Just For Fun What's your idea of a Basic BJD Collection?

Basic, hm? I think I forgot how to do that a long time ago. XD

But when I got my first doll and was still planning for him to be the only one (Yeah right...) I originally only bought the nude blank doll, one wig, cheap acrylic eyes, a pair of boots and just enough cheap art supplies to do the simplest of faceups. I made a couple of outfits for him and a necklace, and that was pretty much it until my second doll came along.

Now that I’m more experienced in the hobby, for a newbie’s basics, I would recommend:

-doll
-one full outfit including shoes
-faceup (by company, artist or the most basic supplies if you want to do your own- faceup mask, chalk pastels, watercolor pencils/acrylic paint, gloss and sealant)
-wig
-eyes
-extra string
-magic eraser

That should be enough to get started, or to have one nice doll without needing anything else.

For a basic doll, I’d define that as one in a standard size, no fantasy parts, common skin tone, no special care needed, simple faceup and casual clothing. I guess most of my dolls are kind of basic, if you don’t include all of their wardrobes and props!

 

A pair of well-styled dolls. One is not a collection of something, more than 2 doesn’t feel ‘basic’ to me. 2 would be the most well-done but most basic completed collection. People who prefer one beautifully styled doll to a collection also usually go above having ‘just the basics’ (to me) because they often lavish their attention on their doll. I don’t think one size is more basic but as @CloakedSchemer said, standard size, common skin tone.

‘Basic’ did not used to be a dismissive or derogatory slang term, either. ‘Back to basics’ is still a really good thing to me, implying a fresh start, looking with a new eye, a re-evaluation.

 

I'd say that a basic collection would include a couple of dolls, either blank or with faceup(company more likely than commissioned or done by the owner), a single outfit for each, and a set "look" with wig and eyes. Just a couple of simply styled dolls that look "complete" in what the owner has done with them, despite the fact that they aren't significantly customized/altered from their default.

Honestly dolls like these are some of my favorites because I love to see what owners do with them. Some look so absolutely put together in a way that I feel like mine, many with custom faceups/outfits, do not.

 

Obviously not what I have.

Basic, to me, would be under five dolls, each with their own small wardrobe with 3-4 outfits each and 2-3 pairs of shoes. Basic enough that there wouldn't be a million projects to do at once, but still enough to have fun with.

 

How about this... everyone's basic collection is the one they have right now just as it is. I guess I'm not wanting the word "basic" to be limiting in any way.

 

Hmmm.... Originally I was only going to have 2 dolls, right now I have 4 and am planning on many more. But I think that a "basic" BJD collection is at least one doll that you love very much, at least one full outfit for them including shoes, a wig, eyes, and maybe some props and things for photoshoots. That way you can at least start out with basics to take good photos of your doll you care about so much in fun ways, mixing up the props and backdrops to get different vibes from your dolly!

 

basic collection is for me. Between 1 to 3 dolls.

 

My idea of a Basic BJD Collection would consist of as few or as many regular company releases with their default face-up, clothes, eyes, and wig. With no limited releases, customizations or modifications.

 

A basic collection? That's pretty tough. I'd honestly consider my collection pretty basic right now, mainly because I'm missing things like wigs and clothes. I can do face ups, and haves all the supplies for that. I've got plenty of eye putty and tools, but all but one of my dolls lack a complete outfit.
What I'd suggest to a very beginner as a basic starter collection is at least one doll, along with the a magic eraser and tools to do re-stringing. Clothes and wigs are optional, they make a doll and the collection feel much more complete.

 

Basic? Just a doll or two and a few accessories. Some cleaning and maintenance supplies.

 

Ok, this is a good point! I was thinking "collection" to include a doll, plus all of their clothes, accessories and such - a collection of doll things rather than dolls themselves. But now that this has been pointed out, then...just double my original list! Two dolls and all their basic needs!

