Animania Festival Weekend will present three types of panels and demonstrations this year featuring a range of artists, academics, industry professionals and community group representatives:

• Animania Classroom - Join us as we raise new questions and seek new answers.
• Animania Insight - Take a deeper look into the anime and manga you know and love and the cultures surrounding them.
• Art Talks & Demonstrations - From copic techniques, to ABJD face-up demos, to tips on Cosplay make-up, learn the tricks of the trade!

Find out more about each type of panel and schedules below.
Also, don't forget to check out our exciting Highlight Panels to be held on the Chibi Stage!

Get to know the speakers at the panels a little, with the speaker bios!

• Animania Insight Panellists
• Art Talks & Demonstration Panellists
  

Animania Classroom

These introductory seminars aim to help you find your feet in the vast seas of Japanese pop culture and leave you with a greater understanding of anime, manga and the subtle nuances between the two.

Some of these seminars will also come with specifically designed handouts that you can keep for handy reference later and to let you take notes.

SATURDAY:

2:00PM - 3:00PM PANEL ROOM 1

Spirited Away Workshop with Dr. Mio Bryce, Christie Barber, Jason Davis and Elizabeth Jackson (MacQ)

In 2001, an animated film was released and went on to win several awards, including an Oscar and an Academy Award, the first one ever presented to an anime film. The title of this film was Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi; Spirited Away. Written and directed by acclaimed animator Hayao Miyazaki, Spirited Away was produced by Studio Ghibli, and won hearts over worldwide with its distinctive blend of oddball characters, homestyle values, humour, innocence and a goodly dose of the fantastic. Join us in this workshop to learn more about Spirited Away and other varied works of Miyazaki, from themes explored to the influences of Japanese culture in this workshop. Excerpts from the movie will also be analysed in depth for the benefit of students and educators looking for additional insight into this topic for the HSC Japanese Extension course.

2:30PM - 3:00PM PANEL ROOM 2

The World of Miyazaki: An Exploration of Characters and Themes with Dr. Rebecca Suter (USYD)

The works of Hayao Miyazaki feature a diverse range of characters from the earnest innocence of Satsuki and Mei in My Neighbour Totoro, to the vain and haughty Howl from Howl's Moving Castle. We watch these characters grow and develop, as events within the film change them and their motivations. This workshop will focus on exploring these facets of Miyazaki's works. What drives each character to act in the way they do? Why do they change as the tale proceeds? Find out what Miyazaki would like us to take away from these well-loved characters in their wonderful worlds.

4.30PM - 5.30PM PANEL ROOM 1

Japanese Language Seminar with Dr. Mio Bryce (MacQ)

Do you learn Japanese to increase your appreciation of anime and manga? Or do you watch anime and manga to improve your Japanese? Our guest academic will explore why millions are learning the language and also discuss what their Japanese programs have to offer potential students.

There will also be a special panel on the Chibi Stage at 12:45pm titled Dystopian Societies in Anime/Manga: Reflections on the Current World.

SUNDAY:

3.30PM - 4.30PM PANEL ROOM 2

Moe, Meganekko, or Meido? Female Characterisation in Anime/Manga with Dr. Mio Bryce, Christie Barber and Jason Davis (MacQ)

Our guest speakers from Macquarie University join us once again to explore the characterisation of females in anime and manga. We know the many types that exist, from adorable moe characters, to studious meganekko, and even volatile tsunderekko! Come join us to discover different portrayals of female characters and the significance of such a depiction in anime and manga.

 

Animania Insight

There is more to anime and manga than meets the eye! Animania Insight provides an open forum for all those niggling questions about anime, manga and wider Japanese popular culture.

Last year, we explored anime and manga as different genres and/or mediums. In 2009, we will explore the inner niches, circles and sub-groups within the Japanese pop culture 'sub-culture' from collectors and gamers to cosplayers and fan-artists. Opinions will surely fly! Audience participation definitely welcome.

