Meet the Artist ~ Dollude Me
What is your name?
Mary or Dollude Me
Where are you from?
Seattle Washington State
Age?
29
How long have you been customizing?
Since March of 2017, so I a noob.
What got you started?
I had a friend who always dreamed of owning a custom BJD, but I couldn't afford one, so I decided I would try to make one. Things kind of went from there...
What types of customs do you do?
Types? Hmm... I love fantasy characters, kawaii and innocent, but also mysterious and slightly dark. I wouldn't say I fit into any paticular type, but I just make whatever Sparks my interest. My interests also change day to day, so... it's always a surprise. I think I am still trying to find my niche.
What sorts of mediums do you use?
First and foremost Mr. Super clear, soft pastels, watercolors, and water color pencils.
Are there any products you just can’t live without?
Mr. Super Clear
What is your most favorite custom that you have made?
Probably my Pastel Sleeping Beauty
What is your least favorite custom that you have made?
Pinky. My first Reroot nightmare, and a wall eyed face-up.
A lot of beginners get so frustrated when their customs don't come out the way they want them to, and often compare themselves to their favorite artists and give up. Can you show us your very first custom?
Sure.
What is your most recent custom?
My goth girl.
What is the worst injury you’ve had from working on customs?
I have sliced my self multiple times while using an exacto blade while doing inserted eyes. Little superglue usually puts me back on track.
Who/What inspires you?
Anything, and everything. Pinterest, breakfast, fabric, studio Ghibli, video games, books, TV, you name it, I can draw inspration from it. For me I have too many ideas, and not enough time to make them all.
What projects are you currently working on?
Two different swaps : The Halloween swap which is a collaboration with Secondstory dolls) and the Magic Swap, both hosted by the lovely @retrodollsus. A doll inspired by a character by @dolleetoile, some commissioned wigs by @guenwyvhar, and a collaboration with four other artist for a 2018 giveaway, a gift doll for a friend, and an herbal tea witch for my personal collection.
Do you have any odd habits while working on customs?
When waiting for sealent to dry on the dolls head I tend to pretend I am Hermione Granger and wave it around like a wand.
What types of art do you enjoy?
Watercolor and ink mostly. I do like digital painting in the fantasy genre as well.
Do you take commissions?
I don't really like being restricted to someone else's vision, so I generally don't do commissions.
Where can people see your work and contact you?
I am exclusively on Instagram @dolludeme
Do you have any favorite tips or tricks?
Best advice I ever received: use nice high quality materials. It's ok to lean for cheap, but if you're serious about it, spend the money.
Any advice for people just starting out?
Don't compare yourself to successful people. It's pointless, because you will never be them. You and only you can improve yourself, and there is only one you in all the world who can create like you.
