What Advice Would You Give a Beginner in the Hobby?

Oooh congrats! It's so exciting to be planning on your first doll.

It's been a few years since I got my first doll, but still relatively recent (2021), so let me think...

1. The wait can be agonizing, but you'll make it!

My first purchase was a blank Avery from Impldoll; they were going pretty fast at the time, but it still took a few months. Shipping alone took a month! It got pretty difficult to be patient, but it can be handy to focus on planning other things for the doll, like purchasing extra clothes, getting a wig and eyes if they don't come with them, deciding on storage, etc. (Word of warning: unless you're really good at working by measurements, it's difficult to make doll clothes solely based on the measurements from a company site, if you're the sort to make your own clothes.) The waiting rooms and artist/line specific discussion threads are great ways to get the feelings out and for the latter, ask any questions you may have.

2. You might go through multiple wigs/eyes/etc, it happens.

Every time I get a new doll, I keep thinking that this time, I'll nail the wig in one, because surely [color and basic style of wig] shouldn't be that hard to find in [size], right? And Yet. One of my dolls has... three wigs? Four, maybe? She swaps between two now for different styles. My Avery has worn 2-3 and I messed up the first one I bought him trying to customize it. It can get frustrating, especially if it feels like this wig should be available somewhere. Just take your time, keep an eye out.

Word of warning: If you want curly wigs, as in like curly curly, you might have to make them yourself. I've only found 1-2 wigmakers who make curly wigs in multiple sizes, myself. Glue cap wigs aren't that hard, though, particularly for natural fibers.

3. You don't have to be super delicate with them.

I'll preface this by saying I have 1/4 and smaller 1/3 scale dolls. I can't speak to the sturdiness of other sizes. But in general, I know folks can get nervous about handling their dolls. I try to keep my hands clean while I do faceups, but I don't wear gloves then, let alone other times, I've accidentally scratched them with metal knitting needles, and they've taken their share of tumbles. The one break I've had was easily fixed with superglue, and the scratches I don't even notice any more.

I also used to be very fussy about keeping them in the dark - they lived either in their boxes or a closed, windowless cabinet in a room that doesn't get direct sunlight, and if I took them out I closed the curtains. But after getting one who I'd seen the creator post pictures of with her out in broad daylight and she was still perfectly lovely, I'm less strict. They're in a cabinet with a glass front and while it's facing away from the window and I cover any dolls I take out if it's super bright and I'm not working with them a lot at the moment, can't say I've noticed them yellowing any faster. Or at all, really.

In essence, you should feel like you're able to enjoy the doll, whether that's going out for photoshoots all the time or sitting on display, but either way, not like you have to drop so much money on this artwork and then hide it away and never touch it.

4. Preferences evolve. Doll purchases can be a gamble. What you like and what bothers you might not be what you expect.

You don't have to go far here to see people say they found something about a doll that bothered them, or that they found they loved even if it took a bit to grow on them. Additionally, it's a rare occasion that you can see and handle a doll a lot before purchasing one, unless you're going to meets or otherwise know somebody with the doll in question. You discover a lot of details only once they're in hand. Bodies and posing in particular, I find, can be surprises, so again I highly recommend asking in discussion threads if you want to know more about them!

And again, you don't have to go far to find people saying they started at, say, one size, or had one idea for their collection, and went a completely different way later. Or, heck, they find that a certain part of the hobby isn't for them! (coughcough me and making pants cough) Everyone does things their own way, you don't have to do everything yourself, and you certainly don't have to be stuck where you started.

 

I agree with everything JaxxCapta said! Wigs and eyes make a huge difference in how you feel about a doll, too. So if for some reason when you get your doll finally you aren't bonding right away, try making some changes! Sometimes a doll doesn't "click" until they're wearing the right things. Any long-time owner will tell you that, even though it sounds wild, dolls WILL get very mad with you if they don't like their outfit/wig/eyes, and it's magic when they're right. After all this time, especially, try not to put too much pressure on yourself. Take time to learn about handling and posing, don't worry about needing to post pics or anything fancy, just find what *you* like doing with your doll and get to know them.

