About Me

"Lucky" - cosplayer, maker, meme

I've been making my own costumes and props for about as long as I can remember - like a lot of fellow makers, I was always the kid who got really into Halloween. What started as scratch-built props from aluminum foil and duct tape has transformed into full costumes made with 3D printing, sewing, foamsmithing, and more.

Growing up with a passion for video games and the stories they tell, the majority of my projects center around gaming titles. I gravitate towards realistic and weathered designs - and, for some reason, characters with silver hair. I am most comfortable with propmaking, and least comfortable with sewing. Wigs are still a mystery to be solved, but luckily, I am the inquisitive type.

My favorite part about cosplay and making is the capacity to learn within this space. Every new project has challenges and opportunities to learn new tips, tricks, and techniques. I believe this is what has kept me coming back to the hobby, and though I may not always do things correctly, I aim to try to spread knowledge of how I completed certain projects through tutorials and progress pictures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do you take individual commissions?

A: I do not take commissions for individuals! A lot of time goes into making my props and costumes, so if I were to price out my labor in accordance with my skill level the price would be very high. I am also still learning and do not claim to be an expert at the craft! I simply don't feel comfortable selling my props as finished items because at the end of the day, they are handmade items.

Q: I want to get into cosplay, but I am overwhelmed by everything there is to learn. How do I start?

A: Honestly the best way to start is to just... do it. I know that sounds like a cop out answer - but in order to start making props and costumes you have to actually do the thing! Everyone starts somewhere and the entire crafting hobby is built on the foundation of failure. By that I mean that the way to get better at it is to make mistakes and learn! Don't worry about whether it's "good"; you made something that previously didn't exist in this world and that's pretty darn cool. They say "practice makes perfect" for a reason!

Q: I can't afford all the fancy tools and materials. Can I still cosplay?

A: I started making crafts and cosplay with a hot glue gun and a dream. Jokes aside, there are definitely affordable ways to cosplay. It's easy to get caught up in all the expensive gadgets like 3D printers and laser cutters - but they are no means a necessity; people have been cosplaying for decades before these tools even existed! Facebook Marketplace is a great resource to look for used sewing machines, dress forms, and more. I still buy fabric from thrift stores - I've made an Elizabethan chemise from a bedsheet and 17th century dresses from curtains! I also utilize secondhand stores online such as Poshmark and Mercari for base shoes and jackets to modify.

My favorite resource to advertise is Makerspaces. These are community spaces with a huge arsenal of tools such as a woodshop, 3d printers, sewing/embroidery machines, laser cutters, vinyl cutters, and more. They are a fantastic resource that is great not only for experimenting with materials and tools, but also for meeting other makers in your local community. Makerspaces usually charge a membership fee by year or by month - as with most subscriptions, you'll get a better deal buying the annual membership. My local Makerspace is $50/month, and that's a really good deal for "renting" a laser cutter, resin and filament printers, leatherworking materials, etc. Some Makerspaces also offer free or discounted memberships if you are a student.

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