Monday, October 31, 2011

Hiatus ended. Hopefully!

ME THE LAST MONTH!! ---------> 

Pretty well sums up my general feelings on the last month and a half.  I would love to just sleep for a month or so to make up for lost energies, creativity, etc.  School won't let me, of course!  I started working a show last week, and we're only half way through the run.  Another week, and that vice will be lifted!  But my god.  I really need a break.  This semester is killing me.

Pirate England -- after a myriad of set backs, up until a few weeks ago I wasn't able to make any progress on this costume at all.  I had a pretty bad stomach sickness that knocked me flat in the beginning two weeks of this month, and when well enough had piles of homework awaiting my return.  I basically have the coat in near completion, with the exception of tacking the lining and adding embellishments.  Phew! The hard part is over, at least.

I do apologize Raven, as it's not really like me to be behind with anything.  But you will get this costume soon! I promise! *fumes at self*

In other news, so burnt out in general that Halloween is dead to me this year.  Very hard, and very sad to admit that fact.  I hope next year I will be in better spirits for it.

Sorry for a lack-luster post! Hopefully sometime this week I can get back in the groove and post some costume-related stuff.

Cheers,

-- Ely

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Commission Project: Pirate England (Hetalia) -- Update II

Hey all,

So I just wanted to post my fabrics for this commission! I'm very pleased with all that was purchased.  The shirt material is not posted here, but I'll have a completed photo of the finished garment soon.  (I had to adjust a couple of things, so the seams are open again and need re-stitching.)


The photos were taken under natural lighting -- should add that the blue (With a hard to see charcoal Italian/Baroque print!) and red fabrics are a fair more vibrant than pictured.

All in all, the red velveteen is for the body of the jacket, blue damask for lining and flipped out lapels & collar, the golden brocade is for the body of the epaulets, as well as the tassels to it's slight left.  The green vintage lace will likely be used for the hat, but that could change as well.

I adore the cravat brooch that I made for this costume! (That big sparkler in the center!)  I found the parts downtown, and set it myself! It is a large crystal gem that harmonizes the colours of the costume perfectly, shining gold, red, green (Arthur's eyes!) and hints of blue.  It was so perfect, I couldn't pass it up.

Other various findings pictured here:
  • Buttons for the coat.
  • White lace for trimmings on the poet shirt.
  • Handmade gold rolled rose for...I dunno! (I made it 'cause maybe it'll look nice somewhere on the hat? Also those pins will come out once it's stitched together.) 
  • Beaded tassel (Was a cool find for .50 cents!)
  • Pile of clear crystal buttons.  (I just threw 'em on the pile because they may or may not be used.)
  • Braided gold gimp (Far right) for lapel details.
  • Satin ribbons (On rolls), and not sure what they will be used for, but had them on hand, so figured they could be useful! (Binding seams?)
Anyways, you get the idea! Everything has been cut for both the jacket and shirt, so we'll see how fast I can get this together.  Kinda apprehensive about the hat at this point.  Don't even want to think about it right now, lol.
Left to build:
  1. Restoration-era coat w/large cuffs, collar & lapels
  2. Poet shirt w/lace cuffs
  3. Pirate Hat w/feathers and lace
  4. Gold epaulets w/tassels
  5. Lacey cravat
Back to resting up (Not feeling well), and perhaps more sewing.  Cheers!


-- Ely

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Commission Project: Pirate England (Hetalia) -- Update I

To all my costume nerdlets,

So I've been super busy with the last half month, since I've been back in classes.  On top of a 40+ hour a week schedule, I'm also working steadily at home on a commission (Hetalia, Pirate England) that I see will take me at least another 100+ into completion.  The latter hasn't been hitch free, since my first trip downtown to find material for the pirate coat was a complete bust.  It was a disappointing trip, but at least now that I have had some time to think on it, I know what to buy.

