I'm writing a paper on the BJD community!

1.) How did you start collecting, and why do you still collect?
Saw a Dollfie, squealed in a pitch that grown men should not logically be able to hit, got hit by sticker shock, looked around and learned about resin bjds. Eventually bought a cheap 1/6th to test the waters and the rest has been nothing but a black hole where my wallet used to be.
I still collect them because I enjoy dolls, and it's not like it's my only expensive hobby so the only real deterrent (the cost) hasn't managed to break me down.

2.) What are your dolls to you?
Long story short? Toys.
Slightly less short: I like pretty things. I find dolls to be pretty. I consider them to be expensive, pretty toys that I enjoy collecting and interacting with both as a source of entertainment and an outlet for stress.

3.) How do you see BJDs in general? How do they appeal to you?
They're like little human imitations (minus the less human ones, of course). Something about it interests me. In terms of practicality, the blank sets these customizable dolls presents gives me a way to bring my characters to life in a way I couldn't before.

4.) What makes them for adults, rather then children?
The price alone makes sure they won't be affordable on the average allowance, that's for sure.
While they're still toys imo, they need a lot more care than the average toy and thus isn't suitable for everyone. Some children move at a different pace and wouldn't mind that, and for them I'd say it makes a fine toy. But for the average rambunctious munchkin I could totally see that expensive doll losing a finger.

5.) What made you want to be a part of the community?
Information.

6.) What kind of feedback do you get from others about your dolls? [family. friends, other collectors]
Ranges from that look people give me when they give up trying to understand why I'm so weird, to mild or even ecstatic fascination.

7.) How do you typically meet other doll collectors?
Outside of forums on the internet- I don't.

8.) How do you think someone on the outside sees doll collecting as a hobby? How do you tend to introduce your hobby to new people in your life?
Judging by the reactions and stories that people react to with horror or disgust at the financial investment, not very well.
I let people find out on their own and let them make their own conclusions.

9.) Is there anything you dislike or would change about the community?
Nothing comes to mind at the moment.

 

Have to do this - I'm a (former) HS English teacher LOL

1.) How did you start collecting, and why do you still collect? First saw the dolls at DragonCon but had to wait until I could afford them to get involved. Started collecting BJDs in 2010 - still have about 8 dolls to get in order to get all the characters. I do photo books/photo stories using the dolls.

2.) What are your dolls to you? My characters.

3.) How do you see BJDs in general? How do they appeal to you? I love dolls, always have - love tiny things in general. BJDs are perfect - they look so real, are poseable and can be customized.

4.) What makes them for adults, rather then children? They are fragile objects d'art, no more children's toys than the doll-size dress mannequins of the 1900s.

5.) What made you want to be a part of the community? I'm a social butterfly & wanted to see everybody else's dolls.

6.) What kind of feedback do you get from others about your dolls? [family. friends, other collectors] Other collectors like my outfits & my dolls, my family (my daughters) scoff, a lot of my friends are creeped out but others think they are cool.

7.) How do you typically meet other doll collectors? Meet Ups, DoA, Dragon Con, other cons (been to a couple doll cons)

8.) How do you think someone on the outside sees doll collecting as a hobby? How do you tend to introduce your hobby to new people in your life? I have no idea - I expect people see doll collecting just the same as they see any other pricey hobby. I brag about my dolls & show off pictures - so anyone who meets me finds out about them pretty quickly.

9.) Is there anything you dislike or would change about the community? Not really - I find the people I've met to be interesting and creative for the most part. I HAVE met a couple doll snobs but I'm really able to deal with that quickly.

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1.) How did you start collecting, and why do you still collect?
I saw a BJD on Deviant Art, started researching BJDs on the internet, and decided to get one, I still collect because I like the many options in sculpts, I choose the ones that more appeal to me.

2.) What are your dolls to you?
My dolls are my dolls, I don't write stories so they don't have characters, I sort of assign personalities to them so I can decide what kind of look I want for each one.

3.) How do you see BJDs in general? How do they appeal to you?
I see BJDs as sculpts, works of art, I specially prefer the bigger BJDs because there's more detail that can go into them.

4.) What makes them for adults, rather then children?
The price (of course there are kids with nice parents with money to buy them BJDs, and then there's no difference :P)

5.) What made you want to be a part of the community?
The enthusiast people of the hobby makes it a little bit more fun. Though I would own BJDs with or without community.

6.) What kind of feedback do you get from others about your dolls? [family. friends, other collectors]
Family is respectful enough to condescend to me collecting BJDs, they find them nice to see. I don't tell my friends no need. Other collectors are occupied with their BJDs, some may like the face-up the sculpt or some feature of my BJDs.

7.) How do you typically meet other doll collectors?
I watch collectors videos on YouTube, and pictures on Flikr, sometimes I comment to the ones I like.

