EPTThere are times where screened shirts are just not adequate for showing your passion for a game! The thrill of becoming the character you love is an experience everyone should have. Yet, where do you start a costume? Certainly, a fabric store will provide you with patterns for jackets, pants and dresses, but you probably will not find the pattern for making your custom warlock armor there.
So, then, where do you start? Follow this guide to sort out how to make the perfect costume for yourself!
1) Determine your budget: This is by far the most important part of designing a costume. Monetary restraints are far more solid limitations than design and artistic issues. Figure out how much you are willing to spend on a costume and keep it in mind when purchasing any material. If you spend over half of your budget on a making your weapon, then your armor may not look as nice nor even be completed! Also, keep in mind that your costume will almost undoubtedly cost more than you initially estimate. Keep some extra money in your budget. You need about 30% extra if you are careful with your estimations. This may seem like a lot of unnecessary money to set aside, but it will allow you to finish your costume regardless of the unexpected costs!
2) Sketch your costume: By no means does your sketch need to be perfect! Drawing your costume is a great way to figure out all of the little bits you want to include. It also allows you to see how realistic your initial design is. You might have a great idea in your head, but the application may be impossible without modification. Sketch the front, back and sides of your costume from head to foot as well as any accessories you wish to include. Again, do not worry about your artistic skills, but be sure to include every detail you want your costume to have. This drawing will save you time, effort and money!
3) Research and plan: Now that you have the costume idea sketched out, it is time to research how to bring it to life! The Internet is an extremely helpful resource for finding tips and instructions on how to design a costume. Do not feel limited by guides, though. Mixing and matching ideas from different sources with a dab of your own creativity generally leads to the best design plan. Figure out how you are going to make each piece of your costume and how it will all be attached. After all, you do have to put it on eventually! Also, keep your budget in mind while doing your planning!
4) Creation: You are finally ready to start making your costume. The thrill of cutting, painting, and giving life to your idea. Stick to your plan and buy your materials before you need them to cut down on having to make trips to the store in the middle of a work session. Try to keep your workspace clean and organized as best as possible. When doing any permanent modification (cutting, gluing, etc.) remember the age old rule: “measure twice, cut once.” Though, measuring five times might be even more beneficial.
This process will consume a lot of time, so start earlier than you think you need to. While you may be able to create your costume in just a few hours of work, the drying of paint and hardening of other substances can add a huge amount of time to the creation period.
5) Show it off: Let the world see your creation! Bask in the glory of your hard work and passions. You may bemoan any small errors in your costume, but others will only see the character you have become. Walk proudly, sit carefully, and give yourself a pat on the back. You have made your very own costume!
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