Zombuki FAQ
This FAQ about my Zombuki dolls which include Pullip, Dal, Byul, and Blythe dolls. If you have a question for me that isn’t answered below please leave a comment and I’ll do my best to answer it!
What are Zombuki dolls?
Zombuki dolls are my own invention, the word “zombuki” is a combination of the words “zombie” and “kabuki” and were named with the help of a friend. They are meant to represent a hybrid of many different styles and cultures. Each one is made to be truly unique with its own, strong personality. The first Zombuki was made using Pullip, a type of Japanese fashion doll, but now Zombuki are made on many different dolls.
What are all these dolls?
A Pullip is a type of fashion doll made by Groove Inc. (formerly Jun Planning) in Japan and launched in July of 2003. Pullip dolls stand about a foot tall, are relatively articulated (moreso than a Barbie), and can move and blink their eyes. Dal and Byul are slightly shorter than Pullips and are made by the same company, they can move their eyes but cannot blink.
Blythe dolls were originally made by Kenner is 1972 and started being manufactured by Takara again in 2001, their bodies have very little articulation, but they have four pairs of eyes that switch each time you make the doll “blink” (via a string); their heads are very large.
How did you start customizing dolls?
Technically I made my first custom dolls in High School when I mangled some generic Barbie dolls that I bought at the grocery store. Peebles, the first doll I ever altered, was so creepy that I can’t believe my parents didn’t sent me to therapy! (Luckily my Dad was already a psychologist and I’m pretty sure he somehow verified that I wasn’t turning down the serial killer path, lol!) I didn’t touch dolls again until I started buying Pullips after I graduated from college, eventually I ended up with some that I didn’t want anymore and my natural desire to tinker took over …
The designs for the first two Pullip dolls that I customized were fan works based off an America’s Next Top Model photo shoot from Cycle 3. I made Eva (named after the model who inspired her), my first custom, on a lark and assumed that no one would like her. Six months later I made Kaikai and then I realized that people really seemed to like them for more than just their novelty. After that I began to make my own designs. Please note that, because I did not design them, the first two dolls are not found on the site.
Where do you get your ideas from?
I pull my inspiration from a numerous sources, everything from Chinese Vogue to billboards to nature, anything in my way, I don’t turn any source of inspiration down. Mythology, folk tales, and literature are some favorite places to pull inspiration from. You can see a bunch of inspiration posts on the blog!
Do you accept commissions?
I have in the past, but at the moment commissions are closed for everyone who I haven’t worked with before. I am still making dolls and they will be available when they’re finished!
Where did you get your wig/clothes/etc. on Zombuki X/Y/Z?
I try to post where I got things on specific photo posts in the blog, but if it doesn’t say please feel free to ask in the post/photo comments section and I will answer as soon as I can. Some of my fave doll shops are on the links page too!
What do Zombukis cost?
It varies depending on a number of factors so it’s best to ask when contacting me. They currently range from $250 to $800, the Lil’ Head Zombuki dolls (a Little Pullip head on ab Obitsu body like Papi at the top of the page) are the most affordable.
I want to get a Zombuki, but I can’t pay right away, is that okay?
I’m happy to offer a 2-3 month installment plan to help make the dolls more affordable.
How do I sign up for the mailing list?
To subscribe to the Zombuki mailing list fill out the form. You will be sent a confirmation email to verify that you actually signed yourself up. Ah, the modern age!
Still have questions? Just leave a comment or contact me and I’ll do my best to answer it!