Doll Designers and Makers

Aspiring doll designers and makers should take a variety of art, drawing, and sewing classes in school. Many art guilds offer classes in doll making in various mediums. Fabric and craft stores may offer classes in fabric doll making. Taking computer design courses will also be helpful.

Check out the web for local, state, regional, and national doll maker organizations. They often offer conferences and programs of interest for doll designers and makers. You might also contact the National Institute of American Doll Artists (http://www.niada.org), a "worldwide group of doll artists, supportive patrons, and friends whose purpose is to promote the art of the original handmade doll." The institute offers conferences, academies, and classes, as well as a doll making school each summer for individuals interested in learning dollmaking techniques such as sculpting, painting, fabric-figure making, textile design, armature design, costuming, and more.

Take every opportunity to visit art and craft shows where doll artists may be featured. These will give you ideas as well as help you make important contacts in the field.

Participate in information interviews with doll designers and makers. In such an interview—which can be conducted in-person, on the phone, or through video-conferencing technology—you will get the opportunity to ask designers and makers about their job duties, work environment, likes and dislikes about their careers, educational training, tools and technology that they use to do their jobs, and other topics that will help you to learn more about the field. Ask your school counselor or art teacher to help you set up information interviews. Perhaps you could even job-shadow a doll designer or maker.

Participate in summer exploration programs in art, design, and other fields that are offered by colleges and universities to build your skills and meet people with shared interests.