Do celebrity MNMs cross any boundries? Is it creepy?

I think getting a MNM made of your own original character is different from getting one of an actual person, but I believe the majority of MNM owners don't actually make the person the MNM is based on - just use their features for a fictional character!

-Do you own a MNM/ Ever plan on getting/ Would like a MNM ect... That is not of yourself?
I would be far more likely to get a MNM of someone else than myself. Getting a MNM of yourself is, in my opinion, beyond creepy. It smacks of an egoism that I find mildly horrifying. But back on topic - no, I'd never get a MNM of anyone... because, to my eyes, I've never seen one look anything like the person they're meant to resemble!

-Would you ever introduce your minimee to the person they are intended to replicate. Yes/No and Why?
No. Though it's not unheard of! There's a video on Youtube of a girl showing the guitarist from The Horrors a voodoo doll... of himself. Complete with matching hairstyle and shoes. She'd made it herself. She was very blatant about the whole thing and I think she did it for attention really.

-Do you think it is crossing a line to copy someones face in the intent to make it into them?
Well as I said there's a difference in intent. If they're using Johnny Depp's face to make a character that just happens to have the same features as him, that's one thing and it may be a bit derivative, but it's more original than just making... Johnny Depp. Not that I have a problem with that, he's a gorgeous man!

-Other thoughts, opinions ect?
At the end of the day, what people do with their MNMs is entirely up to them, but if someone came lurching up to me clutching a doll made to resemble me... well yes, I'd be freaked out.

 

This is a really interesting topic!

Do you own a MNM/ Ever plan on getting/ Would like a MNM ect... That is not of yourself?
To be honest, I would kind of like two MNM's. One of Sesshoumaru (a fictional character) and one of Choi Seung-Hyun AKA T.O.P. from Bigbang. I would never have one of myself, simply because my dolls are things I love, and represent characters I love. I don't love myself. Sure i'm comfortable and content with myself, but no. no love.

Would you ever introduce your minimee to the person they are intended to replicate. Yes/No and Why?
If I ever got the amazing opportunity to meet T.O.P. then no, I wouldn't show him his MNM. !, because of the stigma associated with such things (aka, omg, she must be one of my crazy stalker fangirls) and 2, because in the event I did meet him, I'd want to actually meet him. Talk and interact and possibly get to know him. not stand there answering questions about his MNM.

Do you think it is crossing a line to copy someones face in the intent to make it into them?
For something like this... No. Maybe if you got plastic surgery, or got a life size replica then yes. Very much crossing the line. But BJD's are objects of obsessive care, we look after them and we adore them. I think for something small like this its fine. I mean after all, they make character barbies, and action figures. Imitation is the greatest form of flattery.

Personally, I believe creating a MNM is a very personal thing, and tbh, I don't think I would ever really share it or show it off much simply because I would want to keep it special and all for myself. But thats not to say others shouldn't share their creations. After all. They made it. They should be proud of their accomplishment. The more detail and the more accurate it is, simply shows the amount of effort and care that went into it. Its kind of beautiful I think.

 

-Do you own a MNM/ Ever plan on getting/ Would like a MNM ect... That is not of yourself?
Yikes, I'd never want one of myself! I'm scared of mirrors, so I can't imagine a doll of myself. I don't think I'll ever get one because they look kind of bobble-headed. I'd rather have a sculpt that just resembles a person rather than a minimee. On the other hand, I did see a Johnny Depp one made up to look like his character in Sweeney Todd, and if I'd had more money at the time, I would have probably bought it.

-Would you ever introduce your minimee to the person they are intended to replicate. Yes/No and Why?
No, unless the person is in my house (which would mean I've really crossed the line and kidnapped him/her...), there would be no opportunity for them to see the doll, since mine stay inside all the time. Also, if I was going to an event where I knew I'd be meeting the person, I would be worried another fan would steal the doll from me.

