sewing, and I would like to learn photoshop.
6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls? Role play
7. Do you share your dolls on social media? Not a lot, but I am on Instagram. I sometimes share photos on FaceBook, but it's my personal one with family, so I'd rather not share that here.
8. Where do you store your dolls? I have a spare bedroom that has been designated "the doll room". I have shelving set up as dioramas for them. (I have blinds and curtains in there, don't worry!)
9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects? They all have characters. Most of the are RP characters, though a few are more like pretty objects with very simple characters/stories.
10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications? It's all about the customization! I have seen many beautiful fullsets, but I never can enjoy them myself because my dolls are so character specific, and I feel like fullsets portray someone else's character.
11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? I enjoyed the first year or so without any community mostly, other than my sister, and occasionally posting a photo. Now, I'm very active with my local community and the BJD RP community, and I check DoA several times a day, so I'd say the community has become really important to me. I think I would still enjoy my dolls on my own, but it's a lot more interesting with other people. Besides, many of my closest friends are people I've met through the hobby, so I'd never have them without it.
12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby? Save up, do your research, look at owner photos, and get the doll you really want. Don't settle, don't buy it because it's popular or you hope it will make you popular, or because of resale value. Make sure you are buying from a safe and trustworthy source. Go to meetups if you can, even before you buy your first doll, so you can handle some in person to get a better idea of what you like. Avoid confession blogs, they will only show you the nastiest side of the hobby, and you may miss out on the best parts. Be open to learning, take advice from seasoned members, but don't be afraid to try new things. Understand your first faceup, first sewing project and first home made wig are probably going to be a mess, but it does get better with practice, and it's ok to be proud of your work, even if it's not professional. Remember that the artists you admire had to start somewhere, and don't get discouraged when your first attempts go horribly wrong. If you keep at it, you will improve! Most of all, keep in mind that it's a hobby, and hobbies are meant to be fun. You don't have to do everything in the hobby, and everyone enjoys things differently. Find the parts that make you happy, and don't bother with the parts that aren't fun for you. Relax, and welcome!

 

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

2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
I love miniature stuff. Having dolls give me an excuse to hoard mini mugs and stuff! X) (also their size. You can't really get 60cm dolls anywhere else!)

3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
When I originally heard of them I didn't have any way to save up (too young for a job) so I gave up on them and didn't bother to do any real research at the time. I came back to it 2 years later and pretty much jumped right in.

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
Bratz dolls. I like kids dolls in general, but these are the only I would say I collect.

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 xD;; I wanted to do so many things (sewing, making eyes, making wigs), but never got around to it for some reason.

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

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

8. Where do you store your dolls?
Errrr right now one is in a drawer and the other one is in a box on the floor.

9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
They have half-assed characters

10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
Customize. I've only ordered two fullsets. One because I didn't have the choice and the other one I was like "yeah that dress is cool I'll buy it" but never used it. Fullsets are usually too fancy for me. My dolls all wear jeans :P

11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
Not at all these days. I used to love talking about dolls with others but now I don't have much to say anymore ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I just brush their hair all by myself xD

12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Stock up on magic sponges!

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby? 7 years for BJDs, at least 20 re. general interest in Art Dolls

2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs. I have loved OOAK art dolls for many years but other than a couple of small dolls they are well beyond my priceline. I have also had a love of puppetry, articulated sculpture & sculptural illustration (figurative sculptural work photographed to produce an illustrative story) for at least 20 years now too (much longer than that when it comes to puppetry).

3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
I had been interested in porcelain & resin cast BJDs for quite a while before joining the hobby. However, once I learned about DOA and learned more about how much the ABJD side of the hobby had grown since it's art doll origins I jumped in pretty quickly.

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
Yes, Japanese 1/6 & 1/12 fashion dolls by 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?)
This hobby encouraged me to get back into my photography which was a component of my Bachelor's degree a couple of decades ago now but a love I learned from my dad, an amateur photographer himself just like his father before him. I am now currently studying my Certificate 4 in Design:Photography & Digital Editing thanks in part to this hobby and in part to past experience working in the digital print industry. Re-learing what I knew of SLR photography and applying it to DSLR photography has been a challenge for me but I am hoping this course will help as it is geared to teaching industry standard digital photography and print. I am planning to buy a new camera body soon which should help immensely when it comes to getting the best out of my studies.

A skill I would like to explore more regarding this hobby is building detailed dioramas and / or sets for photographic work. This fits right into my long-term love of sculptural illustration which is part of what drew me to this hobby.

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

Photography. It's a great experience to spend large amounts of time preening them ^^

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

Yes - but I am embarrassed by the quality of many of my pics. I am still getting used to using the right settings and photo set-up for handling my particular lighting equipment and I often seem to get it wrong. I want to improve the standard of my photography over the next couple of years as I am embarrassed by how much I have forgotten and need to re-learn for the best results using a DSLR.

J-e-n-K-a-t on DeviantArt
Jen Kat


8. Where do you store your dolls?
My MSD & below sized dolls in my TV cabinet so that I can admire them ^^ Need a proper display case for bigger dolls but as I don't have any at the moment (planning to change that again soon as miss having big dolls) it's not a big issue. I just hate having dolls just sitting around in boxes, I bought them to enjoy them, not just to simply own them.

9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
All have characters to some extent. However, I have a series of very clearly defined characters with their own interlinked story-lines that I am waiting to shell I can afford them.

10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
A bit of each in the past but my next series of doll purchases will be fore dolls that will be 100% customised.

11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
I enjoy the hobby but I don't often have the time to get involved in the community. However, we have some awesome people in our local Sydney community that I would love to see more at meets if I can get to more of them & I do spend the occasional it of time on various doll related face-book groups & enjoy my time there. My favourite online doll hobby community, however, is doll related but not ball jointed doll related.

12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Prepare your wallet!!! This hobby is not cheap but there are options to get that expensive doll you want - layaways either via the maker / company that makes the doll you want or finding a re-seller that carries their dolls who will offer a layaway. A lot of my doll purchases have been via layaway so that I can both afford them without taking too much out of my monthly budget & equally that then I don't feel as guilty about buying them.
Enjoy discovering the ins and outs of the hobby, learn as much about it as you can before making your 1st purchase & don't be afraid to ask questions. I know I for one always love to help out a newbie, it's one way I feel I can give back to the hobby community in some way considering all the wonderful people who have helped me out here and there through my own BJD hobby journey

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?

It'll be 10 years this next March. Holy cow.

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

How customizable they are. I have characters in my head and I'm not much of an artist, so I really enjoy being able to bring them to life through dolls and photography.

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

I waited a couple of years, partly because I was in grad school at the time and partly because I was afraid that one doll I was planning would turn into twenty. Then my wife @sephyelysian found a doll she really, really, for real-reals wanted and worked on me until I caved. In the end, we ended up with more than twenty dolls, but I regret nothing.

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?

I have a bunch of American Girls from my childhood and a big action figure collection packed up in storage (most of the cast of Buffy/Angel, Doctor Who, random anime). My desk has a few Kingdom Hearts and DW figures that are still on display. We also have a couple of Kikipops and a couple of Pullips, but I don't have any plans to add more to that. I did Monster Highs for a little while, but they were fun to hunt for and then collected dust. I don't engage with other dolls the way I do my BJDs, so it's gotten a lot easier to resist them than it used to be.

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

Lots of them! I learned sewing, faceupping, jewelry making, photography... I even whittled once for dolls when I needed stakes to add to an SD Halloween costume. One of the things I really love about dolls is how they force me to learn new things and push myself to improve in areas that have a big learning curve. It's not a stagnant hobby. Oh, and this fall I really want to try my hand at wig making. We'll see how that goes. XD

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

Photography. I keep telling people I get more of a high off of a well executed photoshoot these days than I do on receiving a new doll, but I don't think anyone believes me. (It's true!) I also write about them constantly.

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

I live on Flickr these days. I am also Ametchu on Instagram, which looks a lot like my Flickr with crappy phone pics interspersed.

8. Where do you store your dolls?

In an Ikea Hemnes bookshelf with glass doors.

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

They have characters. Most of them have been reshelled multiple times to match their character better. (Except my Delf Dreaming Moon, because he has been perfect in every way since 2008.)

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

Customize. My attempts to own full sets have ended in me selling said full sets because they didn't really feel as personal as the rest of my dolls.

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

I love the doll community. I've met many of my closest friends here, both online and off, and I really appreciate the social aspect of the hobby.

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

Ask questions, and do your best to be gracious when someone goes out of their way to help you out. You'll meet some of the kindest people in the world in this hobby if you take the time to pay it forward. Oh, and like everyone else has said, make sure you don't let yourself forget that your dolls are there for you to enjoy first and foremost.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
Three years
2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
Itsy-Bitsy fashion
3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
I saved up my allowance and tutoring money for 7 months
4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
I have one modded monster high and one antique fashion doll I inherited
5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?)
Its helped me practiced my patience in sewing, I really want to learn how to make wigs
6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
Dress them up and keep them in my workspace
7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
8. Where do you store your dolls?
on their chairs on my desk
9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
I tend to make OC's based on my dolls but they are definitely pretty
10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
customise like crazy
11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
I have a few close friends but Ive never been to a meet-up
12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
You can find ways to make it affordable if you really want it.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
In two months I'll have been in the hobby for 6 years.

2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
Their versatility in various art forms.

3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
I don't think a month counts as 'a while' so I'm going to go with jumped right in XD

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
Closest I come to 'another type of doll' collecting would be figurines from my favourite fandoms(mostly One Piece).
Oh, and Azone, though I'm a bit picky with 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?)
There are plenty of skills I've brushed up on or gotten better at because of the hobby - including painting, photography, woodworking, and some very deplorable attempts at improving my inability to sew.
I hope to one day be able to make really cool yarn or mohair wigs, I haven't decided which I'd like to try to learn first.

6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
Sitting them on my lap or my desk when I'm writing, reading, or watching a movie. I just enjoy having them near enough to start playing with their hands or hair or outfits if I feel like it.

7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
I mostly just share them here or on Facebook.
I'd rather not link people to my Facebook since it's not specifically for dolls.

8. Where do you store your dolls?
They remain on display in my cave-like light-less vortex of a room.
I don't like having to put them in their boxes for any reason.

9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
Most definitely characters. Most of them will be in published works at some point in time (Amadeus is closest at the moment, just 5,634 words to go).

10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
Full sets do not remain full sets for long in my collection. Every part of the outfit will likely be used, just not all on the same doll or even for its intended purpose.

11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
I do think the community is important for sharing techniques and ideas and learning new things that might not have been thought of otherwise, and learning someone likes what you've done with your doll or being able to enjoy what other people have done with their dolls is definitely all the warm fuzzy kind of material... And I do enjoy being able to share my dolls online and I really like my local community... But at the same time if I had absolutely no one to share them with I wouldn't love them any less.