SATURDAY:

11.15AM - 12.15PM PANEL ROOM 1

Just One More! A Collector's Life with Phillip Cheung a.k.a Adun (Moe Moe Rabu) and Jamie Ong (Animania BJD Coordinator)

If you can barely see your screen over the stacks of manga and dvds, if your display cases are filled to the brim with figurines of your favourite characters and you're on a first name basis with all the anime store owners, then this is the panel for you! This session will bring together collectors (including Adun of Moe Moe Rabu.net), whether of figurines, dollfies, anime or manga, for a rousing discussion on motivations and experiences as a collector of Japanese pop culture memorabilia.

3.45PM - 4.30PM PANEL ROOM 1

'Y' Not? Yaoi fans, culture and community around the world Professor Mark McLelland (UoW), Tim Jap (UoW), Amy Plumb (MacQ), Christie Barber (MacQ)

“So...just why are you into yaoi anyway?” This question is one that has both amused and frustrated fans of the genre. Time then perhaps to ask the question of “Well, why not?”. Join our speakers from Macquarie University and the University of Wollongong in a discussion of the history behind yaoi, why yaoi fans are so fascinated with the genre and its relevance in the world today. Explore the different variations of what anime/manga fans know as ‘yaoi’ in cultures all over the world, learn about changes that have been brought about by technology and even legal implications of what may otherwise seem an innocent pastime!

4.30PM - 5.30PM PANEL ROOM 2

Fanworks: Traipsing this Tricky Thoroughfare with Amy Plumb (MacQ), Cassie Walker (MacQ) and Elizabeth McMurray (AnimeMQ, SMASH!)

Love that anime? Can't get enough of that manga? Lots of fans feel the same way and allow their creativity to run riot with fanworks from fanart and fanvids, to fanfiction and moodthemes. Last year, we explored motivations and popular themes behind fanworks... this year, learn how to navigate the tricky pathways of fandom; tact and etiquette is certainly essential when the fanbase feels passionately about a particular series. Discover the art of constructive criticism, share experiences, whether good or bad, in our discussion of fan communities in the wide wide world of anime.

SUNDAY:

12.15PM - 1.15PM PANEL ROOM 1

More than Cosplay - Japanese Fashion Culture with Gina Park (COFA)

BTSSB? Meta? FRUITS? Bape? If these words are mere jargon to you (and all you know about Japanese fashion culture is from Gwen Stefani) you need to come to this panel! The unique fashion cultures of Japan are becoming increasingly recognized around the world. Find out what the fuss is all about at Animania this year in our insight panel on Japanese fashion culture!

2.45PM - 3.45PM PANEL ROOM 2

Japan and the World: ANIMATE! with Jason Davis (MacQ), Katrina Gutierrez (MacQ)

While many of us are most familiar with Japanese animation series, various other countries produce their own unique animations from South East Asian series to Western-style cartoons. In this panel, our learned hosts will take you through an engaging discussion of cultural differences between Japan, other Asian cultures, and western culture, and how this may be depicted in and/or otherwise affect a particular anime or manga series.

4.00PM - 5.00PM PANEL ROOM 1

Japan and the World: GAME ON! with James Kelly (MacQ), Ben Patterson (JAUWS), Matt Hotop (JAUWS)

Japanese-made games contribute greatly to the range of games available across the many platforms on hand in this day and age. From epic overarching themes in Final Fantasy, catchy rhythms of PaRappa the Rapper, to off-kilter urban settings of The World Ends With You, Japanese games have garnered legions of fans both within Japan and without. Why are Japanese games so popular? Are there notable differences between Japanese-made games and those produced elsewhere? Join our gaming gurus to discover the influences of Japanese culture on various game aspects, whether they be themes and setting, or even character portrayals and voice-acting.

There will also be a special Animania Insight panel on the Chibi Stage at 12pm titled Japan and Your Future: When I grow up...

