Is it worth getting a custom faceup on a cheaper doll?

The most important thing is that you are happy with your doll, not the price tag. I don't think you should settle for a "cheap" doll if you don't love it, and I also don't think you should save up for something "better" if you truly love the inexpensive doll. My first doll was "cheap", but I think even if my budget had been endless, I wouldn't have found a doll I loved more at the time. It really should be about getting the doll you love, and making them truly yours. There is no shame at all in buying expensive things for an inexpensive doll! Any doll has the potential to become something great, please don't ever think that a lower end doll is less deserving of being beautiful!

 

I completely agree with this sentiment! In such a highly customizable hobby as this one is, the “sky’s the limit” creatively speaking. Feel free to choose whatever sculpt strikes your fancy for whatever reason, and take off from there.

 

I basically agree with everyone else. Find the sculpt that sings to you "I am the one you are looking for~" that will represent your character. Then you can decide on the custom face up. I wouldn't worry about price - I've bought at all kinds of price points and most companies (except Volks) allow layaway so you can divide the payment up over time. So find the doll you want, then find the artist to do their face, and go from there!

 

Do you like the doll? Do you like the sculpt?

If yes to the above, would the faceup make your vision of what you want the doll to be come to life in a way that would make you happy?

If yes to that, then I say go for it. You don't need to justify to anyone what kind of faceup you've got on what kind of doll. If it makes you happy then go for it.

 

I do my own faceups now, but when I was still commissioning I didn’t care how expensive a faceup was, just that the artist did work I knew I would love to see sitting on my shelf. Personally, I think all dolls benefit from a detailed faceup, so I say go for it.

The doll in my avatar currently is one of the “cheapest” SDs I’ve ever purchased, and she still looks pretty impressive all put together. Her dramatic faceup gives her the attitude to pull off her look. Definitely don’t buy a doll just because it’s cheap, but if you do get one on the lower end of the price range, it’s always worth customizing it to your preferences.

 

I have a lot of dolls including several from Volks and imho there really isn’t a difference in resin texture. Most likely what you are seeing is difference in face up materials used. Volks faceup artists use Zoukei-Mura brand materials and the ZM finishing spray does give a lovely texture. The ZM finishing spray can be purchased from Volks online so you could buy a can and spray any doll with it. It also gives added UV protection just FYI so I like to spray the entire doll with it. Just make sure to wear a respirator to protect your lungs!

I’m not sure if anyone else has mentioned it but you could also consider getting a doll second hand. Some of the older Volks sculpts for example can be found on the second hand market for very reasonable prices and a lot of second hand dolls will have beautiful customization. Some folks will even throw in freebies like wigs, etc. especially if they find out it’s your first doll.

Good luck on the doll hunt! I hope you find the perfect doll!