12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Research, listen to different opinions and perspectives - make sure you're listening so that not only may you form your own opinion but so that you also respect the opinions of others, and find a doll you love. But most importantly remember to have fun! A hobby is supposed to be a way to pursue happiness. Exactly what happiness is to you is something only you can define for yourself.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
Celebrating 10 full years in the hobby

2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
The creativity in the doll community - so many wonderful artists and such talent also make me want to challenge myself (my preferred outlet is sewing).

3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
I pretty much jumped right in, transitioning from collecting fashion dolls. Once I found BJD's there was no going back.

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
No, although I still have some of the fashion dolls from 10 years ago, I have not added to my collection.

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 sewing and hope to still improve my skills. I'm also hoping to learn how to make alpaca wigs. I'd love to have the time to learn to do face-ups, but as a working mother to two small children, I simply haven't got the time for everything and have to prioritize.

6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
Creating/sewing outfits and clothing and photography.

7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
Not yet, hoping to soon!

8. Where do you store your dolls?
I'm a bit neurotic about yellowing or them falling off a shelve, so they're stored in their boxes or carry-case when I'm not working on sewing or doing a photo shoot.

9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
They don't have characters or back stories, just names. I still feel close to them, though, and I suppose they have personalities as well, as I know what will suit them and what they would like to wear.

10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
I would prefer to customize, at least change clothing and wigs. I would probably keep the face-up, though.

11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
The online community is extremely important. I love browsing through photos, reading tips, seeing what other's have created. I don't really go to dolly meets anymore, and feel a bit shy about attending one.

12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Welcome! It's a wonderful, addictive hobby, and you'll have so much fun customizing you doll(s)! You will be able to learn so many new skills, really, the sky's the limit! The best thing is the the wonderful community to share your dolls with.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby? I got interested in BJDs after I saw one at an anime convention in 2004. I got my first doll in 2006.

2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs. Posability! I love being able to pose them!

3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in? I honestly never thought I'd even have the funds to get a doll of my own. I got one sooner than I thought after a fit of insomnia and impulse buying X'D

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls? I have a few Monster High and Barbie dolls. I used to collect porcelain bride dolls, but I haven't gotten any of those since high school.

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 definitely learned more about photography because of the hobby.

6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls? Dressing them up, taking photos. I also like to make them post on Facebook X3

7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!) Yes! On Flickr, Instagram, and tumblr (links in my signature). As I said, I also like to make them post on Facebook - they've all got their own profiles. Convo me if you're interested in "meeting" them

8. Where do you store your dolls? They hang out around the house. Bookshelves, desk, coffee table, wherever!

9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects? The longer I have them, the more personality they seem to develop.

10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications? I do like to keep default faceups, but the clothes, wigs, and eyes I'll change out. I tend to hang on to default outfits even though I might not use them much.

11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.) I love having the community of doll friends I've made through the years. I like sharing my experience, I like having someone to squee with when I discover a new doll or outfit, and meetups are always a blast!

12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby? Don't be dismayed by prices and wait times! Do research, fall in love with a doll, and make it a goal - that's one of the best parts of this hobby IMO. There's a true sense of reward for saving up and having patience!

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby? I joined DoA in April of 2010 and got my first doll that year.

2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs. How unique each doll is. I love seeing photos of dolls that are the same sculpt but look so vastly different depending on how their owners have styled them. I sometimes want to get a second of each of my sculpts just to see how different I can make them!

3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in? I searched around for a little bit before buying my first doll. My tastes have changed a lot since then so I don't own him anymore.

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls? I used to be really big into American Girl dolls when I was younger, so I still have two of them stored away somewhere. I just recently got my first Azone Pure Neemo and she's lovely so I'm looking forward to seeing what goodies I can find for her.

5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?) Mostly photography, although I have bought some fabric with the intentions of sewing clothes for my girls. I just haven't had the time recently.

6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls? Changing their clothes and posing them for photos.

7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!) I don't have a dedicated social media for them, but I do occasionally post photos of them on my tumblr!

8. Where do you store your dolls? I generally keep them on my desk or bookshelves in my bedroom with the curtains closed. I make sure to move them around pretty often so they don't get dusty!

9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects? I enjoy giving them all names and personalities and individual styles, but I don't really write about them or give them detailed backstories.

10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications? Definitely customization. Full sets are cool, but dolls feel more my own when I mix things up.

11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.) I don't have much of a community where I live, so I definitely enjoy having online communities like Den of Angels for sharing my photos and getting advice. Although I do very much enjoy bringing my girls to local conventions throughout the year. It's always fun to explain the hobby to curious people!

12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby? Try not to impulse buy, and plan ahead for each doll you get. I try to make sure that I have things picked out and ordered for my dolls before they arrive so that I don't get overwhelmed by having unfinished dolls sitting around. My only exception was my most recent girl, an April Story Stella, who was discontinued by the company and then one doll got posted for sale in their current event so I went for it. She'll be on the way home in a couple of weeks and I don't have any clothes/wig/eyes/NAME picked out for her yet! :O

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
I got my first Blythe last year then an Isul doll and then two J-dolls. Just a few weeks I stumbled deep into the bjd world. I had tried to steer clear because of the prices but I give. I can't resist any more!
2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
I think it's funny how humans try to imitate dolls by being "flawless" but bjds imitate reality in all their complex realistic designs! They're so full of life!
3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
I have yet to buy my first bjd but I've found the perfect one. Unfortunately, the fullset is sold out but Ive decided to wait if somewhere along the lines I bump into him. Haha I can be quite an impulsive buyer sometimes...
4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
Yes! Leon Kennedy who is more action figure than doll (play arts kai) but I cant deny him the giant place in my heart that he holds!! I have my Blythe who I'm currently trying to customize (my first customization ever!!) and my lovely Isul Glen who is precious and my two J-dolls Reforma and Stroget!
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 love photography because it is an excuse to play with them but thinking about it i do it less than I'd like to!! I want to learn sewing and i have tried a lot (but failed) haha...someday!! I'd love to construct furniture for my dolls and give them a nice room!! My to-do list is VERY long!!
6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
Playing with them (posing them) and coming up with stories for them!! They're so full of tales!!
7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
Hmm I currently don't but i definitely will!!
8. Where do you store your dolls?
I'd like to give them a proper space or bookshelf but to be honest theyre roaming around on display in my living room at the moment!! (I have to beware of dust though!!)
9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
Characters!! Naming them is tougher than knowing their identity! They have stories, attitudes, i could have two of the same doll yet I'd know they have different backgrounds!!
10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
I'm terrified of customization. That's why I'm keeping my eyes open for Ringdoll's Dracula fullset!! I dont think i could customize the basic doll!
11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
I think it answers a lot of questions to newbies like me!! It is necessity!
12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Patience is key. Im learning that myself while trying not to burst out of excitement or desperation haha! Waiting for the perfect bjd and researching makes half the fun! Sorta...trust me!

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
Since late October 2009 when I came across someone blogging their box opening of Iplehouse Akando and fell in love with these dolls. Then ordered my own Iplehouse EID in November 12, 2009 when I couldn't resist stalking the site anymore (it was Luna that I first bought before Akando though, mostly because I was more used to female dolls. Akando was eventually ordered in December 17, 2009).

2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
For me specifically, especially with the EIDs (though I no longer own either Akando or Luna), I love their mature and varied looks. When I was into fashion dolls I did come across BJDs but their stylized looks weren't my style so I pretty much ignored them until years later with the serendipitous discovery of Iplehouse.

3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
I waited up to 3 weeks before jumping in and buying my first doll *lol*. I did spend those intervening weeks doing research though.

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
I collected Barbies and fashion dolls like Gene and Tyler.

5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?)
Not really. I just used what I already learned (sewing, photography) from fashion dolls and applied them to BJDs.

6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
Currently my favourite way to interact is to organize my collection through their clothing styles.
I am in the middle of making Elizabethan-inspired dresses for my Migidoll girls, while my non-Migidoll girls wear the Victorian-inspired dresses I'd commissioned from Vitta Vera and Du-hast. My non-Migidoll boys wear Victorian-inspired suits with black shirts underneath, while my Migidoll boys wear fancy suits with dramatic collars.

7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
Some of their photos are on flickr and I post about the Elizabethan sewing project on my tumblr.

8. Where do you store your dolls?
Since my collection outgrew the cabinet where I used to store all of them, my dolls are mostly (very carefully) piled up on top of each other on my desk and covered with towels and blankets (they're in the basement so they don't get sunlight anyway). The only ones kept in the cabinet nowadays are the ones who have horns.

9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
The first half of my current collection started out as having backstories and proper characterizations, whereas that latter half are pretty much just pretty objects. Basically after reaching 30 dolls it became hard for me to maintain making up full background stories for the dolls, so I just contented myself by giving them names and coming up with their individual eye and wig colours.

10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
More likely to customize the dolls' looks. The closest I came to buying a fullset was Soom's Special Order Cass La Melinite where I bought the doll with the default faceup and the outfit, but she never really wore it.

11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
I'm not really much of a social person, and while I did go to meetups and hang out in the forum, I do prefer to enjoy my collection by myself. If others like the rare posts I make about my dolls on my tumblr or the photos I upload on to flickr, then that's cool, I'm glad other people are enjoying them too.