 

I think that’s the point, ‘the basics’ will really be different for everyone. To me, a basic collection probably wouldn’t include doing face-up customizing but your post of a basic collection for a new hobbyist who is a budding customizer seems just right. I can see someone getting a couple of dolls with faceups and styling them before maybe deciding to equip themselves with proper mask and customizing supplies, but also a new person starting from scratch going with your collection would be off to a great start, all the basics covered.

 

I think a "basic bjd collection" for beginners could be one doll with a faceup, pair of eyes, wig, and outfit. In that way, someone can own a collection of bjd items that they put together into 1 complete doll. Four items (doll, wig, eyes, clothes) count as a collection to me!

However, the most useful collection of basics in my experience has been to have a pair of eyes in sizes 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 16mm, 18mm, and wigs in sizes 7", 7-8", 8-9", 9", so that when you get another doll, you'll have materials to test exactly what size fits the head best for when you want to shop for the doll later. If you have a pair of eyes and a wig in every size, you know for sure your doll will have at least one that fits upon arrival!

On a totally different note, a basic kit of craft supplies I'd recommend for customization would include high grade sandpaper (1000 grit), low grade sand paper (200-300 grit), MSC, isopropyl alcohol, a magic eraser (melamine sponge), several pastel colors (peach, red, brown, pink, black), four brushes (fluffy for blending, square for lines, pointed for fine lines, rounded for packing on color), thin ribbon to help with the restringing process, gloss, and a facemask for safety. You'd be amazed the fun you can have with with a single blank head and under $50 of art supplies!

 

I think a "basic" BJD collection would be 2-4 dolls, with company or owner face-ups, with eyes, a wig, and an outfit for each doll. Except for my first doll that's how my collection started out. The first is still blank, poor girl I would say limited fantasy dolls are not really "basic".

Or what I've done- which is whatever number of dolls, all with a pair of eyes, a wig and at least one outfit that fits. I'm still pretty new at doing face-ups, so there are a lot of blank dolls sitting around.

 

My ideal basic collection would be a trinity of dolls of sizes that can relate to each other realistically.
Three dolls that can be used to interact with each other through photo stories and story writing.
=^.^=

 

Even though the word is 'collection', some people have one doll. And they prefer that.

So...one to five dolls, and enough clothes, shoes, wigs, and eyes for them to be covered. At least a couple extra outfits. Enough Magic Erasers to be useful and, if necessary, restringing and faceup supplies. Depends on the person and what they're seeking from the hobby.

Actually, a good clue-in on my 'basics' would be what I've given others over the years:

For an anthro-lover:

One off-topic anthro doll with all accessories, plus eyes, and fullset blushing/faceup.
And a complete painted Minifee-hybrid, in case she ever decided to join DoA. The hybrid came with a wig, eyes, and basic outfit. But I didn't have good shoes to match.

For a character doll:

She wanted this doll to be her character. She already had the perfect faceup. So I gave her eyes from my collection, and found a wig that matched her illustrations.

Because I had more time, I build her a 'fullset' outfit with a dress, tights, shoes, and flower crown. She also got a couple additional bottoms, tops, an extra dress, stockings, and pair of shoes. My friend's income fluctuates, so I wanted her to be able to switch the doll's outfit without feeling pressured.

 

I don’t think a basic bjd collection needs to include more than one doll. Because you could easily spend time and money curating the eyes, wigs, clothes, shoes, and accessories. That’s still a bjd collection imho, a variety of handmade beautiful items for display on or with a bjd.

Not that I lasted with just one for long...

 

I think that was back when I had only a couple of Dolls and all they're clothes were handmade. I didn't really have props or professional faceup. Their wigs weren't right and they barely had shoes. Lol. It's actually really hard to imagine that again and it's really interesting. If it was back then, it'd be hard to imagine my full dolly shelf that I have now!

 

Sipping a PSL in a Starbucks with a Minifee!