 

Art Talks & Demonstrations

Doujinshi, or "amateur work" by fans, is an important aspect of anime and manga culture. These talks will be dedicated specifically to the art forms of Japanese fan culture including drawing basics, how to improve your cosplay and taking stunning photographs of ABJDs. We've got an excellent line up of experts this year, ready to teach you the tricks of the trade and answer your questions.

SATURDAY:

10.15AM - 11.00AM PANEL ROOM 1

WCS Pre-Judging and Q&A Session with WCS Australian Preliminary 2009/2010 Finalists & Judges

This is it! The Australian Preliminary finals for WCS are upon us! Come meet the 7 teams that made it to the finals in this Q/A session. The seven finalist teams will present their costumes to the judges for a closer look in this pre-judging session. Watch as each of the judges inspect each of the costumes in detail. You - the audience - will also have the opportunity to ask each of the finalists questions about their costumes and experience so far. Everyone is welcome to join in, even if you don't have any questions. Come show your support for your favourite team!

11.45AM - 12.30PM PANEL ROOM 2

Introduction to ABJDs and Customisation with Loki (The Faireground)

With years of experience in the hobby, Loki is also one of the moderators of Australia's BJD forum The Faireground. She will present for an introductory talk on Asian Ball Jointed Dolls open to new and existing BJD owners, non-owners and fans alike. Loki will also explain the customisation aspect of the hobby and providing some interesting examples. Be sure to attend this talk for some ideas on how to customise your BJD!

12.30PM - 1.30PM PANEL ROOM 1

Pixel Magic: Digital Art Workshop with Jay Lee, Pete Chemsripong, Liviu Constantinescu (OneArt Centre)

So, you have the tools at hand; a trusty tablet and a graphics program bursting with tools just waiting for your inspiration to strike! Not sure where to begin? Watch as our guest artists from the OneArt Centre guide you through the entire process; from the character design sketch right to the finishing touches using a graphics tablet and ADOBE Photoshop.

12.45PM - 2.00PM PANEL ROOM 2

ABJD Face-up Demo and Q&A with Mk13 (Moonteahouse Aesthetics) and Jme (At The Faireground

Animania Festival Weekend is honoured to have special guest face-up artists this year, Mk13 of Moonteahouse Aesthetics and Jme from At The Faireground. Jme is also a moderator at the Australian forum The Faireground.

Mk13 will be walking through a comprehensive demonstration of face-up techniques. The demonstration will be followed by a Q&A panel where you can find out more tips and tricks of the trade from Mk13 and Jme. If you're an aspiring face-up artist then this is the demo not to miss!

There will also be a special Art Talk & Demonstration/Workshop on the Chibi Stage at 11.30am on Cosplay Armour.

SUNDAY:

11.00AM - 12.00PM PANEL ROOM 1

The Art of Traditional Media with Jay Lee, Pete Chemsripong, Liviu Constantinescu (OneArt Centre)

Join our talented professional illustrators from the OneArt Centre as they demonstrate live the process of producing realistic illustration using mixed media that includes air brush, gouache and pastel/colour pencil. Watch how more than one medium may be used to achieve a realistic yet artistic painting and learn to use colours to create interesting lightings and mood, transforming a normal picture artistically using strong brush strokes that makes the object more 3-dimensional and at the same time it enhances the object's characteristic! This session is not to be missed!

11.15PM - 12.15PM PANEL ROOM 2

Shopping for the Doll Hobby with Loki (The Faireground), Krishna and Lemonsky (Enchanted Doll)

Loki, Krishna and Lemonsky will talk about a very important aspect of the hobby (for some of us anyway) - shopping! One of the first few Australian owners of ABJDs, Loki and Krishna have years of experience in shopping for Dolls (especially when they were a lot less accessible via the internet!). Lemonsky is a representative of Enchanted Doll, reknowned seller of beautiful urethane eyes. This panel will cover the aspects of shopping in the hobby, opinions on different products, the buying experience from different companies or sellers, tips on navigating certain tricky sites or less accessible companies, explanations on Paypal and many other ins-and-outs of purchasing.