8.) How do you think someone on the outside sees doll collecting as a hobby? How do you tend to introduce your hobby to new people in your life?
For adults collecting dolls, many outside people sees: must be a creepy person for liking to play with dolls, or crazy for paying such amounts for dolls. For this reason I don't introduce my hobby to any people outside my family, it's easier for everyone.

9.) Is there anything you dislike or would change about the community?
It would be nice if all people were respectful and kind to others (not only in the BJD community), but we humans are not always nice.
We have to try harder to behave.

 

1.) How did you start collecting, and why do you still collect?
At some point I came across them online and fell in love, and finally took the plunge when I moved out on my own. I still collect because... I never grew out of dolls, and I enjoy the creativity that BJDs in particular inspire in me.

2.) What are your dolls to you?
Part art project, part characters for writing about, part inanimate companionship.

3.) How do you see BJDs in general? How do they appeal to you?
I see them as artwork that's a bit more interactive than a lot of other types. I love the beauty and variety in the faces especially, and the way they reflect the beauty of people in general.

4.) What makes them for adults, rather than children?
The cost and fragility, I suppose. I wouldn't say kids can't be into them, though.

5.) What made you want to be a part of the community?
Most people enjoy talking about the things they love with like-minded people. I wanted to see other people's dolls and have an environment where I could share mine as well.

6.) What kind of feedback do you get from others about your dolls? [family. friends, other collectors]
Family doesn't really see the appeal and is put off by the price, but given that I'm supporting myself they don't care all that much. My friends are politely interested, for the most part. Other collectors generally like what I've done with them? I haven't shared a lot with other collectors yet.

7.) How do you typically meet other doll collectors?
As of yet I haven't met any others except online... so Instagram I guess.

8.) How do you think someone on the outside sees doll collecting as a hobby? How do you tend to introduce your hobby to new people in your life?
I think other people tend to see it as a childish hobby that's overpriced. I usually only introduce it to new people if it's going to affect them, but sometimes I mention that I like to design and make clothes for dolls so that it sounds like more of a crafting thing than a doll-collecting thing.

9.) Is there anything you dislike or would change about the community?
The community I've experienced so far has been positive.

 

1.) How did you start collecting, and why do you still collect?
I initially had no real interest in dolls, despite having a deep love of stuff that's just like big stuff but small, until I found that in amongst all the girl dolls there were also gorgeous boys. And I, being as I am deeply shallow and a stalwart collector at heart, immediately got into them. I am still into them because I still just really like accruing an army of brightly-coloured beautiful little queers.

2.) What are your dolls to you?
Ground-up customisable aesthetic explorations. They get characters after I've done them up, but the character does not drive the aesthetic for me.

3.) How do you see BJDs in general? How do they appeal to you?
I see them as a delightfully customisable artform, with the added benefit of being surreally beautiful in your house. Tiny people!!

4.) What makes them for adults, rather then children?
Well, the whole customising aspect is very holistic and quite technically demanding, so I'd probably not recommend them for people who hadn't really developed the necessary skills. I think if I found children eager to paint toys (as indeed I was as a child) I'd start them on other less-expensive dolls to train. This is what I did - I trained myself for bjds without even realising that was what I was doing!

5.) What made you want to be a part of the community?
It's great having doll friends. Dolls are intrinsically quite odd and inspire very ambivalent reactions. People either love them a lot and have a lot of feelings about them and their role in play and imagination, or they're creeped out. I came to find people on the former end of the spectrum! It's quite lovely to be hideously enabled constantly by fellow collectors

6.) What kind of feedback do you get from others about your dolls? [family. friends, other collectors]
The feedback I've had on mine has been overwhelmingly positive. People have remarked that one of them looks a lot like me (he doesn't; I think they just see that we have similar styles of dress..) and that's adorable. I'm very pleased that my non-collecting boyfriend enables my addiction because they also find my army of expensive resin twinks as gorgeous as I do!

7.) How do you typically meet other doll collectors?
On here or at doll meets. I'm currently in the throes of organising a monthly doll meet for my town and that's enjoyed great attendance and interest so far. Doll meets are fantastic.

8.) How do you think someone on the outside sees doll collecting as a hobby? How do you tend to introduce your hobby to new people in your life?
It varies. As I've said, people either really like dolls somewhere in their hearts, or they find them a bit uncanny-valley-y. BJDs are particularly uncanny because of their high level of realism. People learn that I'm into them either because they keep popping up on my social media (I'm followed by a lot of Scene Gays on instagram for I myself am a Scene Gay - whenever I post dolls, I slough a load of them off! I could talk for days about how "feminine" interests are punished in The Gay Scene, but this is about dolls, so it's not relevant. OR IS IT) or if they come round to my house, there's dolls everywhere. I'm hardly quiet about them. My friends have all been utterly delightful about them. They even make them gifts of jewellery and so on! Isn't that sweet?