Honestly though, in my opinion, basic would be something like two dolls with no faceups. They would maybe have one outfit each, one pair of eyes, one wig each, etc. No props, and probably just displayed on a shelf or kept in their box. ​

 

To me, a "basic" BJD collection is a collection of 3-6 BJDs of any size with most dolls not being considered fully complete yet (Either waiting on a face up or the correct eyes or outfit).

 

Hmmmm... so many different definitions of "basic" here! In my case, it doesn't involve multiple dolls. As long as one doll has a faceup, eyes, hair, and one decent outfit set (unless tasteful nudity is what you're going for) -- display-worthy, for lack of better term. Especially if the doll's not meant for complex photoshoots, that probably covers the "basic" aspect.

 

Way back in 2004 (before things spiraled wildly out of control!!!), I had a pretty nice, basic collection:

• 1 Delf Elf El (came with extra head, so floating heads happened right away!). Default faceup on OE head.
• 1 Delf Elf Lishe (came with 2 extra heads!). Both dolls were elves, ws, same size, same company, but one male and one female.
• No faceup on the Elf Lishe heads (wasn't offered!). So I had to get some MSC and lashes... already had acrylics and airbrush.
• I had several outfits, several pairs of shoes, several pairs of eyes, several wigs, some underwear, some tiny plushies as props, some jewelry, for each.
• Bought one doll carrier that maybe could fit 2 dolls.
• Bought my first digital camera because of the dolls (phone cameras were absolute crap at that time).

I later bought some restringing tools, but in 14 years of bjds have never restrung any of my dolls! The forceps/clamp things are useful if I need to change out heads or hands or feet or things like that (we used to have to remove a foot so we could get headcaps off, because they were hooked to the elastic in those days).
I don't think more than one doll is necessary, but having two to pose together is nice!
Some people never do faceups, so those supplies are not that necessary--although having a can of msc around might be useful at times to protect the body or cut shiny resin. I probably wouldn't have done any faceups if I didn't have some dolls come blank because I had no choice!

 

Basic to me would be dolls with company faceups. Generic, or owner created clothes. Wigs in basic colors like blond, brown, black, red. 2-3 dolls, with total outfits, head to toe. Eyes that are acrylic in normal eye colors.

 

Hmm...not that my collection falls in this category, but I would say that very basic is a set of dolls with the company faceup and like one outfit and wig each.
And then the collection will slowly gather accessories and clothes, and wigs they never wear...

 

For me my "basic" collection are the dolls that are the most important dolls in my collection - the ones I enjoy most and form the heart around which everything else revolves. The "main characters" in my story, the dolls I couldn't easily let go.
There are other dolls in my collection too that don't play as big a part, those are not part of that.
If you were to compare it as a play, the main characters would be seen as the basic collection because without them there wouldn't be any body to the play, whereas the sidecharacters (though fun) could easily be scrapped or swapped out and it would still be a solid play just without as many embellishments.

 

When I got my first doll ( and was still convinced he would be my only doll) my idea of a collection was:
My dream doll with a natural/versatile face-up and a great pair of eyes
a few wigs
a number of very different outfits
a few props
a small pretty display like a chair on a shelf

needless to say it never worked out …

 

My idea of a "basic" collection would be something like...

• 1-5 dolls
• 2-3 size categories (if more than 2 dolls)
• most of them with a faceup
• a wig and set of eyes for each
• some clothing for each (probably not the "final" outfit for all of them)
• at least one with no shoes (or is it just my collection that has shoe problems?)
• from well-known companies like Fairyland, Volks, Soom, Resinsoul, etc. (as opposed to obscure or small-scale artist dolls)

As for the more slang-y sense of the word... I have to say that to me that is Fairyland. They're beautiful and I mean no offense, it's just that the combination of the popularity of the dolls themselves (especially Minifees) and of certain aesthetics/styles makes them seem very "basic" to me. But hey, to each their own, and I don't actually consider being "basic" to be a bad thing; it's just a certain aesthetic that suits some people and not others.

