Cosplay Time

Yep, it's that time of year again. I'm starting to figure out my costumes for my biggest convention of the year (and 3rd largest in North America, I believe), Fanexpo. I know it isn't until August, but that really is how long it takes me to go through this process... And I always leave too much to the last minute, so I try and get things started early.

So how do I go about making a costume? Well it starts with the selection process. I like being very thorough with my research, and just as thorough with my decision making process. I don't want to get halfway done my costume and realize I'm working on something that I'm not actually crazy about. Anyways, I have folders upon folders of reference pictures that I hunt through, along with some photo album viewing, movie watching, game playing, comic reading, etc. and I consider all my options. When selecting my 3 (this year it will be 4 due to the extra day FanExpo has added, which I'm incredibly happy about), I like to select a variety. I try and aim for one from gaming, one from comics, and one from sci fi. I like to represent all my loves.

So far, I'm about halfway through this part. I've got my options narrowed down. The big question is, do I redo costumes that I love, or try something new? So many tough choices.

From there, I do extensive research. Whatever is required. I find reference photos, seek out other costumers who have made it, find screen shots, pour through books. I figure out every little detail before I get started. I draw sketches, make step by step plans, lists of what I'm going to need. Nothing ever goes as I would hope, but it helps to have a plan.

And then, we go shopping. It takes a long time to get everything I need, it's hard to collect craft supplies, makeup, fabrics and such downtown, so it takes a lot of trips out of the city for me. And I try and make almost everything from scratch, so it's a lot to gather. I'm a little wary of ordering online, but I'm starting to warm to it. I mean, there is nothing you can't find online.

The building process is always long, I like to take my time. Which is why it's never fully complete by convention time, and I always have to take a few shortcuts. But not this year, this year I vow to have everything done according to schedule. And I'll try to keep updates on this blog to show my process. I've never documented the costuming process before (mostly because I really am no expert, I wing it most of the time) but I think I'm finally at that level. Wish my luck!

Coming soon: My costume choices for this year. Any suggestions?

End Transmission