Getting back into the hobby after a long hiatus?

I've been on long hiatus... about 7 years maybe? I can't even remember; this was because I moved and left my dolls behind.
Honestly I though seriously about selling my collection, and basically re-entered in DoA to start planning my selling but... things changed, I started remembering good times and I'm in the hobby again since few months ago.
Now I've got 3 new girls, and one in the way and planning to bring back my girls that are currently at my parent's.

 

I had a very long hiatus due to the chaos of college and the my first job. Being away from my dolls for periods of time had my interest wane and even when I got back home I didn't have as much of an interest in then as I used to.

However, as I decided to sell a couple of my dolls I rediscovered my interest in then as I started looking into the specific sculpts and how much they were going for and such.

I still went through with selling a number of them as, in the time I had been away from the hobby my taste in dolls has changed quite a bit.

You will have hiatuses, some short, some long, especially as your life evolves.
That's okay. Sometimes other things just take priority and you should never force yourself to stay in a hobby.

Despite my newfound love for BJD's I've now been pretty inactive for almost 2 months as my fiancee and I moved in together and it has been an experience what with covid measures, from going to look at places to firniture shopping. Doesn't mean I don't get excited again now that I have time for then again.

I wouldn't force yourself. Take some time to reacquaint yourself with your dolls and see where it leads you. Have you truly lost interest? Have you changed taste? It's al possible and nothing to be afraid or ashamed off. You've grown in your time away, let your hobby grow with you.

 

Is anyone else snooping through DoA after a hiatus?
Yes 2020 brought me out of a 3 year hiatus!

How did you get back into the hobby?
If I recall correctly, I saw some posts from a BJD Facebook group I joined way back and also found out about April Story being under new management. Right before I left the hobby I was pretty sure I would not be able to get AS Diana due to all the issues with that company. The fact that there was a better chance of getting her now really caught my interest. I originally made an account here on DoA to see peoples opinions on the "new" April Story and to check the second hand market. I found that posting is pretty fun so I'm still here haha.
I also thought that I should try to do some things for myself this year. I put all my dolls on display for the first time and decided to work on getting them finished. All of them are now fully clothed and I can enjoy looking at them so much more.

How did you get yourself back on track with new releases, companies, faceup artists, goals, wishlists, etc.?
Mostly shopping this year! New doll, head, clothes, wigs, and accessories. I am working on finishing my current dolls and am trying to focus my purchases to meet that goal. Finding a wig I like is turning out to be quite a challenge.

How did you react to your dolls after such a long break? Were you still attached to your dolls after your hiatus, or did you reset your collection?
I was still pretty attached to all my dolls. The only one I'm maybe not so attached to was because I couldn't really remember my motivations for buying him and he never had real clothes LOL (I like him better now that he has pants). But otherwise, I thought it was pretty easy for me to think I still liked all of my dolls.

Any tips for people trying to get back into the hobby?
Recall the original reasons you wanted a doll/sculpt and see if you still like it for those reasons or if you have new reasons.
I personally also like following a few BJD accounts that have interesting character stories.

 

I've definitely been snooping around DoA after my 7 year long hiatus haha. I became interested in BJDs in maybe 2007-2008ish and then got my first two dolls in 2013. I got too busy and stopped paying attention to them probably only a year or less later. I started looking at all the new sculpts and companies just this past December since my roommate was getting interested in BJDs for the first time. It definitely made it easier to get back into the hobby through talking about it with her and sharing companies, sculpts, and other info. I never actively thought about returning but here I am. My love for customizing, sewing, and photography makes it hard not to get back into BJDs now that I have the time for them.

My first BJDs are back at my parents' home so I haven't been able to see them in person. My sister did send me pictures but my first reaction was that the faceups I gave them were pretty bad. I definitely think I can do a lot better now since I'm also into customizing Nendoroids and those are much smaller to deal with than MSDs haha.

I don't think I feel too attached to my BJDs but I do feel partial to them just because they were my firsts. I did briefly consider selling them once but didn't think about it further so they just sat around longer. Once my sister sends them to me, I'll give them another shot with a makeover before seriously considering selling them to fund sculpts that I like more.

One thing I noticed after returning to the hobby is that my preference in sculpts has changed a lot. I no longer feel strongly about a lot of sculpts on my old wishlist now. They're still beautiful, but just not what I want anymore. I also prefer SD sculpts over MSDs but am on the fence about making the size jump.

 

I was out of the hobby for seven years, though I always skirted at the edges ; lurking instagram, compiling inspiring dolls in various boards on pinterest, etc. Randomly, a year ago, I decided to finally join DOA after years having avoided it, somehow. And from there, I joined a few resale facebook groups, and the rest is history. My back-to-the-hobby purchase lulled me back into the world of collecting, and now I'm waiting on my second before my first has even been completely assembled.