9.) Is there anything you dislike or would change about the community?
I'd definitely make it more explicitly trans inclusive. As a transgender person myself, I find it very tiresome to have to shop for bodies that look like mine used to under a large "GIRL" heading. I know society has these shorthands for what features bodies have, but when they're accompanied by gendered baggage, it gets very tiresome if you're not that prescribed gender yourself. I have lots of modified-by-me, mastectomised boy dolls and this soothes my mind.

 

1.) How did you start collecting, and why do you still collect?
BJD's have always fascinated me, they are true works of art and I love everything about them, from the engineering behind them to the sheer beauty. I still collect because it's a way of personal expression and creation and it makes me very happy.

2.) What are your dolls to you?
My dolls are my children. My art. They are creations of mine that have come to life and had their own personalities grow as I customize and adapt them.

3.) How do you see BJDs in general? How do they appeal to you?
The vast amount of endless possibilities of what you can do with them is astounding and so fun and free feeling. But they're like little friends. They're quite therapeutic.

4.) What makes them for adults, rather then children?
Well not only are they expensive and a little too fragile for very young and untamed children, but I don't think a very young child would be able to appreciate the art and work behind them. I do plan on educating my child when I have one on them though.

5.) What made you want to be a part of the community?
To share the love with other like-minded people.. I have went for years without knowing anyone that shares my passion or even knew what BJD's were and it upset me greatly.

6.) What kind of feedback do you get from others about your dolls? [family. friends, other collectors]
My family hate it and call me every name under the sun for it. Only my great aunt appreciates the work I put into them and the products I make for them. I don't have any personal friends that understand it either. I kinda hide it from them.. Collectors are always supportive. That's why I love this community.

7.) How do you typically meet other doll collectors?
I haven't yet but I wish to.

8.) How do you think someone on the outside sees doll collecting as a hobby? How do you tend to introduce your hobby to new people in your life?
Most people are closed-minded and see it as "childish" and a "waste of money". I tend to not bother mentioning it as I'm tired of the abuse it gets me. I am proud to fight my corner though.

9.) Is there anything you dislike or would change about the community?
Nothing specific about our community no, just the people around it.
I do however wish more people would not stick in the stereotype of "muscle man" and "well endowed woman" - It makes finding the perfect body for a character you want harder.
That's why I wish to move onto my own sculpts to bring more variety and move away from the norm.

GOOD LUCK!

 

This is really neat! Good luck with your paper ^_^

1.) How did you start collecting, and why do you still collect?
I got into collecting recently, but I liked Dollfie Dreams since I stumbled upon them as a middle schooler on an online forum. Now that I have (a little bit) of spending money, and I live on my own, I can collect a few dolls.

2.) What are your dolls to you?
Well, I think they're really cute. I guess sort of an ongoing art project. I see myself as a future DD modder/customizer (I finished my first big mod today, yay for me!)

3.) How do you see BJDs in general? How do they appeal to you?
Some of the really well done ones are gorgeous. Just stunning fantasy characters in general. Really amazing works of art.

4.) What makes them for adults, rather then children?
Well, outside of the cost - childrens' dolls already come pre-customized. The hair is rooted and in the box with the doll, the doll has its faceup, eyes etc.

5.) What made you want to be a part of the community?
I wanted to get expertise on customization & also look at other peoples' pretty dolls :3

6.) What kind of feedback do you get from others about your dolls? [family. friends, other collectors]
I've only started just recently, and there are only two people who know me IRL who know that I do it (well, also all of the people who see me in my respirator spraying MSC at night, but that's a whole other story). It's kind of an offbeat hobby, and I'm fine with most people not knowing.

7.) How do you typically meet other doll collectors?
I'm planning to go to a meetup this weekend.

8.) How do you think someone on the outside sees doll collecting as a hobby? How do you tend to introduce your hobby to new people in your life?
I think people can be close minded sometimes. Even though I am a young woman, I would really rather most people not know.

9.) Is there anything you dislike or would change about the community?
I haven't been a member of the community for long enough to be able to answer this question.

 

1.) How did you start collecting, and why do you still collect?
I was into cosplay, but I´m never satisfied with my body or confident enough to wear it myself. So I was looking for something to sew and craft on. Bigger then Barbie... BJDs was perfect, everything I was looking for. Now it´s part of me. Something I love.

2.)What are your dolls to you?
Companions. I am not so much good with people. BJD is basically small human, but much easier to handle

3.)How do you see BJDs in general? How do they appeal to you?
They can be everything you want them to be. I believe they have personality, some more than others. This freedom to be who you want to be, perfection, beauty... It´s what draws me to them and makes me envy same time. It is hard to resist them.

