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Becoming a Halloween Monster: Vampire

 Vampires get mentioned often enough in this blog as an example for brainstorming. This is because they are a diverse creature with several interpretations throughout history, media, and cultures in general. 

I did go as a vampire once!

What is a Vampire?

Typically, Vampires are reanimated dead aristocracy that drink the blood of humans to sustain themselves. 

Tell-Tale Features

That's about it! Vampires are an 'accessible' monster to dress up as. Literally, it's a person with fangs. Anything else is window dressing. Coming up with what to wear and any details can be done through a Brainstorm or Image hunt. There are also a wealth of characters to choose from if you want to go for more of a cosplay. 

There are interpretations of the monster that are more animalistic or grotesque that may require some Prosthetics. 

Common Themes

Gothic, Aristocracy, Bats, Blood, Coffin

Inspiration References

  • Count Dracula (Novel/Old Films)
  • Nosferatu (Early Cinema)
  • Blackula (Film Series)
  • What we do in the Shadows (Film/TV series)
  • Vampire the Masquerade (Books/Games)
  • Twilight Saga (Books/Films)
  • Lost Boys (Film)
  • Buffy the Vampire Slayer (TV Series)
  • Castlevania (Animated Series/Video Games)
  • Vampire Hunter D (Anime/Manga)
  • Hellsing (Anime/Manga)
  • Blood+ (Anime/Mange/Film)
  • Underworld (Film Series)
  • Blade (Film Series)
Some of my favorites are Vampire the Masquerade, What we do in the Shadows, Castlevania, and Blood+. 

Where to Start

Figure out your fang plan early on. This is one of those creatures where you can find many competent kits for clothes, makeup, and other accessories.  

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