Demographic Survey?

1 hour ago, BeyondTime said:

I think those were well thought out questions. Does the survey prevent double votes?

Aw, thank you! The survey doesn't prevent double votes due to the votes being anonymous, it relies on the honor system.

50 minutes ago, SillyGoose said:

Just finished the survey !! It was nice but I wish there were more questions making it a more in-depth survey. But still nice : )

 

I actually worried about it being too long and dry of a survey for people, so this is good to know! Thank you very much for participating!

This might be a silly question, but I'm never sure -- when one says "customized doll", does that mean you painted/commissioned a faceup, fully designed and produced/commissioned an original outfit, designed and sculpted/3D printed unique body parts, or does it mean you dressed your doll in clothes and wigs other than the pre-designed character it was sold as?

For instance, only 2 of my DDs have an artist faceup while the rest have the Volks default, only Saber wears her original wig and eyes, none of them wear their original costumes and I've handsewn cosplay outfits, but I still want to answer "no" to the customize question because what I've described feels like the bogstandard doll owner experience, lol. I guess answering based on your own interpretation is part of the survey process.

56 minutes ago, PlasticJester said:

I actually worried about it being too long and dry of a survey for people, so this is good to know! Thank you very much for participating!

In my opinion the longer the better haha, it gives way more detail about the community. If you ever do another one don’t be afraid to make it longer !! 🙏 

1 hour ago, PlasticJester said:

I actually worried about it being too long and dry of a survey for people, so this is good to know! Thank you very much for participating!

 

19 minutes ago, SillyGoose said:

In my opinion the longer the better haha, it gives way more detail about the community. If you ever do another one don’t be afraid to make it longer !!

 
You could always use the information from this one to make a follow up that drills down into more detail on the responses that got a lot of hits. 

8 hours ago, toughstermcg said:

This might be a silly question, but I'm never sure -- when one says "customized doll", does that mean you painted/commissioned a faceup, fully designed and produced/commissioned an original outfit, designed and sculpted/3D printed unique body parts, or does it mean you dressed your doll in clothes and wigs other than the pre-designed character it was sold as?

For instance, only 2 of my DDs have an artist faceup while the rest have the Volks default, only Saber wears her original wig and eyes, none of them wear their original costumes and I've handsewn cosplay outfits, but I still want to answer "no" to the customize question because what I've described feels like the bogstandard doll owner experience, lol. I guess answering based on your own interpretation is part of the survey process.

My take was a doll with an original faceup at the very least.

Finished the survey! I'm curious about the results, but I'm pretty certain that DD wins out, likely 1/4 scale will be the most popular size, they're the main thing most peeps collect, plus there are very few 1/6 scale dolls out there outside of Imomodoll and Tinyfox.

Finished the survey. Only confusing one was the customized doll question. I have 2 one-off volks super dollfies, which are unique enough in terms of face-up, outfit, and wig that I felt counted.

Nice survey. I used to like making those when I was a teacher.

I'm also partial to a bit of stats. I'm currently building a finance website and there's a lot of (simple) math in that.

To count our doll family members now we probably now need a scientific calculator, not a regular one 😂.

On 10/21/2024 at 3:39 PM, baldylox said:

Also, I agree with @BeyondTime about the Tinyfox dolls needing their own sub-forum or full section.  We should ask Averis to go ahead with that to make things easier to find and share.

Should probably add them as a "make" to the Doll Directory too.

Is there a schedule on when we're going to see the results of the survey?

 

 

On 10/26/2024 at 1:11 AM, Xiongmao said:

To count our doll family members now we probably now need a scientific calculator, not a regular one 😂.

Because the amount of dolls is growing exponentially or because there are some imaginary ones, too? 😝

Edited October 31, 2024 by Tierparkzone

Right now I'm waiting until the amount of responses has slowed down for a few days, and then I'll publish the survey.

37 minutes ago, PlasticJester said:

Right now I'm waiting until the amount of responses has slowed down for a few days, and then I'll publish the survey.

Glad you got a rush of them. 

Last I checked, we had almost 50 responses!

Just to keep everyone abreast of what's up, I closed the survey at 56 responses. I'm currently going through the data to show it in the clearest way possible! Expect results soon!

