Many American doll collectors are new to Ball Jointed Dolls. These Asian and anime-inspired dolls are often (but not always) made by Asian companies. The dolls have generally realistic proportions and are thus perfect for showcasing fashions. They are fully customizable, with wigs, eyes, heads and limbs being exchangable and changable. However, since ball jointed dolls are so customizable, they can be a bit intimidating for the first time collector. Here are some tips to help you get started.
1. Research BJD Manufacturers Before Purchasing Your First Doll
There is no way around it - before purchasing your first ball jointed doll ("BJD"), you are going to have to do some research. There are literally dozens of manufacturers of BJDs. Cost varies greatly...the dolls seem to average $300 to $800 with some less expensive vinyl dolls available and some more expensive deluxe models available as well. Manufacturers include Dollfie (from Japan; one of the best-known makers, SoulDoll (Korean company) Unidoll (Korean). Lately, American companies have started to produce BJDs including Paulette Goodreau (American BJD) and Tonner Dolls (Evangeline Ghastly).2. What Size Doll Do You Want?
BJD doll sizes vary greatly from mini (a few inches tall) to, well, huge. The vast majority of BJDs are in the 15 to 17 inch and 22 to 27 inch size ranges. Super Dolfie (approximately 22 inches tall) is a popular size, as are the 15 to 17 inch size dolls, due to the wider range of clothing and accessories available in these sizes.3. Resin or Vinyl?
The final major decision you need to make is whether you want a resin doll. Resin dolls are more expensive, but heavier and with a porcelain-type feel. Vinyl dolls are lighter in weight and tend to be much less expensive (some vinyl BJDs start in the $100 range). 4. Don't Be Intimidated!
Many collectors avoid BJDs because, well, it is a bit scary to have to customize your own doll if you haven't ever done it before! But, seriously, it isn't that hard. You need to pick out eyes for your doll (some dolls do come with eyes) a wig and an outfit, and you are all set. It is true that some BJDs are more finished than others; some companies sell very "raw" dolls that need to have their seams sanded; others come out of the box ready to go. This is another reason to do research about your doll. As for finding eyes, wigs and clothing, that is easy on the Internet with several dealers specializing in these items. If you need extra help, just tell the dealer what size doll you have and they can consult with you.5. What Personality Will Your Doll Have?
Many BJD owners pick a "personality" for your doll. This is helpful when sorting through the wide variety of cltohing and wig styles available for BJD dolls. Will your doll be goth? An English schoolgirl? Will she be a fairy or other fantasy figure? Once you've decided, that will guide your choices for fashions and customizing. Of course, the beauty of BJD dolls is that if you can't decide, your doll can have several personalities which can change with her clothing and wigs!6. Buy a Wig Cap!
This may seem obvious, but, ahem, I didn't know this when I got started with BJDs. I was blithely walking around a show with a BJD with my doll's wig in her eyes when a good samaritan pointed me to a doll dealer who had silicone wig caps for sale. One wig cap later and, voila, my doll's wig stopped sliding around on her head! Brilliance, and for under $5, too!
7. Check out the BJDs on eBay
There aren't many places online to see many varieties of BJDs all in one place. EBay is therefore useful as a place where you can see not only many company styles of dolls, but also wigs and outfits. This can help you get a BJD education on fast-forward speed.8. Go to a BJD Doll Show or Convention
This is harder to do than searching the Internet or eBay for BJD informtion, but it is worth it if you can find a gathering of other BJD collectors. For instance, IDEX Premiere 2008 will have several BJD seminars available this January in Orlando, Florida.9. Buy Multiple Wigs!
If you are going to splurge for your BJD, buying various wigs is the best way to do it! Every time I get a BJD and put a new wig on its head, I see a different personality for my doll. If you are having trouble deciting on a core personality for your doll, tryinig various wigs on is a great way to help come to a decision.10. Be Creative!
Don't be hemmed in by BJD "conventions," If you aren't into Goth, Lolita, or any of the various anime-inspired BJD personalities, you can create your own. If you want your BJD to be a down-to earth outdoors/sports goddess, she can be! Your BJD can wear historical clothing, be a character from your favorite movie, or just be a teenager. Basically, your imagination is your limit.
