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Transformation: From Fursuiting to General Costume Making
10 years ago
A little over two weeks ago I eluded to a change that was occurring. I mentioned that I was no longer going to be doing Let's Plays and that I was leaving it for an old passion - costume making. And that's all I said about it. I didn't want to elaborate until I knew for sure this would work - until I knew without a shadow of a doubt that this was a path I wanted to walk. Now that one of my outfits is completely done and looks hopefully somewhat badass, let's talk about it.
I had an idea in my head. So many furries in this fandom specialize in fursuit making, but not many focus on costuming. I have worn non furry costumes many times over the years - many while wearing my fursuit at the same time - a few purchased from costume stores but many actually rented from theatrical institutes. And with these costumes I noticed something very frustrating - THEY WERE COSTUMES - that is to say, they were all poorly made, using cheap fabrics, and were not finalized pieces that you could put on film. So I set out with an idea to make costumes that were more than that - they were true outfits. No cutting corners, no using cheap fabric. I wanted to create things where someone could walk onto a set of a movie and be camera ready. And for each costume I created, I wanted to put together a mock movie poster.
So that was my crazy vision, and why I didn't post more on the subject originally.
For my first costume, I chose a Jedi Councilor. This class of Jedi spend their days talking to people - solving disputes and well... basically being a diplomat. They don't see much combat so I had to take that into account when designing the look and choosing fabrics. While working on design, I knew I wanted to do a photoshoot so I not only had to work on a costume, but I had to work on myself. I decided to grow a beard, knowing that from costume conception to the finalized version it would take around 4 weeks and around 80 hours when I had the time. I figured that would give me time for a decent amount of facial growth. So I began growing a beard which I had never done before. Let it not be said I don't go to great lengths to get in character.
I also had another factor to consider - fursuit making gave me lots of experience with hand sewing, but I had zero experience with using a sewing machine. And of course, I had no experience working with any fabric other than faux fur. So my goal was fairly grand and overly enthusiastic for the skill level I was sitting at, but I decided to do my best and just go for it.
Below is the final product of my labor.
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/16015125/
I mentioned I'd not be skimping on fabric. This costume head to toe consists of just under $300 in materials. About $400 if you include combat boots.
From here I'm working on a Sith costume, followed by a few more Jedi's and then moving onto Tron - because I'm in love with Jeff Bridge's light up robe and overall costume from the movie. I want to make lots of Star Wars costumes since that is my second passion, but overall no costume will be off limits. I'd like to crank out at least 1 costume per month. So yeah... we will see where it goes.
It's going to be an interesting ride! If you are interested in following my endeavors and seeing work in progress pictures, please follow me on this new twitter I created specifically for my costume making.
https://twitter.com/JediMasterAerak
I had an idea in my head. So many furries in this fandom specialize in fursuit making, but not many focus on costuming. I have worn non furry costumes many times over the years - many while wearing my fursuit at the same time - a few purchased from costume stores but many actually rented from theatrical institutes. And with these costumes I noticed something very frustrating - THEY WERE COSTUMES - that is to say, they were all poorly made, using cheap fabrics, and were not finalized pieces that you could put on film. So I set out with an idea to make costumes that were more than that - they were true outfits. No cutting corners, no using cheap fabric. I wanted to create things where someone could walk onto a set of a movie and be camera ready. And for each costume I created, I wanted to put together a mock movie poster.
So that was my crazy vision, and why I didn't post more on the subject originally.
For my first costume, I chose a Jedi Councilor. This class of Jedi spend their days talking to people - solving disputes and well... basically being a diplomat. They don't see much combat so I had to take that into account when designing the look and choosing fabrics. While working on design, I knew I wanted to do a photoshoot so I not only had to work on a costume, but I had to work on myself. I decided to grow a beard, knowing that from costume conception to the finalized version it would take around 4 weeks and around 80 hours when I had the time. I figured that would give me time for a decent amount of facial growth. So I began growing a beard which I had never done before. Let it not be said I don't go to great lengths to get in character.
I also had another factor to consider - fursuit making gave me lots of experience with hand sewing, but I had zero experience with using a sewing machine. And of course, I had no experience working with any fabric other than faux fur. So my goal was fairly grand and overly enthusiastic for the skill level I was sitting at, but I decided to do my best and just go for it.
Below is the final product of my labor.
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/16015125/
I mentioned I'd not be skimping on fabric. This costume head to toe consists of just under $300 in materials. About $400 if you include combat boots.
From here I'm working on a Sith costume, followed by a few more Jedi's and then moving onto Tron - because I'm in love with Jeff Bridge's light up robe and overall costume from the movie. I want to make lots of Star Wars costumes since that is my second passion, but overall no costume will be off limits. I'd like to crank out at least 1 costume per month. So yeah... we will see where it goes.
It's going to be an interesting ride! If you are interested in following my endeavors and seeing work in progress pictures, please follow me on this new twitter I created specifically for my costume making.
https://twitter.com/JediMasterAerak
And lol, yes, I can grow facial hair. I just hate facial hair. But my desire to portray a character was apparently greater. XD
Speaking of, now that the photo shoot is done, the beard is gone. So happy!