Why are you into BJDs?

for me it's the hype of finding a doll that matches the facial structure and body proportions of a character i'm writing. I dream of dressing my dolls up in cosplay of my own creations and taking them to conventions *__*

 

I've always loved dolls and collected various sorts. BJDs are the prettiest dolls I've ever come across. I love how customisable they are and that you can play with them and pose them (unlike porcelains), and like you, I enjoy creating characters for them and writing them little backstories and such.

 

Honestly, not sure. When I was a kid, I used to love crafting random things, so I kind of wanted to get back into that. And I also wanted the dolls I wished I had as a kid. I think 90% of the reason though is that they are just that pretty.

 

I first got into the hobby because I've always enjoyed dolls, but I loved the ability to choose everything about the doll from sculpt to eyes to wig to clothes and even different bodies and sizes. I especially wanted unique male dolls. I was bored with Ken and Bratz Boyz and the lack of diversity. I wanted some boys who weren't the tanned muscular clean cut guys!

Now, I stay in the hobby still because of the customization abilities, but also because I role play my characters and am very attached to them, and because this hobby motivates me to keep creating in other hobbies too: sewing, photography, painting, making miniatures and dioramas, writing, character creation. I like having a hobby that combines so many different things I enjoy.

 

I have been a doll collector since my highschool years, and at that time I collected MH. Bjd's became a curiosity to me a few years after that, because of the unique sculpts and posability. The artistic vision, fantasy style, and customizing aspect drew me in, to the point that dolls from the store just don't have the same appeal anymore.

 

I love crafting, writing, sewing, and everything in between, and BJDs offer a sort of center for all of that creativity. I originally got my big MSD girl to be a character I've had for years, and got a bit addicted to having more than one based off the fun I had with her. I can customize them, take pictures, write little blurbs about them, and be part of a cool community.

 

I started to collect dolls in 1985. Went from large dolls by Himstedts and Gunzels. Then in 2001 started to collect rebounds, silicone and OOAK baby dolls. But like the earlier dolls was only photographing the newest outfit. Found BJD in late 2006, and had my first one by January of 2007. I love that they can be posed, have different eyes, hair, and come in so many different ways, sizes and so.

I do stories with most of my group, and take them on trips both locally and for vacation. I love it.

 

That is a hard question for me to answer. When growing up, I did not like dolls. I preferred animals to humans so had many toy animals that did what dolls normally would do (like live in the dollhouse). I guess bjds are so unique and customizable that having human dolls is appealing to me now. I have more human esque bjds than anthros, so that is opposite of what I grew up with. Mostly bjds are art projects as I get to design a complete character. Something I'm really enjoying!

 

Alright! I get to wax poetic about dolls, sounds great! A few of the reasons I like them in no particular order are:
1, They're very calming. I'm generally a pretty anxious person and when I get upset or overwhelmed or sad or something, I can just sit and pose my doll. It's really grounding and it helps me to focus on something outside of my head. As an extra thing, my doll is normally a great poser but whenever I'm upset and I try to pose him, he suddenly starts flopping all over the place. It always cheers me up a bit with how silly he looks and it kind of feels like he's trying to cheer me up.
2, They're like tiny personal sculptures that can reflect whatever you want. It's pretty self explanatory, you have a tiny piece of artwork that was hand made just for you and you can completely change and customize them and they can reflect anything you want.
3, They give me goals. There's not a huge amount of things I really want and I don't really have a lot of goals or motivations. My doll gives me solid motivation. "Oh I should make xyz for you" "I should get you xyz" "I need to work on xyz" "I'd love to get x doll" Etc.
4, They allow me to try new things and be creative. I now know wig making and sewing. Those are two skills I never thought I'd acquire and I would not have learned them otherwise.
5, Yes I'm still going, they can be like a little friend. Want to just vent to a completely non-judgmental thing? Now you can for only the cost of your wallet's tears.
6, SO. MUCH. CREATIVITY. Everywhere I look there's someone awesome who has created something awesome and wholly unique. It's really inspiring to me and I get so happy seeing everyone's creations.
7, Anatomy, pose, and writing help. Want to draw someone in a weird yet realistic pose or write about someone and actually be able to see and interact with a physical copy of them? You can do it. You can do all the things with help from your dolls.

There are a lot more but this is all I can think of at the moment and my post has gotten pretty long
Those are a few of my reasons why!

 

For me they are a perfect extention for my love of my characters. I had thought about custom figures before, but these seem so much more personal! Not only that (unlike a figure), if you suddenly decide that you don't like part of the doll that can be easily fixed! *Oh, his face-up doesn't look right, I should get it re-done/his wig isn't the right color/ect

On top of that... there is just something magical about them! And even just looking at photos of dolls is fun!

