I'm writing a paper on the BJD community!

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

It was a natural outgrowth of doll and figure collecting and customizing for me. I have always had dolls, and have always enjoyed making them special and my own, and making them match the vision in my head for different characters. I still collect because there are still characters who need to come home.

2.) What are your dolls to you?

Muses. Memory touchstones, place-markers for the friends I would have liked to have growing up and as a young adult. I had a very lonely childhood and didn't make friends, and became a creator and writer because of it. The dolls represent those characters that I am either exceptionally fond of or made a lasting impact on me.

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

I am very fond of the stylized realism, neither too anime or too realistic. They are very beautiful, exceptional pieces of art that are completely open to interpretation and interaction.

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

Aside from the potential injury/harm factor--resin is toxic, after all, and those joints can bite and pinch, I don't necessarily think they are exclusively for adults. A child can be taught from an early age that a thing is special or treasured, and that a gentle touch is needed. My son was three when I got my first BJD, and he proved himself so trustworthy that he received his first BJD for his fifth birthday. His dolls (because he has more than one) have never once been broken, never had their wigs or face-ups damaged, have never had parts misplaced, and have been treated as revered friends. My son is fourteen now, a member of DoA, and I have never once regretted my decision. It's a sad statement on our disposable world that we automatically assume that children are incapable of appreciating nice things, or taking care of them.

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

I wanted to be able to share my own creativity and enjoy the creativity of others.

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

My family is exceptionally supportive, to the point of my mother and aunt sending me odds and ends because they thought of my dolls when they saw them. I don't really have many friends who aren't doll people, but those who are not are quite kind about them too. I assume other collectors are mostly indifferent about my dolls, unless they specifically say something about one of the oddities in my collection.


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

Online. I don't do well in social settings, so even at doll events I tend to be the quiet one sitting in the corner. I'm mostly forgettable in person, so I tend to do better online.


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?

They probably think it's a waste of money and space, honestly. That's fine. They're entitled to their opinion. I think upgrading to new tech every six months is wasteful, for example. I don't frequently get new people in my life, so I really haven't had the opportunity to introduce them to it. I don't hide it, though. My dolls are in the living room, and I frequently take one out with me.


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

I wish people were more understanding that not everyone functions or thinks or perceives like they do, and their derision is not needed or appreciated. That's the big thing that I'd like to change--for people to remember that everyone comes from a different life experience, and what they might think is laughable or incompetent might be the most important thing in the world to that particular person. There's no need for hatefulness or mockery--life does a good enough job of kicking most people in the teeth, so try to be kind and supportive.

 

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

I discovered BJD’s in approximately 8th grade. I instantly fell in love and researched them. I didn’t get my first doll (who is actually off-topic) until my junior year of high school as a gift. I was hooked from there, with no return .I still collect them because they’re my characters made 3D. Plus I do a lot of crafting for them. They channel my creative spirit.

2.) What are your dolls to you?
They are my characters brought to “life”. I can hold them and pose them, photograph them, craft for them. They are an outlet. When I’m feeling sad or upset, I can hold one and feel better. Sometimes I confide in them, just to get things off my chest.

3.) How do you see BJDs in general? How do they appeal to you?
I see them as people’s imaginations brought to another level. So many people pour their energy and love into these dolls and create these beautiful characters.
I love how some come already designed, but some come as blank slates, allowing the owners to create whatever they’d like. This is the part that appeals to me the most. Sometimes I buy a doll based on a character I’ve already created, and sometimes I make a character to fit a doll I want.

4.) What makes them for adults, rather then children?
Honestly, I believe BJD’s are not just for adults. I have encountered numerous children who handle my dolls with so much care. BJD’s are about fun, joy, creativity. There shouldn’t be any limit to that. If the child’s guardians, or the child, can buy a doll for the child, he or she should be able to enjoy them without any judgment by others.

5.) What made you want to be a part of the community?
Honestly, I love the creativity of the community. The more I see, the more I’m inspired. I want to see as much as I can. Another part of the community I love is being able to talk about and share my dolls with other doll-people.

6.) What kind of feedback do you get from others about your dolls? [family. friends, other collectors]
My best friend is always so excited about my dolls. She and I share the doll hobby and encourage each other. My mom listens to me sometimes and brushes me off other times. My brother listens to me rattle on about my dolls lol. He even asks me questions sometimes. I receive a lot of compliments about my dolls on my doll-based Tumblr blog, dolls-of-our-lives. Earrach is the crowd favorite lol. In BJD meets at the anime convention I go to every year, we all tend to go crazy about everyone’s dolls, so everyone gets attention ^-^

7.) How do you typically meet other doll collectors?
I met one of my doll friends by suggestion. We both shopped at a local doll store that sells BJD’s, and the owner suggested I become friends with him. We hang out at the BJD meet-up at ASTL every year. Some doll friends I made through trades or sales. Others I met on Tumblr.

