Featured Sculptor: Melanie Ingold

As we continue to fight the crazy amount of counterfeiting in our community, protecting the sculptors who make our art possible, and educating the reborn doll community it critical. Getting to know the sculptor is an important part of the education process. The reborn doll market has evolved into a niche, with both artists and collectors valuing the artistry and craftsmanship of these dolls. Learning about the reborn sculpt process shows the delicate balance between artistry and commerce and how these amazing sculptors need to be fairly compensated for their work. Counterfeiting directly impacts this balance. When people buy counterfeit reborns, they’re not supporting the original artist, which harms the livelihood of genuine creators. By learning about the effort and love that sculptors pour into this art, I hope we help people to make more informed decisions and understand why supporting the original creators is important.

The Interview

What brought you to the reborn doll community? 

I am a sculpting artist 🙂

What inspired you to start sculpting reborn dolls?

Sculpting babies is my greatest passion.

How do you decide on the facial expressions and features of your sculpts?

I use a lot of baby pics as reference photos.

Do you use real baby references or work from imagination?

I use photo references for most of my sculptures.

How long does it typically take you to complete a new sculpt from start to finish?

It varies considerably.

What materials do you prefer to work with, and why?

I use Super Sculpy. I find it’s the best consistency.

What are the biggest challenges in sculpting a realistic reborn doll?

I struggle with closed hands and realistic wrists.

How do you ensure the proportions and details are as lifelike as possible?

I have done thorough measurements of newborn babies, but most of the time, I go by what looks right.

Do you have a favorite sculpt you’ve created? If so, what makes it special?

My most favorite sculpt to date, was a full body premature baby I had done many moons ago. Sadly, it was ruined in the process of trying to learn silicone reproduction.

What’s your process for creating limbs and body parts to match the head sculpt?

I measure the hand up to the face, which realistically, spans from the bottom of the chin to just above the eye… and go from there 🙂

How has the reborn doll industry changed since you started?

Sadly, the amount of counterfeit has infiltrated the industry.

What trends do you see emerging in the reborn doll world?

A more realistic, newborn look.

How do you feel about AI-generated faces or digital sculpting tools?

I think it’s adorable how people can now use AI to make their sculpts/dolls come to life. My only fear with the advancement of technology (digital scanning/3D printing), is how easy it has become to replicate a human baby part, mold and cast it, and call it your own. This is deceiving and unethical, and completely takes away from true art.

Do you ever collaborate with reborn doll painters or other artists?

I have made many friends in the doll industry. I absolutely love meeting new people and it warms my heart we can all come together as a community.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start sculpting reborn dolls?

Practice, follow your favorite artists’ work to help you strive for greatness, find a willing mentor, treat each baby part that you sculpt as its own masterpiece, patience, and don’t give up. The first baby I ever sculpted looked like a shriveled alien.

Do you take custom requests, or do you prefer to work on your own ideas?

I do not take custom requests. Though I would thoroughly enjoy giving someone such a gift, I find the amount of pressure I put on myself takes away from enjoyment and free flow of creativity.

Have you ever sculpted dolls based on real babies for customers?

I have. It is stressful! 🙂

Are there any dream projects or special themes you’d love to explore?

I have tried to learn silicone reproduction several times. It is such a costly learning curve and I am too much of a perfectionist. But I haven’t given up complete hope, just yet 🙂

Where do you see your sculpting career going in the next five to ten years?

I am enjoying seeing my work come to vinyl and silicone and will continue to concentrate on getting more dolls out there. I especially love to see what the reborning artists do with them! Future goals are to possibly try silicone reproduction of my work on my own again.

What’s the most meaningful reaction you’ve received from someone about your work?

I have done a couple dolls for grieving mothers. One lady, in particular, melted my heart with her reaction to the dolls completion and delivery.