You have no idea how hard it is to find non-stretch velvet, oi... At least $5.00 a yard isn't terrible?  Sometimes it's much easier to call around and ask.  The fabric district within the garment district of L.A is no joke -- it's huge.  Walking around all day, trying to barter for a better price do not a happy Elysium make.

Well, I found a few places with the right color, and bartering will definitely ensue!  I will settle with $5 a yard, if all else fails.  Still considering what to do with the inner part of the coat for lining, but I see that a dark steely blue, or desaturated royal blue (Whether flat, or patterned) will look brilliant.  I had my eye on some silk dupioni that might be a nice addition.
Left to build:
  1. Restoration-era coat w/large cuffs, collar & lapels
  2. Poet shirt w/lace cuffs
  3. Pirate Hat w/feathers and lace
  4. Gold epaulets w/tassels
  5. Lacey cravat
And yikes, my deadline is somewhere in the first week of October.  I was shooting for Oct 1st, but I might need a few extra days extra.  We shall see!
Right now, I'm in the process of creating a poet shirt with full shapely sleeves, ruffled cuffs (w/ lace) and a matching cravat to top it off.  I already have my eye on a nice cravat brooch, so I hope to throw that into the mix as well.  All of the adornments and ruffly lace are going to make it loads of pretty.  I hope Raven will love it!  I foresee finishing most of that today, so progress pictures will be up. ^o^

I need to tackle that hat soon.  Don't think I will be able to make it huge, since it needs to fit into a box, lol! But I'll definitely be pushing it's limits anyways.  I can't wait to coat it in fancy things.  I've even had my eye on a mini gold unicorn pin for the hat.  (As an inside joke for the character)

Also, had a couple of inquiries on Ace Attorney badges, so I'll be filling those orders into next month.  I'm really happy to share my work with others at an affordable price -- and the compliments on my work mean so much to me.

Cheers for now,

- Ely

Monday, September 5, 2011

Ace Attorney: Badge... 'cause I CAN!

I just took a quick shot of it, since you can't see it very well in any of our photographs from Anime Expo.  I would like to remake it at some point, with some new techniques and ideas. Just a few thoughts on what I'd change~


I would consider creating a perfect stamp for the scale design, for the center.  It looks all right as is, but could be articulated much, much better.  (Thank you to dA'er, and fellow Phoenix Wright cosplayer SuperPeyo for the idea!) I feel that an embossed design created by a stamp would be a little more eye-catching than a etched in one.

Also I would consider casting these in resin.  That way, if I had requests for commissions, I would be able to make perfect replicas over and over with ease.  Not to mention, they'd be near indestructible and would look very professional!

That's all for now!

-- Ely

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Mia Fey Cosplay: What to do with extra magatama's? Sell 'em!

EDIT: Sold!  Due to the high response I received, I am planning on casting more (Various colors) and listing them on Coscom/dA/Etsy sooner than later for a flat affordable rate.

I ended up casting two extra magatama's when I was creating my Mia Fey costume.  I have one for myself... but the other two are just sitting here, pretty well useless to me.  Sad!

Therefore, I would like to sell them off.  Best offer only, and no trades.  If you live outside of the U.S, I will try my best to negotiate an affordable shipping option for you also!  I will include tracking information, but insurance may be a little extra.




A little about them:  I studied the artwork diligently, and created what I find to be a very accurate Mia Fey magatama.  These are not cheap sculpies, here.  These were cast with polyester resin, custom colored, (One is clear, more vibrant purple with an iridescent sheen, the other is a solid mauve with a pearlish bloom) wet sanded smooth to perfection, and re-surfaced with resin spray.  They are hard as rock, look brilliant and I took great care in creating them.  A part of me wants to keep them 'cause they're so pretty -- but the practical part of me knows they'll never be used!

Honestly, I put at least three to four hours of work for each of these.  This is a one-time chance to own the perfect magatama for Mia Fey/Chihiro Ayasato cosplay!

If you're at all interested, please drop a message here below, or feel free to email BeataAdriannaTyski@gmail.com, and we can arrange something.  Thanks for reading!