You've probably been thinking a lot about what doll you'd get, too. Definitely don't feel like you have to get something popular or cool. It should be the doll you personally keep gravitating back to, the one you want to look at pictures of over and over. That's a really good sign you'd be happy with them. Even if they're harder to get, cost a little more, or take longer to receive, it should be the doll you really want, not a compromise you feel you have to make for any reason.

And definitely, if it's been some time and you've tried different things and you're just not bonding with your doll... it's okay to sell them and try again! This isn't something you only get one shot at and have to get "right" the first time you open a box.

 

I'd probably go with, "Chill out." I've seen a lot of people really just overwhelm themselves out of this hobby. You don't have to buy every doll or accessory you like. Your order will arrive eventually. The faceup is going to look fine. You'll make some ugly crafts, and then you'll start getting good. Don't take on so many commissions at once. Don't put yourself in debt trying to go to a doll event you can't quite afford. It's okay if you open the box and realize you hate the doll you ordered. It's fine if you damage a doll, because 99% of the time it IS fixable. It's okay to take ugly photos. It's okay if your doll doesn't look perfect. Just chill out. It's a hobby. It's supposed to make you happy, not stressed.

 

Depending on the doll, the price, where you live, and the amount of time the doll might take to produce, I would prepare for any fees you might have to cover for after the doll arrives, too. Where I live, customs fees come through random inspection, so whether you get the fee or not is entirely up to fate. Depending on the price of the doll and how fast you accrue money, the fee could be over what you can handle if it sneaks up on you, so be sure to set some money aside and check your country's rates and any additional fees you might expect.

That'd be the most pressing advice I'd give to beginners, because it's not something everyone thinks about.

 

I feel like I already answered a question like this, but it might've been in a Newbieland thread and sadly that sub-forum gets cleared out every so often... I'll try and remember what I shared there.

(1) Every time you make a doll-buying decision, count the cost and take your time.

This is not a hobby to rush into without doing due diligence and asking lots of questions to more experienced hobbyists. The deeper you get into the hobby, the more risks you'd encounter: lots of money at stake, counterfeits/recasts masquerading as legit, time spent waiting and a lot of delayed gratification, preorder risks with small artists/companies who have small financial margins (and unfortunately, dealers who are not always reliable or honest), grail-hunting, not bonding/enjoying what you have, not to mention the time invested into making the dolls fit your vision, figuring out how to hybrid (when you decide to do that), learning the skills needed to DIY, or earning the money to commission something. Some of these risks aren't as great as they used to be, but they still exist.

There is absolutely no need to rush on making a decision about buying a doll or accessory, and don't let FOMO or "what a great deal!" push you into making hasty decisions. There's too much at stake, and I'm not talking just about money. Sometimes loss of peace of mind and dashed hopes are the harsher losses, and people have soured on dolls or outright left the hobby for such reasons. So do research, ask questions, read reviews, know your limits, listen to your gut, be self-aware about how/where to spend money and your own personal limits, and take things at your own pace.


(2) What matters most in this hobby are the dolls you have at home and the enjoyment they give to you.

I don't think this gets talked about much in the community, but it's very easy to look at other hobbyists' collections, start comparing your dolls to their dolls, and fall into the comparison trap of thinking your stuff sucks. Sometimes it can feel demoralizing to look at other dolls, photos, sewing/crafting, dioramas, etc etc etc, and think yours doesn't measure up (however you measure it). What other hobbyists are doing can challenge and spur you to try new things and become better at it, but one-upmanship (even privately in one's own mind) of this kind is a comparison trap and that sort of "motivation" doesn't last.

