Custom vs. Company Face-Ups

I prefer custom face-ups since they're a lot more varied and unique. I still like company face-ups though, some of them can be quite lovely! My first doll has the original company face-up and I love it. I would get a company face-up if it was limited or full set as well. I'm no where near talented enough to do my own face-ups and don't have proper materials, but I would if I could!

 

Most of mine I bought blank and commissioned faceups for them. But there are two that were part of fullsets that included perfectly lovely faceups, which I kept. Two other dolls I bought second hand had fantastic faceups that was half the reason I bought them.

A couple of other second-hand dolls came with faceups that I wish to change, and will get done eventually. They are lower on my priority list since they have decent faceups and the blank dolls bug me more. So I guess a mix? The important thing for me is, does the faceup look right for this character, and do I like it?

 

My first dolls had really good company face-ups. But then I’ve realized it’s more exciting to create a doll's image myself. That’s why I prefer custom face-ups now.

 

I think I have bought one company faceup, the rest of the dollies I have painted myself, except for two who had really good faceups done by previous owners.

 

I prefer either doing the face up myself or having another artist do it. I normally don't like the company's face up, they tend to be a bit plain or "normal" looking. I also like being able to change the way she looks and adding my own flair to it.

 

Custom face-ups. I like the personal touch. And if I do them myself it helps to 'bond' with the doll.

 

It depends, to be honest.
I have to admit that I love shelling characters into dolls, so I have a very precise idea of how the face looks like, for example the expression, face lines, atmosphere, etc.
So in this case I really compare if the company's face-up matches the character or not.
I'll receive a beautiful doll within the next two days which I will do the face-up myself.
On the other hand I am super fond of the LUTS J.I.D Cordelia and her face-up Type B by LUTS, because it matches the character she'd be 100%.

Making your own face-ups is making the hard to match faces much easier.

To be honest, I have no experience in giving away your doll to another artist who'd do the face-up. But if I think the style is just irresistible I think I'd do it. I already spotted some artists here on DoA I'd dieeeeeee for getting a face-up done by them.

 

I draw face-ups by myself. But if company face-up is good, I'll order it.
My friend collects BJDs as collectibles (fullsets only), she accepts only company face-ups. And if she gets a doll with custom face-up, she sends the head to the manufacturer and purchases its face-up service.

 

Yes, well this is an argument I totally forgot about! Collecting only full-sets is a way of doing this hobby as well. I'm super curious about the following: if she purchased a doll 2nd hand that is no longer produced and has no company fave-up, does the company still do the face-up that doll had originally?

 

@OnlyPaintMode
"if she purchased a doll 2nd hand that is no longer produced and has no company fave-up, does the company still do the face-up that doll had originally?"
She has only one doll like that - Volks girl (I forgot its mold). She sent the head to the French face-up artist, who draws very delicate face-ups. That was expensive, but the collectible item must be expensive and perfect.

 

Makes sense. Otherwise it would be nonsense to collect dolls as a full-set. Thank you for answering.

 

I generally find company faceups not to my liking, so I go looking for owner photos or look at the blank faces to get a feel for the features I want and imagine a character over it. I much prefer custom.
Also, it feels a little creepy buying a doll that is nearly identical to however many are out there with the same faceup. I like to customize them to give them life of their own, individuality.

 

Even thought I don't have a bjd yet, I prefer company. That's because I screwed up my previous barbie doll and obitsu azone hybrid doll. When I get better at my art and makeup skills, then I'll do it.

 

Omg so true! XD

 

And that's a great idea!

 

Like loom at this faceup!

 

Sorry, here's the link...