I sold all of my (few) dolls save for one before exiting the hobby the first time, and I sold the one remaining doll upon returning. I wanted a fresh start and unlike some other people coming back to the hobby, the memories and also general displeasure of the other dolls were definitely one of the reasons I hesitated coming back. My headspace and aesthetic has changed so drastically that I am glad I cleared house before and after returning so that I could really, truly enjoy the hobby now.

One of the things that's helped me re-fall in love with the hobby is following more independent bjd sculptor accounts on instagram, as well as more faceup artists. I'm exposed to so many new sculpts and companies that way, as well as the ways you can really make them come to life through customization.

 

This is so very interesting to read...considering I also went through a hiatus I never imagined I'd be back to the hobby.

My hiatus was probably around 2-3 years. Honestly the time flew. The causation: I was in an unhappy relationship. When it dissolved (although a good thing) I found myself in a state of depression I hadn't experienced before. I threw myself into work mostly and left most of my hobbies behind.

Fast forward after much needed self improvement and growth I found my creative energy resurging again. I wanted to create and had many blank dolls to work on. I did sell a few, but overall I got back into the groove by doing what I love most, painting.

Now that I'm back... Holy crap I can't keep up with all the new companies lol. I'm just taking it as I go. If I see something I like... I explore it, if not...eh. I'm not as hardcore INTO the hobby as I used to be. Just enjoying having fun again.

For anyone who is coming back... my only advice is that a hobby is something that should be enjoyed and add happiness to your life. Don't come back and immediately stress yourself out about what dolls you do or don't have, what LEs you're missing...what's popular/ what's not. That tarnishes a fun hobby quickly and why many leave in the first place. Just have fun and enjoy your dolls again.

 

How long was it and how did you get back into the hobby?
I fell out of activity around 2015, came back in 2020.

How did you react to your dolls after such a long break?
I realized that I finally had the means to get some dolls I always wanted and I went a bit.... well let's just say my collection doubled in a year from 5 to 10.

How did you get yourself back on track with new releases, companies, faceup artists, goals, wishlists, etc.?
Research. I looked at what people post in the marketplace and the gallery first. I also love to look at various new dolls in the profiles because that is where I was seeing the biggest variety of sizes, sculpts, and styles. I found a lot of inspiration from those profiles.

Were you still attached to your dolls after your hiatus, or did you reset your collection?
Mostly a reset. I didn't have all that many to begin with so when I reshelled three out of five of the old ones that was a big deal. Everyone is still in the process of getting new faces, too (both new and old). Last year I got all new eyes and wigs etc. So style-wise they all got an update.

Any tips for people trying to get back into the hobby?
Not really. You should do a hobby if it makes you happy; forcing yourself to enjoy something is counterproductive. Maybe if you're feeling burnt out, be careful about what you sell as you could regret it later. If you feel inspired again, then great! If not, that's fine too since there's lots of paths to happiness.

 

How long was it and how did you get back into the hobby?
I really lost touch with the hobby around 2016 and have only just recently started making my foray back in! Between the sociopolitical state of the world and my college education, I just didn't have the time or energy to spare for almost any of my hobbies. I lurked on the outskirts and still followed people on Instagram and YouTube, but I really didn't touch my dolls for years (even the ones I purchased during my hiatus).

How did you react to your dolls after such a long break?
I found myself falling madly in love with certain dolls and deciding to wholesale part ways with others. I really found myself leaning into the Konmari "does this spark joy" question one night and decided to sell half my collection on a whim the very next day, which was terribly refreshing and reinvigorated my love for the dolls I kept.

How did you get yourself back on track with new releases, companies, faceup artists, goals, wishlists, etc.?
I really wouldn't say I'm "back on track," as it were, as my lurking meant I was able to keep relatively decent tabs on things like releases and companies. That said, my goals got a massive overhaul, as I now want to focus more on the styling and customization aspect of the hobby than on the buying new dolls aspect (save for a few exceptions). My wishlist honestly hasn't changed much, I'm just now in a place where I can afford to go back and track down the dolls I always loved but were out of my reach before.

Were you still attached to your dolls after your hiatus, or did you reset your collection?
I did a "soft reset." I'm still very attached to certain dolls that I've had since before or acquired during my hiatus (Feeple60 Juri 2012, DD Mariko, etc.), but because of that attachment, I was able to finally confront the reality that I wasn't attached at all to a large swath of my collection. I think I managed to strike the right balance!

Any tips for people trying to get back into the hobby?
My biggest advice is to look at it from the Konmari lens. Ask yourself "does this spark joy" and allow yourself to be truly honest about if it does or not. Only make space in your life for the things that make you happy and bring you fulfillment, then let everything else go. The hobby is so much more fun for me now than it ever has been before, and I hope I can keep that going for as long as possible.