Comparison and envy will kill contentment and creativity. I mention this because I got sucked into the comparison trap as a newbie, and it really hindered my enjoyment of my own dolls and the hobby at large, and I got so demoralized that I left the hobby for a number of years. While I was away, I matured and grew as a person and sorted out some things, I'm now back in the hobby and truly able to enjoy my dolls without falling prey to comparison and perfectionism again. So, find ways to keep your eyes on your own dolls and lean into doing what pleases you, without constantly measuring them (or yourself) against other collections (and hobbyists). Ultimately, the main source of long-term pleasure and creativity in this hobby are the dolls you have at home, the things you personally enjoy doing with/for them. Find your groove, make your crew your own.


(3) I second @Shamshir's advice about "chill out."

There's always a way to fix something that's gone wrong, it is not the end of the world. The secondhand market yields wonderful things including dolls you missed out on -- miracles can happen when you put out a WTB and keep an eye on the market. If you don't like crafting an item, it's fine to just buy it, and it's not a mark of shame if you don't ever craft a single item for your doll. It's fine to be great at some doll things and lousy at other doll things. It's fine to be average at everything in the hobby. Changing your mind is normal and indeed, to be expected. You don't have to be constantly switched on, tuned in, hyped up, to the BJD hobby. It's alright to store your dolls away and step away from the hobby for a while -- indeed for years -- and then come back later: your dolls will still be waiting for you.

 

I agree with everything said, but also-for choosing a doll size that's right for you, I'd take out a tape measure and actually see how big they are. I was tempted by the 75+cm boys, but after seeing the actual size of them I ended up with a 1/4 scale one instead.

Lastly, find the way you love to play with your dolls! That's more for when you already have them, but there are so many ways to play, and you don't have to do all of them. Some people might enjoy crafting for them, taking pictures, carrying them around, redressing them and making storyboards, while others might prefer to keep them displayed in an uv-protected cabinet and just looking at them. All of these are a valid way to play, but you might not want to do some of that and it's okay don't feel forced to do things you don't feel like, and don't let comparison take away your enjoyment

 

I think this thread might be a good read in this context as well.

Overall, my advice would be:

1. Do your research, incl. pricing, maker/seller feedback, and make sure you know what you will pay in customs (I understand in US it is tricky right now, though, so you might want to save up a bit of a buffer in that case).

2. Buy a doll you love, don't get something just because it is affordable. If you're on a budget and cheaper new offerings are not your taste, you will find something nice second hand for the same price if you are willing to wait a bit and browse regularly.

3. Company faceup will be cheaper than getting all the materials to do it yourself. Unless you're already good at painting 3d objects and have some materials you can use, I'd recommend getting a doll with a faceup so you can enjoy it right away (and if you want to change it later, you can always wipe it). Same goes for clothes and wigs! Unless you're already good at sewing and have a bit of a stash of materials, buying tools and fabric (+ spending time learning) will no be super cost-effective. Getting some things you can dress your doll into right away will make the DIY frustrations easier later on (because your doll will at least have 1 good thing to wear and won't need to sit around bald and naked until you learn )

4. Resin eyes and pleather items are not forever. All resin will yellow, pleather will eventually fall apart - which does not mean you won't get to have a good long time with them! - but I think it's good to know that those thing will need to be swapped out eventually


And lastly, echoing the "chill out" advice above: it's just dolls! Nothing can go horribly wrong! It's not like buying a car or a house, it's just spending a couple hundred on a hobby to bring you joy in your free time

 

Everyone else has pretty much covered the main points with some great advice!

I was a bag of nerves when getting my first doll, it’s natural to feel excited and incredibly anxious about it all. Even after all these years I still get that way when buying one so don’t worry about that part.

What I found helped was buying through dealers. It does limit your doll choice but there are a few good, reliable ones to choose from and most are very helpful if you have any questions. Ordering that way gives me some peace of mind as I know I have backup if there is a problem. Also most dealers carry a selection of wigs, clothing, shoes, etc so I can get some items for the doll at the same time as long as that doll falls within the average shape for its height.
I mainly order through Alice’s Collection BJD - Alice's Collections - BJD Dolls, BJD Accessories but I have also used:-
Denver Doll Emporium Denver Doll Emporium – Denver Doll Emporium
Dolce Luce Dolls Dolce Luce Dolls
There are others people regularly use such as New Clover Singing, Stacey’s Pink Ocean, Dolk, Legend Doll, BJD Divas, Luladoll but I cannot comment on those as I’ve never used them.

