Doll research *or* Buying too soon?

I'm frustrated that I'm having to wait so long to buy a doll (more than a year now) but at the same time I feel fortunate that I didn't have the funds to buy one too soon. I study this hobby everyday, and learn so much everyday, and I'm still so anxious that I'm too much of a n00b to take care of one yet.

I'm glad that I'll have atleast a little knowledge about bjd's by the time I can officially order my girl.

I'm relieved for the Dollmore Kyle Reese I originally wanted a year ago-I would have been so confused on how to care for such a large boy!

I think it pays to wait and learn a little bit about what you want to buy.

 

It's great to know the tips and tricks before your doll comes--I was really grateful someone on DOA wrote a tip about taking off a foot to get enough slack to get a headcap off, because my first doll was strung much too tight, and her eyes had fallen in during shipping (ew!). Because of DoA I already knew how to clean scuffs and to keep them out of sunlight and heat. What I didn't know was *who* I would fall in love with and who was "meh". The most expensive doll I bought I ended up selling, I just never connected with her..and this was after adoring all the photos! On the other hand a doll I got sort of by accident as a "scratch and dent" I love dearly. I think in the end you just can't tell until they are in your hands. And the best thing is if it isn't true love for you, you can sell again, and send them to a good home!
And some of the best research you can do is see the dolls in person at a meet--they look so different "in person"!

 

I was browsing the web for images of elves (for my story characters) when I came to a pic of a Soom Sabik. I was pole-axed! I went to Soom and saw the Mechas and was amazed, and I think it is fair to say I may well have bought one if there were any left. As it happens they were all gone, so I started browsing bjds. I somehow found myself on Helene's FACE UP site and googled every name and company she quoted until I got the feel that all the best sculpts were long gone. Through Helene's site I found DoA but by then I had already ordered a DZ Floy.

So, until a little while before ordering my first, I knew NOTHING of bjds until seeing that Sabik and the nearest I had been to the subject was commissioning a OOAK jointless sculpt of one of my fae characters.

Although I believe anything a person needs to know about bjds is here on DoA, I wish there was a good, comprehensive book on the subject as my preferred method of acquainting myself with any new subjects is to get books.

 

Oh, a book would be so great. A big book which is telling you about the starts (Volks and co.) , Pictures of many dolls, How-Tos and so on...that would be SO great

 

The first doll I fell in love with was a SDF Blanchet, 23 Mars. 8 April I ordered her. (:
I didn't know anything about bjds until the day I ordered her. I asked questions to my friend (it's basically thanks to her I found Luna) I read at sites. I did anything I could to find out as much as possible about abjds so I could be prepared.
It's not about if you buy the doll to soon, it's really about the person.
Sometimes it's just an impulse thing some people do.

 

Dolls are those kinds of things that aren't useful unless you're really into the hobby. It's not practical like electronics or clothes you buy on an impulse. I think things like that really need at least a bit of thought behind it, not particularly because they are expensive, but rather because they could very well end up a waste. Those who bought on an impulse and are still happy with their purchase must either have a good eye for things they know they will adore forever, or a lot of luck.

Myself, I was forced to wait due to lack of money, and would've bought it on sight had that not been the case. In hindsight though, I'm very glad I had time to look around and toss the idea around in my head for a while.

 

Long post short: I think you can jump in to early with these things. They do require some knowledge on how to treat them, after all

I didn't seriously look at these abjd's for awhile after first seeing one on Heise (heise.devianart.com) gallery- Her El doll, I think it was. I followed a link left, and got majorly creeped out. Dolls have always had that effect on me

However, as I saw these dolls on various sites, and gradually accepted the idea that my irrational fear of dolls (babies to...) didn't apply to these guys, I followed the same link to lut's site...and ordered within the week

Since then though, I'v lurked on here- read everything from the effects of anectone and sharpie markers to how to do basic face-ups, care and matenance. I'v even got myself a book to learn some basic sewing from
It helps I have a grounding in "art" to provide a foundation and give me some confidence in this.

...I'm still paraniod as heck about what'll happen when he's actually shipped. Customs sounds a scarey thing

 

I did TONS of research before I bought my DZ Mo-2 (I've only ordered him two days ago, and it feels like I know everything). I think people should research before they buy something so expensive! That's what I did, and it helped tons.

Seriously. I'm glad I didn't have my Mo in my lap when I asked my dollie friend my mom's make-up would work on a doll (I know some does, but...still...I had no idea about pastels and stuff). o___o But yeah, to each their own. I guess some people just learn on the way, and that's the type they are.

 

Personally, I research everything. I researched what they were made of, the different types, their proper names, what the eye sizes meant, wig measuring, general safe care... BEFORE I even joined the forums! And then it was even longer before I got Sanyu!

I think it's irresponsible to go and spend $500+ on a doll when you don't even know why it costs $500+. Do I care if someone goes and buys a doll they know nothing about? No. I mean, it's their money. I just don't personally think it's the best idea.

And you know, maybe it's not knowing before they order that bothers me. It's not knowing and not asking... and then they get a doll and (heaven forbid) leave him/her outside. And then they ask why he/she turned yellow. That would bother me more.

Learning about how to care for your doll is a good thing to do while you're waiting for them in the mail.

I don't think everyone should be experts before they buy a doll. I do, however, think that they should know a few basic things. The rest can come later.

 

I research so much before I get a doll that it's common for me to grown doubts. 8D;
Before I got Semei (my Homme Kirill) I was learning about BJDs for aboutttt... two years? I think that's right. How to handle, what to use, all the basics. I KNEW of them for much longer than that.

