Photo by Kaleena Lincoln.
Ashten Bryant’s Reborns Bring Joy and Connection
By Hannah Kelley
Natural ability is often the first checkbox to be ticked for those who aim to become professional artists. In order for the work to be fulfilling, though, underlying passion and motivation are also necessary. Ashten Bryant has always had a foot in the art world, but despite having a grandmother who crafted fine porcelain dolls, she didn’t pursue dollmaking initially. Instead, she was drawn to 2D art forms, like photography, painting, and graphic design. As a young adult, she found herself working a corporate job, but when motherhood came along, priorities shifted and she soon sought an occupation with more flexibility. Bryant noticed her daughter, Claire, had become obsessed with dolls, particularly those that were hyperrealistic, and this inspired her to try reborning. In doing so, she discovered a new calling and career.
Photo by Nikki Johnston.
“I must’ve watched about 20 YouTube videos before diving in,” Bryant said. “It was all so new and exciting. My first project was painting a Bountiful Baby Miya — I still have her! She was passable for my 4-year-old, but let’s just say … she’s far from a masterpiece!”
Patience, practice, and determination allowed Bryant to hone her skills and led to the opening of Claire’s Cuties by Ashten Bryant. The artist now produces high-quality reborns that are adored by collectors and fellow artists alike.
Hair rooting has become something of a specialty for Bryant. “It definitely took some time to master. I watched tutorials, and once I figured out that quality hair and a good map are everything, it was smooth sailing from there!” In fact, it is one of her favorite parts of the process. She said, “I get to cozy up on the couch, throw on an audiobook, grab a fun drink, and just get lost in it. It’s super relaxing!”
With hair rooting, it’s easy to see the progress being made, but first, Bryant must complete the time-consuming work of applying the doll’s skin tones: “Those first few layers of painting — ugh, they seem to take forever before the doll starts showing any signs of life! But once it does, it’s all worth it!” She said, “I mostly let the doll bring itself to life. I find I do my best work that way. I usually decide the hair color after I’ve painted it. I get tons of inspiration from real newborn photos online. Every once in a while, I’ll see a sculpt and instantly have a vision, but most of the time, I just let the paint flow and see where it takes me!”
Although she’s worked with silicone, vinyl dolls are her preference. She said, “Vinyl offers a much smoother, more predictable workflow, which suits my style perfectly. It allows me to focus on the artistry without fighting the medium.”
Bryant has received high praise for the results she’s achieved. “I’ve been told that people really appreciate my rooting technique, as well as the natural skin tones I use,” she said. “I aim for realistic, subtle coloring rather than overly bright newborn reds, and I pay a lot of attention to small details. I think it’s those finer touches that really resonate with collectors.” Through trial and error, she learned, “Less is more! You can’t rush the magic — patience is key. I treat every doll like it’s about to be judged at a competition (even if it’s just for fun). My process isn’t set in stone, though — I’m always switching things up! But one trick I swear by? A good varnish at the end makes all the difference. It’s like the cherry on top!”
Her skills have earned her work on prototypes, which are used to demonstrate some ways an artist’s sculpt can be finished. Her first prototype was a Marley kit by Cassie (Brace) Love. Bryant said this was a significant career milestone. “Being asked to work on that prototype felt like a huge step forward, and it holds a special place in my heart.”
Reborning dolls that have yet to be offered to the public is a unique experience. Bryant said, “It’s a privilege and a challenge all at once. When working on prototypes, there’s always the pressure to stay true to the sculptor’s vision while also adding my own artistic flair. It’s about representing their work in the best possible light, and that extends beyond just painting — it’s about marketing the sculpt through high-quality photos and promotion. Most of the time, artists contact me directly, and occasionally I’ll get requests from producers to do the prototypes. It’s always exciting!”
In search of a new challenge during the pandemic, Bryant embraced the opportunity to sculpt her own doll. Whereas a newborn-size reborn with rooted hair takes her close to 60 hours to complete, her sculpts can take several months and an estimated 200 hours. There was a steep learning curve when it came to sculpting, and Bryant said, “Now that I’ve been on both sides of the process, I have a much deeper appreciation for the work sculptors put in. Seeing other artists reborn my designs has been a humbling and eye-opening experience — it’s amazing to watch my vision interpreted through someone else’s hands.”
Interactions with customers and fans, as well as other artists, inspire and motivate Bryant to continue making dolls. “The relationships I’ve built with collectors, fellow artists, and fans have been the biggest highlight. This community is so supportive, and I’ve made lifelong friendships through my work,” she said. “I’m so grateful for the reborn community and everything it’s brought into my life. It’s been a joy to share my passion for this art form, and I look forward to continuing to do so for many years to come.
Family and friends have also played an invaluable role, as Bryant balances her personal life with the creative and administrative aspects of her business. “My family and friends have been absolutely amazing!” she said. “My mom is a huge help when it comes to organizing my shop and getting everything ready for doll shows — she’s a total game-changer! My daughter and friends always step in to help with setup, and my husband is there supporting all of my creative ideas, no matter how big or crazy. Claire, my daughter, is my biggest cheerleader and an artist in her own right! Their support, both emotionally and practically, means everything to me, and I truly couldn’t do this without them.”
Going forward, Bryant hopes to have more dolls available on a consistent basis. She is also considering teaching others how to reborn. Ultimately, her goal is simple and heartfelt: “I want my dolls to bring joy and connection to people. Whether it’s the realism of the features or just the emotional bond they create, I hope my work makes people smile and feel something meaningful. Art has the power to move people, and I want my dolls to be a part of that.”