We will also bring a wide range of products as examples and encourage the audience to bring anything they particularly want to talk about. As an essential part of the hobby, this panel is a must-attend event!

12:30PM - 1.00PM PANEL ROOM 1

Styling Wigs with Catty & Tsubaki (WCS Team Australia 2008/2009)

Are you having a bad hair day? Don't worry, Team Australia is here to save you! Cattypatra and Tsubaki-chan - the 08/09 WCS Team Australia - will teach you the basics about styling wigs and wig maintenance. For those with more experience, you will be able to learn more advanced techniques, such as correctly spiking and curling your wig.

1.15AM - 1.45PM PANEL ROOM 2

Doll Photography Talk with Jme (At The Faireground)

During this talk, Jme who is reknowned for her expressive and creative doll photography will impart some of her knowledge and experience! You can expect to learn some shortcuts and also gain some new ideas on doll photography - a fun but sometimes frustrating aspect of the Doll hobby.

With a focus on doll photography rather than basic photography technicalities, Jme will cover some tips on setting up for photos as well as do's and don'ts while training the lens on your doll.

1.30PM - 2.30PM PANEL ROOM 1

Amateur's Guide: How to Sell Your Art! with Lily Yang (SUGART)

Your desk is overflowing with sketches, your PC whinges as you add yet another layer to your current CG, and your collection of Copics seem to be taking on a life of their own... but not to worry, help is at hand! Join us as Lily from SUGART provides insight, tips and tricks on how to sell your art at convention artist tables. Her years of experience in the convention circuit will provide invaluable information on matters such as merchandise types, various factors to consider and setting up your stall to your best advantage! Don't miss it!

2.45PM - 3.45PM PANEL ROOM 2

Cosplay Make-up Tips with K and Aly (S.M.E.X.)

Some of the best cosplayers in the world, even the guys, would agree that one of the final touches for a perfect cosplay is good make-up, however it is quite common in cosplay competitions to see cosplayers that do not use any make-up at all! In this panel, K and Aly from S.M.E.X will show how make-up isn't just about hiding your pimples - it's a tool that can be used to amplify your own beauty and make your cosplay more authentic and stand out! If you're unsure about how to apply make-up, what best suits your face and skin-tone, what you need for cosplay, or even where to buy it on a budget, then come to this panel to learn everything you need to know! There will also be some pro-tips for male cosplayers.

Insight Panelists

Dr Mio Bryce
Head of Japanese Studies, Macquarie University

Mio has a wide range of interests in Japanese language (classical and modern), literature, history and manga/anime and has developed and taught four manga related units: “JPN123: Japan‘s Contemporary Culture through Manga”, “JPN223: Manga and Representation of Identity”, “JPN323: Manga: Global Imagery” and “JPN815: Manga and Anime”.

Her particular interest is in historical, socio-cultural and psychological issues depicted in fiction. She is involved in interdisciplinary research into youth cultures and has established a manga/anime research group, in conjunction with the English Department at Macquarie University. As a part of the group, she and her colleagues and students have formed a small research manga/anime group and currently, supported by MJS Centre, working on Manga/Anime Research Resource Website (to be established later this year). If you are interested in the group and/or the website, please feel free to email her.

Dr Rebecca Suter
Lecturer in Japanese Studies, University of Sydney.

Rebecca Suter’s main research interest is in modern Japanese literature and comparative literature. Her first book, The Japanization of Modernity, focuses on contemporary Japanese writer Murakami Haruki, particularly on his role as a cultural mediator between Japan and the United States, as well as on his use of meta-fictional techniques. She is currently working on issues of translation and cross-cultural representation between Asia and the West, concentrating on the phenomenon of the “Japanization” of Western culture and the way it challenges current views of colonialism, postcolonialism and globalization. Before coming to Sydney, she has taught Japanese modern literature at Harvard University and at Brown University. She also works as a translator of manga, and has translated works by Shinohara Chie, Anno Moyoko, Miuchi Suzue, Asano Inio, Kitoh Mohiro, Katayama Kyoichi, Matsumoto Taiyô, and Unita Yumi, among others.

