Our second DollObservers.com Superstar is Mark, a genuinely nice guy and very talented artist and doll fanatic. He has made a big impact on the community since he joined us, runs several groups and never ceases to dazzle with examples of his design and sewing talents. I hope you enjoy this question and answer session with him…
What made you decide to join DollObservers?
I had searched for some time, of a way to express my art with my doll collection the same way I do with my comic book illustrations and character/fashion designs. I feel than in that search, Doll Observers best shows what I was looking for in and from a doll collector’s community. It has a tremendous amount of group projects to keep you busy and an awesome, growing family of supportive and eclectic members.
When did you start collecting/playing dolls?
I have always drawn and painted since I was a child, and I have also always enjoyed collecting toys. since about 3 or 4 yrs old, I loved to play with, and customize the physical representations of what I liked to draw. Barbie of course, but also Jem and the Holograms , Superfriends and She-Ra.
You have been a champion of Ellowyne Wilde on the site. What it is about her that you love?
I have never fallen in love with a face sculpt for a doll more than Ellowyne’s ever before. She is Robert Tonner’s best. I just love her profile and her huge Anime eyes, pouty lips and sad eyebrows. The doll’s character bio says that she lives in San Francisco and suffers from chronic ennui! I lived in that great city throughout my 20′s and, (sigh) …let’s just say the doll is very endeared to me. 
lol , She has the perfect amount of camp and class!
The wonder of Mark's artistic talent
You also run a group on DollObservers for Wonder Woman dolls. Why is Wonder Woman so special for you?
When I was 3 yrs old, I used to watch the television show for Wonder Woman starring Lynda Carter. She was the first thing I ever drew and it got me collecting comics too. Incorporated with my love for dolls, it had me at a young age making custom Wonder Woman outfits for my dolls to wear. She has always been my favorite character to read about and draw.
You are pretty handy with a sewing machine. What got you started sewing for your dolls?
Well not only did I want to make Wonder Woman costumes for my dolls but when I got into my early teens I started to draw fashion designs based off Vogue Mags and Betty Page and badly wanted to see them realized on my dolls. I used a lot of crafting supplies when I was younger and worked with Barbie mostly. But when my collection turned to Ellowyne and her delicate, stainable skin, I wanted to make sure that I made the clothes fully removable and of quality design and fabric.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
Mostly my work is based on comic book and pop icon themes. I like a lot of drama and camp. The outfit also has to have a lot of accessories and jewelry to get me wanting to create it to scale. From Wonder Woman and Marylin Monroe to Lily Munster and Lady GaGa.
Any tips for any members thinking about taking up sewing for their dolls?
Well, when I decided to start suiting up my Ellowyne dolls, I just bought some beautiful and affordable patterns made just for ellowyne on Ebay, got a used sewing machine from a friend, and taught myself how to sew from reading the instructions. Then, with some natural creativity, (I like to think, lol) started making my own custom patterns too. It’s addictive once you see what you can get yourself create.
Other than playing with dolls what else do you do to relax?
I love to spend my down time working out and then napping with my cat/best friend, “Mam-Bam”.
Lastly how would you describe yourself in 3 words?
I once took a personality test in which the question was to list your 3 favorite animals in order and why. the Answer ended up being that; the First animal is how Others see You, the Second is how You see Yourself, and the Third is what You really Are. My animals were, “Cat, Skunk, Horse”. I always thought that pretty much summed it up
Thank you Mark. You really are a DollObservers Superstar!
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