 

The bare basics just a doll...but ideally they would at least have a wig, eyes and some type of clothing..they don't need a faceup or anything fancy. mine went without faceups for quite a while...these days I splurge for company faceups because I learned I'm not so great at them..lol. So for someone that wants a complete basic collection a doll with company faceup, one outfit, wig, eyes, shoes..maybe even a fullset doll where all those basics are included.

 

So when I "got out of the hobby" about 6 years ago, I slimed my collection down to 3 dolls, where I had 5. And sold most of the clothes so I only 1-2 outfits for each, and each having their own eyes, wigs, ect. So Something like that 3-5 dolls, each with one set of eyes,wig, and 1-2 outfits. It all depends on ones storage room or how much they like to photograph though.

 

I'm going to base this on me paring them down to what I'll have with me when I'm an old lady with limited space and mobility.

1-4 dolls in two size categories (SD, MSD), all faceupped, wigged, and one full outfit for each, plus a few extra shirts and accessories.
Carrier, magic erasers, combs and other simple maintenance tools.
One good small camera for photos.

 

A basic BJD collection for me personally would probably be...huh, everybody’s listing it, so I’ll do the same! XD

• At least one doll from each general size category, YOSD, MSD, and an SD, with or without faceups
• One full set of clothing for each doll, even if it’s a tshirt and pants, socks, coat/sweater/sweatshirt, and shoes.
• 1 set of Wigs and eyes for each of them!
• And of course, the care supplies for them: magic eraser, elastic, tools for stringing, sueding, etc. And MSC if ya do faceups. :3

That’s the most basic list I can think of...^^’

 

Interpreting a 'basic collection' from my perspective... I think you should have at the very least that one doll that you can never let go. I found the one immediately (she's the first doll I ordered) and I've seen other collectors find that one special doll later on down the road. I feel like I can morph my collection into something different but that one specific doll needs to remain.

 

Hmm probably between 3-4 dolls with multiple outfits and wigs and eyes for them.

Basic but if we talk about average or standard it’s probably 5 times that

 

Basic, huh...two dolls and a ham? Oh wait, that's the definition of eternity.
Well, I got my first 100% bjd man early this year. With company face up, an outfit, extra pants, shoes, a pair of eyes, a wig. Pretty basic. Of course, after that I bought too many eyes, many wigs, lots of clothes, shoes, pajamas, bathrobe, fancy Asian outfit, jewelry...not basic anymore.
I recently got a girl for him. He was looking so forlorn, lonely, and rather horny by then. His girlfriend came along with a wig, eyes, and several outfits with shoes. Sorta basic. Then the same thing happened. Custom face up, prop, lots of clothes, extra eyes, scads of wigs and shoes...will I ever be saturated with shoes? I'm still shopping madly for scenarios and their story has gotten way more involved.
I think deep down, basic is just a springboard for the baroque complexity that makes up my life.

 

It's not easy to "define" what a basic collection would be, as everybody has a different one and different taste.

I'd say that a basic BJD collection would be a small number of dolls (between 1 and 4 or 5), a few clothes, whether there are shared between the dolls or each has its own outfit(s), a wig and eyes for each doll, but not necessarily a pair of shoes or props. ^^

 

This might be kind of funny answer, but what comes to my mind is a minifee with a fur wig and a company or owner made make-up, and casual outfit. Maybe handsewn slightly badly? (Sock sweater, anyone?) Couple of cutesy props. Maybe pair of black boots, and in general slightly 'emo' vibe? This might just be because these were sort of popular thing and the aesthetic when I first got into bjds!

I scrolled through people's answers and I feel like mine's most specific response tbh :"D

 

Oooh... anything like this?
13-12-Karsh_4575a by aprilllee, on Flickr

 

I suppose a basic collection might be a representive set of unmodified dolls that fit the collectors aesthetic. For example one doll of each size from Iplehouse could be a basic collection or maybe a few dolls with simple joint engineering.