12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Research!
Read!
Read properly!
It's especially important to register and attempt to understand the information you just read before ploughing on into something that would turn out you're not entirely ready for.
As mentioned by others, this hobby is not cheap, so you have to really prepare yourself otherwise you'll just be filled with regrets.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
2 years ^^
2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
The ability to customize them however you want.
3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
I first researched a lot before picking out the first doll I wanted. I was able to get him, (Luts SDF Terra), with some of my saved funds. The other part was a birthday gift from my parents So in all, I researched/waited for about half a year.
4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
I have 1 American Girl Doll from when I was young, and one Monster High which I wanted to try my hand at customizing, but other than that no 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?)
Yes! Photography, faceups, wig making, sewing. I now offer wig and faceup commissions, and they're very fun to do. I enjoy being able to bring others' characters/dolls to life, and talking to them about it in the process.
6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
I like to pose them and take photos of them. But most of the time they're my models when making wigs, so that's where I interact with them the most. I think being able to handle them is fun in itself.
7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
My Instagram is in my signature =^_^= That's where I frequent the most.
8. Where do you store your dolls?
They "live" on my bookshelf next to my bed, in the floaters box on my desk, and on the dining room table, where all the wig and faceup things go down. You could say they have favorite haunts :P
9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
Yup, all my dolls have characters. I find that if they don't, it's really hard for me to bond with them, or play with them at all. They just end up sitting there forever, which I don't want
10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
I'll keep everything intact except for the faceup, for the most part. Unless I really like the faceup, I'll wipe the doll so I'll be able to paint them as I envisioned them.
11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
I think the community is important. Being able to share your dolls and talk about them with others, as well as the stories and characters etc. is invaluable. This hobby isn't really well known, so it's nice that we're able to discuss things over the internet or during meetups
12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Research is your best friend! Don't be afraid to experiment! This hobby is versatile, and you can do almost whatever you want to customize/create the doll you envisioned. Have fun, and know that it's ok if not everyone likes what you put out there. Not everyone likes Edgar Allen Poe, for example, and he's a famous poet

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby? Since 2012
2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs. The articulation and customization aspects.
3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in? Pretty much jumped in. I was jobless at the time and had tons of time on my hands.
4. Do you collect any other types of dolls? Not as much as bjds but I would say that my bjd hobby has re-awakened my love of dolls in general. I really like any kind of doll that has a high level of articulation and potential to customize.
5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?) Lol...I would say more restraint. There are so many dolls I want, but I have to tell myself no, no, no...
6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls? I enjoy creating a persona for them, taking portrait style photos and posing them.
7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!) Not really. My dolls are very personal for me. I like them for me and create photo's for me. I have a Flickr - it's where I'm most active as far as posting photo's. Also a member of a few FB groups but share my dolls less there.
8. Where do you store your dolls? They're all on shelves.
9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects? Combo of both. I have 6 core characters and the rest are more loosey goosey and frankly I just like them as pretty objects.
10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications? Any outfit I buy, I buy with the objective of using it for it's separate pieces rather than keeping it as a whole.
11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.) I think it's a bonus that a forum like DoA exists. I'm not particularly active other than some drive by posts or piping up where I think I might offer some value. I've met some awesome people through the community - so for that, the experience is priceless for me.
12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby? Be realistic about your limits and don't cut corners unless you can afford to take the risk.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
Just over one year for BJDS, many more years for other dolls.
2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
How creative the whole process is!!! I love all the different opportunities that you can have to dress up the dolls, paint them, customise them, really make them yours.
3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
Did a lot of research! I didn't want to mess up by buying something for the sake of it, I had a little fund to save up for the dolls I really wanted.
4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
Yes! Blythes (I have many) and Pullips (which were the gateway doll to Blythes), and then JerryBerries.
5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?)
Learning how to do face-ups, making wigs, and letting my camera get a good workout.
6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
Making objects and props for them and taking photos!
7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
Yes my instagram handle is @jannmakesthings
8. Where do you store your dolls?
On my dolly shelf!
9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
They're slowly growing into characters, and I'm still developing them.
10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
More likely to buy a blank doll so that I can turn them into my own thing! I think my first "fullset" might be a Standard Volks, so I will need to know how I feel about wiping her face All my others have come like a blank canvas.
11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
Its great to have people to share your hobby with, and interact with, it does make it more fun.
12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Patience really is a virtue...

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
-Actively, only a few months. But I've known about it for a few years.
2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
-Seeing their transformation from a blank doll to a beautifully painted piece
3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
-My friend bought my first (and only) doll :3
4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
-Yep. I collect reborn dolls as well.
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 really want to learn sewing.
6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
-Changing into cute outfits
7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
-Nope
8. Where do you store your dolls?
-In her box mostly
9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
-My doll has a character! And a story, and from her story I have the characters for my next dolls too XD
10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
-Intact
11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
-I think it depends on what you want to get out of the hobby. If you want to meet similar people, they're important. But you might just want to enjoy your dolls and that's cool too.
12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
-Don't impulse buy! Wait until you really want something (doll, outfit, parts, etc.) that way you'll be happier with it and not end up hoarding things you don't really like/want/need.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
1 Year and 4 Whole Months!

2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
The creativity you can have with them really excites me. It makes all of the work you put into them worth your time and money.

3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
As soon as I found out about BJD's I bought my first one within a week and put it on my credit card. I was so excited. I then got a second one within the same month! And the obsession began!

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
I'm actually huge on Monster High Dolls, purely for the customization it's so much fun to paly around with them. I also collect Blythe's for the same reason I'm currently working on one that is a Playful Raindrops Shell.

5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?)
Several! I've learned photography and even gone to courses to make sure that I take amazing doll photos. I have learned sewing and pattern making with my size of dolls, I learned how to do faceups and paint on dolls.

6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
Hands down is photo shoots, sometimes I hang out with them while I watch movies or play games but photography sessions are my favorite part!

7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
I'm known as theartsyangelaesthetics on Instagram, unfortunately I don't have a link handy!

8. Where do you store your dolls?
I have a bed for my MSD and I am working on creating a diorama out of an old shelf that I have.

9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
My dolls used to be pretty objects but I found myself losing interest fast, so I weaved a story for them and made them into characters based of books, games or my own novels.

10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
I am more likely to customize it. I love keeping the outfits and accessories but I'm a stickler with faceups I need to have them how I want them.

11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
Sharing my dolls on My instagram is highly important to me, it really helps me get to know other who may not be as big into the hobby, and It also helps me to share what I love with everyone.

12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Don't be afraid this is one of the best hobbies I've ever had and I don't for one second regret ever joining! It opens up a HUGE world of creativity and allows you to dig into your imagination to really create something you'll love. It's amazing what this hobby does for people, like myself I have found a way to take out the stress of the daily grind on my hobby and boy does it ever help.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
Just a little over a year.
2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
I love the excellent mix of realism and charm they have, and I love how personalized each doll can be.
3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
I did wait some time, but I ended up buying my first doll a lot sooner than I first anticipated.
4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
No, but I do enjoy 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?)
For me, sewing is a big one. There is still quite a lot I have to learn, but I found that it's really relaxing to sit down and hand-sew clothes for my dolls.
6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
I love dressing and posing them, and then getting to photograph them and share with friends.
7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
Yes, I am on deviantArt dontknowhowtofeel on DeviantArt
8. Where do you store your dolls?
I keep them on display in my room, where I've made them their own little doll house.
9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
I really feel like they have personalities of their own. I usually try to make them a certain character, but they often surprise me with their quirks, and I discover their character is something a bit different from what I initially planned.
10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
I'm still very new to the hobby, and I'm not quite brave enough to do much in the way of customization. I will usually keep a full set intact, but I hope to be able to do more in the future.
11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
My BJD friends really help to inspire and educate me about the hobby. The community gets me really excited about my dolls.
12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
I would suggest doing plenty of research, first. Ask questions to experienced doll owners.

 

Really fun reading through everyone's answers!

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
I started participating in the hobby in 2005 and got my first doll in 2008, I'm never sure when to count it from!
2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
Outlet for creativity that doesn't stress me out or make me feel bad about myself.
3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
I waited a while purely cos I was 13 when I first joined the hobby and I didn't have the funds.
4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
Not really, I'd probably have more Disney dolls if I could 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?)
Wig making. I'd love to start learning to so face ups and sewing too.
6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
Styling and photography them. I also like just sitting one by me while I'm watching TV
7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
Yup! I'm @cesspit_ on Instagram and I'm on tumblr too cesspit.tumblr.com
8. Where do you store your dolls?
I have one of those IKEA shelving units in my living room, my dolls take up two of the squares and I install doors for them. As my collection grows I might have to install some more doors on it lol
9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
Somewhere inbetween really. I give them names and basic personalities (nationality, likes, dislikes, a few traits) but they're not fully fleshed out characters.
10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
Customise!! I've never had a full set
11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
Really important. I "grew up" in the hobby at a time where DoA was the community, and I still feel really attached to it. I really love the community on Instagram, I've made some great friends there. I also go to the best meet ups with my mum and two hobbyists that have become great friends.
12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
There is no stupid question, just ask! From my experience most people in the hobby are more than happy to share what they can

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?

Since 2007 which means I'm coming up on ten years next March.

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

I love the customization aspect. The idea that you can take a doll and work on it until it fits whatever idea you have in your head. Their versatility and the opportunity to create with them is incredibly appealing.

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

I knew about BJDs for a year before I found one but that was because I had to find the right one. Once I did, I never looked back.

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?

Action figures (Buffy, Doctor Who, Anime figures, Kingdom Hearts, etc), Monster High dolls, Kikipops, Funko Pops. I also have a couple of Barbies from my childhood and Disney Animator dolls. I have to limit myself though because once I start collecting something, I tend to acquire more than one quickly and I have to be mindful of our space. I am also a little obsessed at this point with Alpacassos.

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

BJDs have taught me photography and rudimentary sewing skills (I can sew a mean button now). XD I've also learned to sand and work on body maintenance (blushing, spraying, etc).
I've been really thinking I would like to try my hand at face upping though the idea makes me a little nervous.

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

Having one of them hang out with me when I work on something at home or taking them out for pictures.

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

Yes. On Instagram and tumblr (which I rarely use), I am sephyelysian. I am mostly on Flickr though and can be found here.

8. Where do you store your dolls?

IKEA Hemnes cabinet (with Amet's dolls).

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

All my dolls are characters I write with my lovely wife, Amet. Some of them are older than others in terms of how long they've existed in writing/our heads.

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

I enjoy full-sets but I'm happiest when I can make a doll my own.

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

Community is a huge part of the hobby experience. My wife and I have been going to meets since 2007. We've met some of our closest friends through dolls and DoA has always been a safe haven to share and enjoy dolls with other people.

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

Don't settle for something just because it's a doll. Get the doll you want. It might take a bit of time and finagling but it will be worth it in the end. I waited for the first doll I fell in love with and when I was able to purchase him, it was such a special experience. I still have him and he feels really perfect to me still.

Also, do your research. If you're not sure about something, ask. There are so many people on DoA who have knowledge and are willing to share. It's best to find out everything you can about a company or doll before you spend your money.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
Since 2005.
2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
All the creativity! If you couldn't customize them and make things for them, I wouldn't be so interested.
3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
I jumped right in and bought 2 before I'd ever seen one in person.
4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
No, I didn't even like dolls as a kid.
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 took a lot of jewelry-making classes and learned to cut metal, solder, etc. And then I started on leatherworking, but there is a lot more I need to learn there.
6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
Making things for them, buying them new things, that sort of thing.
7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
They are on flickr.
8. Where do you store your dolls?
Along the tops of the bookcases and filing cabinets in my office.
9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
Somewhere in between. They all have names and jobs and personality traits, but I they aren't in stories or anything.
10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
I'm more likely to customize. Sometimes I keep the full set parts in the box if I like them, sometimes not.
11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
It's so important. It wouldn't be the same at all without great people to share everything with!
12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Don't settle. Buy what you like best the first time, even if you need to save a little longer for it.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
i fell for the volks four sisters sculpt back in 2001, but didn't get my first doll until 2007.

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

3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
i waited a very long time before jumping in.

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
i just have a lot of robots.

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 faceup techniques, dyeing, some restoration, and i'm using tools i never thought i'd ever use. i do want to get better with photography and do more wig making.

