Weve collected a few more followers in the past couple of weeks so first up, welcome and thank you! I get a lot of questions asking how I go about starting a new project, and since Im in the process of beginning Rocket Raccoon I thought Id give a rundown of how I am approaching it. First things first, I research. I look at reference images, concept art, how other people have or are approaching a project, similar projects (eg fursuits) - whatever I can get my hands on. I am looking at fabric choices, construction decisions, the best way to tackle a task with my skill-set. Google is your friend! I create a reference folder for each costume and save all of my images into it. Another really great source for research is the RPF - its a wonderful forum with both loads of info and a marketplace. The RPF was my go-to place for gathering hard-to-find reference images for Winter Soldier and Captain America, since I was building them before the film was released, but we also shared our construction methods and material ideas. I also like to make sketches for construction ideas and to work out different elements of the costume. Breaking the costume up into its components will help make the project seem less daunting, as well as give you a clearer picture as to what needs to be done. The sketches dont need to be anything super wonderful, but annotations will help make sense of things when you come back to it. Im currently looking at whether I purchase a resin blank for Rockets head, or attempt the build from scratch myself. I have to weigh up my available finances, my available resources, and also my time. Unless youre competing in a cosplay comp that requires you to make the entire thing, then dont be afraid to utilise available resources. Use what you can, make what you have to. Im on a tight schedule for Rocket and making components such as teeth, tongue, eyes, etc does still take time so its something you have to weight up when planning your build. Sometimes too you may find its cheaper to purchase a component than make it yourself because the cost of materials, and tools. Once I have my construction plan down Ill go out and buy my materials. Rocket requires fur, fur is expensive, so I look at ways I can keep costs down while still maintaining quality. Since you wont see any fur on his torso or his thighs due to his flight suit Im planning on only furring his head, arms/shoulders/neck, lower legs and tail. This will also reduce bulk around my mid section so I can try to look as petite as possible (especially on my fuller-figured frame). Sewing is my least favourite thing ever so I need to accommodate for the additional time Ill need to scratch pattern his flight suit and construct it (and unpick bits and redo them because sewing is the devil. Give me props any day!). Getting the pattern right from the start is really key to making sure you dont waste time later down the track, so I do spend a lot of time at this stage, despite my loathing for it. Stay tuned for more tips, and also some construction progress images! If you have any questions feel free to drop them in the comments!
Posted on: Wed, 09 Jul 2014 05:58:18 +0000
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