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 a lot of people think it’s strange and immature. That’s the reaction I’ve gotten from many people, especially people I’m trying to date. I tend to bring the topic up after we’ve gotten to know each other, but soon enough where it’s not a big loss if they ditch me because they think dolls are creepy. I actually get really offended when a guy tells me that my dolls are creepy or gross, because they are so beautiful to me and a huge part of who I am. I will stop talking to a person if they insult my dolls or hobby like that. My current boyfriend was very open to talking about my dolls. I think I was talking to him on snapchat while working on a doll project when I brought them up.

9.) Is there anything you dislike or would change about the community?
Absolutely. The awful confession blogs on Tumblr are out of hand. I think there is a lot of narcissism and hate in the community…like, does a “BJD burn book” blog really need to exist?? The constant need to put one another down is ridiculous. We are part of a very small hobby, whether we like to admit it or not. Maybe we shouldn’t push anyone from the hobby or discourage anyone from joining…

Also the recast thing. I won’t beat a dead horse, but pro-artist all the way.

 

1.) How did you start collecting, and why do you still collect? I started mentally collecting ages ago. One of my favorite fan artists made a blog about her bjds and I was fascinated by them. It's been years, I mean, years, she's a professional illustrator now and I have 7 dolls and a pile of heads. I still collect because I LOVE the aesthetics of the dolls and the creativity and individuality in every doll!

2.) What are your dolls to you? To me, my dolls are an outlet for all of my unrealized personal ambitions in absolutely perfect, idealized forms. I would have loved to be a spunky tomboy! Or a gorgeous fashionista! Or a mori girl! But I didn't turn out to be any of those things, but my dolls CAN be those things, and they'll be immensely more pretty in those roles than I would ever be.

3.) How do you see BJDs in general? How do they appeal to you? I see bjds as an extension of the Asian aesthetic art style that has made anime and video gaming so unbelievably popular. I mentioned above that I discovered bjds through fan art. I prefer the stylized older dolls that really speak to that, the old Delfs and the early Volks dolls. Strangely, I didn't like Dollfie Dreams at first! But now I think they're cute.

4.) What makes them for adults, rather then children? I think it really depends on the adult or the child, really. I started collecting expensive dolls when I was really young, and my sister did too. We kept our dolls in pretty much perfect, if played-with condition. As we got older and started to collect limited edition Barbies, we took them out of the boxes, but didn't play with them. Our dad brought us gorgeous dolls from Japan when he went there for a training session, and the only reason they've gotten retired from decor status is that our little hands tarnished the metallic threads in their kimonos and some of their little decorations, like hair sticks and fans, somehow disappeared. On the other end of the spectrum is our cousin, who also got expensive dolls and thoroughly destroyed them every time and I wouldn't trust her in the same room with any of my bjds and she's 35.

5.) What made you want to be a part of the community? I always want to be part of a group! I'm very much a community person. As soon as I got into the hobby I wanted to share it!

6.) What kind of feedback do you get from others about your dolls? [family. friends, other collectors] My mother, sister, and sister's best friend think they're gorgeous and love them. My best friend would have to smash them with a hammer to sleep in my house. My work friends are horribly creeped out by them. My dad knows I collect dolls but he's never seen them. He did remind me that when I was a baby he showed me an old German ball jointed doll at an antique store and I was scared of it.

7.) How do you typically meet other doll collectors? Accidentally? No really, online and at the SD BJD Con. From the friends I me there, we road tripped to the LA Dolly Party. From there I met more people in SD and more people in LA. Now I'm going to host a doll meet at my swanky new apartment in April.

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've really carefully slipped into conversation that I collect ball jointed dolls, and everyone says "what's that?" I'm pretty sure other people (even friends) think it's weird! Once the price of dolls comes into it, it gets really weird. That said, my close friends understand that everyone has that one thing they spend money on. Like going to movies, or to amusement parks, or drinking really expensive wine, and they understand that dolls are just my thing.

9.) Is there anything you dislike or would change about the community? This is something that happens in EVERY community with more than a few members: cliques. Cliques are NOT a bad thing, they're a natural occurrence when people who have things in common start talking to each other. But when you start in the hobby, and the cliques are already there, it's hard to make friends. And when you're in the clique, you're comfortable with your friends and don't necessarily want to let people in! If you know how to fix that, you'll win the Nobel Peace Prize.

 

Maybe a question about mods/photos/costuming - IE what are people's creative inputs?

Ah, meet-ups. Well, I actually am rather experienced with meet-ups/groups, being old LOL I haven't organized a doll meet yet but I've helped. However, I am on Meet-Up as the coordinator for 2 groups & the admin for a third, plus on the board of directors for a 501c-3 group (I'm a founding member - we started in the early 2000s).
Getting a meet-up going is often a slog - I decided 2 years ago that Asheville desperately needed a KDrama meet-up (ok, I needed one LOL) but it took over a year and a half to really get off the ground (ie more than a couple members ever showing up at the same time). First thing to do is see if there IS a group meeting somewhat nearby. If not, try to find out if there are other dollie people within a reasonable distance of you. I know some BJD people who also go to doll shows/meetings that are not focused on BJDs - that's an option as well.

