Whew! Got back from NDK last night, but spent today relaxing. Legs hurt, neck hurts, but I had an absolute blast. Hotel treatment was atrocious, but that's another story, and NDK more than made up for it! I have to say, for a first time attendee, and my first major cosplay, it felt great (and weird at the same time) to only be able to move two feet before someone asked me for a picture, proceeded by a wall of cameras as everyone else took the opportunity. It was awesome.
Because of this, I didn't get much of a chance to take pictures of everyone else, but you can see a whole ton on the forums. For now, I wanted to show you a few of my favorites, and then I will throw the rest up on the Photo Gallery page, with more in as they get shared on NDK's forums. Enjoy!
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So NDK is next week. Our group leaves on Thursday. I have been planning this trip since February, and fully intend to go.
My boss, on the other hand, seems to want me to stay. Either I'm the only one he trusts to work or, more likely, he just doesn't want me having any side things that may actually have a chance to succeed (as has been the track record with every other employee he has had). I have already paid for the trip, and at this point I can't get my money back. I'm going on this trip, plain and simple. I worry though. As I have only been doing this prop making for less than a year and have little to show for it (lack of funds, dwindling orders), it makes it hard to pay bills, get tools, and generally improve my making abilities without either a: a job or b: money. And that's where you come in, dear readers. As I am sure you all know, I have started an ongoing project called Mass Effect Insanity. You can read all about it in my last post. I am currently taking commissions for any of those specific weapons that anyone wants, which will put those weapons at the top of the list. If no one buys/commissions, they will be done as I get to them depending on what else I am working on and whether or not I can support myself in doing it. If you are not interested in Mass Effect, especially since 3 has been out a good while now, I totally understand and want/need to branch out. I am willing and able to take on a number of commissions, and would be more than happy to hear what you have to offer. I am opening up any and all slots for commissions, and am more than happy to discuss whatever you want built. Please email me via my Contact form. ***** As a final bit of news, just a reminder that I will be sending a few items to the wonderful people at Mass Effect Marathon! They support Child's Play, one charity I back fully and have always wanted to give something to. This here is my chance, and I am thankful to these guys for giving me the opportunity. As a tip of the hat to them, I want to offer something on the side as well. For every purchase/commission/whatever, during the months of September, October, and November, I will donate 10% of all proceeds to Child's Play via Mass Effect Marathon. The more orders I get, the more I donate. I will try to do something of my own either way, but this is a guarantee. This is a great opportunity to you guys, as you get an awesome prop/commission, and a donation through me! So awesome. Anyway, enjoy! Keep those orders coming! ;) First, some news. I have determined that, at the rate I am going, the T-45d armor will not be finished by NDK, not unless I take the next month off and focus entirely on it. Given the lack of time, and lack of funding, I don't think that's truly an option. Instead, I will be focusing on the Mass Effect armor take two, which is coming along nicely. Expect more posts about that soon.