6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
changing outfits frequently, or just holding them.

7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
instagram. there's a link in my signature.

8. Where do you store your dolls?
anywhere where i can see them all the time. sometimes they travel with me.

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 usually buy fullsets unless i love everything about the set. i prefer a basic blank doll that i can paint and customise myself.

11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
i'm really bad about talking to people, but whenever i get a like on my photos on instagram, it feels good. i try to reciprocate as much as i can, everyone's so talented and i enjoy seeing everyone's dolls on my feed.

12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
do your research, maybe lurk a little while to get a feel for things and learn stuff.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
A few years but I only really got started collecting last year
when I fell head over heels in love with Dollshe's David Knucci....

2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
I love the way they look

3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
I had to wait, I had to make the $$$ to buy him

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
Yes vintage flocked Kens, silkstone Kens, Fashion Royalty 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?)
No, I know how to sew but I hate small scale.

6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
It's sad, I don't but I have many on display so I can see them

7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
Not really, it's like my own private world only a few know about.

8. Where do you store your dolls?
Some are wrapped up in storage bins, but many are on display.

9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
I'm trying to create that life for them, but for now they are awaiting
For me as my huge creativity is being stretched pretty thin

10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
I have face ups done as seen, because that's what drew me in

11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
Very important to be able to share the passion with others like you
Who will understand the desire to own the dolls as well as the fun.

12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Buy what you like & buy the best you can & enjoy yourself!

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
Two years now I think--I was interested before, but I didn't get my first doll until 2014! ^^
2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
Definitely the miniature and photography aspect--I love the challenge of trying to recreate reality in a scaled down form, and it's my personal goal to take hyper-realistic photos that trick the eye into thinking that the dolls are the size of real people! I still have a long way to go though.
3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
Yeah, I definitely did my research--lolita fashion prepped me for the bjd hobby, which I'm super thankful for because if I hadn't learned about fakes from lolita fashion first, I might have bought a recast on accident.
4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
I do! I collect Monster High dolls, and My Little Ponies. c:
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 improved immensely, and I definitely enjoy it far more now as an art form than I did before. I also learned how to sew because of Monster High dolls and bjds! Currently I am learning wig making, my first attempt is so sad haha.
6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
Dressing them up, and putting together new outfits for them!
7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
I share my dolls on Flickr: Cheesy Sparklebutt
My art Tumblr: CHEESY'S ARTSU
And Instagram!: @chiz_g8r
8. Where do you store your dolls?
Currently they are crowded on a bookshelf... But that's about to get one doll too crowded
9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
They definitely have characters! However so far only one is a shelled character; the others were created upon receiving the doll.
10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
Oh, I customize, definitely. I like the idea of full sets, but I have every intention of splitting the set pieces up between other dolls as more clothing options haha.
11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
Currently I'm not really a huge part of the community aspect; part of me wants to change that, but the other part of me really likes kinda just doing my own thing and keeping this particular one of my hobbies to myself and my quiet blogs :v
12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Do your research; don't buy recasts, there are plenty of beautiful dolls out there that are cheaper even. Explore all your options, because you can find out so many new things about yourself (your tastes in dolls, for example) by not always just going for the first (or easiest) choice.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
Less than a year. :3 I've been interested in them for a long time, but I didn't actually get into it until a few months ago. ^_^

2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
How amazingly detailed they are and the variety. I love how some are extremely realistic looking while others are styled after fantasy creatures or even anime characters. ^_^ There's really something to suit everyone's tastes.


3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
I waited a really long time to buy my first doll. ^^; I found out about bjds in high school, around 2006, and as much as I liked them, I was deterred by their price. It wasn't until a couple of years ago when I found Serenade (Luts Kid Zuzu Delf Corni) that I really fell in love with a bjd and felt the need to really get a bjd of my own, and even then it took me a bit to actually take the plunge and start saving up for her as I was more concerned with Pullip dolls.

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
As mentioned above, I collect Pullip dolls. ^_^ They make up a huge portion of my doll collection. I also have some Ever After High dolls, an Ai Doll, a Hello KikiPop Marmalade Brown, a Licca-Chan, and two of the old Sailor Moon 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?)
Well, it pushed me to start making miniature clay food to use as props. :3 Also, while I'm far from an expert photographer, I have improved greatly with my photography skills since I've become part of the doll hobby. I've improved on doing faceups as well, but I still have yet to do a faceup on a bjd, but I do feel I need more practice before I attempt that. I really want to learn how to sew one of these days! I'd like to be able to create outfits for my dolls and put them in a style that I envision them in! ^_^

6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
I love dressing them up and posing them for pictures the best. :3

7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
Well, yes, I do have a side blog on tumblr that is for a variety of dolls such as Blythe dolls, EAH, and bjds as well, but my main blog focuses on Pullip dolls exclusively.

8. Where do you store your dolls?
On a shelf in a nice safe area where I can see them all the time. ^_^

9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
They all have characters! ^.^ I think that giving them a personality and a story makes them all the more special and meaningful to me.

10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
I generally like keeping the full set intact, but I'm not against the idea of making customizations, either. Personally, I'm just not comfortable enough yet to start doing customizations on my dolls, but I will get there slowly at my own pace.

11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
While I've never been to a meet or have really gotten to know very many people in the hobby online either, I have met my best friend through dolls, and being able to share photos of my dolls and sharing my plans and ideas for them with her makes the hobby all the more fun, so I believe the community really adds to the enjoyment of this hobby and is a very important part of the experience. Even though I don't know a lot of people in the community, it's still fun seeing the creative things people do with their dolls and I'm grateful that they're around to not only help inspire me, but to also provide such helpful information, too. :3

12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Just be patient and don't settle for any old doll. Get one you really love and slowly save up! Also, doing a little research on basic bjd care wouldn't hurt, either. ^.^

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
I've been in the hobby a little over 5 years with my first doll arriving in May of 2011.
2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
The versatility and beauty of their sculpting definitely draws me to BJDs. I also love the creativity they inspire in their owners!
3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
I jumped head first into the hobby and purchased my first doll with little thought. I only slowly started to explore other companies and sculpts. I eventually sold my first doll, but I reshelled the character into another doll 4 years into the hobby!
4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
Nope! I've never been a doll person before, I would destroy and dismember my Barbie's as a kid. That's probably why my mom was so surprised I love these 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 definitely learned a bunch of skills thanks to dolls, like face upping, photography, and composition for photography.
6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
I bond with my dolls through painting them, and I keep the bond live by photographing them and taking them places with me!
7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
Of course! I have a Flickr, Tumblr, and Instagram
8. Where do you store your dolls?
My dolls tend to be out and about set up on a giant dresser with my wife's dolls. I'm very meticulous about how they are displayed, but we do try to keep them out of direct sunlight.
9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
A bit of both, primarily my dolls are character representations of mine, other ones are just "pretty". I've pretty much promised myself not to get anymore dolls unless I have a character for them already.
10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
Every full set I've ever gotten I sold and wiped the default face ups off of. I like to get my dolls blank if possible so I can turn them into my own characters. A doll that arrives fully "perfect" already doesn't seem as fun to me.
11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
I think it's very important to me! I've met some of my best friends through this hobby and I love talking with people online and in person about dolls and other things. It's just so amazing to see how people from different walks of life bond over our mutual liking of dolls.
12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
I'd say do your research, stay away from recasts, only buy from legitimate sites or dealers. When you buy from a dealer check on the official site whether they are an authorized re-seller. Oh, and don't be afraid to reach out to experienced members of the hobby!

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
A little over six years now, but I have known about BJD's a lot longer than that.

2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
The customization aspect is what first got me into bjd's. I use to collect play arts action figures of video game characters. I saw bjds as a perfect way to shell some of my characters that I often write and draw about.

3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
I waited three years before convincing myself that this was the hobby for me. My only regret? Waiting so long to get into them!

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
I really like some of the good smile figures, but since bjd's I've pretty much stopped collecting other dolls. They fill all my doll and figure needs! xD

5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn?
They got me into photography and caused me to buy a camera I probably have no business messing with. Since then I have learned a lot and have gotten better at taking pictures in general. I've also gotten into faceups, doing most of my own. I never realized how hard it was until I gave it a try, but it is equally as fun to see your strokes bring your character to life. I am going to leave sewing however to those that understand it.

6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
Photography and faceups. For some reason, to me, a doll doesn't truly feel like it is mine unless I have given it a few of my personal touches. I do however have a few dolls with factory faceups I won't touch. I also just like to have one sitting nearby on my desk to fiddle with. It helps me figure the doll out more and get it to "speak" to me a bit.

7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
I sure do! Here is my BJD Flickr, and my Tumblr!

8. Where do you store your dolls?
Various places I have set up for them in my bedroom, or on the small display space on my desk in my living room! I like having them where I can see them and be cheered up.

9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
All of my dolls are forms of characters floating around in my head!

10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
Customize! Fullset dolls are beautiful, but to me they are only one example of how beautiful a said sculpt could be. Comparisons of owned dolls vs factory faceups are a favorite of mine to look at.

11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience?
All my fondest bjd community memories are of fun times at bjd meet ups. You meet so many different people, and see so many different dolls, it is really quite exciting. So I would say it is fairly important. I am a lot more quiet online but I still do enjoy the community as a whole.

12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
If the hobby appeals to you,then don't hold back, and give it a shot. Get that first doll! And don't be afraid to share it. Something as simple as doll collecting can be more fun and involving than you might think!

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
A total of 6 years fully~ I took a break during high school but got back into it once I graduated!
2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
The amount of creativity that is possible is what really draws me in!
3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
Waited for about a year to collect funds and do some much needed research!
4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
Not really, I do have a couple nendoroids but I wouldn't consider myself a collector of those items.
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 make my own alpaca wigs for my dolls and still do hope that one day I can get faceup work down too!
6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
Taking pictures, dressing them up, writing stories, taking them to local cons and dolly meets!~
7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
insagram and flickr
8. Where do you store your dolls?
My dolls are stored in my closet on their own shelf! ^^
9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
All of them have characters, or at least personalities! It'd be no fun if they were just around to look pretty!
10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
I've never actually bought a fullset doll, nor do I plan to really! haha. I like starting from a fresh slate!
11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
It's 100% a big ticket player. I probably would've left by now if I didn't have anyone to fawn over dollies with! Plus I learn sooo much from others in the community! I wouldn't be here without you all!
12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Research, Research, Research! Never settle for a doll you only like a little because it's the cheapest. Save your money and get the one you really want instead of one you wont love right away. Again, research! Make sure you know what your getting into. The hobby isn't cheap in the least bit and the dolls don't always come with everything either.
Also, don't let others get you down! Do what makes YOU happy in the hobby! Last but not least, have fun!

