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19th Century Paper Dolls

Trying out this Poll Thingie ~ Vote!

6/27/2012

 
I'm working on some  new and exciting thing and I'm trying to think smart about how to maximize the use of a paper doll base (the doll itself). Especially when working through the radical changes of the 19th century, something like underclothes becomes a big issue. I've seen every solution suggested here employed by various artists over the years and I am curious to know what you think would be best.

Feel free to discuss your choice in the comments.
Tomorrow: I have the last of Volume 26 of Judy for you!
Julie link
6/26/2012 11:22:41 pm

I like the idea of simple underwear. It might also be worth trying a simple, form-fitting outfit that is era-appropriate.

boots link
6/27/2012 09:36:52 pm

this would be my inclination except that Victorian undergarments don't tend to cling and can cover lots of surface area (if they are period-appropriate). also, there are such radical differences between, for example, women's corsets in 1840 vs. 1890. but it's probably doable ~ just have to think smart about it. thank you for your input!

: D

Rose
6/28/2012 11:41:08 am

Not that this is relevant or anything, but in drawing women dolls I usually find it easiest to leave my base dolls topless, because a lot of the time I give them strapless dresses and when I draw strapless bras they tend to look really funny.

boots link
6/28/2012 09:14:59 pm

i think it's totally relevant! necklines are so radical between day wear and evening wear for women in the 19th century that it really does become a conundrum to construct simple underwear for a female doll that will accommodate both without having to redraw the shoulders, etc. as part of the dress piece and that's what i would like to avoid.

: D

RLC link
7/2/2012 06:45:44 am

I think a combination might be your best option- depending on how much history you want to cover and how often you're willing to redraw the dolls... Corset differences between 1840 and 1890 are massive, but between 1840 through 1860, they're pretty consistent. And 1870 to 1890... not perfect, but can be done.

I think if you want one doll and don't want to re-draw it often than go with strategic arm placement or fig leaves or a combo, but I am staunchly opposed to the barbie-ken nudity option (because that always freaks me out).

Maybe do three dolls in basic underwear- one from each major era but keepinf bustles, hoops, etc. as seperate pieces.

boots link
7/2/2012 09:15:40 am

yeah, i think one of my goals was to try to not have to draw the bodies over and over again through the decades, but it could be unavoidable. and really, it'd just be, at most, six decades (and could probably cheat on both the 40s and the 90s, so maybe 4 bodies at most (is that really so bad?). definitely like the idea of keeping the hoops and whatnot as separate pieces.

and yeah, i think the barbie/ken thing is freaky too, though anatomically correct dolls can be dreadfully creepy as well. yikes!

: D


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