Here it comes, DollDreaming Demographic Survey Results~!
Sorry for the wait, work has been hectic. If any of the percentages or math seems wrong...blame Google Forms, lol

Total Responses: 56

How long have you been in the vinyl doll community? (56 Responses)

5-9 Years: 14 (25%)
2 Years: 9 (16.1%)
1 Year: 8 (14.3%)
>1 Year: 7 (12.5%)
10-14 Years: 6 (10.7%)
15-19 Years: 6 (10.7%)
3 Years: 3 (5.4%)
4 Years: 3 (5.4%)
20+ Years: 0 (0%)

How many vinyl dolls do you own? (56 Responses)
1: 4 (7.4%)
2: 3 (8.2%)
3: 5 (8.9%)
4: 4 (7.4%)
5: 4 (7.4%)
6: 5 (8.9%)
7: 4 (7.1%)
8: 4 (7.1%)
9: 3 (5.4%)
11: 2 (3.2%)
13: 2 (3.6%)
15: 1 (1.8%)
16: 2 (3.2%)
20: 2 (3.2%)
21: 2 (3.2%)
25: 1 (1.8%)
29: 1 (1.1%)
30: 1 (1.1%)
32: 1 (1.1%)
35: 1 (1.1%)
87: 1 (1.1%)
88: 1 (1.1%)

Which brands do you have dolls from? (56 Responses)

Dollfie Dream: 52 (92.9%)
Azone: 23 (41.1%)
Smart Doll: 16 (28.6%)
Obitsu/Paradox: 14 (25%)
Tinyfox: 14 (25%)
Imomodoll: 14 (25%)
Angelphilia/Pink Drops/VMF50: 6 (10.7%)
Dollbot: 4 (7.1%)
Real Doomsday: 1 (1.8%)
Seaside Peach: 1 (1.8%)
Mamachapp: 1 (1.8%)
PetWORKS: 1 (1.8%)
Granado Vindoll: 0 (0%)

Which brands would you consider yourself a "fan" of? (56 Responses)

Dollfie Dream: 50 (89.3%)
Azone: 24 (42.9%)
Tinyfox: 20 (35.7%)
Smart Doll: 15 (26.8%)
Obitsu/Parabox: 11 (19.6%)
Imomodoll: 11 (19.6%)
Angelphilia/Pink Drops/VMF50: 9 (16.1%)
Dollbot: 6 (10.7%)
Granado Vindoll: 2 (3.6%)
PetWORKS: 1 (1.8%)

Select all the options you see yourself as in the vinyl doll community. (56 Responses)

Collector: 47 (83.9%)
Photographer: 27 (48.2%)
Seamstress/Tailor: 17 (30.4%)
Face-up Artist: 14 (25%)
Crafter: 14 (25%)
Jewelry Maker: 8 (14.3%)
Socialite: 7 (12.5%)
Prop/Diorama Maker: 6 (10.7%)
Modder: 4 (7.1%)
Meetup Organizer: 1 (1.8%)
Extreme Hobbyist: 1 (1.8%)
Teacher/Information Sharer/Enabler/Historian: 1 (1.8%)
(Want to improve at these): 1 (1.8%)
None, I'm just a casual enjoyer haha: 1 (1.8%)
Sculptor: 0 (0%)

Do you have a customized doll? (55 Responses)

Yes, customized mainly/fully by me: 21 (38.2%)
Yes, customized mainly/fully by someone else: 19 (34.5%)
No, though I'd like one: 9 (16.4%)
I have one in the process of being made by me: 5 (9.1%)
No, and I wouldn't want one: 1 (1.8%)
I have one in the process of being made by someone else: 0 (0%)

Do you also have resin dolls? (56 responses)

Yes: 29 (51.8%)
No: 17 (30.4%)
No, but I'd like to have one: 8 (14.3%)
Yes, but I'd like to switch to only vinyl: 2 (3.6%)

Have you been to a doll meet or event? (56 responses)

No: 26 (46.4%)
Yes, multiple: 21 (37.5%)
Yes, one: 9 (16.1%)

Brand-Specific Questions

What are your favorite doll releases? (List as Brand: Release) (24 responses)
"Dollfie Dream: Kagamine Rin
Smart Doll: Crimson"

"Dollfie Dream: Iori Minase
Smart Doll: Kanata (Milk)
Obitsu: Akiho (Cute Ver.)
Azone: Uyuri (Summer Break Memories - Strawberry)
Angel Philia: Ellie (not Puchi Renewal)"

"Volks: YoRHa No. 9 Type S, Volks: KAITO"

"Dollfie Dream: Arle
Tinyfox: Joshua, Ashley, Little Ashley, Poison
Azone: Honono, Urara"

"TinyFox: Joshua, Azone: Uyuri"

"Volks Arle"

"Dollfie Dream: Beatrice (Umineko no Naku Koro Ni), Dollfie Dream Sister: Anastasia (Idolmaster), Dollfie Dream Kaede Takagaki 2nd version (Idolmaster)"

"DDS Frieren & Miki, Smart Doll All Prowess types"

"Imomodoll: APSU"

"Volks: DDS Kanzaki Ranko, Volks: DDS Kanzaki Ranko 2nd, Azone: Jigoku Shoujo Enma Ai Another Realistic Characters 1/6 #11"

"DD: Y'shtola"

"Volks"

