Cosplay Construction - Greiga Rockman - Tutorial

[Ryouko]

Many people have expressed interest in how I construct my costumes, especially since I do all of my own armor by hand. For this year, I have decided to take on the full out cosplay of Beast Out Greiga Rockman:

http://www.kishuku.com/cosplay/greiga/pan_shot.jpg

As such, I will post continual updates as I progress further with this costume, from start to finish. I always begin with the helmet, since it's usually the most difficult part. Thus, I shall begin! Please, if anyone has questions or needs advice on making their own costume, feel free to ask! I am doing this to help others out, since I know how frusting making your own cosplay can be.

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I always start out with the helmet first, cause notoriously it's always the most difficult part. Greiga is no darn exception, either. First off, I stripped one of my stocked up police costume helmets. You can find these suckers everywhere at party stores, for like $3 or less apiece. After the helmet is a clean white, I then used a ruler to make a pattern for the helmet's main five spikes on a sheet of foam board. You can find this stuff at Target for $3 a sheet, in either white or black.



Using an exacto knife, I then cut the patterned spikes out of the board.



Using a hella lot of masking tape, I then attached the cutout to the helmet. Since there is an angle to the spikes, I made sure to attach them so. You'd be surprised just how handy and strong masking tape can be. I'll go through a whole roll of it just for one costume. I had mom pick me up an extra one at Wal-Mart today. n.n;



Now begins the fun part of creating all of those crazy angles and details that will attach onto the top of the helmet and spikes. I begin with the center, since it will be easier to build around a central point. Using more foam board, I measure and draw out (using a yardstick) the top angles that will form the gold part of the top spike.

Under that section, I will then add a lower base, that will become the first part of the teal section of the helmet. The final design of my helmet will probably differ somewhat from the official design, just because I have to make this so it will feasibly hold together when I have to wear it. But I think as long as the basic design is kept, and it still looks relatively like a wolf's head, I'll be alright.



You can see in this next picture that I have laid the new section on top of the helmet, to see how it will look so far. You will also notice that I have begun the second spike details, which will go to the left of the central one.



Next update, more spikes! (Which usually includes me not trying to stab myself with the exacto knife. Weee)
_________________
"Cats are interesting. They're kind of like girls. When they come talk to you, it's great. When you go talk to them, it doesn't go so well." - Miyamoto

[Ryouko]

Many people have expressed interest in how I construct my costumes, especially since I do all of my own armor by hand. For this year, I have decided to take on the full out cosplay of Beast Out Greiga Rockman:

http://www.kishuku.com/cosplay/greiga/pan_shot.jpg

As such, I will post continual updates as I progress further with this costume, from start to finish. I always begin with the helmet, since it's usually the most difficult part. Thus, I shall begin! Please, if anyone has questions or needs advice on making their own costume, feel free to ask! I am doing this to help others out, since I know how frusting making your own cosplay can be.

--------------------------------------------

I always start out with the helmet first, cause notoriously it's always the most difficult part. Greiga is no darn exception, either. First off, I stripped one of my stocked up police costume helmets. You can find these suckers everywhere at party stores, for like $3 or less apiece. After the helmet is a clean white, I then used a ruler to make a pattern for the helmet's main five spikes on a sheet of foam board. You can find this stuff at Target for $3 a sheet, in either white or black.



Using an exacto knife, I then cut the patterned spikes out of the board.



Using a hella lot of masking tape, I then attached the cutout to the helmet. Since there is an angle to the spikes, I made sure to attach them so. You'd be surprised just how handy and strong masking tape can be. I'll go through a whole roll of it just for one costume. I had mom pick me up an extra one at Wal-Mart today. n.n;



Now begins the fun part of creating all of those crazy angles and details that will attach onto the top of the helmet and spikes. I begin with the center, since it will be easier to build around a central point. Using more foam board, I measure and draw out (using a yardstick) the top angles that will form the gold part of the top spike.

Under that section, I will then add a lower base, that will become the first part of the teal section of the helmet. The final design of my helmet will probably differ somewhat from the official design, just because I have to make this so it will feasibly hold together when I have to wear it. But I think as long as the basic design is kept, and it still looks relatively like a wolf's head, I'll be alright.



You can see in this next picture that I have laid the new section on top of the helmet, to see how it will look so far. You will also notice that I have begun the second spike details, which will go to the left of the central one.