4.)What makes them for adults, rather then children?
Price. And I guess it is a good thing... We call them doll, but not in the toy way. Sure, we dress them, pose them. They have rooms, furniture, pets... I think it´s about the soul. As a child I never thought about Barbie having a soul. With BJDs as adult, I do.

5.)What made you want to be a part of the community?
It gives me comfort to see other people like me. And I am curious about other dolls, their stories...

6.)What kind of feedback do you get from others about your dolls? [family. friends, other collectors]
Honestly... I don´t ask for feedback much. Other collectors are almost always great and supportive. Family and friends sometimes not so much, but it more about the prices of BJDs.

7.)How do you typically meet other doll collectors?
Mainly via social sites. Like I said before... I´m not people person

8.)How do you think someone on the outside sees doll collecting as a hobby? How do you tend to introduce your hobby to new people in your life?
People around me have hobbies like LARP, gaming, historical fencing, anime. So they are able to understand. When I post a pict of tiny BJD, most of them will say "So cute!" About the introduction... I don´t do that. If they want to know more, they can always ask.

9.)Is there anything you dislike or would change about the community?
Not really... All communities are the same. Flaws are everywhere.

PS: Sorry for mistakes, english is not my native language.

 

1.) How did you start collecting, and why do you still collect?

I originally started collecting porcelain dolls when I found a wistful-looking doll at a flea market that just tugged at my heartstrings. I had to take her home... After that, I went on to buy more porcelain dolls and while looking for dolls online, I found some Asian fashion dolls and BJDs, which got me interested and I looked up more info on them. They seemed cool, so I bought one, and then another, and another... etcetera :P

2.) What are your dolls to you?

They're physical representations of my fictional characters, they help me think up stories. They're also just beautiful objects to have around.

3.) How do you see BJDs in general? How do they appeal to you?

As cool-looking customisable art dolls. They appeal to me because they inspire creativity and customisation, and because I like the way they look.

4.) What makes them for adults, rather then children?

They don't stand up to rough play and aren't made of child-safe materials.

5.) What made you want to be a part of the community?

Dunno. I like meeting nice people, I guess, and it's always fun to talk about a shared hobby.

6.) What kind of feedback do you get from others about your dolls? [family. friends, other collectors]

My family thinks they're beautiful and likes how I paint them. My boyfriend likes how they make me relax. Some of my friends think they're pretty cool, others are scared of them because they find dolls creepy. Other collectors sometimes give me feedback I may or may not agree with (like how to style my dolls) and we discuss the intricacies of various company sculpts.

7.) How do you typically meet other doll collectors?

Online and at meetups/conventions. Plus I inspired two of my friends to start collecting, so we have our own doll nights as well, painting dolls together and trading items.

8.) How do you think someone on the outside sees doll collecting as a hobby? How do you tend to introduce your hobby to new people in your life?

Some people will see it as creepy or a sort of stereotypical 'lonely women' thing, I suppose. But I run mostly in geek circles, and basically everyone I know collects something, be it action figures, lego, movie memorabilia, ponies or whatever. So I just show people pics of my dolls and they mostly think they're cool.

9.) Is there anything you dislike or would change about the community?

Same as with any community -- gossip and infighting. That's just stupid. Also, people telling others off for doing things differently. Warning people if you think they may be doing something that will damage their doll is fine, but it's not your property and if they still decide to do whatever they want to do, that's their own business.

 

1.) How did you start collecting, and why do you still collect?

Hmm, well I discovered BJDs on tumblr, and then I started collecting because I wanted to have props for the story I'm writing...and also because the dolls are beautiful. So a combo of those two.

2.) What are your dolls to you?

All of them bar one, are the embodiment of characters I have in my story. And they are my muses too, as they help motivate me. One of them is only a pretty doll I wanted to dress up in pretty things, though now she is starting to get more personality and story than I bargained for

3.) How do you see BJDs in general? How do they appeal to you?

In general? They are fantastic. I think they are very versatile, and the fact that they can be customised means they can be anything for anyone. And that's the appeal for me too, just that I can change them closer to the characters in my mind, and they can in turn change how I see my characters, it's a circular loop that works well and inspires a lot of creativity.

4.) What makes them for adults, rather then children?

Well, the customising isn't something you get with dolls made for little girls, and the fact that so much effort and craftmanship has been put into them. Not to belittle children's dolls, because I love them as well, but the BJD are closer what a person looks like, and the craftmanship is more unique. I think children should be free to experiment, but with something much cheaper.

5.) What made you want to be a part of the community?

Well, selfishly, so I could see other people's photos, and their box openings, and also get tips and hints about BJDs.

