Why do people like anime figures? Well for me, figures feel like a character coming to life in the real world. I prefer thinking of a character's body as existing in 3D artistically. I enjoy looking at a figurine and then walking around to see the pose from a different angle. When a character feels real, my connection feels real.
Dolls (I'm referring to vinyl and resin dolls, not fashion dolls like Barbie) encompass that and more. Aside from licensed character dolls, dolls in adult communities are one-of-a-kind (OOAK) with as many aspects customizable as possible. Change the wig, clothing, eyes, face paint ("faceup"), hands, limbs, head. Modify the skin, add some horns and a tail, draw scars, cut off a leg... The companies that manufacture dolls expect and enable this level of customization to the community, but many doll owners will customize themselves or independently commission artists.
So to me, not only can my character come to life. But my doll can also become the ultimate outlet for creative crafting. Dolls unconnected to any outside intellectual property present complete freedom over the character as well. The realistic wig hair and actual clothing enhance the realism.
That's why I knew I absolutely had to have a doll when I first saw them online. I'm still REALLY new to the doll community, so please bear with me! ORZ
Both true BJDs and "anime-style" vinyl dolls appeal to me, but I decided to get a vinyl one because I love anime lol. I chose Volks because of their industry dominance. I chose a MDD because of the smaller size and price point. I chose the DDH-10 head because of how standard and popular it was.
Both true BJDs and "anime-style" vinyl dolls appeal to me, but I decided to get a vinyl one because I love anime lol. I chose Volks because of their industry dominance. I chose a MDD because of the smaller size and price point. I chose the DDH-10 head because of how standard and popular it was.
Camilia or "Cammy" was born on 2/26/24. Ordered directly from Volks. Her eyes are the Animetic Eyes Type-F / 24mm / Anzu. Her wig pictured is the Leeke LR-159 Gray Lavender. I did the faceup myself as my ~very first~ faceup ever!
I took measures for the Mister Super Clear (MSC) sealent while planning out my faceup. I used a 3M Half Facepiece Reusable Respirator with an Organic Vapor Filter (6000 series) and a Particulate Filter. I live in the US for reference, so I made sure that it was NIOSH-approved for vapors and particles. It was P95 safe (you need at least N95). I also wore industrial safety googles and gloves.
I worked with water-soluable pastels, gouache paint, and watercolor pencils. After each layer, I sprayed MSC outside under the lowest humidity I could get with a turbo outdoor fan running. You will want to make sure MSC is under suitable low-humidity and temperature conditions. Waited around 45 minutes to dry. I found MSC's dried texture to be kinda sandy, having to scratch it in somewhat with my watercolor pencils. I maybe used 5 layers?
I'm happy with my faceup as my first one ever... but not as the level of quality I want permanently. Next time I think I need much much smaller brushes (nail art ones). I'm also going to try using acrylic paint with thinner. I NEED to make the lines much smaller, sharper, and darker to get the aesthetic I'm looking for. If anyone's reading this who's scared to start your faceup, don't be. You can always wash it off before you save with MSC and start another layer. Cammy's face isn't perfect, but it's mine. :)
