DotD/ Sugar Skull American Girl??! Good idea/ Bad idea

[kCherry]

I've been playing around with the idea for years now but I am completely unsure how the community might react to these typically light-hearted, geared-for-kids, pretty, little American Girl dolls dressed and painted in a Dia De Los Muertos motif. (here's a link for those who aren't in the know, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Day_of_the_Dead )


When I tried to research if it had been done all I found was a couple of dresses in DotD motif (One of which I would have bought on the spot if it'd had still been available!!! ZOMG!!!)

Spoiler

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My Josefina would have worn that Year Round!!!

Halloween is right around the corner and I'm already picking my choice babies to work with and I'm seriously considering adding an AG girl to the table.

Sooo, what do you guys think?
A. Do it, Cherry! Do it!!!
B. Don't you Dare do it, Cherry! D:
C. American Girl? Who cares?
D. Potatoes

[Taxel]

Do it!!!! A Día de Muertos inspired American Girl doll is my dream. I'd love to see your take on the idea! Just make sure you do your research and represent the holiday/culture respectfully (which I know you'd do).

Some of the AG-only communities might not react well to it but I don't think you'd have a problem here on the Arena

[sailorstitch]

Do it!

[NoDivision]

Definitely option a! Dooooo it! There's nothing sinister or inappropriate about dia de muertos.

[Vertefae]

Do it!!! I'd go for a light hearted version, maybe in pastels? I have a small album on pinterest that may be of interest

https://www.pinterest.com/vertefae/sugar-skull-bjd-ideas/

[lovesbabysquirmy]

For yourself?  Sure!  Even more so if you are creating a tribute to a loved one!

As I am sure you have noticed... prices paid for customized AG are really low now. Like so low it's not even worth it to buy supplies.  There is a real upheaval going on with the brand, and it's not pretty because customers have now been trained to wait for sales, and this was a company that built its reputation on never having sales!  They started doing some crazy discounts in the last 3 years and it's driven secondary market prices into the ground...  so if you were going to design and sell only, I would say, probably not the best idea....

[Noxxbunny]

I would also say do it. As a Mexican American myself, I personally like seeing people appreciate my culture and having fun with it. I think you'll be all good as long as you research and be culturally sensitive, and I'm sure you will.

As a tip, I would just say that you may want to make sure that you make it clear that you aren't considering Halloween and DotD to be the same holiday. And that you're not considering a DotD style outfit or theme to be a Halloween costume. As that may ruffle some feathers.

Essentially, just don't mix the two holidays up and I don't think anyone will have much to be legitimately upset about since there isn't anything morally questionable about the holiday anyway. I don't see any issue with an AG being in that theme at all, but I also don't know what's taboo in the AG community.

[kCherry]

You guys are great! I appreciate you all SO much! This is such a supportive group.

  Thank you so very much everypony, for taking the time to post your thoughts on the subject. Your input has been very helpful. And I think we most likely will see a DotD AG from me this year, but most likely she will stay in my own collection. Or at least until someone who comes along who has to have her... I tend to fall in love with these pieces when creating them. <3

[Taxel]

I can't wait to see how she turns out! <3

[Pheasant]

For yourself?  Sure!  Even more so if you are creating a tribute to a loved one!

As I am sure you have noticed... prices paid for customized AG are really low now. Like so low it's not even worth it to buy supplies.  There is a real upheaval going on with the brand, and it's not pretty because customers have now been trained to wait for sales, and this was a company that built its reputation on never having sales!  They started doing some crazy discounts in the last 3 years and it's driven secondary market prices into the ground...  so if you were going to design and sell only, I would say, probably not the best idea....

Ouch, really? Is there still a demand for custom / OOAK doll clothes, then?

I'd love to see a DOTD doll!

[lovesbabysquirmy]

Ouch, really? Is there still a demand for custom / OOAK doll clothes, then?

It's my opinion that yes, there is a niche market for some areas - but not all!  And there are a LOT of patterns to choose from if you sew!