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I Remove Make-Up From Hollywood And Disney Dolls To Turn Them Into Inspiring Real-Life Women
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I Remove Make-Up From Hollywood And Disney Dolls To Turn Them Into Inspiring Real-Life Women

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When I came across Sonja Singh’s Tree Change Dolls™, the controversy of a certain line of dolls being overly sexualized, I wanted to explore further the idea that toys or playthings could have an impact on one’s identity.

Through my work in Child’s Own Studio, I am familiar with the notion that toys can become a source of comfort, pride and meaning for a child (and even adults). The dolls we find in toy stores today are often licenced Disney™ characters or the heroines of Hollywood blockbuster movies that capitalize on the pull of fantasy, fictional characters to young consumers. But there are real-life people who are heroes too, with inspiring stories of courage, intelligence, strength and uniqueness.  Could children learn about and be inspired by them through toys?

In this project, I repainted and reclothed the manufactured dolls into the likeness of real, inspiring women – as young girls. As a parent, I’d love for my child to play with a young J.K. Rowling or Malala and have conversations about them. What inspiring person would you like to see as a doll?

More info: wendytsao.wordpress.com

Malala Yousafzai

1997-, Pakistani activist, youngest Nobel Prize laureate

J.K. Rowling

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1965-, British novelist best known for Harry Potter series

Waris Dirie

1965-, Somali model, author, social activist

Roberta Bondar

1945-, first Canadian female astronaut

Jane Goodall

1934-, British primatologist, UN Messenger of Peace

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Wendy Tsao

Wendy Tsao

Author, Community member

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In 2007, I created Child's Own Studio, personally making 700 unique soft toys based on children's drawings. Then I did a little project of repainting Bratz dolls as Jane Goodall and Malala to explore the idea of alternative role model dolls. Who knew that toys would have such a place in my life.

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Wendy Tsao

Wendy Tsao

Author, Community member

In 2007, I created Child's Own Studio, personally making 700 unique soft toys based on children's drawings. Then I did a little project of repainting Bratz dolls as Jane Goodall and Malala to explore the idea of alternative role model dolls. Who knew that toys would have such a place in my life.

What do you think ?
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DariaB
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is really well made and a great idea and I'd love some of these for myself!! Like the Frida Khalo one, for example. Even though I'm technically an adult. Ahaha Hope this actually becomes real and that more real life heroes are made. Also, a few important male figures won't be bad either every here and there, as long as their numbers are kept in proportion. I'd personally love a Barbie's Ken remodelled into a young version of Nikola Tesla and a Salvador Dali one.

LilaPaige
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Um exuse me? Frida Khalo? He named her Malala. I know you meant well, but try to pay more attention or you might get labeled a racist or something else negative. Just looking out far ya! :)

Load More Replies...
AnantaOuo
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I also own an repainted Bratzilla doll, they can really look good with a repaint. Your's have charisma and personality. I don't get why companies have to exaggerate that much (original version)

LauraMonteros
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd like to see Sally Ride and Mae Jemison. Perhaps Maya Angelou.

Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes! I'm looking through my dolls now to see if there's one that can be made into Maya.

Load More Replies...
Lisa-MarieSaunders
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can't believe how awful these dolls were originally - what a horrendous message we're giving to our young children!

lemsip
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's why you see so many women made up to look like drag queens now even in the workplace, in supermarkets and not just on nights out.

Load More Replies...
DoanhSiu
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Awesome stuff...dolls I'd encourage little girls to play with

Pamela
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wonderful! I would like to see the doll-makers take this on and get rid of those awful, original sleazy looks they have!

ElizabethMolloy
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These are wonderful! Good female role models are very important. Well done. You should set up a store on EBay.

MaryFrank
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Would love to see an Angela Davis, Amelia Earhart, Sonia Sotomayer, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Nikki Giovani, Rosa Parks, Sally Ride, Marie Curie, Virginia Wolfe, Charlotte Bronte, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Yuri Kochiyama, Maya Lin ...just in case you're running out of ideas.

LindsayAnn
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These are brilliant! Dolls that can actually inspire girls to turn into women.

JeanSchweibish
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a great idea and wonderfully executed! Bring 'em on - I think kids would LOVE to have dolls like these!!!

JoëlleJPa
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I want to buy your dolls......so way cooler than those heavily make-up dolls!!! @ . @

Jeff
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nice love it and my mom always told me not to wear make up if i want flawless skin

MariaSonatore
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Where can we buy these?? I love them, and know many other women who would purchase them for their girls and boys. Please tell us!

BevMarshall
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Brilliant idea! I can't believe those sweet faces are under all that painted makeup. Thank you for the fun article.