 

BJD meets are great fun! My group tends to hold our meets on Sunday afternoons. People show up all excited, with armloads full of dolls, in rabid chattering squirrel mode, someone will be apologizing because they couldn't resist bring ALL of their dolls. Someone else will be exclaiming about forgetting some dollie item they forgot to bring for a friend. Everyone will be all, "Hey , are we doing a dollie yard sale / swap thing today?" We spend half an hour or so setting the dolls up to best advantage, more people and dolls wander in. New dolls, old favorites, new faceups, and exceptionally well dressed dolls are exclaimed over. Pictures are taken. There is usually food, the members of my doll group seem to mostly subsist on coffee, cream soda, cookies, and cake. Sometimes we do seasonal or holiday themed meets. Last Halloween we did a Disney Princess themed doll meet. I made my Iplehouse Leona a Pocahantas costume for that one. Around 7pm we begin to discuss pizza and after an hours debate finally order some. Sometimes we watch a movie, but mostly we are too busy talking about dolls to pay it much mind. I leave a little earlier than most, sometimes they go on all night and people sleep over.

 

1.) How did you start collecting, and why do you still collect?
I saw some dolls online every once in a while, but I got into them when I saw them in person for the first time! I was like that for lolita fashion as well, I had admired it but was unsure if I would like spending so much money, until I tried on one of Angelic Pretty's dresses which run about $400. I still collect because I'm studying fashion and enjoy sewing doll clothes, as well as I like pretty things. Even if it may not become my main focus at some point in life, I like to have dolls as pretty objects.

2.) What are your dolls to you?
My dolls are characters, though characters form after falling in love with the sculpts. They're a way for me to make some money doing what I love, even if it's just a small amount. They can be comfort objects, I struggle with anxiety and the weight of my SD is reassuring.

3.) How do you see BJDs in general? How do they appeal to you?
I see them as a canvas for creativity. So many different things can be done with the same sculpt, it's amazing how many looks are out there! And there's so much to the hobby, wig making, clothes, faceup/body blush services, modifications...

4.) What makes them for adults, rather then children?
The price tag is one, probably. The faceups are not durable enough for child's play, I've chipped my girl's faceup twice just from not reacting quickly enough to catch her. The dolls can be durable certainly strong enough for posing and dressing, but fingers can still break, and resin cuts so easily. Not to mention sometimes the seam lines of a doll are sharp enough to cut someone.

5.) What made you want to be a part of the community?
Seeing everyone's dolls! It was my friends' dolls that got me into it, I love seeing other people put love into their collection.

6.) What kind of feedback do you get from others about your dolls? [family. friends, other collectors]
Positive! Except my mother calls my boy a girl. And has asked "Can I just say she?? It's easier" "Does he have a...peepee?" Probably one of my worst moments right there. Yes he's feminine but she persists in calling him a girl, which I don't appreciate for a number of reasons, but it also hits hard because my boyfriend is trans, and she doesn't respect his gender. I mean, if she only will call my boy doll a boy because of his penis, then she's not going to respect trans men that don't get surgery (there's many other examples outside dolls where she proves she doesn't respect trans people). But I digress, this is a doll space.
Everyone else I've expected to be creeped out, but they find mine pretty! But if people do find them creepy, I take no offense, child-like dolls creep me out. I'm also in school studying fashion, so everyone I've shown in class is fascinated by the tiny clothes.

7.) How do you typically meet other doll collectors?
Online! I've met a few in person the first time, and a couple other friends collected and I didn't even know! They're in my circle of anime convention friends, so we only see each other once or twice a year but keep in touch online. In a couple days I will be attending a doll meet to meet more people too, but like the others, it was organized online.

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?
Creepy. Weird. But like I said above I don't feel offended at that. I think people will be shocked at the price, but surprisingly enough the most aversion to the price comes from my boyfriend who I got into the hobby. He wants to be in, but doesn't want to pay so much. This leads to some hurt feelings on my part, and no one else has blatantly said "I wouldn't pay that much for a doll" like he has.
I tend to introduce my hobby when I explain what I would like to do after I graduate. I mention sewing for some other designers, and then opening up an etsy shop for doll clothes. I've never had a bad response, people usually ask to see what I've made.

9.) Is there anything you dislike or would change about the community?
I expect everyone will say the drama. I haven't had a run in with any drama myself but some friends have. I guess I would change the fact there are people who still scam other people, make trades but don't hold up their end, and flakey buyers/sellers. If this is an adult hobby, which I believe is true, have some business sense, have some common courtesy, and things will run a lot more smoothly.

 

1.) How did you start collecting, and why do you still collect? - I started the hobby in 2010, i am still collecting cause I can combine this hobby with my other ones.

2.) What are your dolls to you? - They are mostly beautiful modells.

3.) How do you see BJDs in general? How do they appeal to you? - they are elegant and interesting. Some of them are disturbing. BJDs do have their very own charme.

4.) What makes them for adults, rather then children? - They are delicate abd expensive. Small children hands could damage them.

5.) What made you want to be a part of the community? - i think its nice to see the wide range of dolls united in the community. I have learned so much here, saw so many wonderful headmolds, looked at so many adorable pictures.

6.) What kind of feedback do you get from others about your dolls? [family. friends, other collectors] - it goes from not interested to full understanding. I am lucky there is no one by my side who is bullying me because of my dolls.