Cheers,

-- Ely

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Pirate England Color Palette!

Just trying to stay busy with costume ideas here.  Hopefully I can get out and fabric sample/swatch/purchase this weekend, so that I can get this costume off the ground!  Deadline is Oct 1st, or that first weekend.

I just made a quick color-swatch table for my own reference.  It can prove helpful to do this when you're in the early stages of deciding what looks good together.  Therefore, these are the colors I envision when I think of this character in particular.  I threw the green in there for good measure (Mimics the characters striking eyes) just 'cause.  Reds are possible base colors for the coat, blues are perhaps for decorative elements, lining and such, golds for trims, buttons, green for decorative elements (perhaps!)  I might try to purchase the blue in it's darkest form if possible (Closer to black) so that I can use it for the hat as well.  But I could change my mind and make a black hat, too.  Not quite sure until I can swatch in real life!

That's all for now!

-- Ely

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Commission Project: Pirate England (Hetalia)

So I was just recently chatting with my best friend from Canada over AIM.  She is a long-time cosplayer, and lately has taken a great liking to Hetalia!  She has been cosplaying as the character Canada for some time, and just recently started doing the same with England.

After a bit of random convo, she brought up her interests in doing a Pirate England cosplay -- but that it would be expensive to order online, and maybe wouldn't be exactly the style she wanted.  Also, since the costume is bit on the interpretive side it makes it just that more difficult. (Official artwork for it is very limited!)

So I offered to take it up! She had wanted me to do Canada's parka, but we set that on the back-burner for now.  Making a pirate outfit should be a lot of fun!  I already have the patterns for it I need, as well as her measurements.  Just need to do some fabric shopping and start!

I will be making her:
  1. Restoration period coat (1600's) with full flared back, high collar and rectangular breast lapels.  Lots of gold buttons, gold trims in varying sizes, etc.
  2. Poet shirt, adorned with lace similarly used from the period.
  3. Gold upholstery brocade military epaulets, (For the shoulders) with tassels.
  4. Large, fluffy cravat with lace that can be detached and reattached easily to the shirt.
  5. Pirate hat, with big feathers.  Prolly will have repeating gold trims from jacket.
Looks like we decided on red low-sheen velvet, a contrasting inner lining (Perhaps royal blue), and probably black velvet for the collar and rectangle lapels.  I suppose we have a lot of artistic freedom with the design, so it should be fun to add my own spin to it as well! (With her approval, of course)

That's all for now.  It's very hot in Los Angeles at the moment, and even with the A/C blasting it's terribly hot still.  Perhaps I will lay down for a while.

Cheers!

-- Ely

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Days go by...

It's difficult to really "dig" into a costume when you're short on money.  As soon as I have some form of budget, I'll be fixing that problem.

In the meantime, I've been dabbling with Photoshop (Trying to learn!) and finished up some line work for Shanoa.  It's not a full body drawing (I'll produce a less detailed one of that later on), and definitely not colored yet, but I'll get there eventually.  I saved the image (Just lo-res for now) with the original pencil scan underneath the pen tool lines, just 'cause I thought it looked cool.
 

I'd like to start on a similar styled drawing for Albus pretty soon as well.

School re-starts on the 29th for me, and while my class load isn't going to be too bad, I took a student position in my costume shop as a foreman, so I know that will change the game.  Though, it won't be half as crazy as last semester, since I'm not designing a show.

At least it'll be busy doing something I love to do, and helping people as well!  (Plus, I'm pretty sure I'd be doing the same thing anyway, paid or no, lol!)

Maybe sometime October I can kick these two costumes into gear.  I'd really like to spend my time on these and not rush.  Deadline is for Anime Expo next year. :3

Outtie for now!

-- Ely

Saturday, August 6, 2011

Fiddling~

For someone who used to draw everyday, I realize I am now pretty sluggish at it!  Maybe just I over-think what I'm drawing, or I'm distracted.  Perhaps with some practice, I'll come out of that and can work a bit faster.