6.) What kind of feedback do you get from others about your dolls? [family. friends, other collectors]

Hmm, I don't really get that much feedback. My co-workers think they are lovely, except one who thinks they are creepy. My mother likes my dolls, I think she's just happy I have a hobby that is 'normal' for once...oh don't ask, it's a long story. My friends like my dolls, but they aren't super into them. I don't really talk to other collectors, and I haven't done much with my dolls, I'm still yet to do anything of note, but those few other collectors have been very nice and said positive things so far.

7.) How do you typically meet other doll collectors?

Well I have only met 2 and both of them from this forum! So that's typical for me so far.

8.) How do you think someone on the outside sees doll collecting as a hobby? How do you tend to introduce your hobby to new people in your life?

I think people on the outside see the hobby as either creepy (because there is a fear of humanlike things) or just interesting hobby that they aren't really into. I'm sure there are some who think it's a childish thing, or think that people spend way too much money on 'just' dolls. But I really don't have much to do with those people.

9.) Is there anything you dislike or would change about the community?

Not really. I guess with almost everything, it would be nicer that people were kinder to each other, and less judgy of other people's preferences, but overall I think the hobby is very helpful and I've found people to be very approachable.

 

1.) How did you start collecting, and why do you still collect?
I've always liked fantasy themed dolls, and they steadily grew in size from pewter miniature to mini doll...

2.) What are your dolls to you?
Interactive art

3.) How do you see BJDs in general? How do they appeal to you?
Customizable to the extreme - you can make your own heroes, villains, models and other characters.

4.) What makes them for adults, rather then children?
They're *complicated*. I can barely restring the simplest ones. And they're vulnerable as well, they don't take well to what a child might do to a stuffed toy...

5.) What made you want to be a part of the community?
Inspiration! And, of course, the fact that I don't have many fellow nutty doll people directly around me.

6.) What kind of feedback do you get from others about your dolls? [family. friends, other collectors]
Er... that they're too expensive (family and friends). Other collectors think I'm pretty modest since I usually go for medium-sized dolls. And that I commission a lot of stuff, but the sad truth is that I'm not that good at making my own things.

7.) How do you typically meet other doll collectors?
Through the internets. Or in the one store I visit once or twice a year.

8.) How do you think someone on the outside sees doll collecting as a hobby? How do you tend to introduce your hobby to new people in your life?
Writers, artists and fantasy roleplayers are usually tolerant, or even fascinated. Most of my other friends and colleagues think I'm nuts, hehe. Which is why I usually introduce my doll collection as an art collection, or a nerdy hobby.

9.) Is there anything you dislike or would change about the community?
Well... as in many online communities, some members can be *very* sensitive and lash out at comments that weren't meant to be hurtful. Haven't had anything like that happen to me so far. Maybe mentioning this will make it happen? *hides*

 

1.) How did you start collecting, and why do you still collect?
It began with wanting photography models that were always available. It evolved into a very different direction, however. I discovered BJD in 2003 or so, but my first doll did not arrive until 2005.

2.) What are your dolls to you?
Creative outlet for Everything. I am a shameless jack-of-all-trades and BJD have evolved to fill just about every artistic urge I have. I create elaborate backstories and worldbuilding for them. I do all my own mods and painting, so I get to engage in sculptural and "graphic" arts on the same canvas. Then I get to take photos of the whole mess. My photography isn't the focus it was when I was much younger (I was competing when I was in my late teens early 20s), but it is still a comfortable place for me.

3.) How do you see BJDs in general? How do they appeal to you?
That has nearly the same answer as #2. I get to focus all of my crafting/creative desires on one target. It's very satisfying to hold up a piece of complicated art and know I have a hand in every aspect of it.

4.) What makes them for adults, rather then children?
I would argue that BJD can be completely appropriate for children, depending on interest and level of responsibility. They are not "playline" due to price and relative fragility, but that is something else.

5.) What made you want to be a part of the community?
Anything social is difficult for me, but I do love company. BJD gives me a guaranteed topic of interest that I am confident in and will hold my interest for extended periods. Nearly all of my dearest friends came to me through the community. I also have a very compelling urge to "be useful" so the opportunity to step in as a collector with 10+ years of experience to answer questions and create tutorials is compelling.

6.) What kind of feedback do you get from others about your dolls? [family. friends, other collectors]
My family doesn't have anything to say and my friends are, for the most part, also collectors. I get the validation, enabling, and creative support one would expect from like-minded individuals. Those who are not part of this hobby have hobbies of their own and understand the value.

7.) How do you typically meet other doll collectors?
Either the internet or monthly local meets. We are a very active bunch.

8.) How do you think someone on the outside sees doll collecting as a hobby? How do you tend to introduce your hobby to new people in your life?
Those outside tend to see it as any other kind of hobby, or do once I draw that parallel. "Some people build and customize model cars. I think women are prettier than cars," always gets a nod and a smile.