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby? I have been in the hobby for four years, I've owned dolls since 9-23-14.
2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs. I am always drawn in by the different facial expressions.
3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in? I saved up for Meia fifteen different times over a two year time period before I finally bought her the sixteenth time.
4. Do you collect any other types of dolls? Yes! I collect American Girl dolls, Hearts for Hearts, Journey Girls, Pullips, porcelain dolls, Jun Planning Ai dolls, Barbies, Ever After High dolls, Monster High dolls, misc. dolls with out brand names, movie dolls, and foreign 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 am learning how to do face ups (I'm not good at these) and I've been learning how to sculpt (this I'm not half bad at).
6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls? I like to take my dolls with me when I go out. I also use them as inspiration for my writing!
7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!) I do! I share my dolls on FaceBook and Deviant Art (Sister-Grimm95).
8. Where do you store your dolls? I store them in various places around my room. Lark, Rhiannon, Mikhael, and June are on a wall-mounted CD shelf that is in the shape of a mini park bench. Annalise is on a shelf on a miniature wood and leather rocking chair. Meia and Eilis are standing on stands on the same shelf as Annalise.
9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects? All of my dolls are characters from my stories.
10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications? I don't buy fullsets (the closest I have is Annalise who came with an outfit that fit her character perfectly but I changed her wig). I always get company face ups though.
11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.) I greatly enjoy being a part of the community. I try to attend local meetups though my health is an obstacle.
12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby? Find a doll you love. Don't worry about price, you can save up and look for layaway programs. Try not to be too concerned with popularity or hobby fame. Enjoy your doll the way you want to. Ask questions.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
Depends on how you see it - some claim you're not in the hobby until you get your first doll, others (like me) want to think you're in the hobby as soon as you start your research and show interest. In the latter case, I've been in the hobby since 2012.

2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
All the million ways you can customize them! To see your imagination turn into something physical through dolls, it's just an amazing feeling. And the thought that there are people that have created these beautiful pieces of artwork as well.


3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
I found out about the hobby summer 2012, and my first doll arrived summer 2013, so yeah, waited a good bit I wanted to make sure I really wanted to spend that amount of money on "some plastic", and not regret it. So I waited and researched and looked through all the millions of companies online, until I discovered that one doll that I felt I could try the hobby out with.

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
No, I do not. I've never been a doll person and until today, some dolls do creep me out 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?)
Oh yeah! Sewing clothes. Making wigs. Face ups. Gluing on lashes. Modifications. There's just so much this hobby can give and you can do, if you just dare to try After sanding the abs off my second doll, it all went downhill from there xD

6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
I work with them one at a time, putting them on my desk and making stuff for them; arranging their hair, changing clothes, photographing them.

7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
I do! I have both Deviantart and Flickr, and as if that wasn't enough, I also have a Tumblr and an Instagram.

8. Where do you store your dolls?
I keep them in three of my drawers (and cram all my clothes in the other three xD). Half of my collection are MSDs and YoSDs so they can all share one drawer. However, it is getting tight >___>

9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
My SDs have characters, but my MSDs only have personalities, if it makes any sense. My SDs have background and a story of sort, while my MSDs only have a personality.

10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
I do not own any fullset and it feels unlikely I'll ever fall for a fullset. When I buy a doll (unless it's on impulse) I already have a feeling and a sense of style for the doll. I like to make them my own. However, would I find a doll with a beautiful fullset, I wouldn't mind getting that and have on display. I just haven't found one yet.

11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
It is very important. I want to discuss dolls and talk about dolls and share experiences and see other peoples dolls and their work and craft and modifications. Without the online community, I don't think I'd see that much point in this hobby, to be honest.

12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Do your research, don't buy the first doll you see, don't settle for anything less than that you want. You will meet people that think dolls are scary (it's basically just as common as people being afraid of spiders) - this isn't personal towards you and it means no hindrance to you liking this hobby. There will be strong opinions in this hobby, just as in every hobby, but don't stick your neck out and you'll be fine. Be with the people you find gives you most in exchange, even if your taste in dolls are quite the opposite - if they make you smile, if you like talking to them, that's all you need. And enjoy!

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
Since early 2013.
2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
Their versatility and customisability.
3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
I jumped right in with an in-stock Resinsoul Pixiu from Think Pink (a Dutch dealer).
4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
Yes, porcelain dolls, Little Apple Dolls, Monster High, Pullip and those Littlest Pet Shop mini Blythe girls with pets.
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 was already into photography and sewing. I learned how to blush and do face-ups and how to restring. I want to learn to mod at some point.
6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
Changing their outfits, posing them, thinking about their stories.
7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
Just with friends and family on my private Facebook account.
8. Where do you store your dolls?
In display cabinets and the largest ones have a little sitting area on the floor in the living area of our bedroom (our apartment has a really small living room/kitchen area, so we have a secondary living area in our very large bedroom)
9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
They all have characters, but some have more of a story than others.
10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
Customise! I've never actually bought a full set, but I think it would feel like someone else's character.
11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
It's a nice bonus and I like meeting new people through my hobby, but I think my main experience of the hobby is in the interaction with my dolls rather than with other collectors.
12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Customising is fun! Learn to do face-ups, create hybrids, make your own characters. That, to me, is the most awesome thing about BJDs -- you can make them truly unique and exactly what you'd like them to be.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
Almost 4 years! I started in September of 2012 with my first doll, Athena, a Dollzone Annie.

2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
I absolutely love how customizable everything else. You can make pretty much anything yourself and truly make the doll your vision.

3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
I started with some off-topic dolls (a Volks Dollfie and a Hujoo Baby), but realized right away that I'd love the hobby. I helped out my mom in order to earn getting my first doll and am so happy I jumped in when I did!

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
I have a couple Monster Highs that I've customized and still have my American Girl dolls at my mom's, but my BJD collection is my main focus.

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 become a much better photographer since getting my dolls. I've also learned how to make alpaca/soy wigs, resin eyes, and do faceups. I've even tried sculpting my own doll, which went pretty well for being my first try! I would love to hone my sewing skills, since I have a ton of fabric and dream outfits for my dolls.

6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
I love dressing them up and taking pictures of them, but I think my favorite time with my dolls is giving them new faceups/tattoos/manicures/etc. I just love that bonding time you get while working on the blank canvas.

7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
Yep! I have a Tumblr and Instagram, and am occasionally on YouTube.

8. Where do you store your dolls?
I have a two-bedroom apartment and I've made the extra bedroom into a doll room/craft studio. I have a table dedicated to my faceups and supplies while my dolls sit on either side on bookcases. ^^

9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
All of my dolls have characters in some way, but some are much more developed than others. I have a couple that are just there to be pretty, but they still have names and personalities.

10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
Customize the doll for sure. I love some full sets a lot, but I can't imagine myself keeping the doll that way. I like to make them "my own", I guess.

11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
The community is somewhat important to me. I would love my dolls with or without a community, but I do have amazing doll friends I couldn't live without anymore! I've met a lot of cool people being in the hobby, and I wouldn't trade them for the world.

12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
I've got a few tips!
1. Go for the doll you LOVE, not the one that's the best price or most popular.
2. Look EVERYWHERE at every company you find before really deciding on "the one".
3. If you plan on customizing your doll, look at owner photos! That way you don't get roped in by just the company faceup or full set.
4. And, if there's more than one you want, start a wishlist and write it all down. That way you don't forget what dolls you are wanting to go after. (It's easy to lose a sculpt when there's hundreds of companies out there!)

 

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

2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
How beautiful their faces can be ^.^

3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
I waited about half a year as I tried to find out as much about them as possible *^*

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
I have a couple barbie holiday barbies in my closet and a lot of barbies id play with in my basement along with American girl 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 learned (and am still learning) how to do fave ups

6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
Dressing them up, redoing their faceup, taking pictures

7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
I use to but not anymore XP

8. Where do you store your dolls?
My doll stays either on my desk or the shelf above my bed

9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
My characters do have their own dolls, and I am hoping to get more to bring them to life

10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
I'd prefer to customize because I have my own visions of how I want the dolls to look

11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
Not very significant yet seeming as though I have just started becoming a part of it. I hope it strengthens it though!

12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Save up lots and research even more

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
I've had a BJD since 2008 but didn't really get serious about the hobby until 2010!
2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
The creativeness that comes with BJDs
3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
Jumped right in! After getting my Doll Factory Pet Ari Dalsoo as a gift, I ordered a DOD DoT Calla as well as a Luts Zuzu Delf Wolffy!
4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
Nope, just 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?)
Well, Pullips introduced me to both seeing and photography, but BJDs have helped me get better at both
6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
Photos with bits and pieces of their story
7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
www.flickr.com/crazykimochi
www.instagram.com/crazykimochi
8. Where do you store your dolls?
Usually in a glass case but I'm in the middle of prepping to move so they're sitting in my DVD shelf
9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
They all have characters/stories
10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
Customize, for sure!
11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
I think the community is a great way to share the hobby, it makes things more enjoyable
12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Don't settle for a doll because it's cheaper than the one you actually want! Save, save, save, you'll be happier with your purchase in the long run.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
Oh my, time passes really quick, my first BJD came in 2013 so a little over 3 years by now!
2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
The possibility of watching and handling my characters as I am not really good at drawing them xD
3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
I waited 2 years since my friend show me BJDs and I knew I had to be part of it.
4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
I have 1 MH, 1 Obitsu and 3-4 barbies (from when I was younger) but I'm not really serious about 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?)
I'm glad to say I have learned to photograph with an analogical camera and also to sew (not clothing but it is something xD). I would love to learn how to tattoo and face-up but it is unlikely because I haven't the steady hand that it is needed.
6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
Anyway really.I just like to hold them but I also love to photograph them and write about them.
7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
I share every now and then on my IG account (Ana Romero (@yami_hanako) • Instagram photos and videos) and my Flickr account (Ana Romero)
8. Where do you store your dolls?
In a glass cabinet with all my other treasures (stuffed animals, comics...)
9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
Yes, each one fits a character previously designed.
10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
As all my dolls are characters I haven't bought a fullset in my life.
11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
I love meeting with and learning of other hobbyists, I also like to share my experiences and my photographs and stories with my local community and here on DoA.
12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Stalk, for as long as you need, learn everything you can, and search and save for "the one" and don't settle with others. That should help to start with the right foot in this hobby.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
I saw and admired my first BJD about 12 years ago, but I didn't buy my first doll until last year. It was the first time I felt I could afford one without guilt.

2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
Only one thing? *whimper* Hmm....their beauty. Just looking at my dolls makes me happy,

3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
I definitely waited (see above), but once I decided to buy, I moved fast.

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
I have some Pullip & Friends, an Obitsu, Betsy McCalls, and collectible Barbies. I love them all, but none feel quite as "magical" as 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'm learning face ups and wig making, and my photography has definitely improved. I'd like to learn to sew/knit/crochet for my dolls, and I hope to become better at photo editing.

