Tell me about the outfit you are wearing – who are you cosplaying and how did you decide to pick this particular character ?
That was Tex from Red vs. Blue, a female spartan who kicks some major butt. I didn’t actually decided to cosplay her until I was at the painting stage of my armor. Before hand, I was going to paint my armor white, like my Halo 3 matchmaking armor. The decision to change to the dark armor came from the fact that my best friend was also doing white armor and we decided that the contrast of my armor being dark would look best against hers. While deciding the new color, I realized that I could become Tex.
Tell me about the process of making your outfit – was it easier or tougher than you imagine it to be ?
When I started the armor, I was a bit overwhelmed to be sure. There was so much to do. Before starting it, I had joined a prop building community that specialized in Halo props and armor. I was amazed at what they had created and wanted to give it a try myself. Thankfully, there are tons of tutorials on each step. The first step is to use an amazing program called Pepakura to “unfold” a 3d object, like the helmet, into a bunch of puzzle pieces. These can then be printed out on cardstock and reassembled using hot glue, into the same 3d shape. My next step was to apply several coats of resin, inside and out. Fiberglass and resin went on the inside after the initial coats had dried. This made it super hard and ready for detailing. Since it’s easier to reconstruct low definition models, the round areas ended up having a slight blocky shape. To correct this, I added bondo car filler over these areas and sanded away until I got the shape I wanted. Priming came next, because paint doesn’t like to stay on the resin surface. I used car priming spray paint in a dark grey and hammered dark bronze spray paint for the top coat. The hammered effect gave it a nice metallic look. A motorcycle visor and helmet insert were used to complete it all. These steps were used in each piece of the armor, a total of thirteen in all. It’s still not perfect, but I’ll just keep upgrading it in the future.
Any interesting stories from people’s reaction to your outfit at the con ? ^^
Hmmm. If I remember correctly, it was one of the first times I took off my helmet. It was hot and I was trying to get my hair out of my face. There were some young girls in the crowd that had gathered. Their eyes grew wide and they rushed in for hugs, telling me how cool it was that I was in armor. I was more than happy to return the hugs, though it must have been slightly uncomfortable on their end. lol It happened several times that day to the point that they each started to run into each other in my mind.
I love it when people can’t tell if I’m male or female. Also, at Animefest this year, some guys who do an online show had me punch one of them as part of a gag. I think I might have hit him too hard. lol
How did you get started cosplaying and what got you interested ?
I’ve been cosplaying all my life and never realized it. Halloween was always an amazing time for me. I’d try to make costumes that no one else had ever done. I still remember my Cheetara from a few years before I discovered true cosplay. I blame my best friend for starting me on cons. She suggested that we got to Akon back in 07. I’d never gone before, but she promised it’d be fun. So, I threw together an L from Deathnote and had my mom help me with a Kidd from Chrono Cross.
The part that really got me interested in cosplay after that first encounter was that I could become anyone I wanted and create these amazing crafts that other people would appreciate.
What are the con did you first attended and what’s your favorite con that you’ve attended so far and why ?
The first con was Akon 07. What a way to start huh? I ended up going to one of the biggest for my first time.
My favorite con would have to be Animefest. It’s not as big as Akon, so it’s more laid back. I don’t end up stressed as much as I do at Akon.
What does cosplay mean to you ?
For me, cosplay is just another way of telling a story. I write and illustrate stories all the time. Cosplay allows me to bring the stories into the third dimension. It’s also another way to allow me to be creative. It’s all like a puzzle to me. I love figuring out how to translate an imaginary figure into something that could be real.
There is of course the people. I love connecting to people I don’t even know over a character. And I would never have met and connected with my cosplay group, Shinka Studios, if not a local con.
If you had unlimited funds/technology/time, what is your dream cosplay ?
A fully working MK VI Mjolnir suit from Halo 3. Lights, fans, radio, and the ability to run and go up stairs. lol