-Do you think it is crossing a line to copy someones face in the intent to make it into them?
My opinion: if it's a celebrity like an actor/musician, it's fine. I think that when people go into certain careers, they should anticipate things like this. Plus, compared to what many celebrities go through with the media, having a doll that's looks like them for one's private use seems relatively innocent. Unless the person has specifically said that they would not want a doll modeled after them - in that case, one should respect their wishes or at least not post pictures of the doll. However, if it's a "normal" person who became famous enough to warrant a MNM, I think it's crossing a line. For instance, if a murder victim became famous, I think it would be in poor taste to make a MNM based on them. That might seem like a weird example, but I've seen dolls based on the Black Dahlia. They weren't actual MNMs, though.

-Other thoughts, opinions ect?
I stated that I thought it was okay to model a MNM off a celebrity, but I think it wouldn't be appropriate to post photographs of the doll in a way that might embarrass the person if they saw it. I know of one musician who was sent fanfics about him and his brother and he read part of it, so there is a chance the celebrity might somehow see a photo of the doll. I think whatever one does with the doll in private is fine, though.

 

If you're ever going to approach someone who's twice your size and say "I made a doll of you" it helps if he's Brian Henson... I have quite a few celebrity minime dolls, most are a character that person plays such as House instead of Hugh Laurie. I agree with the idea that a public figure can expect a certain amount of fan art which can include dolls. Personally I wouldn't mind someone having a mini version of myself as I have mini versions of them but they aren't meant to be that particular person, to me they're representing a character or part of that person I admire.

 

-Do you own a MNM/ Ever plan on getting/ Would like a MNM ect... That is not of yourself?
I don't plan on getting one because I don't particularly like the doll style that much - I prefer cutesy, unrealistic dolls. I definitely wouldn't get one of myself (although there's nothing wrong with doing that, it does take a level of self-confidence that I think most people don't have) and I wouldn't get one of someone else's face - I just find that a little weird, especially doing so without their permission.

-Would you ever introduce your minimee to the person they are intended to replicate. Yes/No and Why?
If I knew them and they knew I had a minimee of their face and wanted to see it, yes. If they were a celebrity, no, no, no. I think it would scare someone to have someone say 'I have a doll that has your face on it', especially if you don't know that person as a friend! They haven't consented to you using their face in that way so I guess if they don't know about it, it's fine, but showing the doll to them is a bit worse.

-Do you think it is crossing a line to copy someones face in the intent to make it into them?
I don't know. The 'line' is a bit blurry already when it comes to celebrities and (official and unofficial) merchandise based on them and their appearances. I also think that it's more okay to have it for OC purposes rather than real person idol purposes. If this person has a face that closely resembles the face you want for your OC, I think that's okay. Or if you want to make a doll of a character that the actor/actress plays. But to have a tiny version of someone that you don't know because you like the way they look, that's weird to me. No disrespect to those that have those dolls, obviously! But I think personally it would skeeve me out to own such a thing - I don't like those musician/celebrity action figures either.

-Other thoughts, opinions ect?
I feel I've been too judgemental here, I'm sorry. I don't want people to think I'm being mean to people who own minimees, it just personally weirds me out because you don't have the consent of the person you're making a doll from.

 

-Do you own a MNM/ Ever plan on getting/ Would like a MNM ect... That is not of yourself?

I do own one, which is something I never thought I would say since I honestly think most MNM's are pretty fug and really don't work as this type of doll. But I couldn't resist the surprisingly well sculpted Tom Hiddleston head. Who is intended 100% to be my random Tom Hiddleston doll. I call him Creepy Tom. I actually like how uncanny valley triggering the head can be. It is way less realistic than the Hot Toys Loki I currently have on order, however, and I don't really see owning it as any different than that.

-Would you ever introduce your minimee to the person they are intended to replicate. Yes/No and Why?

Nope, and it's not out of embarrassment - I'm rather proud of my Thor and Loki collection - but because lugging around big dolls sucks, and honestly, there are things I would much rather be doing when meeting him than going "Look at my doll!!"

There is a pretty funny video of Hiddleston playing with a Loki action figure and going "Look, I'm playing with myself!" and he knows about his tumblr fandom, so at this point I think he's not going to be emotionally traumatized if he ever happens upon pictures of a MNM of him.

-Do you think it is crossing a line to copy someones face in the intent to make it into them?

