09/27/2022
Thank you so much for this post! It makes me feel better about my own cosplay insecurities ππ
Incoming pep talk!
Donβt be fooled into thinking that a big build happens quickly - or even WELL - on the first try. There are countless revisions and edits that are made that arenβt ever seen on shiny social media posts- and those are the moments where we can struggle the most.
Patterning this stillsuit took less time than modifying the mock-ups, but it still took me a few days. The build took me weeks and weeks!
Once the initial paper/foil/tape patterns are created, the refining process will take time and many versions for a great fit on your body. You CAN do this! Just take your time, gather enough materials, and throw out your deadlines - or at least be okay with extending them if needed if a refined fit is your goal. If you are competing, this middle stage between patterning and painting is crucial. Make as many mock-ups as you need. If that means you need to make 10 mock-ups, then thatβs what it takes. I promise that as you practice these refinements, youβll get that number down to just a few. This chest build took me many refinements, and I never, ever make something perfectly on the first try when it has to fit on my body.
I wish the cosplay world was more transparent about these steps. We see a lot of beautiful finished things, but the struggles behind the projects are just as important to learn about as the successes, IMHO.