MarieKersey
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love love love this! Just one thought: I don't think dolls aimed at girls being "pretty" and glamorous is necessarily such a problem. I do think it's hugely toxic that they are given these very narrow, extremely unrealistic looks, with no diversity (even when they have different shades they're identical), extremely skinny, and nothing interesting about them except looks & outfits. So I think this is awesome because removing the makeup (very heavy yet identical, apparently obligatory make up) gives them a bit more individuality and diversity, and giving them cool role model personae is obviously great. But, like - Waris Dirie in doesn't usually wear a shapeless sack... and it wouldn't make her more "serious" as an activist if she did than her underwear photos make her. Sorry for getting hung up on this! I just don't want the message to be that beauty/glamour/fashion interest in women is mutually exclusive with competence, cuz that can end up being repressive it's ownn way.

Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good points. I chose to depict Waris when she was 12/13 years old in Somalia and running away from her forced marriage, across the desert. This was her first act of bravery that resonated with me. I know the "sack" is probably not accurate, and I'd love the opportunity to learn more about what Somali girls wear.

Load More Replies...
Es Muri
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I loved the Bratz dolls and disney dolls. My daughters were crazy about them. I do not think they would have cared much for these boring dolls. Dolls are supposed to sparkle and be glammed up. Its make believe. Inspiring creativity and imagination. These just look like small regular people (yawn) . The craft is cool as a hobby I guess.

Angelique Dale
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These dolls are amazing. They aren't stereotypical girls with makeup and represent real, amazing women. Awesome!

Susanconaghan
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Your re painting of these dolls are incredible. You have made them into beautiful women. What a great artist you are.

SwanJaninek
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Did anyone notice that the original dolls were dressed like total sluts?

RebekkahSprague
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

these are amazing! YES! NEED MORE great inspiring peoples of the Earth made too!!!

Rupelyy
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is fantastic! I love how you have done actual people and these dolls can inspire young kids.

TovaNapell
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These are really good I really like the Janie Goodall doll with the little monkey that is very clever of you

LoriHunsinger
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Awesome! Such a wonderful idea that you came up with! Pass them along!

Puddinz
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a question on how you got the messy hair that was on the doll into Beautiful straight and nice hair? Plus I love your dolls

guess
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You have the best pic for your comment, fyi. Also, this is a wonderful project and I'm heartily glad to see true role models represented by dolls instead of weird, alien-looking brats

Load More Replies...
KathleenYork
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sorry, typo there, my last comment was supposed to say "Fabulous work!"

DianaCovell
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

GOTTA LOVE IT!!! Although when I was doll playing age, the shape of Barbie's body never registered to me as something to attain.

MélissaViau
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love it! I wsdh I had this idea when my daughter received those horrible dolls when she was little..She loved them so much that I gave in at the end. Wish we had an alternative back then.

MyssFisher
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why is the Waris Diri doll so.... Unlike the others? Seems the artist put her best effort into the other dolls but put a pink potato sack on the Waris doll and let her hair go to shiiiiit.

AimeeLombard
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These dolls have been brilliantly transformed. But I'd like to point out that Bratz is owned by MGA Entertainment (Micro-Games America Entertainment). Using Disney in the title of the article is erroneously misleading of the Disney brand.

AimeeLombard
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is brilliant and beautiful work. But please note that Bratz is owned by MGA Entertainment (Micro-Games America Entertainment). Not Disney, nor Mattel. The way the article is written is erroneously misrepresenting Disney!

BrittanyPaas
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Very very good idea...such a better image for young girls! Thanks for sharing!

CodyGoodrich
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These are great! It would be encouraging if we could get these mass marketed rather then the scantily clad ones on the market currently.

ValeriaRecalde
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Great idea! thanks for sharing <3 they should really sell these instead.

MendiMorton
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They are way better than the "original" ones! We need this in stores asap!

prebennielsen
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well made ... but I seriously cannot understand why you would spend/waste time on this.

DariaB
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is really well made and a great idea and I'd love some of these for myself!! Like the Frida Khalo one, for example. Even though I'm technically an adult. Ahaha Hope this actually becomes real and that more real life heroes are made. Also, a few important male figures won't be bad either every here and there, as long as their numbers are kept in proportion. I'd personally love a Barbie's Ken remodelled into a young version of Nikola Tesla and a Salvador Dali one.

LilaPaige
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Um exuse me? Frida Khalo? He named her Malala. I know you meant well, but try to pay more attention or you might get labeled a racist or something else negative. Just looking out far ya! :)

Load More Replies...
AnantaOuo
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I also own an repainted Bratzilla doll, they can really look good with a repaint. Your's have charisma and personality. I don't get why companies have to exaggerate that much (original version)

LauraMonteros
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd like to see Sally Ride and Mae Jemison. Perhaps Maya Angelou.

Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes! I'm looking through my dolls now to see if there's one that can be made into Maya.

Load More Replies...
Lisa-MarieSaunders
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can't believe how awful these dolls were originally - what a horrendous message we're giving to our young children!

lemsip
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's why you see so many women made up to look like drag queens now even in the workplace, in supermarkets and not just on nights out.

Load More Replies...
DoanhSiu
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Awesome stuff...dolls I'd encourage little girls to play with

Pamela
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wonderful! I would like to see the doll-makers take this on and get rid of those awful, original sleazy looks they have!