I don't have a problem with it. People have been making unofficial action figures and dolls of celebrities for as long as celebrities have existed. These dolls are no different. I have no problem with celebrity fanart, fanfiction, and cosplay, and I view these dolls as just really elaborate 3D fanart. I'm guilty of doing all three of those as well, and they're probably more problematic than the doll since they're all homoerotic in nature, but oh well!

-Other thoughts, opinions ect?

Don't like them, don't buy them or look at them? That's really the best way to deal with them if it bothers you that much. As long as someone is not physically assaulting their celebrity of choice with their dolls, I don't see the harm. They're simply another way for someone to express their admiration/attraction to someone famous.

 

Do you own a MNM/Ever plan on getting/Would like a MNM etc... That is not of yourself?
Nope, I don't. I don't have an attachment to any celebrity, no do I really like the appearance of one. I'm interested in more un-realistic sculpts, as I find them more beautiful. A MNM head of myself would be pretty cool, but I definitely wouldn't pay for one, let alone a MNM head of another.

Would you ever introduce your minmee to the person they are intended to replicate. Yes/No and Why?
If I really did like a celebrity enough, I probably would. I'm not embarrassed of being a fangirl.

Do you think it is crossing a line to copy someones face in the intent to make it into them?
I don't think it's crossing the line, but I do think it's a little creepy. Not that it's bad, since I'm a pretty creepy person. I just think that a MNM head is a little expensive for a celebrity worship. However, that's just my humble opinion.

Other thoughts, opinions ect?
I agree with Kim. If you don't like it, don't buy any and don't involve yourself with them. Nothing bad is happening to the celebrity, so there's no harm done.

 

-Do you own a MNM/ Ever plan on getting/ Would like a MNM ect... That is not of yourself?
I do. I have a Tokio Hotel Bill Kaulitz MNM. I'd LOVE to have a Billie Joe Armstrong! I'd never want one of myself, I wouldn't make a pretty doll. :P


-Would you ever introduce your minimee to the person they are intended to replicate. Yes/No and Why?
While my doll is a Bill sculpt, the character is not Bill, nor is he meant to look like Bill. The sculpt just fit him well, so I ran with it. If I made a Billie Joe, he'd look like him, but I wouldn't roleplay the character, he'd be a display doll.

-Do you think it is crossing a line to copy someones face in the intent to make it into them?
Nope. Look at all the Barbie dolls, action figures, statues, etc made to look like celebrities. Look at all the tshirts, posters, purses, hats, buttons, etc with celeb faces on them. How is this any different? If you are famous, you'll have fans, and your face will be everywhere anyway, what's wrong with a little non-mass-produced tribute art? It's basically a 3-D painting, in that regard.

-Other thoughts, opinions ect?
Some celeb would actually be impressed to mean so much to you! Before I found bjds, I used to make cloth dolls and paint them to look like celebrities. I met Christopher Kennedy Masterson (Malcolm in the Middle, That 70s Show, etc) and asked him to sign my doll. He thought it was cute, signed it, took pix with me, and during the local news coverage of the event, mentioned "a girl made a doll of me, that was really flattering!" It made my day!

 

Do you own a MNM/ Ever plan on getting/ Would like a MNM ect... That is not of yourself?
I don't plan on ever getting one just because they're way too much doll for me. I'm a pretty small person and I already feel like my MSDs dwarf me sometimes, so I can't imagine lugging around a gangly SD no matter how cool they look. But if they ever start making MSD heads, I would do any number of unspeakable things for a Tony Stark/RDJ MNM. (As for a MNM of myself? Aha, no.)

Would you ever introduce your minimee to the person they are intended to replicate. Yes/No and Why?
First let's assume I'm still conscious enough to show them the doll. I think it depends though. I personally would never own a MNM that wasn't created in someone's likeness so that it could serve as a character they've played (I'm not really into bandom anymore) so I think I would be mostly okay with say, showing ScarJo a Black Widow MNM. Mostly okay, as in I'd be very nervous about it if I even did it, but I feel like a character doll would offer enough separation from the actual person to make that situation more comfortable. But if I ever did, for whatever reason, acquire a non-character MNM of a celebrity, I don't think I'd show it to them. It feels too much in line with showing them fanfic or non-gen fanart and other things like that, imo, which I think crosses the line.

