Tip: When running out of time, re-purposing nerf guns is a great way to create cosplay weaponry. Sand down the gun as much as you can and coat it with Plasti-Dip. Then paint as you wish.
Tip: When transporting armor, try to fit the smaller pieces into the bigger ones. Not only does this save space, but it prevents further damage or warping to your armor.
Tip: Scrap pieces are inevitable when working with the thermoplastic, worbla. Heat the scraps up and make bullet casings or even pieces of a spare prop.
Tip: When cosplaying for a certain film or comic franchise, don't be afraid to design and create your own character. All you need is to make sure you have key elements and props that people will recognize.
Tip: When putting together your cosplay cosutme it's important to create a complete cohesive look from head to toe. Make sure you include key elements to the character you want to portray. Such as wigs, special make-up and/or accessories.
Tip: Ladies, when cosplaying make sure to wear proper foundation garments and appropriate makeup so that you will feel and look your best. Plus, you will thank youreself later when you see your wonderful costume posted all over the internet.
Tip: My Mister Sinister suit is made with EVA foam and metal coat hangers and some elastic bands that go into the arms. Sewing is not something I'm very good at and it was a huge challenge to make because of all the straight lines. It's important to take your time when sewing and not to rush so you can make everything perfect. I even cut my hair into a flat top and colored it black for this cosplay. I like to not use wigs and use my natural hair if I can. I'm not afraid to color it or cut it.
Tip: This is one of my best cosplays. REPTILE!! I love Mortal Kombat and I'm obsessed with making the characters from it. The great thing about making Mortal Kombat characters is most of them have a mask. Making masks is a fun process that involves sculpting mold, and then resin casting. It really gives you the opportunity to go through multiple steps and create something awesome .I enjoy sculpting a lot and mask-making is a good way to scratch that itch
Tip: Beetlejuice is my all-time favorite cosplay to do! I feel like he is my spirit animal and I get to do a lot of makeup. Makeup is definitely a fun part of Cosplay and he is very dirty with hair spiked out a lot, so it takes a lot of time and preparation with hairspray and everything to get the look just right. I feel like I act like Beetlejuice anyways so I just get to overact at conventions when I am Beetlejuice. It's a lot of fun.
Tip: This was my first cosplay ever, and I have added several upgrades since doing more cosplay contests and shows. I think going back and upgrading old cosplays is a lot of fun and a really good way to make a good costume better.
Tip: Mashing up fandoms is a super fun way to show more than 1 fandom at once. Here you see my Iron 'Stan' Musial. I got to do one of my favorite costumes... Iron Man, and add to that my love for Cardinals baseball and one of the greatest players to ever live, Stan The Man Musial. Once again, remember that cosplay is for everyone to show their fandom in THEIR way."
Tip: Making full armored suits from foam is a great way to save on weight and flexibility. More than likely, you will be wearing these suits for a good portion of the day, so lightweight, and comfy is always a good thing. Mastering finishing techniques for foam is pretty extensive, but once achieved, you can get the look of plastic or metal for a fraction of the cost and weight.
Tip: When cosplaying a character, always remember that this is your vision. Don't ever let anyone tell you how or what to cosplay. Here you see MY vision of an armored red hood. You dont always have to be 'screen accurate', or follow a design completely. Cosplay is about fun and becoming a character you love, so always do it YOUR way!
Tip: Making costumes is amazing, but sometimes you either don't have the knowledge, materials or time to make everything yourself. This is totally OK. Heck, I wouldn't be in business if everyone made all their own stuff. That said, ALWAYS shout out to the people who do make things for you. Here you see me as Batman: Dark Knight. As much as I love this costume and wearing it, I did not make it. It was made by a friend, Aaron Rabe. I was blessed to be able to use and model this suit for sometime, but that's all I did was wear it. Also, the photography was done by another one of my amazing friends. Great shot with very minimal editing is the way to go when it comes to cosplay. We as builders and photogs really appreciate the recognition when it comes to things we make, so make sure and let people know that we helped you put together that amazing cosplay!