7.) How do you typically meet other doll collectors? - till now i havent met dollcollectors..but this will change this 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?- at some point i just tell the person because they will see my dolls anyways when visiting me at home.

9.) Is there anything you dislike or would change about the community? - mhh difficult question. Maybe to be more open to newbies? But all in all the doll community seems to be a nice group.

 

You stuff your resin into a bag and hope for the best, if you're me, then you co-ordinate an extravagant outfit to go with the bag you've chosen (again, if you're me..) and then you go to the meeting place, worry for ten minutes that you've got the time and date wrong (and if you're me, then realise that you HAVE got the time and date wrong...) and then notice other people who are also wondering if they've got the time and date wrong, also holding large cumbersome bags. Those are doll people. Then you sit in your chosen meeting place, usually have tea as doll meets are usually in cafes or similar, and then there is a brief awkward pause while you work out when is the best time to gleefully get all your dolls out. Then you gleefully get all your dolls out and spend 4 hours cooing voer how gorgeous everyone's dolls are. They're marvellous.

Organising them is simply a question of asking everyone there if they want to come to another one, and then making posts either here or on other doll forums (ha ha ha) or facebook (I don't have facebook) with the time and date of the next one, and, well, people come!

 

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

My first few "resin minions" were purchased primarily to be photography models. I don't take all that many pictures of the crew these days, so as it stands now they've evolved more into of a collection of art objects. I sew for them and enjoy collecting outfits and in-scale props, and I keep the dolls behind glass in a set of display cabinets.

2.) What are your dolls to you?

Decorative toys that I value very highly and have a lot of fun tinkering with.

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

I see them as something half-way between art objects and playthings. Their jointing and posability, and their relative ease of customization appeal to me. I'm also fond of the sheer physical size and proportions of 1/3-scale dolls. They have a lot of "presence", and that's interesting to me.

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

I'm not sure it's an either/or. Unlike some in the community, I don't see anything wrong with younger people owning BJDs if they're mature enough to take care of them. (My god-daughter received her first MiniFee for her 8th birthday, for example. A doll that's still in excellent shape and that she still owns almost ten years later.) But the dolls' small parts, joints that can pinch, resin that has to be maintained in specific ways (Kept away from excessive sunlight, for instance-), high price and relative fragility mean they aren't a good choice for less careful, less mature kids who might not be as careful as they need to be. So, rather or not they're for children depends entirely on the specific child.

If you're asking what makes it okay for "grown ups" to own them, I simply don't think that toys of any sort have upper age limits. I know perfectly normal, rational adults who love LEGO, who play with Nerf guns, who build Gundam kits and who have Transformers figures sitting on their desks at work. The MSN development team at Microsoft used to have a giant, solar-powered K'nex ferris wheel in the lounge across from their offices. In addition to having dolls, I also collect and fly kites. My 81 year old neighbor makes teddy bears. The point is, you're NEVER too old to play. People who say otherwise are just making their lives poorer for it.

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

Originally, I was looking for information. Where to find specific types of clothing for my guys, what size eyes fit them best, which shoes worked on smaller-than-average-for-their-scale feet... that sort of thing. These days, I mostly stick around out of habit, and to keep up with that the doll companies are up to or chat with other owners about our projects and plans.

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

My family don't really see the fascination, but are open-minded enough not to mind my horde of minions, either. My friends all have hobbies of their own, some of which are much more likely to get odd looks from the muggles than doll collecting, so we're all very live and let live about each other passtimes.

Other collectors? That's a mixed bag. As you probably know from being involved yourself, we're part of a catty, very judgmental community. While the majority of collectors may be polite, considerate and engaging people, but there's also a sizable minority who are anything but. Expressing a strong opinion or standing out in any way can sometimes feel like you're painting a target on your own head. Even having a larger than average collection can bring out the metaphorical knives. So, it's no surprise that I've had both good interactions with other collectors and bad ones.

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

I don't. I used to attend local meets, but stopped several years ago... Most of the older collectors had moved on, and I was a poor social match for the (much) younger crowd that replaced them.

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 understand "collecting" things, at least to some degree, and dolls and other toys aren't uncommon items for collectors to focus on. Like stamps, or coins or baseball cards, collecting dolls as a general category is pretty main-stream. Typically, no one even bats an eye when I say "-and I collect a particular type of Asian art-dolls". It's just not seen as all that strange for a woman my age.

When I've had one of the crew out in public taking pictures, they tend to get pretty positive responses from people. Older women and kids in particular seem to be drawn to them... I've answered a lot of questions about my dolls from people just wandering over to get a closer look. I've always suspected that my being comfortable about the dolls and treating having one out in public as "no big deal" also put them at ease... Humans take social cues from each other, after all. If I don't act like it's something weird, they don't either.

That said, I do tend to be pretty low-key about my hobbies. If someone asks specifically about what I do in my spare time, I'll tell them about the dolls, my garden, my cameras, tabletop RPGs, cooking and my kites... but I've never been one of those hyper-excited "OMGDollsAreMyLIFE!" type owners, or someone who shouts their interests from the rooftops to anyone who'll listen. If they don't ask, I'm not going to bore them with information they don't want or need.