9.) Is there anything you dislike or would change about the community?
Well, recasting is a cancer, but I don't want to start on that here. I have no complaints about the community at large. Not everyone likes the same things I do, enjoys dolls the same way, or has the same values, but that is life in general. I am very happy with the people I have around me and delight in the many avenues of expression and communicating that we have to share.

 

1.) How did you start collecting, and why do you still collect?

I was part of another forum that had nothing to do with dolls (it was an anime forum so I guess I owe my thanks to anime). Someone made a thread about bishonen dolls, I took a peek and I was very impressed with what I saw. I was never a doll fan and if someone would have told me 12 years ago that I would be a doll collector, I would have laughed on their faces. But there was something that called my attention a lot, I think that the fact that they could move like humans because of their joints and that there could be 100 dolls of the same sculpt but all of them were unique and looked very different from one another were the main reason why I was highly impressed with BJDs so I started searching more about them until I saw one doll that stole my heart at first sight. Bought him, made my own character and never looked back. I was forever hooked.

2.) What are your dolls to you?

They mean a lot to me, I consider them a part of myself because I give them all different bits of my own personality. They are also my imagination outlet and the ones responsible for boosting my creativity. I started loving photography and fashion thanks to them. On the emotional side, they help me cope when I go though hard times, like when I had to move out all by myself (I hated living or being alone at night because I suffered from nightmares) so the first day I was living by myself, my dolls were there making me company and I felt all my fears and anxiousness disappear. I never had a nightmare from them on.

3.) How do you see BJDs in general? How do they appeal to you?

Like I said above, BJDs are completely artistic. There are no limits with what you can do or create with them. The customization part is what appeals to me the most and also the fact that we put our love into them. For some people (including me) our dolls are not just dolls, they're part of our family.

4.) What makes them for adults, rather then children?

Same as above lol they are meant to inspire adults so we can put all our creativity to work. They are not toys you play with in the dirt and I don't think children would like to play with something hard, and fragile. They are luxury items.

5.) What made you want to be a part of the community?

To learn more, be inspired, share my dolls and look at other dolls.

6.) What kind of feedback do you get from others about your dolls? [family. friends, other collectors]

Family: They all are very supportive. It could also be the fact that my family love the Asian culture (especially Japan). I did get into the Japanese culture, food and music thanks to my parents so when they found out that my dolls came from Asia (Korea and Japan) they were very supportive. I have no issues with my family whatsoever.

Friends: My friends, on the contrary, stayed quiet or made faces like (dolls? for real??). They were the typical outsiders who see BJDs as mere dolls and a waste of money. They liked them but when I told them the price I felt them silently judging me lol I don't really care and I don't get mad. They're outsiders after all.

Other collectors: I have have good feedback from some wonderful people here. I understand my my collection is very different from most people's collections here so as long as they're not rude about it, I don't mind if my dolls don't appeal them. (I collect regular humans on the cute side so that might look boring to some).

7.) How do you typically meet other doll collectors?

I have never met other doll collectors. =( I'm very reserved, I work and go to College and then go back home. I can count all my friends with one hand. I'm also very introverted so going to meet ups would make me feel very anxious...the only way I could meet other collectors is at College but none of them seem to know what a BJD is.

8.) How do you think someone on the outside sees doll collecting as a hobby? How do you tend to introduce your hobby to new people in your life?

I think outsiders see it as a weird and childish hobby because for them dolls=children and weird because they can't phantom why we pay a lot of money for dolls. The way I introduce my hobby is by saying "I collect BJDs, they're asian dolls" and that's it. I really don't care for the weird looks I get.

9.) Is there anything you dislike or would change about the community?

I wouldn't really change anything...I like it the way it is except I wish some people would be more tolerant and kind. I don't like rude people or people who judge others for the choices they made with theirs dolls. For me all dolls are beautiful and just how I put some bits of my personality into my dolls, I see other dolls as part of their owner so they're all precious in their own way.

 

1.) How did you start collecting, and why do you still collect?
I came across some pictures of BJDs(to be specific it's dolls from D.O.D.) and quickly grow fond of and wanted to find out more about them. Then I found out that there was a BJD section on the forum I was using and after I gathered all the information I stepped into this hobby. I still collects dolls now since I still love them and I am kind of sorry to my dolls as I had neglected them for about 3 years before I came back to the hobby in 2014.

2.) What are your dolls to you?
Honestly, toys, but extremely important and precious toys. Play with them are also a way for me to relief stress and to quickly restore my emotion.

3.) How do you see BJDs in general? How do they appeal to you?
I think they are expensive and collectible toys when they are still in the company's hands. Once they have arrive to us collectors, they turn into unique and meaningful beings that occupy a part of our heart.