 

Due to illness, I have very little energy and money to spend, so my hobby-adventure has always been with up and downs in activity. Everytime I return, there are so many new companies, that I've kind of given up learning about them. I don't intend to buy new dolls anyway... aside from two bodies for my floating heads.

The most difficulty I've had was discovering what is the primary social media platform for people in this hobby nowadays. DoA seems strangely empty now, and I've noticed that many have turned to Instagram - a social media account I only use for Freakstyle activities, since I don't have a smartphone and it's a real hassle to post pictures there without one.

As for the dolls: I'm still as fond of them as I was when I first bought them. I did think of a new way to style them, though, which includes having to send them to face-up artists, having to make wigs and costumes for them. The past few months (well... years), I've been looking at tutorials for wig making, and costume design etc to become at least moderately proficient at it. I've recentely come across someone who makes historical outfits and they've taught me a lót about how to make fabric hold shapes it doesn't want to do naturally.

As for tips: Don't care too much about popularity and what 'other people' might think. This is your hobby, you're allowed to enjoy it anyway you want. And don't stress yourself about 'unfinished' dolls. I don't think these dolls are ever finished . There's so much we can do with them, they will change several times at least throughout their lifetime.

 

Love this topic because fun as dolls can be, it happens.

How long was it and how did you get back into the hobby?
Just a year, and mostly because of unemployment (tightening my budget) and adopting a kitten. Suddenly the dolls felt like an afterthought when it was all I could do to keep kitty from snatching their wigs!

How did you react to your dolls after such a long break?
I'm actually pretty enamored. I was tempted to sell my most expensive Volks a couple of times but now that I've trimmed her wig and ordered new clothes, I'm so excited to make the beautiful Angela sculpt shine.

How did you get yourself back on track with new releases, companies, faceup artists, goals, wishlists, etc.?
Honestly I didn't, my tastes have changed a bit so I've adjusted in that regard. But the most I ever did was scroll through my favorite companies' stores for new faces and browse Taobao for outfits. Some missed opportunities here and there, but this is a hobby of such abundance I'm really okay with missing out on a few things.

Were you still attached to your dolls after your hiatus, or did you reset your collection?
I'm pretty minimalist, so the break was a good time to face my possessions and sell 2/5 of my dolls. Still afraid to acquire more because I do like most I get, but that's why it's good to acquire things very slowly and take the time to decide and save up for stuff EVEN IF you have plenty of cash.

Any tips for people trying to get back into the hobby?
Don't get FOMO! This hobby is way too big and complex for anyone to know everything. Also, being honest about the amount of effort you're willing to put in helps. As much as I'd like to be the person who sews, mods, makes wigs, and does faceups, realistically I only feel up for faceups and basic maintenance. Don't be afraid to forego DIY and purchase whatever else you need.

 

I’m so glad to see other people are in my boat! I have had maybe a 10 year hiatus after I hit some financial issues.

I used to be “in the know,” but now I’m totally lost. There are so many doll companies, and I’m a little overwhelmed. I only know the old school ones, and some companies are gone. I do like this forum a lot though!

 

I've had a couple years Hiatus of sorts and sometimes it's so overwhelming I think about selling my dolls but it's been so long for some, it'd be a pain to find them again secondhand if I change my mind. What I'm doing now is just kind of boxing up the big project ones, and will work on one doll at a time. If I can't find what I want to do with it or wouldn't miss it if I sold it, I'll consider selling it. Otherwise I'm going to slowly put the character together, like buy a wig or clothes one month, look around for a faceup artist to commission, and try to finish them before I move on to the next doll. Here's to hoping I can finish one of them and be satisfied with the result! : D

Like I want to make a feather wig, but I'll never get around to finishing it so I figure I'll commission one instead. That's as perfectly valid road to take.

 

How long was it and how did you get back into the hobby?
It's been around 5ish years since I've last actively sought out the BJD hobby, mainly because I was still a student then and the budget of bjds were definitely beyond my wallet. I actually stumbled across a mutual friend who turned out to be active in the BJD hobby and whilst being reminded of such, I checked my grail doll's company only to see them up for sale after years of waiting

How did you react to your dolls after such a long break? How did you get yourself back on track with new releases, companies, faceup artists, goals, wishlists, etc.?
Hmm, looking at my current doll, he definitely needs a faceup reworked but I'll most likely use him as a practice doll since he's so old and slightly yellowed now. I actually ended up instantly preordering my grail sculpt's head when I realised that he was available for preorder and now just waiting for his body to arrive as well ^^
Been exploring other companies which have a similar style since and expanded from switch to smaller individual sculptors such as kanadoll!