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

We need to embrace a few Dolly Commandments, I think...

* To each their own. Recognize that your preferences are not the only right and proper way to doll.
* Own what you love. Buy dolls FOR YOU, not to cater to the opinions of the peanut gallery.
* Be confident in your choices.
* Remember that disagreement is not abuse.

That would help a lot with the most common sources of Dolly Drama.

 

1.) How did you start collecting, and why do you still collect?
I was into monster highs and art dolls, and I had already seen bjds before (I had no idea what they were), and i found them again through a monster high collector. I still collect them because they're the best sort of dolls imo, and I'm only like halfway finished with getting my doll family.

2.) What are your dolls to you?
I think they're collaborative pieces of art, so i'm attached to them in the same way an artist would be attached to their paintings. They're also tangible pieces of my imagination as stupid as that sounds. Like they're characters that i've built up in my mind.

But i think secondly they're fashion outlets. I've always been easily addicted to fashion dolls and dress up and thats mostly what i do with my dolls once i get them.

3.) How do you see BJDs in general? How do they appeal to you?
Their eyes mostly, i like how theyre not just glued on and theyre actually in the head. It gives even the most cartoony bjds a realistic look.
4.) What makes them for adults, rather then children?
Firstly i think it takes a bit of knowlege to paint and customize a doll. When i was a kid the only makeup i could do was like raccoon eyes witn smeared lipstick. I think kids 12 and up are capable of owning one though.

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

To be honest, i feel less bad about being an adult that collects dolls since theres like 40k people on this forum. It validates my weird hobbies i guess. Plus i really wanted to go to some meetups.
6.) What kind of feedback do you get from others about your dolls? [family. friends, other collectors]
I think in general since everyone i told is close to me, theyre too polite to say something about it. They're really supportive and say that the dolls are cool.

7.) How do you typically meet other doll collectors?
I dont, cause theres like absolutely no doll owners in Colorado.

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?
Super weird, and i know its weird. When i was first getting into the dolls, i thought it was weird too. Having dolls is something that kids do so i think most people do a double take. Im honestly im blunt, if i want to tell someone about dolls i just tell them i collect overpriced dolls for adults.
9.) Is there anything you dislike or would change about the community?
The community seems a bit dodgey as a whole, but i think its fine that way. Theres a lot of abnormal people in this hobby and i dont see any reason to change it. Other than that, i think the clothes should be cheaper. I really dont think doll clothes should be equally as expensive as human clothes.

 

1.) How did you start collecting, and why do you still collect?
I came across pictures of DoD dolls on the internet, and fell in love with one of the sculpts. I remember balking at the price tag at first, but eventually succumbed to their appeal anyway and saved up for my favorite sculpt. Along the years, my dolls have really grown on me, and doing anything BJD-related or even just being near them would cheer me up.

2.) What are your dolls to you?
An important part of myself, and also a part of my family. I'm extremely introverted by nature, and being around people can really stress me out. (I suppose you can say I suffer from social anxiety.) I think I see them as companions for when I'm yearning for company, but want to be away from people and their judging eyes. Unlike many other collectors here who have specific characters to shell into dolls, my dolls' personalities are developed gradually as I spend more time with them. And as I spend more time with them, my bond with them grows stronger too. My dolls allow me to be me. I've always had trouble making close friends, and when I do, I'm always worried about pissing them off or doing something they dislike. With dolls, I can rest my mind at ease knowing that they'll never judge or turn their backs on me.

3.) How do you see BJDs in general? How do they appeal to you?
They've extremely exquisite creations with unlimited possibilities for creative output. Growing up, I've always hated dolls --probably because of how fake or dead they looked. But I've found myself drawn to BJDs ever since I discovered them. What really appeals to me is how life-like and expressive they can be.

4.) What makes them for adults, rather then children?
The most obvious thing would be their weight and fragility. Unlike children's toys, BJDs are heavy and can be difficult for a child to carry around. They are also not built to survive being tossed around like a toy. There is also quick a fair amount of maintenance required to keep them in their best possible conditions. These dolls are painstakingly handcrafted by artists, and should be viewed more like a work of art than a toy.

5.) What made you want to be a part of the community?
The BJD community in my country is very small, so it's always nice to join an international community where everyone shares the same interest. There is always something new to learn from the other collectors and I'm also a little bit less intimidated by social interaction when I'm online, so that's a plus too.

6.) What kind of feedback do you get from others about your dolls? [family. friends, other collectors]
My family is tolerant of it, they do not really understand why BJDs are so expensive and why I spend so much time and money on them, but I'm a working adult so they trust me to do what's best for myself. My friends are also all right with it; some of them are scared of dolls, while the others are intrigued by them.

7.) How do you typically meet other doll collectors?
The only time I'd meet anyone new would be at local doll-meets, or through an introduction. I avoid doll conventions like the plague because they're always crowded, but I'm usually a lot more relaxed when I'm on a vacation and do make it a point to try attending a couple of overseas events. If it so happens that there is a meet planned for one of these cons, then that's even better.