At any rate, I'd like to have some sketch/planning work up soon, so that starting next month I can move into the materials phase.  I'd love to do that right away (Doesn't everyone?!) but money is an issue, and I'd like to wait until my finances are locked down after school starts.

I'm hoping to get a Photoshop tutorial in with my husband; not so much on the basics, but maybe a little more advanced?  Like how to clean up line work, how to use the pen tool, tips on rendering, etc.  I feel that the digital age is on us here, and as a budding designer, you have to keep up with it or get left behind.  So hopefully we can work something out for an evening!

As far as material choices, I've already decided on a few things.  I'll be ordering a large/jumbo sheet of Wonderflex to mold the breastplate... and, since I'm at it, I'll be purchasing leather locally as well.  Why leather?  Because I notice that the sheen in the artwork is definitely leather, and also noted that no one has attempted this on their costume.  It must be a price issue, or perhaps a inability to work with it.  Seeing as I've made several formed leather items over the last year, I'm not afraid to try.  Should be interesting!  I feel that leather will be a fun, realistic touch for this costume -- and I do love a challenge!  And it sure solves the issue of surfacing the breastplate/greaves.  I will likely be using a soft, pliable treated leather for this, some rubber cement, etc.  I'm not sure how I'll build the gold 'leaf-like' designs in the central parts of the plate, but perhaps once I start an idea will strike me.  I have a few ideas that could work very well.

Overall, definitely going to start Shanoa's armor first, and once I have a decided on the garment material, I will begin the dress simultaneously.  I'd like to tackle how to fasten the armor to the dress -- and I'd love to avoid velcro.  Ick!

Also. D: I need to get back on the horse with working out! It's been hot here in Los Angeles, and even with the A/C running the in apartment, it's not a very encouraging (Or safe) environment to work out in.  Doing really fantastic with my eating habits of late -- so if I could just smush the two together, I'd have a good formula for weight loss going.

Enough of me, back to life --

-- Ely

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

On costume sketches, and preparing to make a costume. (Shanoa related)

Before diving into a new project, I love to have my research assembled first.  Granted, everyone has a different approach when beginning a costume -- but, being organized versus not makes a huge difference.  If you can't visualize the design in a three dimensional state, on your body or someone else's -- forget it!  How can you conceptualize and understand it, if you haven't bothered to think about it?  So this is where I like to begin.

This entails browsing the internet for various original artworks, fan works, in game screen-shots, etc.  I also put in a considerable amount of research on the costume if it's already been created.  This can save on some time.  Sometimes problems have already been worked out, (Thank you cosplayers~) and it's really to your benefit to analyze what others have done.  If you like the way someone made their armor, but like the dress from a different costume, etc -- mass what you like together and take notes.

With a solid folder of visual references, I can then thumb through anything I've collected, and start notes for myself.

Of course, you can't always anticipate a construction problem when you start building, so it's best to expect things might go wrong so you don't frustrate yourself into a hole.  Expecting to get it perfect the first time is not a good mind-set to haveTo learn anything, sometimes you just have to mess up a little, you know?  Keeping that in mind, don't fret if you've messed something up and have to start over.  One of the worst situations you can be in while crafting is to be stressed out, desperately trying to fix what you've done and sweating bullets because you've destroyed it.  Likely, you will end up screwing up again, in that state.  If you're mind is clouded and frustrated, S-T-O-P.  Take a few deep breaths, nosh on something tasty, and distract yourself with something else for a bit.  Come back to the project with your head clear and relaxed!  You want to do a good job on your project, so don't make it a horrible experience for yourself.  Problem solving, even at the worst of times -- use it!  Be fearless and keep trying!

My beginning phases go a little like this:

1) Assemble research, photographs, drawings, etc.  I tend to keep some on my computer, and print out a few and post them on my cork-board in my studio.

2) Make sketches on costume, front, side and back -- take notes, note decorative elements, color swatch, etc.  Sometimes it's nice to sit down and complete a fully colored render, but it isn't necessary.  Just a clean line drawing will suffice at this point.

