OOAK is an acronym for One Of A Kind, which is a way of identifying creations as being unique art pieces that are, well, one of a kind items.
The range of items that can be considered OOAK creations ranges across a broad spectrum of crafts and creative expressions, including (but not limited to):
- Artwork – painting, sketches, pastels, etc
- Jewelery
- Hand made knives
- Art dolls – made using polymer clay, fabric, or other mediums
- Repainted fashion dolls and baby dolls (aka reborns)
- Sculpture
- Artist trading cards (mini trading card size artwork)
And much much more.
The main identifier of a OOAK piece is that it is not reproduced in any manner. An art doll is not made using a mold, nor has a mold been made from the finished doll. An article of clothing was created from the seamstresses imagination and skills rather than being from a pattern that would allow for it to be reproduced in the same manner it was made. A painting or drawing is the original work of art and will not be reproduced in lithographs or prints. – Each item is unique from any similar creations in a significant manner that is more recognizable than color or material or other basic materials.
Note that fashion dolls and baby dolls are considered to be OOAK creations when the base doll has been significantly altered from the original mass produced form. The face paint has been removed and the face repainted, including the eyes. Perhaps the hair has been removed and new hair that is more suited to the artist’s vision has been carefully rooted into place. In extreme instances the features might have been altered using various techniques such as sanding, carving or adding new elements (elf ears, vampire fangs, cat noses, etc). In nearly all cases the OOAK dolls are dressed in custom made clothing and perhaps placed in a custom build diorama for display.
Pictured is a custom fashion doll that has been turned into a OOAK creation by cutting away area of mouth with visible teeth and closing the mouth area, repainting entire face with new painting, adding a custom “tribal tattoo” of three sea turtles along left leg and dressing in custom crafted and sewn leather outfit complete with shoes, arm band on right arm and leather bikini pants. Jewelery includes metal bracelets and metal torque with glass leaf pendant.