4.) What makes them for adults, rather then children?
Definitely their price as children couldn't afford them and their customizable nature takes a lot effort for us to complete them that I don't think children would be able to do.

5.) What made you want to be a part of the community?
Probably because I didn't have any friends and families that are also BJD collectors so I wanted to have some people to share and discuss things about.

6.) What kind of feedback do you get from others about your dolls? [family. friends, other collectors]
Most of the feedbacks I got/heard are compliments, even friendly questions from curious strangers when I am doing photo shoot outside. I am really surprised as I heard of many experiences of collectors being insulted/criticized by strangers or even families that the dolls are creepy or that dolls are childish.

7.) How do you typically meet other doll collectors?
Most of the time, online at DoA or Facebook group. But I do met a collector when I was out doing a photo shoot, we eventually chatted and even added each other's Line ( a messaging app).

8.) How do you think someone on the outside sees doll collecting as a hobby? How do you tend to introduce your hobby to new people in your life?
There's definately a lot of people who think dolls are creepy but I think the majority just treats it as a normal hobby. When I am introducing dolls I usually asks if they are afraid of them and if they aren't, I would then start talking about dolls.

9.) Is there anything you dislike or would change about the community?
Although it doesn't really happens here but I really hope the those professional re-sellers on the auctions would stop buying and reselling those limited dolls, especially Volks dolls, at a unbelievable price only for the sake of making money.

 

Currently there is nothing about the community that I don't like, everyone has been so nice to me.

 

1.) How did you start collecting, and why do you still collect?
I have always loved dolls, and as a preteen/teen was very frustrated at the lack of diversity in any doll line. American Girl didn't have any boys, Barbie had better diversity in color, sculpt and having boys, but they all had the same bodies, mixing different types of dolls made for serious scale issues. I made my own cloth dolls for years, but finding BJDs finally gave me an outlet for my creative character diversity, and I could have lots of different body types, colors, face sculpts and not feel limited. This is why I continue to collect. BJDs are the best options for shelling my role play characters.

2.) What are your dolls to you?
They're physical representation of my written characters mostly, but also pieces of art and a creative outlet.

3.) How do you see BJDs in general? How do they appeal to you?
I'm not really sure how to answer this. They're a combo of art and dolls, two of my favorite things.


4.) What makes them for adults, rather then children?
Children would most likely get extremely frustrated or even injured by them. Little kids struggle to get shoes on Barbie, so trying to swap out resin parts, position eyes, pose, dress and wig the dolls would be hard for the really little ones. They're heavy, and that could make it even harder. They require a certain level of patience and artistic ability that most children don't possess. There are tiny parts that kids could choke on or lose. Chewing on resin is toxic. Many clothing pieces and accessories are very delicate and won't hold up to rough play. They'll break easier than most children's toys. Not to mention the price. There's no reason to give a small child a large, heavy artist doll that cost $500 when they'll probably be just as happy with a mass produced $20 doll from Target that will hold up longer through rough play and be easier for them to handle without worrying about ruining a faceup or breaking a finger.

That being said, I do think there are older children (like 10+) that could responsibly care for a BJD if they're taught how to do it right.

5.) What made you want to be a part of the community?
having other people to talk to about my hobby is a wonderful thing. I didn't have that much growing up, and it's a nice change. It also gives me a change to learn and share information and tips, and get to see other dolls that I wouldn't buy myself.

6.) What kind of feedback do you get from others about your dolls? [family. friends, other collectors]
Everything from "that's creepy" to "OMG he's amazing!!" Mostly, it's been positive. I've always been a creative, imaginative type, so no one who really knows me has been surprised at all by it. The few negative comments I've received has been mostly from strangers and acquaintances whose opinions don't matter.

7.) How do you typically meet other doll collectors?
Most of the people I know are from DoA or FB. Just going to local meets has allowed me to meet over 20 people in the hobby in person, and role playing on FB has helped me meet many more, though I've only met a handful of them in person due to distance.

8.) How do you think someone on the outside sees doll collecting as a hobby? How do you tend to introduce your hobby to new people in your life?
If they're an open minded creative type, they tend to be intrigued and ask a lot of questions. Some associate it with Barbie or anime at first, but after looking closer and asking questions, see it more as art.
If they're not so open, they sometime see it either as adults acting like children, some sort of perverted thing, "Chucky"/"Annabelle", or something creepy or weird.
I usually explain it as an art project/hobby. "They're art dolls, sculpted and cast in resin. They're strung, so they can pose in most positions that real people can. I painted him myself, chose his wig and eyes, and made his clothes." Sometimes realizing all the work and creativity going into them makes people realize it's nothing like buying a baby doll at the store then carrying it around and treating it like it's alive. It seems less "crazy" to them.