 

(the first one was me and the second one was my second doll)

Basic (cheap version):

• Scrounged saved money of a lower priced doll after months of looking and lurking....or just a head to hold and stare at with love
• clothing made from company sites measurements after ordering or made from something else repurposed. Or one pre-made outfit.
• cheap eyes and wig literally any is fine because you're just stoked to finally have a doll!
• may or may not have shoes.....
• you are determined to DIY faceup and then realize it's not that easy and contemplate life for a while after 5 tries, maybe their character has no makeup....yes this is it....just plain natural beauty....
• you may have ordered SOMETHING in the wrong size for your tastes because you're not yet sure what diameter of pupil and dome of eye you like best, what the differences between "pink ns and yellow ns" look like or that this outfit doesn't quite fit right....
• doll stuff does not yet take up multiple rooms or spaces and you think you will be happy with just one....

Basic (deluxe version):

• full set doll or where everything (clothes, accessories, makeup) is from one company as your first doll so you don't mess up!!
• your doll is like an prized piece of artwork and are way gentle and by-the-book on everything. you don't yet fully understand how to pose them and how strong resin is so everything is scary.
• shoes still optional.....
• doll stuff does not yet take up multiple rooms or spaces and you think one or two will definitely be fine....surely this cannot backfire....

 

Wow!! Just a really good question!
When I bought my first doll, my plans were to have a few dolls (2 or 3) and I didn't think about "basic" or "complete collection" xDD Now my first doll have 8 years old and my idea of "basic" includes a doll with its own wig, eyes, clothes, shoes and face up. For me, a doll with all of these can appear properly in a photo shoot and that's what I love to do with my dolls, photos!

The definition I think depends on the person but, what's better than a doll with all of its stuff?

 

I think 1-3 dolls with complete outfits that suit them, customized to one's liking (painting wise, I mean, not heavy mods), with a wig and eyes that match your idea of them, with a few art supplies for this or that. I'm not quite there yet, but hopefully I will be soon.

 

"Basic" BJD Collection 2018 Edition:

• MNF Chloe/Celine
• ... with a mildly surprised/concerned look in her faceup
• 2-3 multi color alpaca wigs (straight layered cut, side-swept bangs)
• Urethane eyes with glitter in them
• 6 pairs leggings
  
• 1 pair pale denim short-shorts
• 1 knee-length gathered skirt with kawaii print
  
• 3-4 off-shoulder sweaters
  
• 2 crop tops
  
• 1 short ruffled/peasant blouse
  
• 1 loose-fit open-front cardigan
  
• 1 skater dress / A-line dress
  
• 1 oversize knit hat
  
• 3 pairs over-knee socks
• 1 pair short boots
  
• 1 pair converse style sneakers

 

For me, a basic collection would be one doll with a faceup, wig, and eyes, and one complete set of clothing, including shoes. I'm waffling over whether it should include a second outfit, but anything more than that has gone beyond the basics, I think.

 

Basic is like a couple of dolls....nowhere near what I own now...170ish? I lost count...

 

A basic collection... it is a very hard question in a hobby that is full of customization.
As for me, a basic collection means 1-2 full-set msd dolls with standard measurements. They are easy to take with, easy to find clothes and accessories, easy to make photoshoots. That's perfect for a happy start in the hobby.

 

I'd have to say 3 dolls. That worked for me when I started collecting. I had a 70cm, a 1/6 and a 1/3. It's a good number for back stories and customizing.

 

I gave this probably more thought than necessary, but it's been a really long time since I had anything like a basic anything.

I have also always thought that you would need more than one for a "collection" but someone's comment about the doll plus all it's things is a collection made me think way back in the day, when i ordered my first doll and I kept telling myself it was going to be the only one (ha) I ordered what I thought was a good basic wardrobe, his wig and eyes with him (because Dollmore). Technically, that's all I really would have needed if they'd had the right colors of everything in stock and it had all worked out for his skinny self XD

So my idea of a basic collection is

• one doll
• a 'small' wardrobe of basic items that can mix and match into several outfits
• two pairs of shoes
• one pair of eyes
• one good wig

(By default there would be more than one pair of eyes and one wig because how many of us get the right one on the first shot, really? But one of each is a good start so there are no eyeless baldies sitting around.)