3) Break down costume into groups (Gloves, dress, armor, etc), note on materials I might consider using.  I also sometimes start the more difficult parts first, and leave the things I consider easy for later.  This gives me more time to really grind out the parts that are likely going to give me trouble.  (For instance, I'll likely start Shanoa's armor first.)

4) Fabric swatch w/ your references, and its shopping time.  Also doesn't hurt to buy a little more of each material.  Therefore, you're saved from multiple trips to the fabric store.  Unless of course, you love racing to the store last second, only to find out that beautiful/perfect/amazing material you purchased is sold out.


Today I'll work on a few design sketches for Shanoa w/notes, and if I feel like it, I may scan it and fiddle with it digitally as well.  Eventually I'll be repeating this same process with Albus also, but likely after I start Shanoa.  Back later with updates. :3

Cheers,

-- Ely

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Castlevania: OoE wins!

No matter how much I try, there just isn't any way to resist Castlevania.  I've been a fan for far too long, and the idea of wearing something so detailed and unique = I excite!

More or less, I've decided to take on Shanoa & Albus as my next major nerd project.  While I realize this is going to test my patience in many ways over the course of the next few months, I feel confident that I can do them justice.  Plus, I'd love to hone my skills at armor building and also learn how to tool, dye and oil leather by hand.

For goals, I hope to continue my exercise regime, and lose that last 5-10lbs of "plateau" weight.  Honestly, I could do better with my eating habits as well -- not so much in the type of foods (Everything we eat is pretty wholesome and healthy!), but I would like to add more veggies and seafood into the mix.

As far as research goes, I've started a huge folder of reference material already for both costumes.  Next stage will be sketching and planning, a material break down sheet, (With estimations on cost) patterns possibly needed, etc.  Once I figure out which costume I will tackle first, I'll start purchasing my materials both online, and from local sources.

Extras such as wigs, contacts (Yes, I am going all out here!) and shoes/boots will be purchased if they're suitable in my budget, or if I can snag a deal.  I'll end up picking up another roll of Wonderflex sometime in the next few weeks, along with pattern paper.  I have some great ideas for the chest plate/armor, and I am already feeling the need to start.  For the tattoo's, I hope to hand-make stencils (For both the back glyph and smaller bicep ones) and utilize a cosmetic airbrush paint + my airbrush to make it easier.

Really, the idea of taking on Shanoa's armor, and Albus' tooled leather vest + gun are probably the most harrowing points of interest when considering the construction.  Obviously I'm not made of cold hard cash either, so that will also be something nagging in the back of my mind.  Can I somehow manage to put both together for under $300?  I can damn well try, I suppose.

-- Ely

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Dragon's Crown!

Vanillaware's highly anticipated game (Probably much attributed to throw-back style of Golden Axe, and of course the characters sorceress & amazon, lol!) "Dragon's Crown" is set to his markets next year, Spring 2012.  By that time, I hope we have a PS3 so we can actually play it!

As far as my long-running-list of somewhat interesting nerd costumes to make, the elf and wizard seem highly plausible, if not fairly easy to make compared to other ideas I've thrown out there.  This blog is becoming such a mash of, "Oooh, I like this shiny... but I like this shiny too!" *__*;  What's wrong with me?



Cheers from nerd-dom,

-- Ely

Monday, July 11, 2011

Hawt damn. I love Castlevania designs.

I've been into Castlevania for a long time; probably from the early ages of it being on SNES, and into it's latter years of PS1 glory.  I haven't picked up the 3D versions honestly due to lack of interest, but at least have played through the NDS versions as they've come out.

I am still in love with Castlevania: SOTN, and have considered picking it up and playing through it again.  What's not to like about it? Alucard was badass, Richter was pretty awesome, as was Maria Renard.  At one point, I had considered making her outfit for myself, but it just never took off for whatever reason.