Next update, more spikes! (Which usually includes me not trying to stab myself with the exacto knife. Weee)
_________________
"Cats are interesting. They're kind of like girls. When they come talk to you, it's great. When you go talk to them, it doesn't go so well." - Miyamoto

[Dingo]

Of course, I need to be the first to comment on this endeavor, simply because I will be following some of the same principles in creating my TomahawkMan costume for Ota this year.

I know I'm getting ahead of you, but my main concerns are:
1. Packaging the costume
2. Making some parts detachable so that it doesnt have to be one piece

Suggestions? -_-;
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[Ryouko]

I had to make some parts of Harpuia detachable, simply so he could get on the plane without issues. This was especially true for the helmet wings. I simply constructed them so I could detach and re-attach them with nylon screws, which were placed at the bottom of the wings, where they touched the helmet. Nylon is also very easy to paint, so they can blend in fairly easily. You can get different sizes of the screws at home depot, and they're pretty cheap.

As for packaging, 75% of my suitcase was spent for my costume, plus another carry on bag just for my helmet. I'm beginning to think I will have to pack my Greiga Rockman helmet in an actual cardboard box, and check it in. Either that, or mail it to someone who is driving to the con. I think Tabby offered once. XD
_________________
"Cats are interesting. They're kind of like girls. When they come talk to you, it's great. When you go talk to them, it doesn't go so well." - Miyamoto

[Ryouko]

I had to make some parts of Harpuia detachable, simply so he could get on the plane without issues. This was especially true for the helmet wings. I simply constructed them so I could detach and re-attach them with nylon screws, which were placed at the bottom of the wings, where they touched the helmet. Nylon is also very easy to paint, so they can blend in fairly easily. You can get different sizes of the screws at home depot, and they're pretty cheap.

As for packaging, 75% of my suitcase was spent for my costume, plus another carry on bag just for my helmet. I'm beginning to think I will have to pack my Greiga Rockman helmet in an actual cardboard box, and check it in. Either that, or mail it to someone who is driving to the con. I think Tabby offered once. XD
_________________
"Cats are interesting. They're kind of like girls. When they come talk to you, it's great. When you go talk to them, it doesn't go so well." - Miyamoto

[Anime Master ZERO]

I agree with helmets being the hardest to construct. My Dark Rockman helmet was not easy to make (and paint, for that matter).

That's why I'm going to try to stick with human characters. Less work and easier to transport. I'm aiming for Subaru this year. I just need to figure out how to get a Transer and arm attachment. Or for that matter, how to construct the sleeves of Subaru's shirt.
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[Tabby]

Offers always open for you, Ryo ;P
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One of the three EXE Sisters! *poses with Ryouko and Izumi in the cherry blossoms*

[Tabby]

Offers always open for you, Ryo ;P
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One of the three EXE Sisters! *poses with Ryouko and Izumi in the cherry blossoms*

[Ryouko]

Sweet! Thankies much. XD *huggles*

I did make a little bit more progress. But before moving on, I just had to try this sucker on, so I can see how the weight issue is handling so far. While doing so, this was the first thing that popped into my head:



Thankfully Tabby has me covered! I went ahead and added the second spike to the top sections. I taped it onto the second layer of the base, to level it down just a bit. This will make the whole helmet seem just a little more three dimensional. You can see I've also added a third lower level to the base, which I will attach the very last spikes on each side to.




That's all for today, folks.
_________________
"Cats are interesting. They're kind of like girls. When they come talk to you, it's great. When you go talk to them, it doesn't go so well." - Miyamoto

[Ryouko]

Sweet! Thankies much. XD *huggles*

I did make a little bit more progress. But before moving on, I just had to try this sucker on, so I can see how the weight issue is handling so far. While doing so, this was the first thing that popped into my head:



Thankfully Tabby has me covered! I went ahead and added the second spike to the top sections. I taped it onto the second layer of the base, to level it down just a bit. This will make the whole helmet seem just a little more three dimensional. You can see I've also added a third lower level to the base, which I will attach the very last spikes on each side to.




That's all for today, folks.
_________________
"Cats are interesting. They're kind of like girls. When they come talk to you, it's great. When you go talk to them, it doesn't go so well." - Miyamoto

[NetOperator Wibby]

wow, this looks pretty good so far. im looking forward to the updates Ryo! im sure this little tutorial will be used as a template for other people's costumes.
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Avatar by Tabby (of my NetNavi, GuincoolMind.EXE) : : :
HP / Twitter / hikari OS / SciLab

[Hardcore Hecxz]

I think after seeing your Gregar cosplay....I think the trend for Ota-Rockman '07 shall be protective eye wear, like maybe a pair of Subaru's Glasses or Blues' Visor!