6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
Does buying them pretty things count? 'Cause I do that way too often.

7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
No, but I will at least share pictures here soon. I'm enjoying being pretty much unplugged from social media these days.

8. Where do you store your dolls?
I'm beginning to have a real problem with this. My 1/4 and smaller dolls are on top of a short bookcase in my room. My 1/3 dolls share a small rocker, also in my room. I need to get them some sturdy, dedicated shelving, but I'm having a hard time finding something that A) meets my needs, and B) I actually like enough to want in my house.

9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
All my dolls have characters now, but some of them were purchased because they were pretty objects. Once I get them home and spend some time with them, they reveal their characters to me.

10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
Customize, for sure. Full sets don't hold much appeal for me.

11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
It's wonderful to be among people who don't think I'm crazy for investing so much time, money, creative energy, and sheer emotion in a chunk of plastic.

12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Do plenty of research, buy only what you love regardless of anyone else's opinion, and don't be afraid to try new things and stretch yourself creatively. Remember that hobbies are supposed to be fun and enriching, so enjoy yourself!

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby? I joined DoA in December 2015 and I received my first doll in February 2016.
2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs. The range of sizes they come in.
3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in? I waited a while, as I was only able to buy my first doll thanks to a prize I won at a doll convention.
4. Do you collect any other types of dolls? I collect a variety of other dolls, but mainly Blythe and Monster High.
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 taught myself how to knit and crochet so that I could make clothing for my dolls. I've also done a bit of sewing for my dolls, but I still have a lot to learn.
6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls? I really enjoy photographing them. Even though I'm not the greatest photographer, it's still really rewarding when you take a photo that you like.
7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!) *Pokes siggy*
8. Where do you store your dolls? In the darkest corner of my bedroom.
9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects? Somewhere in between. They don't have detailed backstories, but they definitely have distinct personalities based on their appearances.
10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications? Keep a full set intact.
11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.) The online community is fairly important, as I enjoy sharing photos and chatting with other enthusiasts. As for in person meetups, not so much. I've had a couple of negative experiences at doll conventions.
12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby? Do your research before buying your first doll. I think it's possible to find a sculpt that you love at a price that you are comfortable with.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby? Since 2008, so a bit more than eight years now.
2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs. Customization! Being able to make my own characters, the way I want them, is what got me to buy my first doll.
3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in? A little of both... I encountered BJDs a few times and backed off due to price and lack of appeal, but then jumped in once the doll that worked for both of those things showed up.
4. Do you collect any other types of dolls? No; I do have a healthy collection of Build-A-Bears, though, and I've got a lot of Fullmetal Alchemist 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've definitely learned faceups, and am learning small-scale sewing (a totally different beast from full-scale!); I'm hoping to learn more about wig styling and shoe making in the future, and maybe even learn to make dolls or accessory parts myself.
6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls? Styling them closer to my vision for them, and taking pictures of the results of that work.
7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!) Mainly on Flickr, and sometimes on Tumblr!
8. Where do you store your dolls? Currently, in their boxes in my closet, pending new shelving to display them again.
9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects? Characters for all! Even the ones I bought just because I liked them do have characters, though not as well defined.
10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications? I don't do fullsets, so I suppose the latter.
11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.) Moderately important. I don't live and die by the community, but I really value the experience sharing and information I can get here, and I do love seeing what other people have done with their dolls, it's so inspiring!
12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby? Don't worry about what everyone else expects of you, do what you enjoy instead.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?

It will be 2 years in September ​

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

If its one thing it would be the customizing outfit. I'm always amazed by how versatile a single sculpt can be. ​

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

I vaguely knew about BJDs when I was in my early teens but forgot about them soon after. After rediscovering them later on I jumped right in and ordered on within the month haha ​

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?

Yup, I collect azones, nendoroids, and figmas. ​

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'm pretty decent at faceups (or so I'd like to think). I'd definitely love to learn how to sew. Its really hard but its a very useful skill even beyond dolls.​

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

I just like to dress them up and fiddle with their hair. Nothing fancy n__n ​

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

I have a tumblr ​

8. Where do you store your dolls?

They rotate between shelves and my desk ​

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

both​

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

I've never bought a fullset but I plan to. I think Id keep it intact for a while but Id eventually end up customizing the doll. ​

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

On a scale of 10 Id say its a 4. I enjoy interacting with the community but not being able to do so would not lessen my enjoyment of my dolls or the hobby in general. ​

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

Research!!
Sizes, prices, measurements, color options, ease of finding clothing. Make sure you know exactly what you're getting to avoid disappointment. ​

 

1. Since August 2015
2. Their soul
3. I have wanted a BJD since 2010. I visited Japan in 2011 but couldn't figure out how to get a full one de to language differences and gave up. Later I saw someone in my own country walking with one and I thought they had to be really skillful to figure out where to get one. in 2015 I played the game Nameless. I fell in love all over again and decided that I would get one no matter how hard. Turned out it was easy with the proper research... so I guess you could say I waited a while. But when I found my first doll Red, it was love at first sight, and I dove in immediately.
4. I collected Barbies as a kid. But not today no. I do have both Nendoroids, Action Figures and Kimmidolls though if they count.
5. I already knew photography. But I love now having models because of my dolls. I got in to learning how to sew since it has a purpose now despite fixing things that are broken.
6. Through the camera I have to say. I ddon'ot feel much when they are just sitting there. But when I play with them through my camera, it's as if I can see their soul.
7. Not enough yet. But here ^^ Fellowship of the Resins - BJD Photography | Facebook
8. The ones I haven't bonded with have been kept in their boxes. The ones that have a character I keep in a white glass cabinet from IKEA that is perfect for them ^^ Doll storage in the bottom, and glass in the top for dolls.
9. They definetely have characters ^^
10. Depends a lot on the full set. One of the fullsets I have already have many parts so I just switch between them because they match perfectly (knight style), another one is very basic so I use parts of that with anything.
11. Very. I didn't get into the hobby because of people. But I hoped to get friends through it which I have been lucky to. Online it has a great influence too, which is why it is so important that everyone is supportive of eachother. Don't scare people away from the hobby by being nasty.
12. Find facebook groups and ask questions. Ask. Ask. Ask. And everytime you see a person using a word try googling it. Soon you will understand all the terms used ^^ And be wary of recasts, it's tricky to get in the beginning which dolls are just copies and which are legit and what this means. So again, never be afraid to ask. I have only ever been met with kindness that way

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
Only a couple months! I have one doll on its way and one on layaway

2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
They are so beautiful - and customizable!

3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
I admired them for about a year before I decided to join the hobby, and then I jumped right in!!

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

5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?)
No, I was already into those hobbies - which will come in handy for my BJD hobby

6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
Not sure yet!

7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
In Facebook groups and soon Instagram

8. Where do you store your dolls?
On a shelf

9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
Characters, although I am still figuring them out

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

11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
Very important. Although I've only participated online. I love the discussion and seeing everyone's dolls!

12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Join Den of Angels!! You can learn so much. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Most people seem friendly and happy to help in this hobby. Also, don't be afraid to buy using layaway or via the secondhand market! But don't forget to do your research.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby? 10 years this year!
2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs. The intense way you can customize and tap into the well of creativity that comes with the hobby
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? Monster high
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! Am better at sewing, jewelry making, wigs
6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls? wigs! and faceups
7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!) instagram.com/amaidenskiss
8. Where do you store your dolls? cabinet, revamped- bookcase
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? customize to my specs
11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.) Very! I've met some of the greatest people in this hobby.
12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby? Ask questions and look for answers if you can't find them. Be friendly, try new things. You might be great at something you never expected!

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby? I started in 2009, then took a break, and I've been active again since last year.
2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs. The variety! I love that if you can dream it, you can probably find a BJD of it.
3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in? If I'm remembering correctly, I jumped right in! Pipos released their Star Cheshires the year I joined and I knew I had to have one. I still have him and adore him.
4. Do you collect any other types of dolls? I have a large Pullip collection and some other vinyl dolls and art 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'm learning how to do faceups, something I swore I would never do. And, to my surprise, I actually really enjoy it! I'd like to improve my sewing, and I'm working up the courage to try to make a wig.
6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls? I just like having them around, honestly. I have a big shelf for them and sometimes I'll move them from room to room with me. Usually I'll just fiddle with their hair or eyes. I'm sure once I have more clothes for them I'll redress them often too.
7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!) I'm sort of on the hunt for where I belong social media wise, but I have a flickr and an instagram (GroovyBlue and Tiffany (@groovyblueworld) • Instagram photos and videos).
8. Where do you store your dolls? Dark closet, doll cabinet, or my shelf depending on what I'm doing with them.
9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects? Characters, definitely! Even ones who don't have characters planned for them end up with detailed personalities.
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 tend to keep them that way. It's hard for me to break up a full set.
11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.) I would still collect BJDs without a community, but it's a lot more fun having people to talk to! Given my busy life, I think the online community is probably slightly more important to me since I can interact with it on my terms.
12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby? Do your research and don't worry if it takes a few tries to find the perfect doll! Sometimes you don't know exactly what you want until you've had it in your hands. In the same vein, if you can go to a meetup before buying your first doll, go for it! As someone who went to an event before I bought a doll, I think seeing them in person can really help you decide what exactly you're looking for from your first doll.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
I have been collecting dolls since I was a kid (started with Mdm Alexander dolls at 8). I started collecting BJDs back in 2007.

2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
They are so pretty!

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

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
I collect Monster High dolls, figma/Nendoroids, action figures (the list goes on and on and on)

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 was always into photography, but the dolls helped me improve my skills.

6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
Photographing them, and changing their clothing.

7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
I do! I have my Flicker account, and my Tumblr.

8. Where do you store your dolls?
They live on a shelf next to my computer table.

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

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

11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
I like the online groups. I have a lot of fun talking to other collectors. My local group:

12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Don't settle. Be willing to save to get the doll you really want if you have to.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby? I have been collecting dolls since 2009 and collecting BJDs in particular since 2011.

2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs. Beautiful, perfect faces. Some of them look like angels, ethereal beauty.

3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in? I did wait 2 years from discovering BJDs, to buying my first. I was realistic with my situation and knew, that I could not afford BJDs at the time when I found out about them, at least not the ones I liked, I was a college student. Even if I saved up for one, it would take me these two years to complete it, so I just waited instead. I promised myself that when I get my first job, I will buy a BJD and that's what I did.

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls? Yes, mostly Jun Planning/Groove dolls (Pullip/Dal/Byul) and Dollfie Dream but have some others 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?) My photography skills have improved a lot and I did get my DSLR because of BJDs. I would still consider myself a photography noob though. I can do some face ups, but I'm always very harsh on myself and nothing I paint seems good enough. I feel like these dolls have faces that are so perfect, that they deserve better skill.
I recently bought sewing machine too and I'm learning slowly. I love how this hobby opens up doors to other hobbies.

