Blythe Artist——Sheep Pancakesheep《Special Interview》
Personal experience and creative philosophy
Q: How did you get involved with Blythe Makeup? What initially sparked your interest?
A: I have been obsessed with dolls since I was a child. Changing dolls' clothes and styling them is one of my favorite things to do. It was not until college that I saw a classmate putting makeup and clothes on his doll that I realized that I could DIY any style I wanted. So I bought some makeup tools online and decided to give it a try myself.
Q: What is unique about your makeup style? Which elements or artists have the greatest influence on your work?
A: The style I am good at now is sweet and cute makeup. I first saw the baby of the top domestic wife Jiu Guini at a baby show. At that time, I was amazed at how the baby’s face could be made so lively and delicate. The more I looked at it, the more I liked it. So I made up my mind to sign up for the big boss’s course. During the study period, I systematically mastered the role of color and some anatomy of the human body's facial features, which were of great help to me in my creative journey.
Q: How do you balance your clients’ customization needs with your own artistic expression? Have you ever encountered a conflict of ideas?
A: Because I don't have much time to modify dolls, I basically don't accept customization. I only sell finished dolls that I have modified. So I can do whatever I want and create what I want without too many restrictions.
Q: How many works can you create in a year? What kind of environment motivates you to create?
A: Modifying dolls can only be regarded as my side job, so I basically modify dolls in my spare time, and my hand speed is relatively slow, so I can't do much compared with other warriors. The motivation for creation is basically that I enjoy the time alone to modify dolls, especially when it is late at night and everyone is asleep. I feel that the environment around me has slowed down, and I can devote myself to the creation, which makes me feel very comfortable. In addition, seeing the final overall shape of the doll will give me a great sense of accomplishment.
Technical details and creative process
Q: What is the most critical step in the makeup change process? Can you share a trick or lesson learned that impressed you?
A: For Xiaobu, the most important thing should be the early carving and polishing, as well as the role of putty. The biggest failure was probably when the putty and color-replenishing liquid in the eye socket area cracked some time after the makeup was completed due to temperature and humidity and other reasons, so I had no choice but to remove all the makeup and apply it again.
Q: How do you usually choose pigments, tools (such as airbrushes/brushes) and materials (such as resin eyes/eyelashes)? What are the exclusive preferences?
A: If conditions permit, I suggest choosing some more expensive and colorful toners, because different toners can bring great differences to the makeup.
Q: How long does it take on average to complete a makeover from the base body to the finished product? What is the most time-consuming part?
A: It’s hard to say how long it takes to revise one, because I revise it in fragmented time. The most time-consuming part is definitely the polishing hell, because if the polish is not detailed enough, it will affect the makeup sticking later, so I usually spend the most time on this step.
Q: How long do you think it took you to create your best work so far? What details did you revise the most during this creative process? Are there any new technologies emerging?
A: It may be the mouth carving and lip pattern shaping of a certain finished product. After trying several tools, I found that the effects were different.
Inspiration and Challenge
Q: Where does your inspiration usually come from (movies, nature, cultural symbols, etc.)? How to transform abstract concepts into makeup designs?
A: When applying makeup, I will refer to the freckles on foreign children and the subcutaneous blood vessels that can be vaguely seen due to the transparent skin, and other natural skin conditions, which will make the doll look more realistic.
Q: How do you solve technical bottlenecks when changing your makeup (such as disproportionate facial features and inconsistent colors)?
A: You must have encountered these problems before. The solution is to learn more, practice more, and research more. Avoid the previous problems in the next process, and in the long run you will develop into a better person.
Q: What do you think of the phenomenon of "makeup convergence"? How to maintain the originality of the work?
A: I think this is unavoidable in all walks of life. In essence, humans will tend to "converge" towards beauty. Because of the huge base, it will inevitably affect your views on aesthetics. Of course, styles can be of many types, depending on your choice.
Community and Industry
Q: What is the difference in atmosphere between the Blythe makeup circles at home and abroad? What trends or technologies stand out to you?
A: I think the acceptance levels of domestic and foreign girls are different. Foreign girls are more tolerant of different styles and types, while domestic girls prefer relatively single styles, so perhaps niche girls are not so popular.
Q: How do you build trust with your clients or peers? Do you think the high pricing controversy surrounding makeup works is reasonable?
A: I think trust is mutual. If you raise any issues with me, I will correct them. I think pricing is very subjective. If you think the value of the doll is within your acceptable range, then it can be reasonable. Vice versa. It depends on personal choice.
Q: How do you view the impact of AI painting/3D modeling on traditional manual makeup? Do you try to incorporate new technologies?
A: I don't think so. After all, the most outstanding features of modified dolls are that they are purely handmade and unique. These two points alone cannot be surpassed by new technologies today.
Personal growth and future
Q: What unexpected changes has changing your makeup brought to you (such as side income, cross-border cooperation)?
A: The most important thing is that I have met a lot of like-minded friends in the past few years of playing with dolls. We all like playing with dolls, modifying dolls, and taking pictures of dolls. We also share experiences with each other. It is actually quite difficult to meet people with the same frequency. I am very glad that I can join this circle.
Q: If you were to recommend three essential skills or tools for makeup changes to a novice, what would you choose?
A: Long-term learning, control of overall shape, and basic skills of photographic composition
Q: What creative directions do you hope to explore in the future (such as co-branded products, art exhibitions, teaching courses)?
A: There are many things I want to learn, such as courses on embossing, eye patches, and handmade dolls. Take your time, learning is not something that can be achieved overnight.
Q: Why did you join PAKAMAKA?
A: The platform is broader and there are many excellent creators. I think this is a good trend.