Meet the Artist ~ Sugarlump Giftshop
What is your name?
Sarah aka Sugarlump Giftshop
Where are you from?
Ottawa, Ontario in Canada
Age?
26
How long have you been customizing?
I have been customizing since March of this year - so 7 months. What got you started?
I've loved BJDs since I was 13 and I'd occasionally hunt for them on the internet without knowing what they were called - "what was that name again? Dollfie?". One internet browse this March took me to Dollightfully and Mozekyto's Youtube Channels - I was so inspired. I already loved Monster High dolls (I have little sisters) so it just seemed like the perfect hobby for me - and it was! What types of customs do you do?
Mostly Monster High dolls - though I have done a few Ever After High and one Bratz. I'm always trying new things so I don't know if I've landed on a special style yet. What sorts of mediums do you use?
I use Prismacolor Watercolor Pencils, Liquitex Acrylic paint, Faber and Castel Soft Pastels, Testor's Matte Sealant and MSC for faces. Tacky Glue, Elmer's Glue All and Matte Mod Podge for wigs. Are there any products you just can’t live without?
I make a lot of wigs so I go through A LOT of glue! I recently upgraded to my Prismacolor pencils and the difference in quality has been a big game changer. I was using student grade Faber and Castel pencils before and the difference is night and day. What is your most favorite custom that you have made? My favourite custom so far is my "Curly Cutie" Howleen doll. I'm very drawn to the kawaii/lolita aesthetic and she was the first doll I created in that style. She's going to her new home soon, that'll be a sad trip to the post office! :(
What is your least favorite custom that you have made? That's an easy one - because I hated it so much I actually gave her a brand new face! The "Before" design was an attempt at a resign eye look with 3D glittery objects - but I find Ever After High dolls a bit of a struggle to work with due to the lack of facial details, so she ended up quite odd looking. She sat on my shelf for a few months, making me sadder and sadder as I learned more about doll making. I never want to sell something I don't 100% stand behind - so off came her old face! I'm quite happy with the makeover! ;)
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?
Scarah was my very first doll custom - and she was a hard fought battle with mediums I had never used! I watched Dollightfully's tutorial over and over as well as Mozekyto for her wig. I tried every aspect of customizing all at once (wig, face, accessories, repaint shoes, sew outfit) which I would not recommend! I am still quite happy with her though - the lovely person who adopted her has become an Instagram friend of mine, her wonderful feedback and support means a lot to me.
What is your most recent custom?
Well, my two most recent dolls are secrets - they're part of retrodolls swaps! Besides them, my most recent would be my Pumpkin Kitty. She's part of a series I've done for Halloween!
What is the worst injury you’ve had from working on customs? In my infinite wisdom, I "super ultra ridiculous strength" glued the inside of my hand together, with my thumb fusing to the side of my pointer finger. That was awkward and painful! Aside from that, anytime I pick up a sewing needle I seem to get a finger or two! haha Who/What inspires you? At the risk of sounding tacky, everyone in this community. It's such an amazing group to be a part of - so supportive, kind and enthusiastic about new ideas and designs. I've made some great friends and I really look forward to seeing what everyone's up to every day. What projects are you currently working on? I've got commissions on the go right now - 2 clowns, 1 sugar skull and 707 from Mystic Messenger for one of my favorite people in this community! I'm also currently part of 4 retro doll swaps! I'm a busy bee right now and I'm loving it! ;) Do you have any odd habits while working on customs? I alternate between listening to relaxation music and crime stories. I had to stop listening to my fave K pop groups because they're too beautiful and it distracts me! haha What types of art do you enjoy? I went to school for Fine Arts, so I have a love for classic art - my favorite artist has been Gustav Klimt since I was 8. I also love anime styles of art - I think what people create with tablets on their computers is absolutely amazing! Do you take commissions? Yes I do! Though I probably won't have a time slot available for about a month. But please, always feel free to contact me! :) Where can people see your work and contact you?
Instagram: sugarlump_giftshop
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sugarlumpgiftshop/ Do you have any favorite tips or tricks? 1 - When buying watercolor pencils: don't try to save a few bucks like I did the first time - go for the better quality and pay the extra $10 - it's so worth it! 2 - Chunky yarn is your best friend for yarn wigs. You don't need a pet brush, just a plastic comb and a flat iron. It saves me hours of time! Any advice for people just starting out? 1 - Practice makes perfect. You will see some dramatic improvement over a very short period of time if you keep positive and have a little patience! 2 - Don't be afraid to try something new! Pink eyes, neon hair, crazy character concept - go nuts! I've found that the "out there" dolls I've made where I let my imagination run wild always end up being something I'm proud of, and something very well received by others!