~Evan

 

I feel like most people here always liked dolls or figures in some form or fashion myself included. I'm not just collecting BJD's right now I'm also amassing a collection of 1/6 scale Hot Toys figures. Dr. Strange is being shipped as I type this and I have a Tarkin/Vader set on layaway.
I like dolls for a slightly different reason than the figures though. The customizability of the dolls makes them like blank canvases to me and it really fun to mold them into characters slowly. Building the doll to match the vision or even changing the vision because of an idea I got working with the doll.

 

I like designing clothes as a hobby, but had never thought to attempt to turn those designs into reality until recently. Since I am no cosplayer, I decided to go back to dolls so I could dress up something and have it double as an artist's pose reference.

I started with the small vinyl Obitsus, but soon I got frustrated because their size meant they're vulnerable to seam bunching and are very limited in the kinds of fabrics I could use. Researching on other options introduced me to resin BJDs, and I now have two SD-sized dolls that are a joy to make clothes for. But they aren't there just for clothes -- I eventually made up stories and characters about them, and thus I got to enjoy the hobby on a different level.

 

I like the freedom of range you can do with the bjds. I never liked regular dolls but the bjds, especially the anthro and animal ones, allows for more control with the customization and posing. It is the same reason why I prefer Nendos and Figmas over just scale figures. The range of customization and flexibility when taking photos or just storytelling makes them way more fun and desirable.

I was the same way when I was younger, still am today. lol I do prefer the animal bjds over the human ones still but I wouldn't be too upset with some of the non-anthro bjds. ^_^

I have always loved dolls and enjoy pattern making and designing clothes for them. I ran across ball-jointed dolls when I was looking for a wig for one of my 1950's dolls and I was captivated by their beauty and the articulation. Customizing them was icing on the cake, I would have never even dreamed of changing a doll's entire face, I had only cleaned and restored the original face. I am now hopelessly obsessed with these amazing works of art and I'm constantly challenged and inspired by all the talented people here on this forum.

 

For me, it was because I was interested in a sculpt that I can shell a character that I like. As I learned more about bjds, I became interested in making original characters when I fell in love with more sculpts. So here I am

 

I have always loved dolls and all the crafting, imagination and creativity that goes into them! When I was little I had an American Girl Doll and I loved the backstory and history of all of the characters. I also loved setting up miniature dioramas. When my siblings and friends stopped liking dolls/toys and I put them all away I always missed that I was too old to like them anymore. When I found the BDJ hobby it sparked that imagination and creativity again and that is just fun. I work an opposite shift of my family and friends now and so it's nice to have something to work on in the time I spend alone.

 

I think I have the same experiences as the rest of you, only I don't write, so I really don't have characters. However, I think the dolls are all an extension of myself and in my head, all my dolls are nice and happy and I just like dressing them up and posing them. I'd like to get better at taking pictures too. Since I was a little girl, I've loved dolls, probably because I too am introverted. I remember seeing the "dolls" at Sleeping beauty's castle in Disneyland, and thinking "why can't they make dolls that pretty for us kids? But the last time I saw those dioramas, those "dolls" aren't nearly as gorgeous as BJDs or the porcelain dolls I started out with in the 80's. Dolls have come a long way! And at least the Furga and Ideal fashion dolls of my childhood were decent, but that's about it, LOL.

So yah, just a doll person. I like crafting too, but don't have much time. Although my kids are hitting the age where they don't need me as much.... well I can dream??? And I know my old age will not be boring, I'll always be into this hobby, as it's as old as time, and I know it will continue long after I'm dead

 

I like this hobby due to seeing all the different styles everyone has for their BJDs. I think it can depict a story of that individuals life if they see fit. Much like a painting, if you would.
There are so many different dolls out there too, that can make anyone's idea come to life.

 

For me it's the creative side of things. I'm so excited for when I get my doll to be able to give her a faceup make her clothes and create her style and develop her character! I also really love the idea of having a little companion I can sit with at home as I don't really have many friends

 

For me, there are several reasons why I like bjds. First off, I love seeing my characters come to life, so to speak. I aspire to one day actually write the stories that my characters are from, but for now it's nice to see my characters be given shape and form outside of my head. Also, I love the art aspect of bjds. I see them as a sort of collaborative art.... it starts with the company/sculptor, and goes to the owner, who may buy eyes from another artist, clothes from another, wig from another, so on and so forth.... until you have this art piece that is the result of so many individual artists, whose talents meld together into one cohesive vision.