6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls? Redressing and restyling them. I feel like I don't need to worry or focus on anything else while I'm doing it. When I'm having hard time and feeling down, this always cheers me up.

7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!) I have been quite quiet on Flickr for past year, but I'm slowly coming back, so here it is: Marta Lalette . I also have a doll/toy/figure instagram and would love to follow some more people on it, my feed needs more pretty faces for me to look at! Marta Lalette (@martalalette) • Instagram photos and videos

8. Where do you store your dolls? Currently my dolls are stored in their boxes or Monstro Designs bat wraps, since I moved last year to a shared house, I don't really have a space for display. Hopefully I will move into a bigger house at some point and bring my doll cabinets that are stored at my mum's house. I usually display all of my dolls in glass door cabinets, to protect them from dust and a fluffy monster aka my cat.

9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects? My dolls are pretty objects, each one of them has her/his own style, but they do not have bios or stories.

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

11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.) I like seeing other's people dolls and I feel happy for others when they find their grails, get new dolls or achieve something they wanted to do with their dolls. So yes, I think it is quite important for me to be within the doll community, it makes it ever more interesting and exiting.
Even though I'm not the biggest talker and get anxious easily, so sometimes I do not know what to say, how to answer or I feel I will make a fool out of myself, thus I keep in down and quiet. I always read a lot though.
I also really dislike drama, so if I see something like this, I run far away from it. I also don't quite understand the whole point of online doll popularity. At the end of the day, when I close my laptop and switch off the phone, all I care about it how much I like my dolls and the time I spend with them, not how many likes my picture gets or the count of my followers. So I don't bother with this at all.

12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby? Don't get discouraged by dramas, its actually very easy to avoid and keep out of it. Enjoy the hobby your way, don't let people change you.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby? I can't believe I'm going to say this, but TEN YEARS! O_o

2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs. I love how, even if you have no strong plans for a doll's character, they develop a character on their own when left to their own devices. Honestly, I've found I bond better with my dolls when I have no strong character plans for them and I just let them be who they're going to be.

3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in? I had to wait a while because at the time I got into this hobby, I was newly divorced and on a very strict budget. It took me a while to save the funds to buy Athene (in my avatar pic ^_^); in fact, I sold almost my entire Generation 1 My Little Pony collection to be able to afford her secondhand.

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls? Yes! I have some Pullips and also a few cloth dolls from Fig & Me.

5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?) Not really, though I have done a few very simple creative things, like adding a "piercing" to Helena or giving Hexa "tusks" that I molded from Sculpy. I am maybe going to try to sew some PJs using a pattern for my RealPuki--we'll see how that goes. XD

6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls? Photography. So much of my interest in photography is because of my dolls--in trying to capture them how I see them and convey that to others, all that practice made me a better photographer overall, regardless of the material.

7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!) Yes, on Instagram and in a few Facebook communities. You can find me on just about any social media as myladysilver.

8. Where do you store your dolls? The larger ones live on a shelf in my office, and 25cm and smaller tend to live on a dresser in my bedroom.

9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects? They all have a personality, but none of them are based on any certain character. ^_^ And they are all pretty objects!

10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications? It depends. Usually I like full sets because they come with a more interesting face-up, and I tend to not use the special outfit they come with and save it in case I sell the doll. But, honestly, I don't remember the last time I bought a full set of any doll, if at all. I think it was when I briefly owned a My Lady Lishe.

11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.) Very important! Sharing this hobby with others and finding enjoyment together as a group is one of the great things about this hobby! Plus, even though I've been in this hobby for ten years, there is still much I still don't know, so I rely heavily on the knowledge and help I can find in this community to guide me (especially now that many of my friends who used to be in this hobby and be a source of knowledge for me have left the hobby entirely).

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

1. When you buy your first doll (or, really, any doll), don't settle. Buy the doll you really want, it is worth the wait and effort.
2. Take advantage of this community. Ask questions, be informed, not just about the dolls you like and want to know more about, but about how to protect yourself from scammers and things like that. It's good to be aware of not just the good parts of a hobby, but the more sinister parts, as well.
3. As much as you can, let your dolls be who they're going to be instead of forcing a character on them.
4. This hobby is a lot of experimentation, and that's okay. It took me a while to understand that I don't bond well with males, anthros, minis, very large dolls, or dolls with an aesthetic that is too real. Now, I stick mostly to 60cm and 25cm girls, with a few exceptions, and FairyLand/CP/Luts own my soul because their aesthetic to me is a good blend of realism with a hint of whimsy and softness.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?

Technically I've been in the hobby since March 2013 when I got my very first BJD. But I put them away for about a year, then displayed them for a year...and I've just recently gotten back into the hobby. So I've been out of the loop for a long time. I feel like a newbie still!​

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

The customization! I love the idea of creating a doll that completely represents what YOU want it to be.​

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

I didn't wait too long, a few months if I remember correctly.​

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?

Tons! My off topic dolls range from: Azone Picco Neemo, Disney Animator Dolls, Masterpiece Doll, Monster High, Reborn Babies and one child-sized (alternative and human). Phicen and SmartDoll are on my never-ending wish list.​

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 it did push me to practice my photography and even encouraged me to hand sew more.​

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

I like to pose them and set up their "scene" on my desk. I probably would also like changing up their outfits if they had any! XD;;​

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

You can find me on Instagram as Eclecticratty (that's mostly for my BJDs and art). And I've started a new Flickr: Azael BJD​

8. Where do you store your dolls?

On top of my desk hutch along with their furniture (mostly awesome thrift finds over the years despite not being active in the hobby, yup they were always on the back of my mind).​

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

A bit of both? Some of have a very basic character and personality, and others are 'this thing' with no backstory.​

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

CUSTOMIZE ALL THE WAY!​

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

The community isn't the sole reason why I'm here but boy does it help! Seriously I'd be lost without so much awesome information.​

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

Don't try and get all the dolls, take it slow and sew/buy/craft things for a few dolls. It's an expensive hobby and you don't want to mess it up with too many layaways or by using credit when you shouldn't. Oh and research is your best friend!​

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby? Basing it off of how long I've had my first doll, it's only been about three months. How long I've been interested? A couple years.
2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs. I love the "sad little angels." I'm talking the little MSD boys and girls with the sweet but gloomy face sculpts. They're my weakness.
3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in? A waited a good year or so after making the decision that I wanted one. I needed the money, and I also needed to do some research to make sure I knew how to take care of such an expensive doll.
4. Do you collect any other types of dolls? I have other dolls, but I don't collect. They either happened into my care, or I purchased them for past purposes.
5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?) Yes! I've learned how to do faceups. ^-^ I'm not great at it, but I'm hoping to improve. I've also learned a thing or two about sculpting clay props. I'm hoping in the future that I can start sewing my own doll's clothing.
6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls? I like to keep them near me. As someone who battles severe anxiety daily, they make me feel loads better when they're just near. I can talk to them without judgment. XD
7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!) Sorta. XD I don't have any photo folders or anything yet, but I'm hoping to in the future. For now I just kinda boast about a picture every once in a while if my dolls are in cute positions or I've done something cool or interesting with them.
8. Where do you store your dolls? I used to store them in their carrying case, but I don't really like the idea of not having them out, so most of the time they're lingering around on the back of our loveseat at home, or I have them sitting on a shelf or dresser in the bedroom.
9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects? They definitely have characters. I'm still working on lengthy backstories for them, though. I'm hoping to get my next doll to complete the trio for the story I have rolling around in my head.
10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications? I do a bit of both. I'd love to get the full set if I find it appealing, and I won't touch it for a while, but eventually I may switch out the original clothing or wig for different pieces to make a character of my own.
11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.) I think community is definitely important, at least in my life. Having social interaction and encouragement from people of similar mindsets really boosts self esteem and makes me feel included and loved in the community, even if I don't know them personally. I have never been to a meetup yet, but when I do go to one, I'm hoping for the same kind of interaction.
12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby? As a newbie still, I'm not so sure I'd be best at giving much advice, but out of experience, I'd say never "settle" on a doll. If there's a dream doll out there for you, work for it and don't stop working for it. When people "settle," they may as well be throwing their money away, because often times they don't find that personal attachment that they are seeking in a doll. I felt this with my second doll. I liked him, but at the same time I didn't. It wasn't until I wiped his original faceup, gave him a new one, and put him in original clothing did I find him to be totally mine and finally appealing.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby? Almost a year now.
2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs. They are amazing for photography.
3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in? A mix of both. When I'm interested in something, I tend to research a lot about it in a short amount of time.
4. Do you collect any other types of dolls? I collect ever after highs and barbies.
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 definitely learned a lot more about sewing and how to make wigs! You can never stop learning.
6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls? When I'm sewing stuff for my dolls, I put on movies or tv shows and my dolls sit there and "watch" with me.
7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
8. Where do you store your dolls? They have their on little shelf in my closet.
9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects? My dolls are characters.
10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications? Customize them, definitely.
11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.) I don't really have a community or friends in the hobby, So its not really that important to me.
12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby? Don't worry about what other people think.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby? I became interested in 2006, joined DOA in 2007, and bought my first doll in 2008. I’d say nine years, since I spent a ton of time researching and learning everything I could before taking the plunge.


2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs. Definitely the customization, and the fact that I can shell some characters I’ve had for a long time. It’s so satisfying to finally put them together.


3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in? I waited a long time, although most of that time was spent saving up! I was a senior in high school, and I planned on buying a ~$500 doll, so it took a while.


4. Do you collect any other types of dolls? I collect (and customize) Sailor Moon dolls! Specifically the Dream Pockets and Mini Collection from the early 2000s.


5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? I’ve learned a lot about painting, though I’m still working on it. I’d like to get better at sewing. I did pick up photography, too! I’m not great but I’ve learned a lot about camera functions.


6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls? My favorite thing is to re-dress them, honestly.


7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!) Flickr, Tumblr (they’re mixed in)


8. Where do you store your dolls? Usually on my desk. It’s between windows, so light doesn’t penetrate.


9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects? They all have characters! One of them I cannot figure out, though.


10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications? Customize, unless I loved the fullset. I have no qualms breaking them into pieces, though, if I could get more money and didn’t care for the outfit.


11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.) I think it’s super important! I loved my community in Atlanta and I’m looking forward to being part of one again. I don’t really socialize on DOA but I appreciate it for being a huge resource.


12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby? Research! Don’t just buy something because it’s cheap. Find a doll you love and make it happen. Don’t settle, because you won’t be happy. It's also okay to sell a doll if it doesn't fit what you want. I used to be worried about what people would think, but it's your doll.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
Well I discovered BJDs when i was 11 but got my first doll nine years later - this summer. So I'd say I have been in the hobby quite a while even though I just got my doll.

2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
They look so beautiful. There's something so enchanting in them. Also the customization!