ElizabethMolloy
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These are wonderful! Good female role models are very important. Well done. You should set up a store on EBay.

MaryFrank
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Would love to see an Angela Davis, Amelia Earhart, Sonia Sotomayer, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Nikki Giovani, Rosa Parks, Sally Ride, Marie Curie, Virginia Wolfe, Charlotte Bronte, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Yuri Kochiyama, Maya Lin ...just in case you're running out of ideas.

LindsayAnn
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These are brilliant! Dolls that can actually inspire girls to turn into women.

JeanSchweibish
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a great idea and wonderfully executed! Bring 'em on - I think kids would LOVE to have dolls like these!!!

JoëlleJPa
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I want to buy your dolls......so way cooler than those heavily make-up dolls!!! @ . @

Jeff
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nice love it and my mom always told me not to wear make up if i want flawless skin

MariaSonatore
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Where can we buy these?? I love them, and know many other women who would purchase them for their girls and boys. Please tell us!

BevMarshall
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Brilliant idea! I can't believe those sweet faces are under all that painted makeup. Thank you for the fun article.

MarieKersey
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love love love this! Just one thought: I don't think dolls aimed at girls being "pretty" and glamorous is necessarily such a problem. I do think it's hugely toxic that they are given these very narrow, extremely unrealistic looks, with no diversity (even when they have different shades they're identical), extremely skinny, and nothing interesting about them except looks & outfits. So I think this is awesome because removing the makeup (very heavy yet identical, apparently obligatory make up) gives them a bit more individuality and diversity, and giving them cool role model personae is obviously great. But, like - Waris Dirie in doesn't usually wear a shapeless sack... and it wouldn't make her more "serious" as an activist if she did than her underwear photos make her. Sorry for getting hung up on this! I just don't want the message to be that beauty/glamour/fashion interest in women is mutually exclusive with competence, cuz that can end up being repressive it's ownn way.

Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good points. I chose to depict Waris when she was 12/13 years old in Somalia and running away from her forced marriage, across the desert. This was her first act of bravery that resonated with me. I know the "sack" is probably not accurate, and I'd love the opportunity to learn more about what Somali girls wear.

Load More Replies...
Es Muri
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I loved the Bratz dolls and disney dolls. My daughters were crazy about them. I do not think they would have cared much for these boring dolls. Dolls are supposed to sparkle and be glammed up. Its make believe. Inspiring creativity and imagination. These just look like small regular people (yawn) . The craft is cool as a hobby I guess.

Angelique Dale
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These dolls are amazing. They aren't stereotypical girls with makeup and represent real, amazing women. Awesome!

Susanconaghan
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Your re painting of these dolls are incredible. You have made them into beautiful women. What a great artist you are.

SwanJaninek
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Did anyone notice that the original dolls were dressed like total sluts?

RebekkahSprague
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

these are amazing! YES! NEED MORE great inspiring peoples of the Earth made too!!!

Rupelyy
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is fantastic! I love how you have done actual people and these dolls can inspire young kids.

TovaNapell
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These are really good I really like the Janie Goodall doll with the little monkey that is very clever of you

LoriHunsinger
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Awesome! Such a wonderful idea that you came up with! Pass them along!

Puddinz
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a question on how you got the messy hair that was on the doll into Beautiful straight and nice hair? Plus I love your dolls

guess
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You have the best pic for your comment, fyi. Also, this is a wonderful project and I'm heartily glad to see true role models represented by dolls instead of weird, alien-looking brats

Load More Replies...
KathleenYork
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sorry, typo there, my last comment was supposed to say "Fabulous work!"

DianaCovell
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

GOTTA LOVE IT!!! Although when I was doll playing age, the shape of Barbie's body never registered to me as something to attain.

MélissaViau
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love it! I wsdh I had this idea when my daughter received those horrible dolls when she was little..She loved them so much that I gave in at the end. Wish we had an alternative back then.

MyssFisher
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why is the Waris Diri doll so.... Unlike the others? Seems the artist put her best effort into the other dolls but put a pink potato sack on the Waris doll and let her hair go to shiiiiit.

AimeeLombard
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These dolls have been brilliantly transformed. But I'd like to point out that Bratz is owned by MGA Entertainment (Micro-Games America Entertainment). Using Disney in the title of the article is erroneously misleading of the Disney brand.

AimeeLombard
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is brilliant and beautiful work. But please note that Bratz is owned by MGA Entertainment (Micro-Games America Entertainment). Not Disney, nor Mattel. The way the article is written is erroneously misrepresenting Disney!

BrittanyPaas
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Very very good idea...such a better image for young girls! Thanks for sharing!

CodyGoodrich
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These are great! It would be encouraging if we could get these mass marketed rather then the scantily clad ones on the market currently.

ValeriaRecalde
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Great idea! thanks for sharing <3 they should really sell these instead.

MendiMorton
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They are way better than the "original" ones! We need this in stores asap!

prebennielsen
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well made ... but I seriously cannot understand why you would spend/waste time on this.

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