Do you think it is crossing a line to copy someone's face in the intent to make it into them?
Again, it depends. I definitely agree with what FrigidDamsel said regarding murder victims, or really any non-celebrity who gets thrown into the public eye. That's just not okay. But as for actors, musicians, etc. I think it's fair game. Like LadyTakara mentioned, they make less high-end dolls and action figures of these people all the time for mass production or at least in larger quantities than most MNMs exist in, so I can't see it as this huge violation.

Other thoughts, opinions ect?
This topic actually had me thinking of the Agent Coulson figure Hot Toys is coming out with. I mean he's a character, so it's not really Clark Gregg, but then again Coulson's character seems to mainly just be ninja!Gregg in a suit, so the figure is kind of riding this weird line between character and non-character representation in my eyes. And this is something being made by a company, not commissioned by an individual ... and I do believe I've lost my train of thought here.

 

-Do you own a MNM/ Ever plan on getting/ Would like a MNM ect... That is not of yourself?
I never, ever thought I would buy a MNM in a million years, but I happened upon a Lady Gaga in the marketplace and I fell in love. I like Lady Gaga's music quite a bit, but not enough to ever have a doll of her. Instead, the head captivated me because of the big, beautiful nose and I knew I had to have her for one of my characters.

-Would you ever introduce your minimee to the person they are intended to replicate. Yes/No and Why?
Never. I'm sure Lady Gaga would be pretty cool about it, but that's not a line I'd ever want to cross. I've been a part of fandom for about eleven years, and those stories of people showing the LOTR actors photo manipulations of them in sexual situations never fails to make my skin crawl.

-Do you think it is crossing a line to copy someones face in the intent to make it into them?
No. As I said before, I've been in fandom for a long time, and I feel like I've seen it all and been desensitized. Just because the stories of the the LOTR actors and the photo manipulations are terrifying to me doesn't mean I don't appreciate how beautiful the photos are. I've seen some really nice MNM dolls made to be the person they were crafted as and I appreciate the dedication that goes into something like that. There is no celebrity I like enough to do something like that for, but I do love hardcore fans.

-Other thoughts, opinions ect?
I always give credit to those who originally ordered MNM heads. That's some serious dedication. If I came across that thread as it was starting, and I knew that Lady Gaga would have been the perfect head for Eric, I still wouldn't have gone in. There is way too much risk there.

 

Noooo don't tell me these things! I need to be finding a new home for a doll not buying another one! OTL
I keep poking my head into your GO thread, ngl, just to ogle that DIM MNM. At this point it's actually cheaper for me be looking into a MNM than it would be to try to get my hands on one of the always limited IM figures Hot Toys makes. Gah.

[SUP]Pfff Tony Downey Jr. That reminds me of the time a friend accidentally said Steve Evans instead of Steve Rogers and it took five minutes of me laughing hysterically before she realised what'd happened.[/SUP]

 

Personally I think that MNM's are super creepy. I would never own one because I feel like there is an element on unoriginality and in a hobby where things are completely customizable why would you make a MNM from a character that already exsists when we can make an orginal character and use your imagination. Personally that's just my desiscion.

 

-Do you own a MNM/ Ever plan on getting/ Would like a MNM ect... That is not of yourself?

Yes my two Tom Hiddleston MNMs that are my Loki. He is definately Loki though and not Tom Hiddleston the actor although I can understand having one of Hiddles as he is gorgeous

-Would you ever introduce your minimee to the person they are intended to replicate. Yes/No and Why?

Hell I would love too but I would probably die from a combination of laughter and embarrassment

-Do you think it is crossing a line to copy someones face in the intent to make it into them?

Not so much if the person is a celebrity as if you choose to be a actor, musician etc... and become famous then your image is going to be copied in many forms. You can buy action figures and all sorts of other memorabilia so why not make a bjd. I would not get one of just any normal person or someone I know though as that would kind of creep me out.

-Other thoughts, opinions etc...?

I think to each his own. I have Loki and Thor who are obviously not my characters but all my other bjds are my own OCs. I see nothing wrong with either and you can be creative a weave a story around either. Both my Loki and Thor are a mixture of Marvel, mythology and my own imagination.