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?
From what I've seen so far, they would either be weirded out, intrigued, or think you're some kind of anime otaku. :'D I don't make it a point to hide my interest in BJDs, so it would be brought up if someone asks me about my hobbies or what I do in my free-time.

9.) Is there anything you dislike or would change about the community?
Honestly, I wish there is more traffic in this forum. I have been around on DoA for 10 years now, and I really miss the days when the forum was a lot more active. :'( That, and I wish people in this hobby would be a bit more tolerant of each other...

 

1.) How did you start collecting, and why do you still collect?
I used to be scared of dolls, but for some reason, Super Dollfies did not scare me and I thought they were beautiful. It's just a cute hobby to be in.

2.) What are your dolls to you?
They're exactly what they are. Dolls.

3.) How do you see BJDs in general? How do they appeal to you?
You can move the limbs and joints. Many dolls do not and did not have that feature. They also have human like proportions more so than say a Barbie.

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

5.) What made you want to be a part of the community?
I was to talk about dolls and see what people wanted and liked. I'm not really part of it anymore.

6.) What kind of feedback do you get from others about your dolls? [family. friends, other collectors]
My family just see it as a weird hobby. Friends are fascinated. Collectors think it's cute.

7.) How do you typically meet other doll collectors?
Meets or city events.

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 see it as a childish thing that needs to be grown out of, but really, I don't think anyone seriously cares too much. I talk about the hobby and show them pictures.

9.) Is there anything you dislike or would change about the community?
The expensiveness of it and some of the people are temperamental and overly sensitive. It's a double-edged sword with this community. There's lot of judging but then there's lots of drama at the same time. We are our own worst enemy.

 

1.) How did you start collecting, and why do you still collect? I officially started collecting about 3 years after is joined the community, and I think that was two years ago. I still collect because there are several dolls I still want, and new dolls frequently coming out. As more people have come into the hobby, dolls have become more interesting and diverse.

2.) What are your dolls to you? My dolls are basically tangible avatars for characters of mine.

3.) How do you see BJDs in general? How do they appeal to you? In general, I see them as a type of canvas, a blank slate that we can paint to our liking and make it look however we want. This is also why they appeal to me, the sheer number of ways they can be customized and made to look different.

4.) What makes them for adults, rather then children? I would say the price and the material they are made of. However, it is up to the buyer in the end.

5.) What made you want to be a part of the community? I've met some pretty cool people within the community.

6.) What kind of feedback do you get from others about your dolls? [family. friends, other collectors] I don't really show them off, so...

7.) How do you typically meet other doll collectors? Online here on the forums, or in facebook groups. I did meet a couple in person in college a few years ago though.

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? Depends on the person. Most of the people I have dealt with don't seem to care, treating it like any other hobby they aren't familiar with. Others I have met express mild interest or curiosity.

When introducing the hobby, I am usually pretty direct. People who get to know me know that I play video games, collect figures, and other toys, so usually it isn't too out there that I also collect expensive dolls too.

9.) Is there anything you dislike or would change about the community? The drama, especially the drama that is rampant on tumblr. I also feel like as this hobby has gotten more popular, there is less appreciation for the artistic aspects of the hobby, or at least less appreciation for the value of these pieces. I see so much more complaining about prices. be it the price of the dolls, clothes, or even faceup/blushing services.

 

1.) How did you start collecting, and why do you still collect?
I started collecting in 2008 when I spotted an AoD Chi and knew he was my original character, Moswen, from my novel Balancing Karma. I'd admired other people's dolls for a few years previously but never felt the urge to buy a doll. Moswen changed that in a big way. I still collect (I'm up to 35 dolls now) as there are still characters that demand to have resin shells. Thankfully not all my characters want/need that.

2.) What are your dolls to you?
Characters from the novels I write. Some characters make such a huge impression on me that I feel the need to see/have them in resin form in a medium that I can interact with in a way above just staring at a pretty picture or looking at a static sculpture of one of my guys.

3.) How do you see BJDs in general? How do they appeal to you?
I see BJD's as art objects in general. They are creative, artistic outlets to me. Sometimes they help me refine a character or even tell me things about a character whom I thought I knew inside out. Like I had no idea Moswen hates the colour red. I didn't think Khale would most often hide his hands in the overlong sleeves of his robes and that he's primarily a pastel colour kind of guy. I knew Tyh was casual about nudity but I didn't realize he'd much rather be as naked as society will let him get away with.

4.) What makes them for adults, rather then children?
The material they're made with combined with the more careful handling required than the average child-specific doll. It's much easier to damage a BJD (broken fingers, chipped noses, scratched face-up) than a Barbie. And if something tragic happens to Barbie, it's certainly easier (both on the wallet as well as physically) to replace in most instances than replacing a BJD.

5.) What made you want to be a part of the community?
Mostly to trade tips and knowledge but I have purchased a fair bit of my dolls through the 2nd hand market and without the community, there wouldn't have been a way for me to get what I wanted.