Whatever you choose try to get a doll stand, there’s little more infuriating than trying to take a nice photo of your doll only to have it either refuse to stand up or suddenly decide to faceplant the moment you try to take a picture!

Get yourself some of those plain white cotton gloves you see in chemists/pharmacies as well. They can stop you getting finger grease and sweat on the doll’s faceup. Those gloves are washable too.

At the end of the day the most important thing is that it’s your doll, your taste, your hobby so get what you like and don’t worry about how popular it is or whether it’s pretty or ugly as sin!
Be safe, be cautious and ask questions. Do your research!

Best of luck and welcome to the hobby!

 

If you live in a place with an active hobby, try to go to meetups! When I was a newbie with one doll I went to a meetup to see the wide array of other dolls and also meet people who shared the hobby. I was able to make friends and learn through interacting with different kinds of dolls. I was able to get a better sense of what things I liked and disliked about the hobby by seeing it in person and/or talking about the hobby with more experienced people.

 

Welcome to the hobby! I would like to second going to a meet up! They aren’t as fervent as they used to be before Covid but meeting up with people IRL who have an assortment of dolls can help you decide on size and traits you want to go for. My friend took me to a meet before I bought myself one and it was a great experience! I learned that I liked the smaller sizes, MSD being as big as I was comfortable going, and found that different companies have different feels. My first doll was a YOSD size and she was great for learning what I liked and didn’t like about the hobby. I’m not very artistic so I followed companies that offered dolls with faceups or fullsets. Now that I’ve got some experience I’m interested in starting my own artist journey with some blanks I have found.

Take your time and don’t be worried to ask! There is much you can learn from your elders and even some people who are just starting out like you!

There is no shame in getting a ‘cheap doll’ if you’re worried about budget or how you’re going to afford the hobby. Because of how customisable they are, you don’t have to have an expensive doll to get a certain look. Though a lot of people judge dolls they are interested in by the shape and sculpt of the doll. Some companies have unique looks to set them apart.

 

I would say purchase the doll and outfit you like best. Don't settle for a doll or clothing or accessories simply because of the price because it may lead you to want to spend more. Don't be afraid to commission people within the hobby if you feel something is out of your comfort zone. The doll community has many talented people who will help you on your journey.

 

I think my advice is it may take a little time for you to truly develop your taste for dolls, and that’s okay. If you can, go to meetups so you can see in person what appeals to you. I bought about 4 or 5 dolls before I finally got one that I truly ended up loving in-person. It’s a weird phenomenon, but it really is true that what you love online may not be the same as what you love in person!

Also, restyling can change everything. I was completely uninspired by and disliked my first doll a lot after a while. I redid his faceup and gave him a complete vibe change, and now I love him! Similar thing happened with the third doll I purchased. She was cute, but didn’t really inspire me. I ended up hybriding another head onto her and dyed her, and it was one of the most fun projects I’ve had so far in the hobby!

Also echoing what others have said, the less afraid you are to ruin them, the more fun you’ll have with them. Once I let go of my original plans for both of those dolls, and wasn’t afraid to experiment with their looks, I had way more fun with them.

 

Echoing what others have said, but if you find yourself drawn to a specific sculpt but are hesitant because of the cost, don’t rush and settle for a similar but cheaper doll. If you really like a sculpt it’s worth taking the time to save for that specific doll instead of settling for something else, as you might end up unsatisfied with the doll because it’s close but not exactly what you were originally wanting. Of course nothing is ever fully guaranteed! You could end up settling and love the doll, or you could stick to your plan and end up unsatisfied anyways, but exercising some caution can help avoid regrets later down the line (speaking from experience lol)! Whatever doll you get, I hope they arrive swiftly and bring you great joy!

