The real art of the customizer is to create the illusion of life out of an inanimate piece of plastic. Sue Gasser creates sweet and tender girls that have a life of their own through her close-up photography.
If you still didn’t know Sue’s work, you will be in for a treat with this interview, and if you are, you’ll get to know her better as a person and Blythe doll customizer.

There’s a beginning to everything, you have to start trying before you succeed.

Sue Gasser / OneSweetyDoll

DollyCustom posed 12 questions to Sue Gasser about her history as a customizer, her process, and techniques. Here are those questions:

Can you tell me a little about yourself?

My name is Sue, I am Swiss, and I live in Geneva.

I always loved dolls and their magical world.

I have a university degree in Computer Engineering. I have a good knowledge of some Graphic Design tools, in 2012 I created several digital models of dolls using real texture.

At first, the customizations were for my own collection, then I decided to start selling my work.

When and how did you discover Blythe dolls?

I don’t remember when, but I was in the world of BJD, I admired their beauty until the day I discovered a doll from Suedolls and another from Taradolls. Unlike others, I immediately liked their big eyes.

How long did it take for your style to emerge?

I don’t know exactly, but some of my friends told me that they recognized my style and my dolls. I can say 1 year.

Do you do this as a hobby or professionally?

Currently, it’s a hobby, but I want to become a professional soon.

What is your creative process like? Do you plan your custom dolls from start to finish or just go with the flow?

Yes, I plan each of my girls: Their face, whether she will be a little girl, a diva or a rebel, the choice of eyes, the outfit, the make-up style, and hair before I start carving.

I have project boxes, and it takes me a month or more to fill the box. Once everything is in the box, I stick to my plan until the end and start carving.

What is your favorite part of this process and your least favorite?

I love carving. At first, it was my worst step because I was afraid to ruin the faceplate. I also enjoy assembling and holding the head without a body in my hand. It’s so beautiful to see the result.

I hate to place the eyelashes, sometimes I ruin the eyelids, and I have to do it all over again.

How long does it take you to customize one doll? Do you do one at a time or multiple?

I customize one at a time, and It takes me about a week’s work or more. I sometimes interrupt carvings and start a new one. Currently, I have 4 unfinished dolls.

Where do you work on your dolls? Do you have a dedicated workplace?

In the living room, I have a desk with my computer, it’s not big and quickly becomes chaotic.

How would you characterize your style?

I get inspired by real people, sometimes it’s enough for me to look at a person and I immediately think about making a doll that looks like her or him. I often browse the internet and save some pictures of people that inspire me. I can say that my style is realistic.

What are your favorite tools? What is your favorite Blythe mold to customize?

I use only the scalpel blade 23 and 11. My favorite mold to work with is the RBL without a doubt. It’s easy to open, has a good thickness of plastic and the pretty shape of the face and eyes. But Blythe EBL are still my favorite girls.

How did you develop the pricing model for your dolls?

My price depends on the doll and the material used, then I compare to the market.

For the beginner customizer, what advice would you give them?

There’s a beginning to everything, you have to start trying before you succeed.

Practice and especially don’t rush. Take the time to check and sand. This it’s important.

Sue Gasser is a prolific Blythe doll customizer that started back in 2016 and has done over 146 dolls in just three years. Even though she’s still only doing it as a hobby, she already has a brand and style that is easily recognizable. I wonder how Sue will do when she goes full-time, but I imagine that it will be a success. OneSweetyDoll is the perfect example of how hard work and perseverance translates into quality and success.

• Dolls: 146
• Started: 2016
• How to Purchase: Facebook / Flickr / Instagram / Etsy / Direct Contact
• Favorite Customizers: “The list is large but to mention some: Suedolls, Tiina, Erin Deir, Hola Gominola and Jodie Doll.”