6.) What kind of feedback do you get from others about your dolls? [family. friends, other collectors]
The Hubby calls them my creepies and refuses to touch them. He does, however, understand how much they mean to me and is glad that I have a hobby that I enjoy. The Boy just rolls his eyes and ignores them when he comes over to visit. The people I work with are amused that I collect them and that I can ramble on and on about them. I bring dolls into work fairly regularly and they always stop to see who I brought in that day.

7.) How do you typically meet other doll collectors?
Usually through DoA or other doll forums/FB groups (although I loathe FB with the passion of 10,000 burning suns). Sometimes at conventions.

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?
Usually someone seeing my dolls tends to think it's weird that someone my age is collecting dolls. Although, they're a little confused at the same time since the majority of my dolls are adult-looking and I think most people's experiences are with baby dolls or child dolls so when they see my guys, they're not really sure how to take them.

I'm open about not only my dolls but the relationships between the doll characters and I will expound on that with very little prodding. All my dolls are paired up together (except for 2, which are small children) and I have no female dolls. This has confused a good deal of people. They're further confused when I point out the ones that are in triad relationships or the ones that are most definitely not human (I have a Naga, Satyr, Cockatrice... the list sort of goes on and on).

9.) Is there anything you dislike or would change about the community?
For the most part, no. I did have an experience early in my doll collecting with someone who was very much an elitist and, unfortunately, their dismissive tone and words for anything not Volks completely turned me off the company to the point where I refuse to have anything Volks (dolls, clothes, eyes, wig, etc.) as part of my collection.

Aside from that one instance though, I've had pretty positive experiences in the hobby and met some really cool people through the hobby. I even met a very good friend through dolls and despite her mostly falling out of the hobby, we're still fast friends and see each other frequently and email/call often. I've also learned to do stuff I never would've tried like make/modify wigs and do minor mods. Being in the hobby and sewing clothes for my dolls has also helped me regain some of my spatial reasoning that was damaged by a TIA stroke. I still can't make my own patterns anymore but I can now make small changes to established patterns to make them fit my crew better since I seem to collect odd-sized dolls. That might sound like nothing special but it's a really big deal for me and involves forcing my brain to re-train/learn how to compensate for my lost spatial reasoning.

 

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

1.) I was looking for doll sweaters to knit on ravelry and a number of patterns came up with minifee. I though what is a minifee? The dolls were very beautiful. I looked them up and could not believe the cost or the lack of availability. If you wanted a particular doll you couldn’t buy it. DoA was closed to applications at the time so it was hard to get any info. I collect because I like doing so.

2.) What are your dolls to you?
An expression I guess, or to live vicarious through them. I love the clothes and costumes and I could not wear those things myself (without looking like an idiot)

3.) How do you see BJDs in general? How do they appeal to you?
It’s a spectrum. You have those who collect dolls and like to dress them up in tee-shirts and jeans and then you have those who are professional costume designers who make stunning works of art. I can appreciate the talent that is necessary.

4.) What makes them for adults, rather then children?
Yikes, I have 3 boys and I keep them away.

5.) What made you want to be a part of the community?
I like to read the posts to see what others think about certain things. If I know something I like to share it (doesn’t happen too often). I like to read about other people’s expertise or experience. I like to be inspired by the photos that people post.

6.) What kind of feedback do you get from others about your dolls? [family. friends, other collectors]
My husband and children think I am crazy. I show my friends and colleagues my small projects but never share the cost.

7.) How do you typically meet other doll collectors?
No meetings in my town or close by. Plan to go to Doll North this May

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 it depends on the person. Some people have no hobbies and can’t understand the concept. I usually don’t bring it up. I have an older friend and one day we got talking and she showed me the porcelain dolls that she made years ago. Beautifully painted with a very fine wardrobe.

9.) Is there anything you dislike or would change about the community?
Yes….there may be a way (but I don’t know it) for those members from certain areas to have there location be identified, so you would know how many from a certain city or area.

 

1.) How did you start collecting, and why do you still collect?
I've been into dolls since I was really little, collecting other various kinds before I managed to meet my friend's BJD, and then discovered there was this whole other community filled with these dolls that absolutely amazed me. I still collect them because they're a wonderful creative experience for me, and honestly, they're make me the happiest I've been in a long while.

2.) What are your dolls to you?
My dolls are my babies, as they're all characters. I'm a writer, so creating a character is a very in depth process for me, and so they essentially become little people with their own personalities.

3.) How do you see BJDs in general? How do they appeal to you?
I see them as a positive item for people to express themselves with. Even those who just collect because their collection says a lot about them. I've never seen anything quite like them, and they're so versatile in their looks.

4.) What makes them for adults, rather then children?
Aside from the price, as some kind parents could get their child whatever they see fit if they can afford it, I wouldn't strictly say that they're only for adults. Certainly they require a maturity, as they're more anatomically correct than a barbie doll and these things are not nearly as durable. They require much more care, but I've seen plenty of adults who mistreat their BJD's, and children who keep theirs as pristine as it had just come out the box.

5.) What made you want to be a part of the community?
I want to meet others who enjoy this hobby as much as I do, because having someone to hype with who loves the hobby as much as you do is an amazing feeling. I also want to see what others are doing, getting, feeling, because that way I can be excited with them.