"Smart Doll: Envisage, Smart Doll: Starlight, Smart Doll: North (all)"

"Volks: Dollfie Dream, Dollfie Dream Sister"

"Volks: Kud Wafter and Sailor Moon collabs"

"Volks: Alna"

"Volks KAITO, Volks Arle"

"N/A, I prefer non-IP dolls"

"Too many to list"

"Dollfie Dream"

"Volks: Dollfie Dream Kan'u, Volks: Beatrice, Volks: Tamaki, Volks: 09 Head, Volks: 16 Head"

"Miku NT"

"Tinyfox: Nomi"

(Dollfie Dream) What are you preferred doll types? (55 responses)

Dollfie Dream Sister / Sister Boy: 33 (60%)
Mini Dollfie Dream: 28 (50.9%)
Dollfie Dream / Boy: 22 (40%)
Dollfie Dream Pretty: 11 (20%)
Dollfie Dream Dynamite: 11 (20%)

(Smartdoll) What are your preferred doll types? (26 responses)

Classic: 20 (76.9%)
Pear: 8 (30.8%)
Male Slim: 6 (23.1%)
Male Macho: 2 (7.7%)

(Obitsu/Paradox) What are your preferred doll types? (8 responses)
"Parabox 50"

"40-45cm"

"Obitsu 48, Obitsu 50, male and female"

"11cm"

"OB40, 45"

"45cm body"

"Ob11"

"I have OB11 but I do want a 1/4 scale one day"

(Azone) What are your preferred doll types? (23 responses)

One of the 1/6 brands: 17 (73.9%)
Iris Collect Petit: 12 (52.2%)
Another Realistic Characters: 2 (8.7%)
Happiness Clover: 1 (4.3%)

(Tinyfox) What are your preferred doll types? (20 responses)

1/6: 15 (75%)
1/4 Slim: 6 (30%)
1/4 Macoco: 5 (25%)

Anything else you'd like to add? (7 responses)
"Even though the forum seems to consider them ontopic (maybe misinformation?), tinyfox aren’t actually vinyl (they are plastic with a vinyl imitation coating) so I didn’t count them in my number of owned vinyl dolls."

"Preferred Azone would technically be more than "one" of the 1/6 brands, as I think they shine in this niche that Volks does not serve. Alvastaria, Another Realistic Characters, PureNeemo Characters."

"To expand on the custom doll question I have 1 doll that is fully my own custom work and 2 other custom dolls who have different artist faceups each from artists who's work I love. I like having variety in style with my dolls because I feel like it helps them all have their own identity :)"

"A bit hard to gauge time in the community, because the time I've known/followed it vs actively owning vinyl is a pretty huge difference!  I spent more time in the resin sphere collecting (my oldest resin doll is 20+ years now, but still read vinyl-centric sites in that time frame.  It's only within the last year I decided to switch into buying vinyl."

"You’re missing some series from Azone, like Ellen and Kikipop."

"Thank you for the survey!"

"I started with 1/6 scale Azone fashion dolls when I entered the hobby! I have no say with Smartdoll due to having none, but that I wish they had 1/4 scale, mainly due to my preference for that size. My Obitsu dolls are all the OB11 bodies mainly for Nendoroid heads."

Closing Thoughts:

- I wish I had made 'do you have a customized doll?' a more open-ended answer, it slipped my mind people could have more than one. Oops.
- I find it interesting that the majority of people have been to multiple doll meets/events, or none at all.
- MDD Arle showed up a total of 3 times in the favorite official releases answers! The majority of answers for that question were Volks dolls.
- To future-proof this, I want to note the preferred doll types questions allowed you to choose multiple answers.
- I wish I had separated the Dollfie boys from their female counterparts...
- As someone who hasn't really broken into the fashion-scale 1/6 doll market, I was surprised how insanely popular the 1/6 azone dolls were! I probably should have expected that.
- I totally did miss some Azone series, oops. I didn't add Kikipop because it's not vinyl, but I totally missed that Ellen is 1/3 and not 1/6.
- Would love to do brand owner surveys to get more specific responses, though I'll admit most of my knowledge brand-wise is Dollfie Dream and Imomodoll. Would anyone be interested in that?

So that's that! Feel free to read into this data, discuss it, whatever you'd like! And as a small token of my appreciation for how many people participated in the survey, here's a little DollDreaming emoji you can use!

3 hours ago, PlasticJester said:

"Even though the forum seems to consider them ontopic (maybe misinformation?), tinyfox aren’t actually vinyl (they are plastic with a vinyl imitation coating) so I didn’t count them in my number of owned vinyl dolls."

That's interesting, because their 1/4 are vinyl, at least from what I was able to find on the internet. I've never handled one, so I don't know for certain. I did see their 1/6 dolls listed as PVC / ABS.

