Skip to main content

Original Design - Creating an Original Character Costume

Designing a costume based on an original character is not often talked about. When I'm drawing a 2D character I rarely think about how realistic the costume would be or how it would work in reality...because it just works. It's a drawing. But as I am currently working on costumes based on some originally designed characters I thought I'd go through my process. 

Referencing the Reference

Now for these characters, I already drew a reference, but the lovely thing about that is I already did a bit of background research to create the drawing of the character's costume. 

Examples will illustrate this! 

First we have Goro the Kitsune. His costume is loosely based off of shinobi garb. Those were the images I was looking at when drawing it! So I have a pretty good idea about how those work. 
Goro's current design

The downside or upside depending on how you feel about it is that the design of your character is in your control! You can change the outfit fairly drastically even before you start thinking about dressing up as your own character. 

My drow warlock Lotara, started out looking a bit like this: 

However, after doing a leather armor course and getting some new ideas for design, I ended up changing her costume to this: 
A break down of the costume's design.

(By the by, I also count fan-creations based in franchised universes as original characters).
Such as my Mass Effect girls. 

Costume Analysis

Even if you made the reference you have to figure know how it will work in reality. (Sometimes I do this in a reference!) Similar to my Cosplay Process, I break the costume down into its components or workable pieces. 
A break down of the costume's design.

I did this for my Lotara example within the reference. I build up based on layers. 

But a costume for my Turian girl requires a breakdown not just of the clothing but how to achieve the alien shape. 

Research

Similar to cosplay, I need to figure out how to best accomplish the components of the costume. Patterns, materials, and tutorials that will help me accomplish what I need to do. I organize these in Pinterest boards so I can do my planning and shopping!

Planning and Shopping

From here on the process is pretty much the same as the cosplay process. I decide on what material I'm going to use and which pattern I want before making the purchase. 

For example, I originally planned on sewing my own high-waist bikini bottom for Lotara, but instead, I purchased some high-waisted yoga hot-pants. This changes the design slightly from the drawing but I think makes me more comfortable as a cosplayer. You CAN change the costume design to your comfort level. You do NOT need to be 100% accurate when cosplaying your own character. You are in control of alternative outfits. 😁

Production

When I have the materials needed for a costume component, I can work on it. 

Like this mask I made for my turian girl: 
Paper Mache mask test!

And that's really all there is to it. The major difference is that as the creator of the character, I have control over the costume's design for both the cosplay and the original character design. 
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Hakama Series - Hibakama (Scarlet Hakama)

The bright red hakama with a white kimono is a common sight in both anime and video game characters. Shrine maidens or Miko also wear this combination of colors when they work at Shinto shrines. Honestly, there is a LOT of history and cultural significance wrapped up in this one.  Anime/Games: Inuyasha, Genshin Impact, Sailor Moon,  So let's talk Design. Design Considerations Cultural Significance This is one I'd pay attention to if I was creating a character of my own. I assume that already created characters have had this research done and have taken their artistic license.  Some of the research taught me a few things: The color is technically scarlet or vermillion, not "red". 🤷 Miko are not part of the Shinto clergy. Sometimes they are just seasonal workers.  Generally, Miko are young women in their teens or early 20s. After a certain age, they wear different colors.  This was based on Heian nobility colors and fashions.  Color Like I said earlier, the ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Hakama Series - Split Leg Hakama

This is the classic style that you likely think of when you hear the word "Hakama". Very wide-legged pleated trousers worn by swordsmen and warriors. Admittedly these are "modern" hakama. There are variations based on historical time period and social status. But these should suit most cases.  So, lets go over how to make them!  You will see examples of this in many games and Anime but some faves of mine include: Rurouni Kenshin, Bleach, Demon Slayer, XXXholic, Hell's Paradise and Genshin Impact.  UPDATE 4/10/2024: I've redone all my instructions. Now that I've actually made a pair of hakama and found some more resources, I felt this needed updating.  From Chihirohowe's Guide Design Elements Color For modern or fantasy character design, no limits to color! You can also use print fabric and add designs! Historically, these would be a solid color and often have a neutral color scheme (white, grey, black, brown). More colorful hakama were usually worn ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Hakama Series - Andon Bakama (Skirt Style)

Andon Bakama were hakama typically worn by women in an academic setting during the 1900s or so. Modern times, they are usually worn for formal occasions such as graduation. It is also the style that just looks nice with a kimono especially for those of us with Western hips the size of Texas.  See examples in Anime/Games: Here Comes Miss Modern, Great Ace Attorney Chronicles, Sakura Wars.  So let's get into how to make one. Tutorial style! Design Elements These are things to consider before you start.  by Chihirohowe Skirt Length Traditionally this is worn just below the ankle if you are wearing flat sandals, geta, or zori. It is worn above the ankle for sneakers, boots, and heels. You can adjust how high on your waist you wear it if you are going to switch between the two.  Colors Normally, these are a solid color, sometimes with embroidered floral patterns near the bottom. Red/Scarlet is uncommon outside of Miko. Patterned fabric is appropriate for this.  Side ...
Post a Comment
Read more