 

Research before you do anything with your doll! Especially customizing. I got into the hobby when it was still very niche and there wasn't a lot of info out there yet. I did faceups with improper materials, I made a mess of sueding, I let my dolls sit in sunlight, I used superglue to keep a wig on instead of a wig cap (or even hot glue!!), I thought my second doll was "unfinished" because he was single jointed when my first was double jointed (that doesn't even make sense, since parts are cast, not carved from solid blocks, but I had no idea!) I made TONS of mistakes, and luckily, most didn't result in permanent damage to my dolls, but some did. So before you do anything, research! There is SO much information out there now, most any question you have has been asked before, and if it hasn't, then ask!

If you want to do faceups, then seal outside, and get yourself proper protection, because sealant is toxic and will damage your lungs, and can hurt any other people or pets in the spraying area. Tons of info on good masks here.

If you want to sew for your doll and don't have a lot of experience creating patterns, get some patterns online. Either free patterns, or buy some. I tried for way too long to make it all from scratch and it often turned out pretty lopsided and poorly fitting. Finally stopped being stubborn and got some real patterns and my sewing skills have drastically transformed! Seeing how doll patterns should look has also helped me learn to draft some of my own, too.

Your doll may change personality or style over time. Very often, I've bought a doll with one idea in mind, only to get them in hand and something completely different happens. Like planning for Amir to be sort of shy artist, and goth-Sephiroth inspired style, but instead he ended up white-blond half-Egyptian Pharoah descendant with an attitude. Or planning Bambi to be a grunge girl and she ended up being the girliest 80s Barbie girl ever! They may just be resin, but sometimes, they still "tell" you how they should look in the end.

 

There is so much great advice in this thread

One sort of nebulous thing I will contribute is simply: remember that the hobby can and will be however you make it inside your heart and mind. The possibilities for joy, knowledge and community are so huge, but so is the potential for melancholy, bitterness, and dissatisfaction.

Don't be afraid to carve out your own path and let it change over time. If you do I think you'll be left feeling very good about your dolls in the end, how they look and what they mean to you. And that's the most important thing!

 

Not so much "advice" as much as a few words of wisdom: whatever money you save by crafting instead of buying will be spent as part of the cost of materials plus time spent learning your preferred craft. This is not a bad thing! But it is something to be aware of if you're someone who either 1) needs to be good at things immediately or 2) wants to have dolls that look refined/finished as quickly as possible. It's very easy for newbies to experience sticker shock and decide "hey, I'll cut costs by making things myself" without realizing how much trial and error goes into getting good at sewing/wig/eye/shoe making, then get burnt out by the fact that learning crafts is hard and their dolls are still bald and naked (speaking from experience here).

Also, in general, just keep your people skills handy! A majority of people in this hobby are happy to help out when and where they can with answering questions. Small artists frequently have leftovers after preorders and are often happy to sell them to you. Companies and dealers sometimes find lost/forgotten fullsets in their storage. Being polite and friendly will get you a lot closer to the opportunities and collection you hope to have than being a grumpy stick-in-the-mud.

Similarly, always make sure to check feedback before you buy/sell something. This goes for both companies and other hobbyists/collectors! This hobby isn't cheap and it can be difficult to get your money back if things go sideways, so do your due diligence whenever possible. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Use payment platforms that offer buyer and seller protection, if possible. Don't be afraid to ask for more photos and/or proof of ownership/provenance.

Above all, have fun with it. We're (mostly) grown adults playing with our expensive toys on the internet, it doesn't have to be serious if you don't want it to be!

 

As someone whose first doll order was a preorder that took nearly two years, my only advice is to consider an in stock doll from a reputable dealer as your first LOL The first doll I actually got in hand was my third paid off doll bought secondhand and, I love them much more than the preordered ones due to the accumulated stress of the preorder making me less excited about the dolls I bought. It's very easy to get caught up in the buzz of a new doll excitement.

My second thing is- unless you're buying a fullset or plan to diy everything for your doll, consider the cost of clothes, wigs, eyes and possibly faceups into your initial doll budget to determine what you are willing to spend on a base doll.