Meet the Artist ~ CandidDolls
What is your name?
Alice
Where are you from?
Originally, I’m from Russia, but live in Sweden, Umeå for 15 years.
Age?
Oh… do you have to ask? Haha! …42
How long have you been customizing?
Depends where to start to count… I did my first customisation for about 10 month ago in February, but didn’t have time to continue whole spring.
Then this summer I had more time to invest in it and made several customs. So, it’s just 7 month…
I love as well photoshoot my girls in different places of my city or photoshop som cool background!
What got you started?
I always loved dolls, and followed some BJD artists. But I didn’t realise you can make your “own” doll with so little investment (or so I thought! Haha!) What you need is time, creativity and… great sealer ;) !
I think it was artist from Australia, Tree Change Dolls who made a strong impression on me with her cute customs. I started research and found so many other talented doll artists!
I decided to try, first on Bratz with acrylic paint, then Monster High with watercolour pencils and pastels.
And so I was hooked
What types of customs do you do?
Mostly Monster High, but I like to restyle Bratz too. Usually I go all in with MH, rerooting and all. I keep Bratz’s hair as it is.
I like down to earth, natural characters, pretty faces, casual clothes. I like other styles too like boho style, steam punk, vintage.
But I didn’t figure out my style completely, so you may see many different things from me in the nearest future!
What sorts of mediums do you use?
Watercolour pencils, pastels, acrylic paint.
Are there any products you just can’t live without?
I don’t think it would be possible to work without Mr. Super Clear. And I love my super small brushes from Army Painter!
What is your most favorite custom that you have made?
Oh! It’s so difficult… I love them all!
All dear to me, like children! But I mostly proud of one of my latest custom Little S. My best face up yet I think!
I love Laura as well. Her soft look and boho outfit.
What is your least favorite custom that you have made?
My least favorite are couples of Barbies I made in the beginning. I don’t know why, may be because Barbie is not my favorite "canvas"
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?
I can totally relate, I’m one of them! First of all- don’t give up! Most of the artists who do wonderful repaints was beginners too at some point. I think it’s important to enjoy yourself and find peace in this process. It’s art after all and many different artist have different point of views and different “message”.
I do not compare myself, but I find inspiration in other artist’s jobs and learn from the best of course!
What is your most recent custom?
Kraka/Aslaug is my latest custom. She got interesting story, actually. I planned her as a complete different character, but I made a mistake with my hair order – ordered too little. So I mixed different colours. After I rerooted her and made a face up she started too look like a wild creature not sweet candy-doll
Well she was a free spirit and wanted to decide by her self! Who am I to argue So be it.
She is actually already adopted. It was fast she found here admirer!
What is the worst injury you’ve had from working on customs?
Didn’t have any yet. Just scratches on my index finger from rerooting tool.
Who/What inspires you?
There are so many talented artist on Instagram! But to name a few…
mozekyto
Дина Крылова dina70k
poppenatelier
Olga Kamenetskaya oli.krolik
dolludeme
Andreja { Nicolle's Dreams }
dollightfully
What projects are you currently working on?
Oh… so many! I’m currently in 3 different SWAPS hosted by RetroDolls (Seasons; Carnivale and one special YouTube Era Swap) I cant talk about them too much, just say I find this is awesome opportunity to interact with fantastic artists and be a part of community!
I like computer and videogames (RPG mostly) and right now making powerful sorceress from my favourite game Dragon Age. I planning to do some more game characters in near future!
But my “private” projects are: couple Candy dolls, one is Polkagris and one is Liquorice.
I working as well on Morrigan from Dragon Age and have couple more in concept stage.
Planning a doll for my friend. Want repaint Clawdine as a symbol of the next year The Dog (in japanese horoscope)
Do you have any odd habits while working on customs?
Watching series or listen pods.
What types of art do you enjoy?
I love classical paintings (especially Prerafaelites like Dante Gabriel Rossetti and Impressionism (Monet, Manet, Dega) and allways visit art galleries when I travel.
Do you take commissions?
Didn’t do it yet, but…you never know…
Where can people see your work and contact you?
Do you have any favorite tips or tricks?
Keep your pencils sharp and buy a very good lamp! I also use magnifying glasses to be able work more detailed and reeeeally small brush
Any advice for people just starting out?
Be patient, practice and don’t afraid to experiment. Try to find your own style!