Now, I'm thinking about getting a new A-line MNF. So, naturally, I've doing extensive research on what fits them, differences.. everything I need to and should know, prior to buying.
Even now, I still feel like I need to know more, haha. Learning is endless in the BJD hobby, or at least for me.


I think studying is the best bet. You can never go wrong with being prepared.

 

I am brand new. I had been collection Pullips for a few months. I had just seen them by mistake and really liked them. Then my friend brought her BJD's by and I just about died. I loved them. They were so detailed and looked reallly nicely made. My pullips kind of looked like a high end barbie. I still love my pullips. I am not getting rid of anyone. But I could not get her dolls out of my mind. I didn't do a ton of research. She told me a lot about them. She has been collecting for years. Anyhow I ordered my first doll about 3 weeks ago. I already have picked out my second and now today I think I have eyed my third. I know a little about customizing form tutorials but I would never do my own faceup. I am just not willing to risk ruining my brand new doll. I feel that is why I am paying for the face up. There are some majorly skilled people out there. Many on this site. I would rather pay someone to do it that knows what they are doing. I just hope I don't get looked down on for buying so quickly. I couldn't help it they are just too gorgeous.

 

Funnily enough I would've been a 'jump right in' over a year ago I saw a Musedoll Thalia on ebay and just missed her I knew almost nothing about the dolls but I felt I just wanted to bring her home... Then I got interested I started to see that this was more creative and intuitive than most hobbies and while I still dream of having my very own Thalia I also am eagerly organising setting up my workroom to do my works! To me Yoda said it best "Do or do not.. There is no try"

 

I know Denver Dolls has its own "How to care for your doll" section on their website. I just about researched enough for a thesis before selecting my doll (prices, look, face ups, wigs colors, wig caps, just like if I were buying a puppy or exotic kitten).

I must have read the helpful hints about a thousand times! But I think researching any new hobby is key: it let's you know what you're in for, and it'll let you know if you're really interested in it, or if it's just a lark. Once people see what all is included in doll upkeep and what to buy to make it look like the pictures or displays, it's an eye opening. This isn't an instant-gratification hobby, and if the interest is still there, it's pretty firm. If anyone ever asked my opinion on the subject, I'd highlight and glitter the "research first!" advice.

 

well, i feel that they should at least research a little. at least on what would ruin the dolls before buying. since it really require a lot of work, money, and things to note.

even if they are rich, and ruin the dolls, get a new one, but still it isnt the same one. and if they still refused to do any research, they might make the same mistake again, or some other mistake.

if thats the case i wonder how many time they are going to do trial and error on how many dolls.

 

I've already put a lot of research into my girl before ordering her, and I'm still putting in a lot of research on her. @.@; I already have a lot of the 'basic' doll maitanence gear, I just have to get more things suited for resin, and just.. learn these things.

I agree that I wish there was just a book on this!

 

I do too, and maybe as this hobby grows, there will be a doll just for BJDs. While Haute Doll magazine is amazing, it's not specifically for BJDs, and to be honest, I don't have too much of an interest in Barbie collectibles or the like. I have nothing against them, but I really don't want to pay for a magazine and only have fifteen or so of the eighty pages dedicated to what I'm reading it for, you know?

 

I think that, for me, part of owning a doll is learning about it. I learn something new every day I log on to DoA and post, or read what other's post. Each new thread is something I hadn't considered (for example, the "how does your doll sit in the car?" thread--I totally hadn't thought of transportation like that!)!
I think that I'm lucky though because A)I LOVE learning about new things and B)I'm gonna have to save up for a decent amount of time to get my doll.
I think having to save helps A LOT, as far as preventing unprepared buyers goes. During the time that I'm saving, I can look up information and learning about my beautiful girl!
If I had had the money to buy her as soon as I saw her, it would have been a lot different--I would have ended up with a doll I had no idea how to take care of.

 

That's me right now ^^

I started learning about them a few months ago from a friend on DeviantArt, and slowly I started finding them more and more interesting. Then I saw a beautiful doll belonging to a friend in real, and started becoming obsessed.

Now, I'm on this and another site to find out as much as I can about dolls..... except I swas drawn like a moth to the flame of "Interesting and borderline philosophical/psychological debates." I'm a sucker for debates

I should be looking up face ups and maintenance and the overall cost of all this, but... *sigh* this is so interesting ^^

But a friend said they'd lend me their beautiful doll for a little while, so maybe I can get a feel for the hobby. And I might be buying one from a con, so I can talk to the previous owners first. Play it safe and talk talk talk!

But first, the hard part. leaving the "Dolly Debate" section... (nooooo!)

 

I could never consider spending so much on a doll without researching it first. I always read all I can about the dolls and companies I am interested in. I want to see owner photos and as many company pics as possible. I want to fiind out from other people how well the doll poses, what clothes, eyes and wig sizes they take. I have never brought a newley released doll for this reason, because I just can't judge on company photos alone if I will really want it.

If I plan to mod then I will get all the right materials and practice first and read as many tutorials and advice I can.

Its just too expensive of a hobby to just jump right in at the deep end, I could never do it.

 

Wow...never put much thought into this, but I can see what you mean. With Seimei, I'd heard about them, but since I didn't have much intrest in dolls (I never really have until I discovered BJDs), I didn't think anything of it. I kinda just came across Seimei and fell in love, so he was kind of...an impulse buy? I did make sure that I knew about BJDs before I got him, though, and decided to get a full set since it was probably the safest thing to do. But I do think that buying a doll without some type of research is a bad idea.