In the first installment of this two part interview, Kimberly Lasher, Winner of the 2011 Doty award,shares her experiences as a BJD maker, and as a business owner.
BJDmagazine: What attracts you to ball-jointed dolls?
Kimberly: I imagine it is the same thing that most BJD collectors love… their posability and the fact that you can actually “play” with BJDs rather than just display them. I also really enjoy shopping for them. New outfits, shoes and wigs. It reminds me of playing with my Barbies as a little girl.
BJDmagazine: BJD faces seem like they are somewhat freer from the “realism” expected of polymer clay dolls. Do you find that liberating? What are your thoughts?
Kimberly: I love being able to sculpt any face I want for my BJDs. Each doll is kind of a character, and that has always been my style, even when I was creating one of a kind polymer dolls in the 90’s. I have been told before that all of my dolls look a bit like fairies or elves. No matter how hard I try to make the most realistic face possible, my dolls have a mind of their own!
BJDmagazine: How did you turn your love of dolls and crafts into a remarkably successful business? How did you get started and how did it evolve over the years?
Kimberly: I have always made dolls. I think I would make dolls even if no one wanted to buy them. I started many years ago going to Toy Fair with my OOAK polymer dolls, then took a 10 year hiatus. When I introduced my first BJDs “Caroline” and “Lindsey” at EXPO in Washington DC, I realized that my BJDs were quite different than anything available, especially in the Asian realm of BJDs. I feel they are a mix of a typical “Art Doll”, but with a posable ball-jointed body. It took a lot of hard work and determination, and even rejection, to get my love of dolls now called my “job” to this point. I have a degree in Advertising and Graphic design, so I am able to do all my marketing, graphics and web design. I have to wear a lot of hats, but in starting any business, you have to stay focused and set goals. I am very blessed to be doing something I love from my in-home studio. I truly have the best job in the world.
BJDmagazine: What advice could you give to others who dream of creating a doll business?
Kimberly: I would say to keep trying. Keep practicing your sculpting. Ask collectors what they think of your sculpts. Sometimes it’s hard to hear a tough critique, but it will make you better. But you have to make smart business decisions too, actually taking into account the time and expense to produce a sculpture.
BJDmagazine: What is the most challenging part of having a doll business?
Kimberly: Trying to make everyone happy. I have learned that lesson in 2010. This year I will do fewer dolls and smaller editions. I hand paint each doll, and invest a lot of time and effort into the final prototype such as costume, hair, shoe choices. I realize I just can’t deign and create a lot of dolls in one year. So, this year I will concentrate on the dolls I will introduce at IDEX, and the few special editions I will do for 3 of my dealers.
BJDmagazine: What is the most rewarding part?
Kimberly: Two things: I think one of the most rewarding parts is actually putting together the final prototype doll and taking pictures. All the costuming decisions and the hard work of sculpting come together in one final moment. The second-most rewarding part is the collectors. I am so grateful for all the collectors who get so much joy and fun from playing with my dolls. I have met so many incredible people in the last few years, and to hear their stories of how my dolls bring them so much happiness makes me feel grateful to be able to create dolls.
BJDmagazine: Are your children an inspiration for your sculpts?
Kimberly: Yes, I think a part of my daughter is in each sculpt. I am actually doing a 30″ BJD, completely based on her, and naming the doll after her. I hope to have that prototype ready soon. And if I ever do a boy doll, it will be sculpted after my 7 year old son.
Join us Thursday at 9 am (Boston Time) for the second part of our interview with Kimberly Lasher. She will tell us about her inspirations, how she creates, and her new collection for 2011.
| You can find Kimberly on:
Her BJD Website:http://www.lasherbjds.com/index.html Her Doll Website: http://www.kimberlylasherdolls.com/ |
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~BJDmagazine
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