Level 5 - Expert
Repeated capability in design to execution with wide range of processes; can provide extensive knowledge about skills and be able to showcase abilities
Hanzo Shimada (Cupid Variant)
Award Winner!
My first “expert” level cosplay! It took a lot of creativity and resourcefulness, but I managed to put together a pretty awesome costume using mostly recycled and unconventional materials. Let me break down how I did it.
For the headgear, I used coat hangers wrapped in plumber's putty, which I then sanded down to a smooth finish and painted with silver paint. The pink wings were crafted from EVA foam. My right arm gauntlet was a mix of boat cover fabric, wrapping paper, a zipper from an old coat, and produce netting. The left arm gauntlet was simpler, made from EVA foam and a coat hanger. For the left sleeve, I took a pink dress and hand-painted it, then sprayed it with hairspray to lock in the color.
The arrow was a bit of a challenge but fun to make. I used a license plate tip, a sewing spoon for the base, plumber's putty to fill gaps, a whittled tree limb for the shaft, and feathers cut from a cereal box. The shoulder pads were constructed from EVA foam and some packaging material. For the belt, I used pieces from a pink dress, a wooden dowel, present packaging, and more EVA foam. The neck tuft and tunic were made from sheets and ribbon thread, all held together with fabric glue. I hemmed some athletic shorts for the bottom part of the costume.
Continuing with the materials, I transformed some sandals by stripping them down and supporting them with plastic disposable cups. The bow was crafted from a yard-sized metal and signage base, cardboard, cutting boards, and an EVA foam exterior. I used boat rope for the string. The quiver was a creative mix: a 10” spool, disposable party cups, handmade paper feathers, chicken wire, a glass container, plastic bags, food containers, and movie posters, all covered in drywall mud. For the leg bracers, I used parts of a kayak for strength, cardboard, a boat cover, and old t-shirts for the sections that touched my skin.
One of the key tools I highlighted during this project was bias tape, which helped give a neat finish to some of the edges. All in all, it took me about 60 hours to complete this costume, but it was totally worth it. Not only did I end up with a fantastic outfit, but I also had a great time challenging myself to use upcycled materials creatively!
Drum Line Energizer Bunny
I absolutely loved making my Drumline Energizer Bunny cosplay because it was a fantastic blend of creativity, nostalgia, and innovation. I thought of the idea based on some concept art I saw while locked up in a snowstorm, and the outfit went through lots of design changes. The Energizer Bunny has been an iconic figure for years, and reimagining it as part of a drumline gave me the opportunity to showcase my love for both the character and the musical energy of a marching band.
The process of creating this costume was incredibly rewarding. From conceptualizing the design to finding and repurposing materials, every step was a chance to flex my creative muscles. The marching uniform, for example, was mostly a combination of robes and curtains, while the shoes were crafted from various foams, including a yoga mat. The helmet was ingeniously made from a bucket and a robe, and the drum itself was a creative mix of a rain barrel, movie posters, and electrical equipment. The satisfaction of seeing these disparate items come together to form a cohesive and recognizable character was unparalleled.
Moreover, the attention to detail required for this project was both demanding and exhilarating. Hand sewing the neckline and creating a custom pattern were skills I honed during this process. Ensuring that the drumline elements were accurately represented while maintaining the essence of the Energizer Bunny pushed me to refine my crafting techniques. The time spent meticulously painting, assembling, and perfecting each component, totaling around 30 hours, paid off when I saw the final product… and won! The positive reactions and admiration from fellow cosplayers and attendees at conventions were the cherry on top, making all the hard work and dedication worthwhile. Creating the Drumline Energizer Bunny cosplay was a labor of love that allowed me to celebrate creativity, sustainability, and the joy of bringing an iconic character to life in a new and exciting way.
Award Winner!
Winter Soldier (2014 Movie Version)
All things considering, I’ll admit this costume doesn’t look as impressive as other costumes at this level, but the volume of bells and whistles on the costume (in addition to the many techniques used) was more complicated than it looks. The highlight of the costume by far is the vest which is made entirely out of pleather upcycled from a computer chair.
What’s holding the costume back from being perfect are some of the small details that you don’t notice until you want to make the costume pop. Fitting a sleeve is very challenging when using trash - or not -trash - and this uses the most different parts of any costume I’d done to date.
When you do costumes like this, it’s very satisfying seeing different costumes people make… and it’s nice to say you’re the highest quality Winter Soldier in the room.