Breaking Up An Artist Fullset

I'm a beginner in this hobby, but my opinion is that it would not be rude to break up the full set. There is so much customization in this hobby that I think most artists know people are likely to make the dolls their own. I think it is very considerate for you to think about the artist, but I suspect they probably expect some level of alteration after the doll is sold.

 

Is it possible to request the set with no faceup? If this is an individual artist, they may be able to do that, unless these are pre-made. I don't THINk the artist would have a problem, but I can't say for sure because all artists feel differently about their work.

 

It’s your doll after you buy it, it doesn’t really matter if the artist doesn’t like it. I like buying full sets from time to time and I almost never keep my dolls in it’s full set state. I’ll use some of the clothes and then others will go to different dolls or into my sorting system.
Also having made plushies on commission before, I can tell you that I only care about a doll as long as it gets to the client. Once it’s in their hands and they’re happy with it, I’ve never really cared what they did after.

 

Second what kira said - once its yours, it's yours. Heck if you bought a multimillion dollar Van Gogh just so you could paint stuff over it or cut it up, thats your prerogative. XD

 

Even if a doll is a fullset, dolls don't have to have only one outfit for their entire existence anyway.

I like immediately tweaked the face-up on my fullset Dollmore Dell because the freckles weren't dark enough and I wanted lighter brows to match lighter hair.

Although artists can have preferences about what happens to their art, it's a bit unrealistic to police what the new owners do and the sort of person who does do that should not be purchased from tbh.

 

The sculpt is the main part of a doll, not the clothing or faceup, which are two elements that make this hobby what it is - fully customizable. I think it's actually complimentary that you love the sculpt so much that you'd be willing to shell out the full price to include extras that you don't even want. If I were the artist, as long as people treated them with care and respect, I'd be fascinated to see other interpretations of my dolls.

That's just so...no.

 

Agreeing with everyone above. The doll is yours after your buy it, it would be unreasonable for the artist to expect you to keep the doll in 100% the same style as when your purchased it. What would the point of this hobby be if you couldn't customize the doll to your tastes?

That's why I don't collect porcelain dolls anymore. (but also because it was a hobby foisted on me by tradition)

 

I don't know. For me it would depend on how rare the doll is and how much time went into the fullset*. Wishing you satisfaction in what you decide and a good resolution.

*Edited to add: Personal opinion as an artist I would be, "Oh wish they told me, if I had known I would have saved myself some time and done fewer things." But that's just me. I don't know what that artist would think.

 

I also would ask the artist if you could get a blank doll...you probably would save a little off the price if the doll is blank. But if it not possible to be able to get the blank doll I still see no problem in you changing the doll to your liking.

 

This! I’d be like “Aw man, I could have NOT done all this extra stuff? I wouldn’t mind discounting it.”

 

Once you buy the doll, it's yours to do with as you wish.

I wouldn't worry about it, honestly. Yes, it's created by an artist, but at the end of the day they're selling A Product and you are buying A Product. Once they sell it, it ceases to be their property so, it really shouldn't matter to them what you do with it.

EDITED TO ADD : I've certainly bought a head from a limited fullset that somebody broke up to sell, OK it was a company fullset rather than a particular artist, but the same principle applies.

Teddy

 

It's more a question of price that a question of ethics.

I mean, if you can afford the fullset and the only option to get the sculpt is to buy the fullset, but you only want the sculpt: ask the artist if you can buy the nude doll. Worst they can say is no. In that case, buy the fullset and do as you wish.

 

I bought a Volks Pink House Sophie moreso for her sculpt. You can't really get her any other way. I change up her clothes all the time I like her face up so I don't need to change it. I don't think you have to feel bad.

 

To echo what others have said, I would ask if a blank doll will or can be made available first just to save time and money. If not, since you have the means I don't see why you shouldn't buy and change it to suit your tastes.

 

It's your doll to do whatever you wish with it. No one can control it once you own it, if you think its possible to skip painting, you could try asking but really, you shouldn't feel bad for purchasing and then doing as you wish.

 

For me, it would really depend on the artist, the doll and the exact situation. Some artists won’t ever sell to you again if you do something they dislike with a doll you buy from them. It has happened to people. But otoh, if they do not offer it any other way than in a full set, that really leaves any customizers high and dry.

edited to add a bit more information: I know of one doll artist who (privately in a small online conversation of people) openly criticized what a buyer did with their doll sculpt and black-listed them from future purchases. From that, I assumed there were at least a few others like that because she was so casual about it, but I should have been more specific and clear. I do also think that someone who buys a doll has the right to do as they please with it. But also that a doll-maker or any other craftsperson can refuse a sale too.

 

I say do what you want with the doll. You’re paying hundreds if not thousands for a doll, it should be about making it truly yours. This hobby is based on customization and I think most artists would understand that.

 

I agree with CloakedSchemer that this hobby is based on customization. That is what we doll people do so I would feel no shame about it. I also think any artist will understand.

 

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