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

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
Yep, I collect pullips and DDs and want a blythe 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?)
Not really but I'm really hoping to learn to take good photos and sew some clothes for my dolls.

6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
I like dressing them up and taking pics.

7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
Nope, not yet at least.

8. Where do you store your dolls?
In their boxes.

9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
Atm they lean towards being pretty objects. I'm not very good at creating characters but I love to see when other peoples' dolls have very interesting personas and background stories.

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

11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
Not so important as I'm not really in the community but I hope to get into it better.

12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Look for a lot of information and if you decide to get a doll, make sure it's your dream doll. Even if it's expensive it'll be worth it!

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
I started my collection in 2011, so 5 years now.
2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
Those gorgeous faces that are unlike those of any other type of doll and are so unique!
3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
I really deliberated for a few months before I bought my first, but quickly purchased my second before my first had even arrived!
4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
I do not. BJDs are the only dolls I have ever been really interested in.
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 definitely improved on my sewing and crafting skills because of my dolls. They were things I was passionate about before collecting BJDs, but the dolls really inspire me to spend more time making things.
6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
I enjoy just having them around to look at, sharing them with friends and posing them for photos. I also just like sitting around and thinking about their characters.
7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
I post photos of my dolls on Instagram, my username is the same as this account (SporeXP)
8. Where do you store your dolls?
My dolls are on a shelf in my room, which is in the basement and free of natural light. The smaller dolls are on one shelf, and the SDs are on another.
9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
My dolls all have characters and most are connected through a story I started to write and then stopped...
10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
I have never purchased a full set as I like my doll to be customized to meet a character. Most of my dolls do have an outfit I have put together for them that I rarely change them out of though.
11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
The community is extremely important to me. I have met some of my best friends through the hobby, and BJD conventions are a major highlight of my year.
12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Make sure to do some research before buying. There are lots of companies out there, and you'll find the perfect doll for you. It might not be the cheapest, but if it's the right one it is worth saving up for. Also, do not get frustrated if the doll you choose isn't exactly right when you open it. Often really simple changes like a new wig, eyes, or faceup can completely change a doll and make you fall in love all over again.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby? Eleven years, since 2005.
2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs. I love their size! They have real presence. (Most of mine are 60cm and taller.)
3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in? I researched for three months before buying my first.
4. Do you collect any other types of dolls? Not really, though I have custody of my mother's Japanese fabric dolls. I used to collect fashion dolls, but I sold them all to fund my BJD habit.
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 never really took pics until I received my first BJD. They are my favorite photo subject now. I want to learn sewing for them, and would like to learn how to do faceups, too.
6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls? Photostories. They seem to come alive for me then! And I love handling them (dressing, posing, etc).
7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!) Not really. I only share them on a few BJD forums.
8. Where do you store your dolls? They sit around my apartment on their own furniture. Usually they sit with their friends... but not always!
9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects? They all have characters and backstories that are linked together.
10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications? I like to keep my fullsets complete, but my BJDs rarely wear them. My earliest BJDs had default faceups, but nowadays I am more likely to have their faceups customized.
11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.) The online community is GREAT for helping me to learn new things! In person meetups are a good opportunity to see new BJDs in person, and most people are very friendly and helpful. My BJD friends are some of my best friends IRL, too.
12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby? Save your money and buy the BJDs you really love! And don't feel guilty about selling ones you don't end up loving. Someone else may be thrilled to have them.

Linda S.
galatia9

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?

Nine and a half years (ten as of February 2017. Good god.)

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

GIANT CUSTOMIZABLE ACTION FIGURES OF MY FAVORITE CHARACTERS THAT I CAN DRESS UP ANY WAY I WANT

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

Jumped right in thanks to someone I know putting a doll up for sale literally right as I learned about them.

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?

That's a 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?)

I don't really have many artsy skills but I would definitely like to learn to sew. I have pictures in my head that I want to make into reality.

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

I generally just take 'em out on the rare occasions I go to meets.

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

Not really. :/ I need to share my dolls more.

8. Where do you store your dolls?

All my dolls live in their carriers -- except Jes. She sits on the nightstand.

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

They've all got characters. I treat them like pretty objects, but each one has a character and a backstory and a specific look.

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

That'd probably depend on the fullset although I honestly don't see myself actually GETTING a fullset I'd want to keep intact. There's only one doll on my wishlist, really, and while he was only available as a fullset I don't want the rest of the mess. Just the doll.

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

The community is the whole point! Dolls are fun, dolls are pretty, but sharing dolls with other people is the crux of the hobby to me.

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

Don't be afraid to enjoy the hobby on your own terms. This isn't a horse race and it's not a competition to see who's got the best of everything. Have fun. Do what you think is fun. Don't worry about what anyone else thinks of your fun. This is a huge sandbox and there's plenty of room for everyone to play in it. Enjoy your sandbox corner!

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
My first doll piece was recieved summer of 2015. My first COMPLETE doll was July 2016.

2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
Their faces! I find them overwhelmingly beautiful.

3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
I waited a looooooong time. I picked out my first doll in....2006? Due to financial limitations, it took me nearly 10 years to finally get a doll.

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
Just old MH dolls so I can re-face them :P

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 just got into face ups so those are improving. I'd like to harness my sewing more, it's atrocious.

6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
We.... watch movies and go for drives together LOL.

7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
Not yet I need to get my camera back in order, then I DEF will.

8. Where do you store your dolls?
I turned my book shelf into a makeshift doll house so that's where the livecat the moment.

9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
They are both base on my OC and my friend's OC that we've been RPing for many years ❤❤❤

10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
Customization for sure! I like showing off their own personalities

11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
Very important! I've been to 2 in person meets so far and the support I've been given is astonishing.

12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Save up for the doll you want, not the one you can only afford at the time. They are worth the wait

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
Since Autumn 2015. I'd seen BJDs years back and thought they were amazing, but the range was much smaller and the prices higher, so I never went beyond "They're so interesting!" Then I got into Makies (3D printed dolls, sadly no longer) through the Toys Like Me campaign (my first Makie had a hearing aid) and then that was the gateway...

2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
There's so much you can do with them - both in the sense that the same sculpt in different hands can look very different, and the fact they can be anything from a character doll to a companion to an artwork to a sewing model, or sometimes combinations of.

3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
Bit of both - long time in that I'd coveted them, but it really didn't take long to buy my first. I kind of jumped in the deep end.

4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
I have a few Barbies - I wouldn't say I collect them, but I bought some of the Fashionistas when they came out because I liked the diversity and wanted to put my money where my mouth was when it came to encouraging them making black 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'm learning how to crochet. Or trying to learn. I'd love to get into sewing properly - I used to do a lot of alterations but not much making from scratch. I need to just jump in and make some things on scrap cloth.
And I'm getting more into jewellery making on a mini scale - you'd think learning human scale first would be easier, but that's far too sensible.

6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
Right now it mostly seems to be me sitting them on the sofa next to me while I knit/measure things against them, then grumbling at them when they fall over! But my favourite thing is making for them.

7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
Not really - I'm bad at getting around to photographs. Must get on that! The only one I have pictures of is Adori, who was photographed by the faceup artist Little Moo before she sent him back home to me. Picture here: Adori

8. Where do you store your dolls?
I have a corner sofa that was mean for American Girl-style Design A Friend dolls. It fits my MSDs and YOSDs quite easily. My SDs sit on an actual bench on their own. And there's often one doll on the sofa being worked on.

9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
Definitely characters. Those tend to develop as I work on them, the first time I put something on them and get a sense it's "not right" - for example, I was hoping to get lots of big fancy dresses for Nina, who is a Resinsoul Ya. Except she's settled firmly into college punk. I could just put the dresses on her but it wouldn't look right in my mind. And I bought an Impldoll Abby with the intent of her being a baby version of one of my characters, but she just didn't work out so she's away for a faceup and will be someone new once she's back home.

10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
Definitely customise. I have a doll awaiting shipping who comes with fullset but that will be one of her outfits rather than the only thing she wears.

11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
Very. I've never been to an in person meetup, though I am keeping an eye out for one I can get to. But I love seeing other people's dolls, what they're doing with them, swapping plans and tips with other collectors.

12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Pace yourself. I bought a lot of dolls quickly and while I don't regret any specific one of them I wish I had gone slower and spread out the purchases more. There is always another "amazing" doll just around the corner - I see half a dozen in the marketplace every week that I think are The Best Thing I've Ever Seen. So my advice is to take it slow.

 

1. How long have you been in the hobby?
Uhh, i think it's been about eight years now? Give or take. n_n
2. Tell us one thing that draws you to BJDs.
They're pretty! Every single one is beautiful in it's own way and I love how you can have two sculpts that are identical under the paint, but look so different with faceups/wig/whatever! It makes me so happy! Er...I guess that was two things.
3. Did you wait a while before buying your first doll, or jump right in?
Little of column a, little of b. I jumped at buying my wife's first doll, while she lusted after them for literal years.
4. Do you collect any other types of dolls?
I have a small collection of Monster High dolls. Do plushies count?
5. Have you learned any skills because of your dolls? Is there a skill you still hope to learn? (Photography, sewing, wig making, etc?)
Yes! I have learned to do faceups and there is always room for improvement! I also learned photography. My wife is teaching me to slow, but I'm a slow learner there. I'd like to, maybe someday, try wig making. n_n
6. What's your favorite way to interact with your dolls?
Take pictures of them! Hands down!
7. Do you share your dolls on social media? (Link us!)
Sometimes. When I can be arsed to pull pictures off my SD card. n_n, You can find us at shinetruedolls.tumblr.com (not all the pictures there are of my kids. I also reblog all of my BJD related pictures to that blog n_n )
8. Where do you store your dolls?
Kind of all over the place, tbh. We have the majority of our dolls downstairs in the basement, all over the place, but there are a couple upstairs. Floating heads are kept in a dark room next to our bedroom.
9. Do your dolls have characters, or are they pretty objects?
Absolutely, yes they have characters! Most of them, anyway. I think there are maybe...two? of my dolls that don't have personality/character, but they're too pretty to let go.
10. Are you more likely to keep a full set intact, or customize the doll to your specifications?
I'll keep the full set intact and together, but not necessarily on the doll.
11. How important do you think the community is to your hobby experience? (Either online or in person meetups.)
I owe my Richmond, VA community a lot for helping me grow and come out of my shell a lot, so I think community is very important. There's mutual love over resin, but there's camaraderie and more there that really makes everything matter. in my opinion.
12. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the hobby?
Don't be afraid of the price. There are some dolls that are just as beautiful and in the lower price range. They are just as customizable as the more expensive ones--but no less beautiful. Also, don't be afraid of anyone you meet with dolls. If you see someone walking down the street with a BJD on their arm, go ahead and ask questions! The chances are, that person wants to answer your questions!