The internet can be full of crap, so I'd be curious if someone who owns a 1/4 can speak to that. 
 

 

I own a 1/4, and she feels pretty vinyl-y to me. She has that soft coating they used to put on the dolls, so I don't know if that affects things, but her hands at the very least feel soft and squishy. Might be like Smartdoll, where they have a harder vinyl in use?

I own 2 Dollfies, with a 3rd on it's way.

1 Dollfie Dream Sister Reimu, 1 Dolfie Dream Miku

I also own 3 Azone 1/6 pureneemo dolls.
Tea Party Raili, Homura, and Mio Akiyama

On 11/22/2024 at 7:17 PM, PlasticJester said:

- I wish I had made 'do you have a customized doll?' a more open-ended answer, it slipped my mind people could have more than one. Oops.

- I find it interesting that the majority of people have been to multiple doll meets/events, or none at all.

- As someone who hasn't really broken into the fashion-scale 1/6 doll market, I was surprised how insanely popular the 1/6 azone dolls were! I probably should have expected that.

For the first point, I think it might be helpful to go the other way and be more specific: identify what criteria constitute a customized doll for purposes of the question. Does as little as changing a wig from default count? How about a self-made character doll using only off-the-shelf parts not otherwise modified? What about custom costumes bought at a doll show that were pre-made by the seamstress and not a commission? Do OOAK complete dolls made by others count (e.g. Super Dollfie One-Off Model)? How about DD Dream Choice, which is technically chosen by the customer (customized) but not necessarily unique?  Or do only the most customized 100% self-made dolls (faceup and outfit with no outside help) count? This could end up being multiple questions depending on why it's being asked.

For the second point, the result actually makes a lot of sense: either a given respondent lives in an area where there are regular events ("yes, many"), or they live where there are none. The folks that would be captured with a "yes, one" answer would be folks who have no meets locally and flew to e.g. LA for Dolpa as a special treat, or folks who do have meets locally and have only yet been to their first one. This just-one group likely would be the smallest in size.

Part of the appeal of Azone 1/6 for anime and game fans (the Volks DD target market) is the breadth of Azone's product. Volks is tied to a farily regular low-volume release cadence each year, whereas Azone seems free to make more individual characters and release them whenever they want.

2 hours ago, SakuraSylph said:

Part of the appeal of Azone 1/6 for anime and game fans (the Volks DD target market) is the breadth of Azone's product. Volks is tied to a farily regular low-volume release cadence each year, whereas Azone seems free to make more individual characters and release them whenever they want.

I think it’s more that they’re comparatively inexpensive and they don’t take up much space. It seems most people who own 1/6 Pureneemos own dolls from Azone’s Ex Cute line rather than actual anime character dolls.

See, the only reason I haven't gotten into them is I consider them pretty pricey! Hence why I wasn't sure how popular they are.

On 11/26/2024 at 2:38 PM, SakuraSylph said:

For the first point, I think it might be helpful to go the other way and be more specific:

That could be the focus of a follow up survey if @PlasticJester really wants to do one. 

--

I want to be clear I'm not trying to tell you what needs to be on the next survey, these are just things I think it would be more interesting to know about.

Personally, I think it would be interesting to deep dive into the following:

Do you have a favorite doll, or dolls, in your collection? (This would be a yes or no question.)

An optional follow up question box is: What criteria(s) make a doll your favorite? (I say optional, because this could be identifying for some of us, and this could be multi-choice, question box, or both.

Favorite release and why?

A deeper dive into photography, like asking about indoor and outdoor photos.

Maybe a multiple choice about why people don't do outdoor photos if they don't. 

It would be interesting to know how many people treat this hobby like a secret as opposed to being open about it.

Specifics around related hobbies, like I'm learning metal working because of this hobby and for no other reason. I want to make dioramas for photos and learn sewing, because of this hobby. Exploring the connected hobby(s) relationship to this one would be interesting.

Specifics about customization seems to be popular. I think "brand owner" specific surveys would be interesting. Collabs can bring peopleto the hobby, or they can bring the hobbiest to the source material for the collab. The only reason I even know about iDOLLM@STER is because of the Volks dolls, but I've watched all the anime now except Side M. I came to this hobby because of Xenosaga and being a fan of Kos-Mos. There is a lot to explore there.

Wow! This was really interesting! Thank you so much for compiling this! 💖

On 10/28/2024 at 1:58 AM, BeyondTime said:

Should probably add them as a "make" to the Doll Directory too.

Would be interested in this, since I have a small army of TinyFoxes I’d like to add profiles for.

40 minutes ago, ragnamuffin said:

Would be interested in this, since I have a small army of TinyFoxes I’d like to add profiles for.

You can already add them in "other", then move them between categories once they got their own.

It would definitely make it easier looking up sculpts etc. - Might be a good idea to add an Imomo category too?