9.) Is there anything you dislike or would change about the community?
Overall, I like the community. I think the biggest problem is that there are some areas (mostly Tumblr, esp. confession blogs) where people can be extremely nasty and judgmental of others in the hobby, and that's completely unnecessary. I think if people focus more on making their own dolls in ways that make them happy, and compliment others, leaving behind all rude and negative comments, the community would be a safer place.

 

1.) How did you start collecting, and why do you still collect?
I got into BJDs through other dolls - namely, Takara Jenny/Licca and Azone. I found that BJDs actually suit me a lot better because of the customization factor and the sculpting quality.

2.) What are your dolls to you?
An art form I guess, and a way to tell stories. They're also just fun to have around.

3.) How do you see BJDs in general? How do they appeal to you?
I've always loved dolls, and pretty early on I was cutting their hair, drawing on them with sharpie, etc. I didn't know until later that there was a type of doll where customization was actually a main point, and I was really excited when I found them.

4.) What makes them for adults, rather then children?
They require a lot more investment and some of the stuff you can do with them is pretty advanced/might be hard for kids?

5.) What made you want to be a part of the community?
I was inspired by a lot of amazing people who are extremely talented, hardworking and nice, and I wanted to get to know them and the community they were in.

6.) What kind of feedback do you get from others about your dolls? [family. friends, other collectors]
I haven't gotten anything outwardly negative yet. Most people have been supportive, a little confused at worst.

7.) How do you typically meet other doll collectors?
Instagram, YouTube, and cons.

8.) How do you think someone on the outside sees doll collecting as a hobby? How do you tend to introduce your hobby to new people in your life?
I don't think a lot of people understand the work and passion that goes into it and how much the dolls mean to some of us. I try to describe how the hobby is a kind of art form when I introduce the hobby to someone.

9.) Is there anything you dislike or would change about the community?
Yeah, recasts are a big problem, I wish they weren't a thing; and there is a fair amount of bullying and gossip (mostly on Tumblr though)

 

1.) How did you start collecting, and why do you still collect?

Well, I've been interested in very well-articulated dolls ever since I was a child. There's just something about posing and playing with them that I've just loved ever since I can remember. I stumbled across the hobby several years back...I think because of the Rozen Maiden anime? It's been a long time. In any case, I fell in love with the combination of articulation and customization that BJDs are capable of. I've been lurking around the hobby ever since.

2.) What are your dolls to you?

A combination of expensive toys, art pieces, aesthetic canvases, a serviceable anatomy drawing reference, and outlet to bring characters to life. And, well, sometimes it's just soothing to dress them or brush wigs or whatever.

3.) How do you see BJDs in general? How do they appeal to you?

For all the reasons said above, really!

4.) What makes them for adults, rather then children?

Well...smaller, younger children in general would not be as gentle with them as you sometimes need to be (have you seen the state your average young child leaves barbie dolls in?!?), and BJDs are VERY expensive playthings to get replacements for. Plus the resin is toxic so with how smaller children love to chew on things it's not a good idea to let them mess with them. Maybe very responsible, older children could be trusted with a BJD, but I wouldn't generally recommend them for any child under 10 or so.

5.) What made you want to be a part of the community?

I'm not going to lie, I'm mostly in it to see all the ways people find to customize their dolls and to keep up with doll companies and individuals who sell BJDs and their accessories.

6.) What kind of feedback do you get from others about your dolls? [family. friends, other collectors]

Besides the shock from non-doll collectors about how much BJDs can cost, it's been positive feedback. I've got several friends who're particularly fascinated with how beautiful the dolls can be and how many things you can do with them artistically.

7.) How do you typically meet other doll collectors?

I don't! Well, not usually. Besides the occasional purchase on the marketplace and short back-and-forths about doll photos or questions about unfamiliar sculpts, I mostly keep to myself. Not that I'd ever turn down friendly interaction, of course, but it's just not something I seek out.

8.) How do you think someone on the outside sees doll collecting as a hobby? How do you tend to introduce your hobby to new people in your life?

It depends. Like I said above, much of my personal experience from others is just interested curiosity and the occasional boggling at the prices. I've also seen comments from more offensive individuals too--your standard "Eww, that's so weird and creepy. BJD people are all sheltered perverts who need to get a life!" reactions--but since those are very closed-minded, uninformed opinions or shouts from people just looking for a fight, I don't pay much attention.

As far as introducing BJDs to people, I just share a few pictures to gauge what they think. If they're into it, that's cool. If they're not, that's fine too.

9.) Is there anything you dislike or would change about the community?

While there's always going to be pockets of drama like those around various anonymous BJD confessions-type places made by people just itching to troll, I find it's easy to just ignore it. I don't need to justify how I spend time in my harmless hobby to anyone, after all. The only thing I'd really want to change is the continued prevalence of recasting in the hobby.