Some of the newer games have appealing designs as well.  Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia was a pretty decent game; but what I love (Of course) are the designs!

 (Shanoa left, Albus right)

It's like daaayyuummmm~ part of me wants to attempt the challenge, the other part is all, "Wtf, run for the hills!" Not so much because of Shanoa's costume, but Albus'.  Freakin' Albus with his tooled leather vest and all those holsters, buckles and rivets.  OH YEAH.  AND THAT FREAKING GUN, TOO. D:  Why am I attracted to complicated things? I... have no words.  Really, no defense here.

-- Elysium


P.S: Dracula is one sexy mother*ucker.  Also, a possibility.



(Cosplay Ideas) Muramasa: The Demon Blade, and thoughts on HOTD.

NOTE: While I love the game, the designs and whole collective, I've decided that I won't be doing this costume.

Recently my husband started playing 'Muramasa: The Demon Blade', and nonchalantly pointed to Momohime, "You could cosplay her."  I was sort of thinking he was joking, but then it got me thinking.

Yes.  I could totally do that.  I'm all legs here, so it could work!  Not to mention, I've been wanting to dabble in something Japanese-esque, and the design itself is freaking gorgeous.

Looking at the design itself does intimidate me some -- mainly the armor and decor.  Otherwise, it's really just a yukata style outfit with longer sleeves, green obi and knee-socks.  I wonder?

Will this be something I could potentially take on next?  Not sure.  But I love the idea of wearing it!

In other news, we finished up watching 'Highschool of the Dead' a week ago or so.  It was suggested to me by a close friend (Who had interest in cosplaying Kohta Hirano, the gun-nerd) that if we could do a mini-group cosplay, HOTD could be something easy to pull together.  However, looking at the female cast I realize a few things:

A) Going to have to hit the gym and watch the diet if it's something I want to attempt.
B) Gotta bust out a pretty intense push-up bra to do any of the characters justice.
C) Just not sure if it's something I can pull off?

Out of the four doable female characters, I can only see myself going as Rei Miyamoto, or Saeko Busujima.  I'd probably then ask my husband if he'd be interested in doing Takashi Komuro, just 'cause.  But I'm not sure.  The costumes are easy enough, and I keep thinking how awesome it'd be to do some blood spatter distressing on them.  Also, I don't think I could create an actual gun prop... so I'm not sure how cosplaying Rei could work.

-- Elysium

(Saeko on the left, Rei on the right.  Boobs, guns and zombies?  Definitely a win/win combination for viewers!)

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Spice and Wolf?

I've been tossing around the idea of making Horo & Kraft Lawrence costumes.  Maybe? Perhaps? I'm not sure, but the idea is very appealing.  Though, I am not sure if I like her dress outfit, or the purple tunic one?  What do you think is more recognizable as Horo?

I'd totally go all out and wear red contacts for this one.

Artwork by the amazing Koume Keito.  These are the book-covers to the graphic novels of "Spice and Wolf".
  

-- Elysium

The post-costume sadness.



When I was a young girl, I remember the times where I'd be watching my favourite cartoon program, and half-way through it I'd look at the clock all forlorn, "Mom... mom, it's almost over..."  Mom would proceed to roll her eyes, "You're only half-way through.  Just enjoy the last of it."

Flash forward and apply this to my life today.  This somewhat melancholy outlook has lost it's grasp on many aspects of my life now, (Can thank my husband for this!) but, when it comes down to my craft I still feel a little bit grey when I finish up a project.  Admittedly, it is hard to wear a costume once (And I'm sure I'll wear some again) after you've put in countless hours crafting it.  But really, to follow my mom's advice, I do truly enjoy what I do, every moment of it.  So I need to learn how to keep myself motivated and happy.

You might be thinking, "So you busted your butt for 30-40 hours.  Aren't you glad to be done with it, and move onto the next?"

Yes, of course I am happy to move on!  Even the costumes I threw together for AX were a source of stress at a couple moments, so I was really happy to be finished with 'em.  At least I know that if I attend another convention, I'll have something to pull from already.