Ben Patterson
President of Japanese Animation, University of Western Sydney (JAUWS)

Ben Patterson, 22, is currently studying Electronic Arts at the University of Western Sydney and is the President of the UWS anime club, JAUWS, the oldest student-based anime society in Sydney.

In his spare time Ben likes to dress as a super hero and fight crime, nazis, zombies, draculas, wolfmen, aliens, killer robots. He also enjoys long walks on the beach, unicorns and riding his pet space whale.

Michael Camilleri
Former JET Programme Participant

Michael has been interested in Japan on some level since falling in love with Robotech as a child. He began going to university anime clubs in high school where he caught the organising bug incredibly badly.

In 2001 he was a founding member of the Sydney University Anime Society after discovering one didn't already exist. In 2002 he helped start Animania and in 2003 took it to two days. In 2004 he managed the Eminence Symphony Orchestra's 'A Night in Fantasia' performance which brought Nobuo Uematsu to Sydney. He oversaw the first Eminence performance in Melbourne in 2005. He is the SMASH! 2009 Vendor Relations Coordinator.

In 2006 Michael went on the JET Programme and lived in Osaka for two and a half years. During that time he worked at a senior high school, a children's English conversation school and in the office of the Sakai City Board of Education. His wife is Japanese and still in Japan. He misses her a lot.

James Kelly
Primary School Teacher, Graduate of Macquarie University

James Kelly, 22, was an enthusiastic presenter on last year's Insight series. During his studies at Macquarie University studying Primary Education, he was a member of the Manga Research Group, a website aimed at bringing together students, fans, and teachers around the academics of anime and manga. Since childhood, manga and anime have always inspired him, with his earliest memory being Astro Boy. However, his passion for anime and manga grew surprisingly from within the video game culture. The anime stylised games such as "Lunar: Silver Star Story" and "Evil Zone" have inspired him to look further into this ever-growing Japanese contemporary culture.

His study has opened his eyes to the reality of manga and anime in Japan - not only is anime and manga a growing culture (with its own sub-cultures such as "cute" or kawaii culture) but also as a way for many artists to express themselves within the contemporary Japanese society on issues including identity, the status of women or even the transitory. At the moment, he is developing programs and lesson plans that implement the anime culture into classroom teaching, expanding his research on "teaching with unrecognised tools - utilising Japanese popular culture into cross curricular classroom teaching".

Elizabeth McMurray
Graduate of Macquarie University, SMASH! General Events and Screening Coordinator

Elizabeth has been participating in fandom online since 2000 and with her local anime club, AnimeMQ since 2004. Elizabeth has held a number of positions with animeMQ including President, Vice-President, Secretary and liaison. She still remains a part of AnimeMQ, despite having graduated from Macquarie with a degree in IT. Elizabeth is also a member of the organising committee for SMASH! and currently holds the position of general events and screenings coordinator.

Elizabeth writes meta, fanfic, (and reads much more) has dabbled in AMVs and has occasionally in the past found herself the webmaster for a few forums, rpgs and online trading card games. She finds it a point of pride to have given over 2000 reviews on fanfiction.net. Although sitting back and reading and watching the anime and manga is fun too. She also sometimes participates with panels at anime conventions.

Gina Park aka. 'Kabi'
Fine Arts Student at COFA UNSW

Kabi always been a great fan of Japanese culture, language and art which is why Japanese fashion is of no exception. She loves the freedom of individuality and creativity of the different styles, particularly in Elegant Gothic Lolita and Visual Kei. Apart from fashion, she studies a major in Drawing & Painting, using Asian Ball Jointed Dolls as a key theme to her artworks.

