Say hello to Valen — the male counterpart to Valiant, and like her, he carries a birthmark that tells a story.

Valen’s creation didn’t follow the usual script. During development of the new G15 head, the electroplating process — which by nature always introduces imperfections — left a small dimple on the left side of his nose. These imperfections are a known part of the process, but where and how they appear can’t be predicted until the mold is complete. This time, it happened to land on the face.

It wasn’t immediately noticeable, but once seen, it couldn’t be unseen. Our first instinct was to discard the mold and start over.

But we paused.
What if, instead of erasing the flaw, we worked with it?

We’ve always believed that individuality — in all its forms — deserves to be seen. Our lineup already includes characters with birthmarks, vitiligo, facial scarring, and acne, each celebrating the beauty of imperfection. So rather than hiding the dimple, we decided to embrace it.

Originally, we designed a birthmark to cover the indentation — a quiet contradiction to our own philosophy of not concealing what makes us unique. Realizing that, we changed direction. The final design doesn’t disguise the dimple — it complements it, allowing both features to coexist naturally.

Valen stands as a reminder that perfection isn’t the goal — authenticity is. What some see as a flaw, others will recognize as a story, a strength, or a spark of individuality. For anyone who’s ever felt different, overlooked, or misunderstood, Valen offers a quiet kind of defiance — the kind that says: you don’t need to be flawless to be seen, valued, or loved. You just need to be real.

About the G15 sculpt blemishes

Electroplating, a process known to yield inconsistent results, led to some minor imperfections during the development of the G15 head, resulting in a small dimple on the left side of the nose (see photo 1). It’s not immediately noticeable, but may be a concern for some, so we feel it’s important to highlight.

Photo 2 shows faint air bubble pockets that formed in the forehead area during mold creation. These are subtle and not easily seen, but again, worth noting.

Photo 3 reveals a shallow dent on the forehead, typically hidden by the wig. However, for those who prefer to display characters without headwear, this may be more apparent.

We believe in being upfront about the unique characteristics of each mold so that you can make an informed decision before purchase.

REASONS NOT TO BUY

As shown in the grid below, there are several reasons why this product might not be right for you—each one explained in more detail in our Knowledge Base. Please remember that all sales are final, and we don’t accept returns based on individual opinions about the handmade quality of our products. We’re upfront and transparent about these aspects so that you can make an informed decision before purchasing.

Before You Buy (Overview)

Smart Doll’s are crafted with care, intention, and a strong commitment to quality—but they are not designed to be everything for everyone. Since all sales are final, we ask that you take a moment to understand what makes our products unique before placing an order.

The photo grid below highlights common concerns we’ve seen from customers *after* receiving their Smart Doll—despite these traits being explained throughout our website. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision upfront rather than face disappointment later.

The first row covers wig-related traits, the second explains details of our slush-cast vinyl body and frame, and the third focuses on the intentional asymmetry in our face design. A brief overview follows the grid below:

Wig Characteristics

Smart Doll wigs are shaped by hand—not by mold—so variation is natural. You may notice differences in thickness, alignment, or shape from one wig to the next. Some may appear “balding” in spots or shed small amounts of hair when first opened and with continued use. Tight fits can leave marks on the head, and a bit of styling oil residue is also expected. (images 1 - 4)
Learn more about Smart Doll wigs

Slush-Cast Vinyl Body & Frame System

The Smart Doll body is made from sofubi (soft vinyl) using a hands-on process called slush casting. This naturally results in variations such as asymmetry, flow lines, air bubbles, and differences in surface texture. The head cap may not match the body color exactly or fit perfectly. These traits are inherent to working with soft vinyl and are part of the handcrafted nature of the product. (images 5 - 8)
Learn more about the casting process

Intentional Asymmetry in Face Design

Just like real human faces, Smart Doll faces are intentionally asymmetrical. From the 3D sculpt to the final brush stroke, no two are exactly alike. Hand-painted features such as eyeliner, lashes, and blush will differ slightly in size, shape, and placement. If you’re seeking factory-perfect, machine-printed symmetry, a different brand may be a better fit. (images 9 - 12)
Learn why Smart Doll Faces Are Asymmetrical