BJD Info and FAQs

Hi there! I hope you read my first-part blog post about my BJD background. As I've promised, here is the part two blog where I will be sharing helpful information and answer frequently asked questions about the hobby.

Let's start with the basics.

What does #BJD stands for?

BJD is an acronym for Ball-jointed doll This is a doll that is articulated with ball and socket joints that makes posing easier. They are usually cast in resin, some porcelain and vinyl these days. The aesthetic of a ball-jointed doll was derived from both anime and realistic styles.

BJD anatomy/structure. picture from Google.

How different is a BJD from other dolls in the market?

BJDs are known for their extensive pose-ability, customization and durability. They are diverse in color, styles and preference. They aren't like Barbie or other dolls because they require creativity and care to fully show their individuality.

Where does BJD came from?

Ball-jointed dolls were first made in Europe in the ancient times particularly in Greece, Rome and Germany. In this modern day, they are manufactured largely in Japan, South Korea and China hence the other name Asian Ball-Jointed Dolls or ABJD.

How big is a BJD?

BJDs come in different sizes. It can range from the smallest 9 cm ( 4 in ) to 120 cm ( 47 in ). It has categories that specify a specific size range:

• 1/2 scale ( 120 cm and above )

• Uncle 1/2.5 scale (70 cm - 80 cm)

• SD 1/3 scale ( 50 cm to 68 cm )

• MSD 1/4 scale ( 40 cm to 45 cm )

• YOSD 1/6 scale ( 20 cm to 35 cm )

• Tiny 1/12 scale ( 10 cm to 19 cm)

Here is a sample doll size chart which specifies the SD category

picture from Google

How much does a BJD costs?

Before you buy a BJD, always keep in mind that not all ball-jointed dolls have the same market prices because they are manufactured by different companies or individual artists globally. Usual price range is between $100 - $600 but that really depends on the type of doll you are going to buy. You have to consider the following factors below will contribute to the cost.

• Manufacturer / Artist

• Color / Material

• Full set / Parts

• Style / Size

Reminder: Not all BJDs are sold as a full set. Most of the time, you can buy separate parts and props / costumes to complete your doll. It is very important to do some research about different sculpts and companies depending on your preference.

Where do you buy your BJD?

BJDs are predominantly sold in Japan, South Korea, China and some parts of Europe. They have physical shops that you can visit. However, if you're not into travelling, you can definitely order ball-jointed dolls through company online shops. They have a wide range of selections with detailed information and gallery. Purchase your ball-jointed dolls from the direct company, artists, legit dealers. and trusted BJD collectors only. Let us not buy recasts or copies as these will hurt the community.

Where do you find information about BJDs?

There are several websites where you can get legit information about ball-jointed dolls. Here are two websites that are essential for your research.

• Den of Angels - the largest Ball-Jointed Doll Forum

• BJD Collectasy - full list of BJD company websites and updates

The key to finding your destined ball-jointed doll is thorough research, patience and the budget you're willing to put out.

How long does it take before a BJD is produced?

The time span depends on the company or artist that is manufacturing it. Usually popular companies have higher demand therefore, production takes time. Normal waiting time is about 2-5 months. Some takes more than 6 months and that already includes shipping period. In some cases, you can get the doll in a month if they have stocks. Trusted BJD dealers ( third-party online stores ) often have stocks.

Can I modify my BJD?

Yes, you definitely can. That is the whole purpose of having a BJD. You can seek help from professionals to do it for you or you can do it yourself. You have complete control in modifying ( "modding" ) and customizing the doll ( such as adding "face-up" to a blank slate) into whatever character you want. Ball-jointed dolls have several selections to choose from human, anthros, hybrids, animals, etcetera.

What are the supplies I need for modding / face-up?

All the supplies you need are usually found at an Art store and Home Depots. Here are the basic things you need to be able to start:

• Chalk / Soft Pastels for face up - avoid using the ones with oil

• Acrylic / Watercolor paints or pencils

• Paint brushes for thin lines and contouring

• Mr. Clean Magic Eraser or any White Magic sponge alternative

• Sealant - I usually buy the Mr. Super Clear Matte (MSC) since is more purchasable in my country. You can also try out Liquitex Matte Finish, Testors Dullcote and Citadel Purity Seal as alternative. You can buy any brand as long as it is safe for the resin.

• Mr. Color Thinner

• Respirator for safety while spraying sealant

• Cotton / Clean Gloves

• Extras - school glue, sharpener, brush cleaner, sandpaper 300-1200 grits, cotton

What you need to avoid:

• Sharpies

• Oil based materials

• Lacquer / Krylon sealant

• Nail polish remover

Where can I find steps on how to do the modding / face-up?

You can check out videos from Youtube, check BJD related websites or forums for steps, seek assistance from fellow BJD friends who can give you tips. Practice always makes it better!

What is Resin-Matching and how important is it?

It is a method to determine the resin color that best fits with your BJD. This plays a very important role especially if you bought doll parts coming from separate companies, for example. Resin colors differ from one company to another. You do not want your doll looking like it has a sunburned face whilst having a whiter complexion body ( unless that's what you are aiming for ). So if you happen to buy parts from two different companies and plans to keep them together, make sure to research first if the resin color matches..

Here is a sample of the resin comparison from different BJD companies. Please note that even with the same company, resin color may become different.

How do I take care of my BJD?

Here are a few things you need to do to be able to handle your BJD with care:

• Have their own space. you can place them in a shelf or a safe spot in your house. They are breakable and prone to falling if not properly displayed.

• Keep them away from sunlight or high heat exposure because it causes "yellowing" or "greening". Same goes if you keep taking photography with flash.

• Avoid using oils and acetone on your BJD as this damages the resin and will leave stains.

• Clean your BJD with magic eraser or bathe them in water to keep them clean.

• Do a routinary string check . BJDs are tied with elastic strings and may sometimes slacken which can affect their pose-ability.

• Dress up your BJD properly. Avoid using cloth materials that stains. Some black colored cloth may leave stains on the resin if used for a long period of time.

• Carry with care and caution.

Important BJD Terms for starters:

• Anthro - dolls that are not human. Usually has animal or fantasy parts

• Artist Doll - dolls made by an individual artist, not by a company

• Blushing - or Body Blushing refers to paint done on a doll's body

• Dollfie - specific name of BJD given by Volks, a Japanese BJD company

• Face-Up - painting done on a doll's face

• Hybrid - two dolls parts from different companies put together e.g. head + body

• Mod/Modding - modifications done on the doll like carving, piercing, removing or adding something on the doll

• OOAK - "One of a Kind" usually dolls that are unique and one-off only

• Recast - a bootleg. BJD that is illegally copied by another company and sold in a cheaper price

• Sculpt - a doll mold or doll head design that is made by a company

• Sueding - act of adding suede or friction pieces to the inner joints of a BJD to promote better posing

• Wiring - act of putting wires inside the BJD for posture and poseability

• SD - or Super Dollfie to describe BJD sizes from 60-68cm range

• MSD - or Mini Super Dollfie to describe BJD sizes within 40-45cm range

• Yo-SD - or Young Super Dollfie to describe BJD size that is about 20cm

Now that I've discussed about the basics for the BJD hobby, I hope you find this post helpful. If you have more questions feel free to send me a message. I highly encourage you join Den of Angels or a local BJD community to help you out too!

Thanks for reading! Part three blog will be posted soon.