Jay Lee
Professional commercial iIllustrator and teacher

Jay has been a practitioner of commercial illustration for over 13 years, including 10 years experience teaching in one of the top colleges for illustration in Kuala Lumpur. Apart from teaching, Jay also works very closely with art directors from renowned advertising agency including Leo Burnett, Ogilvy & Mather, Euro RSCG, Bates and Batey Ads in Singapore and Malaysia, as a freelance illustrator. Some of the illustrations that Jay worked on are for clients including Singapore Airlines, Twisties, Nestle and etc. One of his latest works includes 3 digital illustrations for Fuji Xerox Printers in Australia. He has also worked with film director in Australia in producing storyboards.

Since graduating with a BFA from the University of Newcastle in New South Wales, Jay has continued his passion for teaching art and training young artists, by teaming with Pete Chemsripong in starting Art Workshop programs at OneArt Centre. Pete specializes in Digital art, Concept art and Figure Sketching.

Queenie Chan
Successful manga artist and professional illustrator

Queenie Chan was born in 1980 in Hong Kong, and migrated to Australia when she was six years old. In 2004, she began drawing a 3-volume mystery-horror series called "The Dreaming" for LA-based manga publisher TOKYOPOP. To date, it has been translated into multiple languages.

She has since collaborated on a single-volume graphic novel called "In Odd We Trust" with publisher Del Ray, a prequel to the "Odd Thomas" series of novels by New York Times best-selling author Dean Koontz. The book was published in June 2008, and will be followed by a sequel in 2010.

Apart from her professional work, she also draws a number of online comic strips on her personal site queeniechan.com

Professor Mark McLelland
Researcher, University of Wollongong

Mark McLelland is a sociologist and cultural historian of Japan specialising in the history of sexuality, gender theory and new media. His recent publications have focused on the postwar history of Japanese queer cultures and the development of the Internet in Japan, especially the use of the Internet and other new media by minority communities in Japan and throughout Asia. He is a founding member of the AsiaPacifiQueer research collective which organised the Genders, Sexualities & Rights: 1st International Conference of Asian Queer Studies in Bangkok in 2005. He recently organised a workshop and an edited collection on Japanese Transnational Fandoms with Fran Martin (U Melb). Of particular note is a special issue in the Intersections journal focusing on Japanese Transnational Fandoms and Female Consumers.

Mark is currently working on a long term book project tentatively entitled: 'Kissing is a symbol of Democracy: Dating Democracy and Romance in Japan Under the Occupation 1945-52'. he was also the 2007/08 Toyota Visiting Professor of Japanese at the Center for Japanese Studies, The University of Michigan.

Dr. Paul Cheung
Researcher, University of Sydney

Dr Paul Cheung is a researcher and writer with an interest in manga and anime. He is currently writing a series of articles concerning biotechnology as it is variously portrayed in manga and anime. This has led to further investigations into the fascinating relationship between creativity and life, particularly in the case of Japan.

Phillip Cheung aka Adun (Moé Moé Rabu)
Web Developer

Phillip has had an interest in anime since 1998 but it wasn’t until 2001 that he became an avid collector. Starting with posters, over time his collection has expanded to include figures, manga, DVDs, doujinshi, Gunpla, plushies, and the latest addition: Asian Ball Jointed Dolls. His collection ranges from the fairly cheap to the ridiculously expensive, the easily available to the extremely rare, and from the simply small to the cuddly large. Having spent much time and money on his collection, Phillip is also knowledgeable in buying locally, importing directly from Japan and  buying in Japan itself.

As he expands his collection, Phillip also takes photos of his purchases and posts them on his blog to share with others who have similar interests. This leads him to engage in figure photography as well as writing reviews of the merchandise that he purchases. And to think that he could fit most of his collection into a room the size of a small study. As to the value of his collection: he doesn’t want to think about that.