Were you still attached to your dolls after your hiatus, or did you reset your collection? Any tips for people trying to get back into the hobby?
I'm still slightly attached since they've been through so much, but I'll most likely reset the collection if the shelf gets too cluttered. I think it's nice to take it slow and steady in pursuing your wishlist instead of getting sidetracked by every new release if you ever dive back into the hobby. It's definitely going to be overwhelming and harsh on your wallet if you do jump at every sale if you're worried you'll miss out!

 

For people who've experienced a long dolly hiatus; how long was it and how did you get back into the hobby?
Mines was about 3 years. When I moved into a place that I could have them out and not stashed away, I made sure to take them out.

How did you react to your dolls after such a long break?
I was so happy, it was like seeing a long lost friend after a few years. I remembered just smiling and looking at them. It was nice.

How did you get yourself back on track with new releases, companies, faceup artists, goals, wishlists, etc.?
I kind of just jumped back in, not knowing what was going on. But when I returned. I didn't really return on socials, just something I did solely alone. Eventually after a few months I wanted to see what was new so I just looked into all the shops I've purchased from before my hiatus. And then I remembered I had an account here, but wasn't sure if it still existed so I tried logging in and here I am. Before when I initially made this account I was too timid to say anything and just lurked. Now, when I have the time I'll browse and leave a few comments. It's nice being back.

Were you still attached to your dolls after your hiatus, or did you reset your collection? Any tips for people trying to get back into the hobby?
Yes, I was still attached. Honestly, I missed them when I was on my hiatus, but I couldn't do anything about it because of my living situation. When I was on hiatus, I would take them out every once in a blue moon, just too see them for a moment and then put them away.
My tip would be to just embrace the dolls you have. Take some time to bond with them if needed, have them out where you can see them and if you feel like you cant bond with them, try and change some things about them. Give them a makeover, vamp up their wardrobe, face ups, new wigs. I love the two dolls I currently have, but wanted to see them in newer outfits, so I did a little shopping spree and got them new wigs and clothes. It really helps.

 

... Or maybe more.

So, I have 5 dolls (two are off-topic, technically, but I count them), and I've wanted the motivation to get back into the hobby and stick in it for a while, but I just haven't had the motivation. Moving sapped my energy, I accidentally messed up one of my dolls (now two, my Doll Chateau Mephisto fell off the shelf and chipped an ear!) and I haven't been able to make a faceup on my Mephisto I've been satisfied with, so I guess that combination kinda messed me up.

So what do you recommend after coming back to the hobby after a hiatus? Check out what dolls you missed? Reevaluate your list of what you want? Spend time with the dolls you have? What?

 

Well, one thing that helped me when I tried to give my Volks Heath a face-up, was finally giving up and getting a real face-up. I was so happy with him after that!

I also enjoy taking pictures and redressing my dolls to fond a look I like.

 

I got my first BJD maybe 12-15 years ago when I was into other off topic dolls and he was pretty much kept in a box for years until the last year or two when for some reason I decided I wanted another BJD or two. At this point I can't even remember what enticed me. I also have many other dolls of different kinds which were stored away for a long time. I now have them on display and I'm glad I kept them. I think anyone picking up the hobby again will work out what they like and don't like by trial and error.

 

I went through a phase in my senior year of high school where I lost all interest in my hobbies, and pretty much sold everything doll related except for some random accessories and eyes. I then moved out of my parents house and for some reason took those remaining things with me (glad I did!) when I started college. I was unhappy for the longest time and stressed with school, and didn't understand what was wrong. After dating my current partner for awhile, he encouraged me to open up about my previous hobbies even though I felt ashamed of them, especially the doll hobby. To my surprise, he was quite supportive and openly listened to me talk about it without judgement. Although money is a high concern of mine, I've allowed myself to slowly get back into my old hobbies that I enjoyed, and I feel like I'm getting better with bjds back in my life.

 

I've started all over twice.

I took a several year hiatus because life was just really bad and I couldn't focus on anything that made me happy. My dad got really sick so then it felt like dolls were a waste of my time, but I always missed playing with them. When my dad got better, it felt like I could breathe again. I went to pick up my hobby but I didn't feel the same about my dolls anymore, so I found them all loving homes on good old DoA and bought "new" ones from DoA as well.

My second try I was still figuring out what kind of collection I wanted. I like uniformity so I felt a lot of stress about the hobby in simply making a cohesive doll collection. I made a few mistakes, got too adventurous and had to start over *again*.

Third try I've got a well paying job, got the house, the life, the adult-y things I felt I needed to get first before I go after the dolls I truly wanted. Could I have those things before? Absolutely, but I'd feel guilty spending thousands on dolls if I didn't take care of my family first. Now I can buy my dream dolls, guilt free, and take my time! No more starting over, I don't have the space for a mismash of doll bodies this time around!

 

I started with msds and didn't bond with them. I realized I'm more of an SD person.