 

1 fullset doll (company faceup & blushing, one outfit set, 2 wigs)
a partner for this doll (also with one outfit set, 2 wigs)
and a head (for faceup practising before to paint the partner doll)
... that was my basic collection when I started 2008

 

One of each?

 

For me, I consider a basic collection less about the number of dolls, and more about the ability to enjoy them fully.

One full doll, any size, with eyes and a wig that fits, and a simple faceup
One full fitting outfit, shoes optional

That’s it. At that point, you can enjoy yourself and take photos, add things, add dolls, etc.

 

For me, I think a fullset doll with at least 1 change of clothes would be a perfect beginning or "basic" point. Don't have to worry about shipping your head to someone for a face up or worrying about anything.

What kind of cleaning and maintenance supplies? What do you need these things for?

 

Mr Clean magic eraser for cleaning. You can use that with a gentle soap and water if your doll gets dirty (avoid using it on the face if doll has a face up).
For maintenance: extra elastic and s-hooks in case you need to restring your doll, eye putty for changing eyes, wig brush, a face mask to protect the face up if you take your doll out. Those are just some thing I can think of at the moment, but I'm sure others can think of more.

 

A basic collection includes exactly one doll more than the owner has clothes/eyes/wigs for.

 

I feel like this is a weird question, because if you call anyone's collection basic, it sounds kind of mean. XD;;
Basic is also subjective. Like, one doll one outfit, a wig and eyes is beginner basic. Bonus if it has no faceup. All of one company, fullset and default faceups is a company dedicated basic. Like, all Volks if you wanna be super old school about it.

 

You could easily call most of my collection ‘basic’ compared to many of the really impressive collections I’ve seen here, either in numbers or state of work...because even though I’ve got quite a few dolls, darn few are even close to having what I want for them, many of them are all just in a basic state, needing 3+ major things to even approach finished. The older meaning of basic as in ‘forming an essential foundation or starting point; fundamental.’ Feels a lot like my collection right now, lots of great dolls that I love and a LOT of work ahead of me to do!

(Please don’t tell Tishalulé, Marie or unstrung what’s her name in the box, they are pretty much going to look like basic b*tches even when they finish with with their glo-ups! )

 

xD
If we're talking unfinished- then a bunch of my dolls fall into that category. But I originally meant it to mean like "standard" or "expected" in a way. Like, Volks and Fairyland are pretty basic, popular companies in the hobby. I feel like a good part of the people in the hobby own/have owned or wanted to own a sculpt from at least one of the most popular companies. Some people like the basic models with default faceups and some people don't, some people keep it simple some people do wonderful custom work with their sculpts, sometimes to the point where you can't even identify them. Either way, basic model, basic styling or whatever, it's not a bad thing!

I have too many dolls, let's just say that. lol But some of mine are pretty basic character-wise even! I'm curious about your basic b*tches now though! haha

 

Basic for me is a doll, wig, eyes, shoes and clothing. Even this ‘basic’ has proven difficult as I never seem to get all dolls finished to this level. It doesn’t help by adding in new dolls, or wanting to change up the existing ones.

 

Gosh, if I had to get rid of all but one of my dolls, I don't think i could choose. It's really nice to have a theme, a structure to a collection, and I have absolutely no structure!!! I wish I was pickier than "OMG, so PRETTY! MUST HAVE!!!!" I mean, it's so shallow, but there ya have it... my collecting structure.

So what would be basic? Is one doll a collection? Maybe off one doll you could have a collection of items for that one doll? I don't think you could define a "basic doll collection"

 

for me basic collection is even couple of dolls with their dress and accessories.
because one is not a collection.
I'm so basic!