6.) What kind of feedback do you get from others about your dolls? [family. friends, other collectors]
My family, small that it is, mostly shrugs and says it's my money and I can do what I want as long as I can afford them. Though I know my mother will roll her eyes whenever I mumble how much some of these guys cost me. My friends are mostly converts at this point, or were collectors before hand, and so they all adore my collection as much as I adore theirs. As for other collectors, they seem really in love with Ren (Iplehouse Boris) in particular, which is fun cause he's my favorite. The others are all well received too.

7.) How do you typically meet other doll collectors?
Typically I've known them already or converted them. Which means they're all local, which is nice.

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 on the person I guess. I live in California, so most people are pretty open-minded about hobbies that most people wouldn't consider normal. As for introducing them, I tend to just stare at people dead in the eye and tell them I collect overly expensive hunks of resin called BJD's. Then I explain what BJD stands for, as most of the people I have to explain it to are men and they think it some sort of euphemism. I don't tend to show them to people right away though, because that'd be mean removing them from my room, and I don't trust them not to get damaged somehow.

9.) Is there anything you dislike or would change about the community?
As with any hobby, there are the stupid ones. They say false information because they can, or just say rude things, or even start a go fun me asking for people to pay for them to get a $500 doll. (That last one happened on Monday. It was pretty bad.) If I could, I'd get rid of the people who make this hobby venomous for others, but some could say any of us are mean and then we'd just all have to leave.

 

I think it is important to help people understand not to buy recasts as it is hurting the industry. The community needs to educate and help new members to avoid buying a recast doll. DoA is very helpful with information on it's forum. If you can't find your answer you can ask a moderator. As I consider myself a complete newbie I would be completely clueless as to whether my doll is original or recast so I chose to buy from a respectable dealer in the UK. I found out where to buy my doll from the DoA forum. I guess if the price is too cheap that is the big clue ... avoid!!!! If you have made a mistake forgive yourself and learn and don't repeat it again. That way we are actively helping to support the abjd artists and companies.

The answers after the questions are mine. I am so sorry to have presented it badly. Such a long answer I'm going to leave it as posted. If you want to read the answers just expand the quote.

 

@officialorange English class! For some, the only ray of sun in the schoolday. For others, the bane of existence. How did the paper go?

1.) How did you start collecting, and why do you still collect?
I discovered BJDs through toy forums. I'd never liked dolls, but these looked like oversized action figures. Not to mention they were easier to customize, came in weird skintones, and had fantasy parts. I was sold.

Sticker shock came after. I put it off for a few years. Eventually I did odd jobs to pay for an entry-level doll. He didn't work out and I sold him, but not before buying others...which were mostly sold or traded for new ones.

Oh look, a bottomless pit.

2.) What are your dolls to you?
They're a little of everything. A customization base. Artistic inspiration. Something to fiddle with. But mainly they're pretty camera fodder. Ooh, shiny.

3.) How do you see BJDs in general? How do they appeal to you?
They're an artistic medium, something like drawings or costume design. Fun to observe. I love seeing others' ideas come to life through them. Occupying myself with them is also a good destresser. If you unhinge a Loptr, you're going to have a bad time.

4.) What makes them for adults, rather then children?
I'd say the pricetag, but there are people who'll buy anything for their progeny. The clincher is the materials. Keeping a doll out of sunlight, being careful with fingers and features, not playing roughly...these would be difficult for the average child. Not to mention the maintenance to keep one in playing condition. There are children out there who can handle it; they are simply not common.

5.) What made you want to be a part of the community?
More doll photos. That is all.

....Although owner interaction and tutorials/guides might have helped. Not to mention the marketplace.

6.) What kind of feedback do you get from others about your dolls? [family. friends, other collectors]
Other collectors either admire or are indifferent. The family tolerates them. They like the pretty ones, and are distressed by the ugly.

...They are significantly more distressed by the pricetags.

It is rarely wise to befriend a sociopath.

7.) How do you typically meet other doll collectors?
Through DoA. I live hundreds of miles away from any other collectors. My only constant contact is through my one, steady friend, who's several hours out. There was a forum for enthusiasts our side of the continent, but the administrators are having personal woes. No more meetups.

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?
Odd but intriguing. Beautiful and creative, sometimes. Occasionally, disturbing. I think they find me more unsettling than the dolls themselves.

I'm blunt. I don't have time for false pretenses. I've made new acquaintances simply by bringing them out with me. The general reaction is positive; I've had a few requests for further information. Occasionally a random soul will stare at me awkwardly until I put them away.

I rarely do.

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

DoA, as a whole, seems fine. I would like to see more support for newer/more obscure members' photos and creations. But you can't upset the popularity pecking order. And as toy collecting communities go, it's already extremely supportive. Good work, DoA members.

Tumblr, being Tumblr, is a mindless jumble of angry adults slinging words. Now you too can relive the nostalgia of grade school! Just post to a confession blog and voila!

...That said, there's still a fair bit of artistic diversity. Helpful tutorials and inside looks at doll creation lurk there too. Rarely is any gathering all bad. It's a great place to meet previously unseen collectors.