 

This repeats a lot of other people's reasons, but mine are multi-fold:
1. Wowza are they beautiful - the faces, the details, the sculpt, the uncanny valley-ness in the best way... there's just so much to admire, and compared to other dolls they are just so SOLID. Love 'em.
2. The crafting possibilities - I am teaching myself to do face-ups, I'm on my third wig (man I love working with wefts!), and I'm even thinking of taking up sewing because *why not*? It's fun and delightful and pretty!
3. Dress up - I love dress up, and these are such beautiful dress-up canvases.

 

I think they're very beautiful and love the creative possibilities they provide. I used to collect porcelain dolls as a child and BJDs go one step better with their pose-ability (and more dynamic photography options).

Whilst I can appreciate them as works of art in their own right, I don't think I would collect them if it weren't to put my own stamp on them. I've ordered a blank doll as my first, as I'm keen to build my own character around her and face-up, blush and make clothes etc. for her myself.

I do draw and write stories for my characters, but I get the feeling that having a tangible BJD version of them will really bring them to life! I'm actually hoping to sculpt some of them myself someday.

 

I really loved that I could customize my doll so much. Just the overall aesthetic of companies like Luts and other companies. It's funny, I absolutely cannot stand porcelin dolls but there's a warmth and softness in BJDs that really draw me in.

 

I have always loved dolls since I was little, and have collected them. When I first discovered BJDs I loved them for their customization options and the ability to pose them!

 

They're cool and pretty and I like customizing them and looking at them

 

I love crafting and building things! I'm not interested in being a collector of dolls. I'm more interested in making tiny worlds for one or two dolls, with loads of details and clothes and props.

 

I love beautiful things. My main job is an illustrator, so I love dolls because it's "art"
we need to get a good taste and a lot of time to nurture the dolls, just like humans XD

 

1. I like playing dolls/dress-up whenever I get a chance.
2. Having physical representations of key characters from my screenplays is incredibly cohesive to the writing process.
3. Companionship like the terribly lonely person I am, though they're hardly a replacement for an actual human being.
4. I absolutely hate how I look. In turn, I never really bother with clothing and makeup on myself. Dolls are the only way I get to really express my love of personal aesthetics.

 

1. They're fun
2. I like having them around
3. I find them inspiring

 

I actually grew up not being allowed to play with dolls, so this is all new to me - discovering the BJD hobby as an adult is a mixed bag...I always feel like I am struggling to catch up with everyone else as far as broadening my knowledge and skills. And I am constantly amazed at the difficulties/challenges involved and the patience required...but equally amazed at the talent, creativity, dedication, and generosity I see from people in the BJD community. I've learned so much and find this hobby to be rewarding in too many ways to list...but for me personally, probably the biggest positive is how therapeutic my dolls are...calming, inspiring, and just bring me great joy and comfort. That and the friendships I have made through the hobby - the smartest, funniest, coolest people I've ever known! Thanks, all of you!

 

My sister: she has autism and gets lonely. She wanted a doll for a friend, something that her lack of social skills doesn't help. Interestingly, of all the hobbies she's gotten into, this is probably the one that's been the most accepting of her so far!

Me: I loved the anime fate/stay night, my favourite character was Saber. A few years ago, folks had a collaboration that included her original get up. I wanted everything to do with her, so I wanted her. Few years on, I realised I just like the dolls. They are pretty and i am also interested in photography. So, I am hoping to expand on my photography skills with the dolls

 

I initially got into BJD for the photostory aspect. It just felt amazing to me. Now, a couple years later, I've never really bother with photostories (partly because I'm not so good at taking pictures... it just feels faster and more efficient to draw a comic ahah)
But the customisation aspect has me hooked. I'm not terribly good at it so far, but I find it a lot of fun to take a doll that anyone could have, and use paint and fabric (and sometimes epoxy) to change it into something entirely unique.

 

I got my first (and so far only) BJD to embody a tree spirit character of mine after I learned the (actual) tree he was based on was going to be cut down. Though I'm still sad it's happening, I'm glad it nudged me into a new hobby!

I really like the creativity and customization and how it embraces so many art forms (writing, photography, crafts like knitting and sewing, building miniature props, drawing and painting, etc.).

 

For me personally, I've been collecting dolls for over half my life now. While it's been pretty much only fashion dolls, I've had the interest in BJDs for awhile now. Now that I've developed a story, the dolls have become shells for the characters, which brings the story to life, which I love.

 

I've been collecting dolls since I was wee. BJDs are especially pretty, they're posable, and made for customizing. They've become my sewing muses too.

 

I like the creativity it comes with
And to see my characters in doll
form makes me smile

 

For me what got me into dolls I guess it the same way people like paintings I find the dolls are really beautiful & to have such an artistic piece makes me always happy to see! The best things about dolls from a painting is that you can always change the doll to your changing art taste with new clothes, wigs eye chips etc so it's like a new painting each time !