On that note, I wanted to announce a big endeavor I am planning as soon as the ME outfit is completed. I am going to attempt to create each of the Mass Effect single player weapons. Every. Single. One. At least the ones from 2 and 3, since the ones from 1 are all the same as those just with actual names. Many will be easy: human weapons are all simplistic compared to, say, Collector weapons. Many, many will be hard, and they may not be able to all be made out of the foam I use. We shall see. This is where you come in, dear readers. Some of these weapons are going to be difficult, and many of them I only intend to create once. A few I will make two of, one for myself (for obvious reasons) and a second to satisfy the list. This list will be there for my benefit as well as yours. Should anyone be interested in acquiring one of these weapons, be they a one-off or one that I decide to add to the Shop, can contact me to put their name on the list. The one-offs will be first come, first served, so if you want it get on there quick. If you want your name on there, you must be willing to put half down on the one you want; each category will have a general price list with certain exceptions depending on difficulty/quality. I have created a page under the "Builds" section, titled "Mass Effect Insanity". In it will be a list of each weapon, divided into categories. Those who want a certain one, contact me via the form or in the comments below. In a matter of fairness, if more than one person wants an item, I will go with the timestamp of the request that came first. If four or more people want the same item, I would be willing to replicate enough to give to all of them. Again, the half down still applies. In other words, even if you see a name up, send a request anyway! Yours may be the one that pops it over the line! I hope this doesn't sound too greedy (I am flat broke at the moment), but just what it is: a fun, grand, insane project I want to do. And dang it, I want to do it! :D Also, if anyone sees a weapon I'm missing, let me know immediately! I want to do all of them! Hello all! I just wanted to get some really awesome news out to you, some of which I promised via Twitter yesterday. Firstly, while randomly browsing the interwebs for inspiration for new items for the Shop, I came across a neat little link: http://walyou.com/m8-avenger-foam-replica/ Apparently, my Etsy listing for the M8 rifle was featured on walyou! It's a short, simple one, but they were very kind and hey, it's my stuff! I'm honored! Thank you to Jude Cavale, the writer of the article, and sorry that I didn't see it sooner (was posted in June)! Next, the really super awesome exciting news! I have been a long time fan/supporter of Child's Play, a great organization that benefits children in hospitals. I have looked up to them since first hearing about them, and have always wanted to be able to donate (stupid lack of moneys). My chance to help, however, may have just arrived at my doorstep! I have been approached by Mass Effect Marathon, who are holding their third main event this October/November, and raise money for Child's Play while doing a huge run of the Mass Effect series. They do fun things all the while, like donation based silliness (see the site - it's awesome) and other fun things like raffles and auctions. In a nutshell, they have asked if I could donate something for their event, and I have wholeheartedly agreed. I've got some extra items left over from Steam Fest that I may send, and I would like to send one of each of the weapons I make for the Shop, so go keep an eye out on their website! This may be a great chance for one of you to win one of these awesome toys, and for one of the best causes out there! Have I mentioned I love Child's Play? No? Well I do! ... Anyway, on to the final bit of excellent news: I have finally finished pepping out every piece of the Fallout armor! I saved the third helmet for last, and here it is: Ain't it a beauty? The awesome thing is.... It fits perfectly! Admittedly it is a tiny bit big, but that means it'll have room for padding and gizmos and me being able to breathe/see in it. I'm so happy! No more superglue all over my fingers! No more backache from all the bent-over cutting! Woooooo! The first one was too small. The second one was too big. The third one? Juuuuuuust right. ;) ...and the final pile. The forearms are hiding inside the biceps and are great at holding up the pauldrons! The belt/cod is still a bit big, but I plan to cut it down a good chunk anyway. The rest of it, though, is ready to head to the resin/bondo stage. Yay!
Keep an eye out on my twitter feed, which I update constantly with new pictures. I'll update the blog when I have gotten some good progress. Now to find my respirator again! Wheeeeeee! Just got back from Salt City Steam Fest, and boy am I beat! Not only is this the first major steampunk festival that I know of in SLC/Utah in general (besides the mass trade thing), this was also the first time I've ever run a booth! At least for me anyway. Despite the ungodly heat (poor AC system.... a requiem will be played in your honor), people showed up in droves, dressed to the nines. It was absolutely amazing seeing all the variety, both of style and age! Seriously, it was awesome seeing a few six year old cosplayers, only to turn around and see a few 80 year olds! I had an absolute blast.
I will admit, it was kind of a bummer that I didn't end up selling anything, but I gave out a crap-ton of business cards and people were very interested in what I had made. I also sat by a lady who does some awesome leatherwork as a hobby, and got a few tips and pointers from her while we sat chatting. Anyway, here's what pictures I was able to take of just some of the awesome costumes! I didn't get a lot, but there were times where it was so packed, if I stopped anyone it would have caused a problem. Oh well. Enjoy! These are all pretty freaking epic! Apologies that some came out a little blurry. Also if you see yourself, let me know in the comments below and I will tag your picture with your names! |
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