Amy Plumb
Honours Student, Macquarie University

Spawned in the eighties, Amy grew up watching shows like "Astroboy" and "Lost Cities of Gold" unware of their Japanese origins. It wasn't until the tween years that a recognition of anime happened after an older cousin sat her down and they watched "Akira", which made absolutely no sense at the time and they have continued this affair of confusion to this day. Anime seemed to fade out of existence except for the occasionally movie like "Ghost in the Shell" and "Ninja Scroll", as well as random re-viewings of "Akira". It wasn't until 2004, when her best friend made her read her first manga, "Naruto", that a new otaku was born. Amy's BA majoring in Ancient History swiftly became Japanese, enrolling in all units she possibly could relating to Japanese language and culture. Having completed all three anime related units and a research unit with a focus on Japanese mythology in anime at Macquarie uni, Amy has continued this love of anime research with an Honours degree and intends to continue on to a PhD. Amy is also a participant in Dr Mio Bryce's Manga Research Group.

Outside of uni, Amy's life consists of squealing at cute things, sleeping excessively, wishing she was a ninja, searching for cats and other fluffy creatures, collecting purple things and spending an unhealthy amount of time in front of a computer screen.

Art talks & Demonstration panellists

Loki
Moderator extraordinaire of The Faireground

Loki discovered the Asian Ball Jointed Doll hobby in late 2003, buying her first BJD in August the following year. Her collection grew quickly after that and she now owns 11 dolls from many different companies. She enjoys the hobby because of the customisability that BJDs offer, with endless opportunities to make them unique. Loki dabbles in a number of aspects of the BJD hobby, but most enjoys doll photography and sewing. She likes designing doll clothes, but also enjoys the challenge of doll cosplay (especially since she's not brave enough to cosplay herself!). Loki is also one of the two moderators at the Australian BJD forum 'The Faireground'.

Jme
Moderator extraordinaire of The Faireground

Jme started out with Blythe dolls in 2005 and bought her first BJD at the end of 2006. Her current doll collection numbers at 8, with a floating head incoming (which is not as macabre as it sounds, seriously!).

BJDs are appealing to Jme for their customisable aspects and ability to be reinvented to many different characters relatively easily. That she collects and plays with dolls now is interesting because she had no interest in them when she was young. She enjoys the creative outlets BJDs generate; spending time photographing them, customising them and occasionally sewing for them.

For Jme, dolls are a great way to de-stress after her work in an architect's office, though not when posing them isn't going so smoothly. Outside of this hobby, she also enjoys photography in general and loves street and food photography.

Mk13
Student, doll owner and face-up artist of Moonteahouse Aesthetics

Mk13 bought her first BJD in 2006 after knowing of their existence for a couple of years. Since then, she has accumulated 11 dolls and a random few spare heads…spare heads being a common part of the hobby!

She likes the customisation aspect of the hobby best; doing face-ups, BJD modifications, making clothes and even just picking out the different eyes and wigs to swap them at whim. That BJDs look nicer than any other doll she has seen is also why she's so keen on them.

Lemonsky
Student in visual arts and design, and representative of Enchanted Doll

Lemonsky first joined the doll hobby in January 2008. As an artist, the world of Ball Jointed Dolls was irresistible as they were very appealing to her aesthetically and so customisable that she couldn't NOT own one! Her casual work at ANZ stadium funds this oftentimes expensive hobby. She is also a sales representative of Enchanted Doll, the producer of beautiful, handmade resin doll eyes.

Other than BJDs, Lemonsky's passion is illustration/drawing. Her ambition is to be an illustrator after she graduates. When not preoccupied with BJDs, she also likes reading, video games, anime, manga and making new friends to chatter their ears off.

Krishna
Doll owner and lurker extraordinaire

Seeing her first BJD in early 2003, it was instant love for Krishna. More than a year later of surfing BJD websites, she chose her first doll; a Volks School A. Now, she has 6 BJDs in her collection.

The beauty and customisability of BJDs are the major attractions of the hobby for Krishna. She likes that the same head mold given to two different people will result in two totally different dolls aesthetically.

In her free time, Krishna dabbles in a multitude of things; mostly handicraft work like patchwork/quilting, embroidery and a spot of crotchet, sewing, gardening, Historical Re-enactment and torturing herself with her feeble attempts to learn Japanese.