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If you are considering taking up costuming as a hobby, there are a few things you will want to know and be aware of. The end results will be overwhelming and you will impress many people, but there is a beginning to everything. Obviously you will need to pick a character that you will not lose interest in. Your next step will be to decide if you want to buy your suit ready to go or handcraft it. Either way you need to spend plenty of time researching and collecting as many photo references as possible to have something to work from, whether you are going for accuracy or doing an original concept from an existing idea. |
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| Either route you decide to go, you'll need to do some financial research. You don't want to jump into a $3,000 Vader suit if you cannot afford it. Get on some sci-fi message boards etc. and just ask…someone should have an idea of what it takes to build your own or buy one. |
| Patience, young Jedi... |  |
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You must learn patience. Many of the suits such as Darth Vader, Boba Fett and Desert Troopers can take a year or more to get it right. Don't try to slap a suit together, you will spend more just trying to re-do it. The important thing is to have fun, don't lose sight of what it is you are trying to accomplish. |
| Research your character. |  |
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If you choose to make your own costume, break down the different components of the suit from head to toe. Analyze the shapes and see if you can tell what they are made from or what would look close. Go into hardware and department stores and just walk around. Look at the different items they have; you'll be surprised as to what you can use to make some parts! You can join a costume e-mail group or post on a message board, some of the best advice is free and you can get it from fellow costumers who have been in the game for awhile. They can point you in the right directions. Never feel ashamed to ask a "stupid" question, we have all been there at one point. The same ideas apply for buying a readymade suit. Do as MUCH research as you can. Go to a large search engine and type in "sci-fi costume" or "boba fett costume", whatever it is you are looking for. Find as many dealers as you can. Having choices is a good thing when it comes to costuming. |
| Get Testimonials! |
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Secondly, there are some internet dealers who do not deliver what they promise, deliver broken goods, etc.. Be sure to check references if you're looking to buy. Testimonials are very helpful but only if they're listed on someone else's page. Naturally, the person selling the armor will post happy thoughts about themselves. When in doubt, ask around for references. Also regarding the dealers, feel free to ask questions pertaining to quality, warranties, accuracy, photos of their product…If they become irritated with your inquisitiveness, they may have something to hide, or don't really care to do business with you. The best dealers are the ones who are fans themselves - they appreciate the art a lot more. |
| Need Helmets? |
| Don Post has lost their Star Wars helmet license and Rubies has taken it over. In the past, Rubies has shown their ability to make the worst product for your money. Let's hope their new line of masks and helmets will be better than their Batman products. |  |
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