What’s your sex doll IQ? If you’re like the majority of the universe, you probably think the folks who purchase these erotic sculptures are total nut jobs. In reality, this couldn't be further from the truth. To get the behind-the-scenes scoop on the making of real sex dolls—and the consumers who buy them—we hit up Bronwen Keller of Sinthetics, one of the leaders in specialty crafted dolls. In fact, Sinthetics prefers to think of their craftsmanship as "usable art." And after chatting with Bronwen, head of administration and sales—and a sculptor, too—we can see why.
How did you get into this line of work?
My husband, Matt, is an artist. He was offered a position at the company and he needed someone to help him answer emails. That's how I got in. We went into the industry thinking it would be creepy dudes with lots of money, but within six months we realized that we had misjudged the market. Considering the psychology of the people we work with helps us improve the program.
How would you describe your customers?
Most of our clients aren't wealthy; they're mainstream, average, decent people. They also tend to be more conservative. Lots of couples approach us as well. Some want a threesome and this is the compromise. Other couples aren't able to have sex any more, for whatever reason, so they seek a doll to fulfill some needs. Then, some people are just lonely. They've been dumped or widowed and they aren't ready to have a new person in the house. Social anxiety develops from this and our dolls help provide a presence to ease that anxiety. Or, if necessary, they fulfill a sexual need. Let me be clear: in that instance, the doll is a temporary fixture. Except in two cases that I know of, everyone who purchases a sex doll would prefer a real person. Be s/he pimply, fat, scarred or whatever, many of our clients just need help making that transition.
What's the process for making a piece of usable art?
It's not a quick procedure! My husband, Matt, has been a commercial artist for 20 years. We take digital scans from real models—the first was Josie—then print them at a facility in Burbank in a hard foam. We make changes here—it's just geometry at this point, except the face does have detail. Then, Matt shapes this in clay. From here, we make a mold. This takes a week with two 24 hour shifts in there. It's fun! We stick joints in the molds to add movement, before pouring the silicone in the molds. Yes, we use silicone! It's old fashioned. We put the silicone in buckets, climb up a ladder and pour the silicone down through the mold. Finally, we trim up, patch here and there, then paint.
Wow! Which are completed faster, males or females?
Females are quicker, because the skin needs to be pristine. That's easy. Male skin is rugged and that takes more time to complete.
What's the feminist take on your creations?
I think I'm a terrible feminist. I truly believe in equality, but I'm not great for the academic definition. I was raised in SA during the Apartheid and I think people are people, not demographics. And our dolls aren't hurting feminism. Our customers want real women. And while our dolls do represent an enhanced version of beauty, I don't think that's the intention of the company. Our customers don't want that. Our most popular doll is the thickest. Imperfections are what are customers love. They want a chunky doll. Our materials don't allow that, but it's requested a lot.
What about sexual objectification?
If you're a sexual person, you're going to look at people like sexual beings. Just look at dildos: those are detached penises! That's the ultimate objectification!
Do women purchase your designs?
Yes, but we don't have a huge female market. Largely because the male dolls are heavy: they're 5'9" and weigh 108 pounds. I can't carry that! We are planning a smaller man though. He's going to be around 5'1". Women love our dildos though. Our dildos are amazing! We also have a huge transgender market surrounding the dicks we make.
Be honest, do you like working with your husband?
Yes! I was 30 when I met him. It was New Year's Eve and we met literally in the last three minutes of the year. I don't believe in love at first sight, but it was! I help him style the dolls and every photoshoot.
