Hello everyone. Let me introduce myself. My name is Christine and I'm a 22 year old doll faceup artist, wigmaker and customizer.
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I bet most of you don't know what is it that I do, so I'm going to tell and show you. 2 years ago I rediscovered my childhood love of dolls. I bought 1 doll, which was a toy by a famous brand. And then I thought about it and actually liked them so much that I bought another... and then another... and now I have over 30.
But soon after I bought the 1st one I discovered communities that were all about sharing mutural love for collecting dolls. And there it was - the same doll, but with completely different and unique face. And I said to myself "That's it, I want to do that!". Then the idea escalated and I thought "Why not make cosplay for the dolls?" because honestly, why not? As it happens I'm also a character concept artist, so naturally, I had so many ideas and the dolls were a perfect canvas for them.
Since I'm no stranger to art, currently finishing my bachelor's degree in animation, I thought it would be easy just to get started. Well, like with any other thing - it wasn't, at least - not as much as I wanted it to be. At first I bought the wrong materials, which resulted in a damaged doll, but after hard months of dedication and the old fashioned research method "from door to door" I finally found everything I needed to get started. So I did.
And then came last autumn. I was moving a lot and actually dolls were the only thing to keep me from complete and utter boredo(o)m. And while watching doll related news I found this site about BJD. To englighten those of you, who have no idea of what I'm talking about - BJD is short for Ball Jointed Doll. These dolls are widely popular and are collectors items, which are difficult to make. Naturally, they are also, to put it mildly, not cheap.
But, sadly for my wallet, I fell in love with them.
I've always known about them, but this time something in me couldn't let go of the idea to actually own one. Christmas rolled around and I joined BJD communities and just after New Year I placed an order, as it happened, on my birthday.
My doll came and I was smitten.
I had so much ideas for her, some of them already came true. This year so far has been very great and inspiring for me. I've leaned a ton of new things - I sew for them, make wigs for them, give them one of a kind (OOAK) faces and as an artist this hobby makes me happy. I had the chance to display my dolls at local event and got very positive reactions.
Only problem? I'm lonely in this hobby.
So far noone in my country does it, except me and I'm the only BJD collector too. So you can imagine that it's hard to find an outlet for my endless excitement and fascination with this hobby. It even got me thinking that I can include my dolls in my graduation animation project.
Last Halloween I decided to make a Facebook page dedicated to my doll hobby. At first it was only me, posting for noone. But things started rolling around and now I hope that the information I share is helpful to someone.
And suddenly I decided to also tell my story here, in hopes you will read this, what has become, love letter and maybe learn something new. If you would like to obtain a unique doll by me, you can always contact me on my FB page and Etsy:
https://www.facebook.com/DarknessWonderlandCreations
https://www.etsy.com/shop/DarknessWonderland
A big and heartfelt Thank You to everyone who had the nerve to read it all. I hope that this story might also inspire you to do or try to do what you love and makes you happy, because, to be honest, the world could use some more positivity, which I hope I bring to the people who look at my works.
More info: Etsy
How wouldn't I be smitten by this doll? Well, some people aren't.
Recently I had the courage to go out and take pictures...
Because the people where I live are very close minded...
And think dolls are for children, therefore something must be wrong with me...
But I don't care, I enjoy to do what I love and that is - create beautiful things.
I believe that if everyone did what they are passionate about - the world would be a better, brighter place.
So even if you don't believe you can do it - you should. You know why?
Because somewhere, someone will see what you do and will say...
"Wow, that is beautiful! I want to do what he/she does!"
So don't give up or lose hope. I remind myself that. Every day.
If you are passionate about what you do, all the hard work and dedication will be worth it.
My advice to you? Have dreams and never give up on them. There is no greater reward, than following your heart.