Anyhow, I suppose I'm finally hitting that wall where I know it's already time to start planning something new.  Of course, financial constraints are the largest set-back for starting anything, so until I can afford to devote some money I will be in the research/planning phase.

-- Elysium

Friday, July 8, 2011

Anime Expo 2011 --

It's been a long, long time since I've attended an anime convention.  In fact, the last one must have been back in 2003 or 2004.  (This would be back when I was dating my now husband!) So wow, it's been a long time.  Sure, I have attended Comic Con a few times more recently, but not for the same reasons.  For AX we attended Friday, Saturday, and a little tiny bit on Sunday.  Overall, we actually had a lot of fun.  Strange to actually admit that, as we're definitely not as tangled in Japanese sub-culture as we used to be.  Granted, we still indulge whenever we can just because we're nerdy like that, yo.

At any rate, the Los Angeles Convention Center that houses Anime Expo is huge!  We traipsed around for hours and hours, and still didn't manage to see the whole thing!  Upon pulling up to the convention parking area we observed an astonishing amount of people dressed in costumes as well.  Cosplay at this convention must have been at least 50-60% of the attendees, really.  My inner-costuming-nerd-heart must have skipped dozens of beats throughout the weekend.  The range of skill in the costumes were all over the place, some were decent, others were finished strangely -- but others, my goodness.  It's hard to think that these people are not professional!  Some of the costumes must have taken months to put together -- and you could really tell how proud they were of their work.

It should be mentioned that the age range that attended this convention were from very young to over 60.

Of course, we busted out some "cosplay" of our own for one day, just to see how many people would:

a) Recognize the characters.
b) Take pictures?
c) Freak out and yell "Objection!" at us!



So we donned Gyakuten Saiban costumes (Or Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney) for Saturday.  Myself as the busty defense attorney Mia Fey, and my husband as the enigmatic coffee-addicted prosecutor Godot.  Here are some of the better shots we had taken.

(I may do a construction notes of sorts for both costumes, just to take it to another level of nerd!)


To answer the above a, b & c -- YES.  Ton's of pictures were taken, lots of "OBJECTION!" had, and for the most part, people knew who we were.  Though, Godot was mistaken as "Anime Cyclops" a few odd times, much to our amusement.

Overall, we didn't do a whole lot during the actual convention -- we mostly just walked around, took pictures of other cosplayers, bought nerd stuff (Yay for Katamari Damacy and Apeture Science t-shirts, hentai books and art prints!) and talked to random people.  If we decide to go next year, we'll prepare to do a bit better in terms of actually going to panels if we're interested in the subject matter.  It would have been nice to attend a concert as well (Both the Hatsune Miku concert and Kalafina were sold out) or actually come with enough $$ to pick up more merchandise.  I regret not checking out the massive Copic booths and picking up a couple of new markers, though.

Though, the highlight of Anime Expo for myself was easily meeting Peter S. Beagle.  (For those who are unfamiliar with him, he's the author of, "The Last Unicorn")  My wonderful husband bought me the hard-backed graphic novel, and I had it signed by Peter!  It was wonderful to meet the creator of such a beloved story.  I was ecstatic to chat with him and convey how important his works were in the shaping of my early childhood.  It completely satisfied my inner child.

I hope to make it to AX 2012 next year -- new costumes in tow, and commission business cards in hand!

-- Elysium

A new chapter beings.




Hiya, Elysium here!

So I started this blog in hopes to keep better track of my costuming.  It's been very hard for me to commit to building a website, (Never enough time) and while media sites such as Deviant Art are so convenient, I decided I'd rather have a small space just for my own ramblings and uploads in the meantime.  Eventually I will obtain a website for myself, but not until I can build a stronger body of work.

Ideally, this blog will illustrate my progress with costuming projects, as well as finished products and sketches.  From time to time though, I may nerd up on other subjects however.

Check back for updates!

Muah,

-- Elysium Sans