(haha but don't get me wrong! I still love paintings ! )

 

It is a creative outlet for me. I really like fashion and due to the customizability of dolls, they are able to evolve as my style changes and becomes more refined. Not to mention, they are visually appealing!

 

Sadface sad time!

1) growing up, dolls were my only really friends apart from my sibling. It's a leftover of a lonely childhood
2) I'm a natural magpie and I love to collect pretty things to feather my nest with
3) My first doll, Annix, was a very special gift and all my subsequent dolls take on the same emotional meaning, helping me through some tough times.

 

I mainly collect them because I think they are beautiful and unique; I can't say I'd ever seen a doll with hooves, horns, and paws that look as lifelike as BJDs, so that was one of the draws. I enjoy photographing them, and my photography has improved immensely because of this hobby. I now own a DSLR camera because of this hobby, and love doing photoshoots and also the editing process afterwards. They are just nice to have around too, after creating their character and backstory it feels like you "know" them in a sense ^__^

 

studies show that kids(and whatever age) who plays with dolls are maternal people. But besides that, this doll community sparked a interest in me because ever since my early preteen years since i got rid of my dolls, i wanted a doll who looked like me, who i could dress up in clothes, who would make me procrastinate, i would make a room for her and give her a name and buy stuff for her. but not a normal barbie or monster high, that did not suit me. They are just so different and i love them. Also im just a child inside who plays with vintage polly pocket. i cant wait to get my doll. ill name her Sabrina

 

I love the creative side of it, but this was also something I actually discussed with my therapist just yesterday. I love my dolls and treat them like they have personalities and are, in their own way, sort of alive. It's probably because I had a terrible time growing up. Didn't have any supportive friends or even guardians. Parents were abusive, ect. I loved dolls and stuffed animals from a young age. BJDs seem kind of like the natural progression and adult version of that passion for personifying dolls.

 

Their just to cute to pass up. Plus I collect fashion dolls. I just miss my childhood and playing with my sisters. But Now I do it for knitting and sewing reasons.

 

The art to them, making clothes for them and I think because I've always liked dolls in general from a kid so I never "grew" out of them!

 

I really like these dolls for realism and diversity. Adult dolls, men dolls, fantastic dolls... And the ability to make individual make image.

 

I love bjds because they're pieces of unique art! I love art of any shape, and as an artist myself, I love how easily customizable they are.
I think they're also great drawing references!

 

Umm , I started play with dolls 2 years ago, when i was only in primary one of my friends was crazy with them so she reccomend me.But I finally started play dolls when I was 16, now I can affort the price of the real dolls, I dont want to buy a recast...

 

I have several reasons!,I have loved dolls since I was so young, I collected from barbies to rag dolls and typical of countries and I had the opportunity to know this type of dolls and for me it was the perfection of the hobby, they are the most special and beautiful dolls I have ever seen, were perfect to recreate my own characters, since then I have collected them

 

I like them because I can create any unique character. :3

 

There's a lot of reasons why I like BJD and dolls in general. What attracted me most to BJDs was how pretty they are. Even collecting dolls from childhood I have never seen dolls as gorgeous as BJDs. I also really like how you can customise them, so I like making and designing outfits for mine. What I also like (which really surprised me at the beginning) is creating a theme/character of the doll. When I got my doll I thought I was just going to name her and make outfits but no! I gave her a personality, quirks, style, etc.

 

For me, I am a doll lover. Ever since I was little I loved dolls! There are so many reasons why! I love dressing them up and developing characters for them. For bjds the customization is amazing, and lots of them look very realistic!

 

I love sewing and thought it would be fun to design doll clothes

 

I love BJDs because they are beautiful and unique, I also enjoy dressing them up in pretty clothes and each of my dolls has her own character and style.

 

I'm fascinated by the beauty of the dolls... and it's definitely also the creative part.. I love working with clay and will create little things for my doll..

 

I think i was always a collector...started with the barbies...then when i grew up antique dolls..
Still have a lot of these stored...and then i discovered the dolfie dream dolls, i did not like those,
To anime for me, but then i noticed there where more companies, its like a candystore....

 

I have always liked dolls, even when I was little. I had like 5 barbies. Now that I'm older and I actually have money, I got into BJDs due to the creative side and the customization ability.

 

I currently don't own a doll, but I am looking forward to the future where I own one I think, personally, it's a mix between loving art and loving the possibilities having a doll gives you. You know, creating a character, sewing clothes, appreciating beauty & of course. simply having something for yourself only!

 

What you can do with them and how beautiful they are is what got me into them. You can sew, paint, craft, and photograph with them. It's like multiple hobbies rolled all into one!

 

I've always loved dolls and I don't really know why? BJDs are just so customizable and personal that a doll lover can't help but fall in love. I think I mostly got into them because of a hobby in photography too!