"You'll poke someone's eye out with that!" (Christmas story ref there.... )
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-Follow me on Twitch.tv-
http://www.twitch.tv/hchecxz

[ACME-Rian]

That's right.(I hope Ryo allows costume helps in this thread for other Rockman characters...)

So,any questions pertaining to doing this cosplay,let me know.First off,get the wig way before you do the outfit and get ready for loads of dying.I learned the hard way.My wig came the week before I was to go to the con,so it was a race against time to get it right...
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Things are going to be changing soon in the next few months.Stay tuned for updates and the like.

[Ryouko]

Usually the wig is the last part I get. n.n; Especially if I don't complete the outfit on time (it's happened), or if I change my mind on a cosplay. Wigs don't come cheap, especially if you want a nice one.

Not that I need a wig for Greiga Rockman. XD I get to shove my hair under all that armor. Woo!
_________________
"Cats are interesting. They're kind of like girls. When they come talk to you, it's great. When you go talk to them, it doesn't go so well." - Miyamoto

[Ryouko]

Usually the wig is the last part I get. n.n; Especially if I don't complete the outfit on time (it's happened), or if I change my mind on a cosplay. Wigs don't come cheap, especially if you want a nice one.

Not that I need a wig for Greiga Rockman. XD I get to shove my hair under all that armor. Woo!
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"Cats are interesting. They're kind of like girls. When they come talk to you, it's great. When you go talk to them, it doesn't go so well." - Miyamoto

[Izumi]

[Izumi]

[Unknown Neo]

Ha ha ha. Nice joke Ryouko. I'm sure the costume will look good.

[Plantman]

[Plantman]

[UlandenIE]

With absolutely no means to be rude what. so. ever.

I burst out laughing when I saw this thread. I don't know why. It just got me so excited XDDD

You are a heavenly person Ryouko. This thread alone saves me a lot of trouble with my coming cosplays. I heart you x one thousand <3~ I was so afraid of starting my costume, because I wasn't sure 'so and so' would work @3@ Y'see, I'm not very creative when it comes to armor. You shock me utterly with your initiative, and methods of getting material without completely emptying your wallet xDDD

It's depressing, because I would never be allowed to go to Otakon. I R a Canadian British Columbier. I have Anime Evolution, but I've just dreamt of joining OtaRockman~ I'll be with y'all in spirit though 8o

8E Gonna shoot my first question here: Whereabouts, aside the internet, because I lack purchasing axess (lalz pun) would you be able to get the spandex? That's the part I find myself at a loss for >:
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http://ijuinenzan.deviantart.com

"Downing half a glass of one of the most potent alcoholic beverates in the world. Oh yeah. I'm screaming with laughter"

[Ryouko]

I've been able to find it at local fabric stores. It's kind of funny, cause today JoAnn's Fabric Store is having a huge 50% sale on a lot of stuff. The fabric I really want for Greiga Rockman is $15 a yard, so this will save me a ton of money at only $7.50 a yard instead. Spandex is also sometimes labeled as "swimwear fabric".

I also plan on using spandex, because it stretches very well over foam (what I plan on constructing almost ALL of my armor out of), and you can attach it well with hot glue. I believe there are some spandex wholesale websites out there, but they're going to cost you a pretty penny. It's much more affordable if you can find someone local who sells it (even a long drive would be worth it).
_________________
"Cats are interesting. They're kind of like girls. When they come talk to you, it's great. When you go talk to them, it doesn't go so well." - Miyamoto

[Ryouko]

I've been able to find it at local fabric stores. It's kind of funny, cause today JoAnn's Fabric Store is having a huge 50% sale on a lot of stuff. The fabric I really want for Greiga Rockman is $15 a yard, so this will save me a ton of money at only $7.50 a yard instead. Spandex is also sometimes labeled as "swimwear fabric".

I also plan on using spandex, because it stretches very well over foam (what I plan on constructing almost ALL of my armor out of), and you can attach it well with hot glue. I believe there are some spandex wholesale websites out there, but they're going to cost you a pretty penny. It's much more affordable if you can find someone local who sells it (even a long drive would be worth it).
_________________
"Cats are interesting. They're kind of like girls. When they come talk to you, it's great. When you go talk to them, it doesn't go so well." - Miyamoto

[Heliumbunny]

wow. this topic is entertaining even to those who don't cosplay.(like me)
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Stop looking at my sig. Stop it. Stop it. STOP IT. WHAT PART OF STOP LOOKING AT MY SIG DO YOU NOT UNDERSTAND?!?!?!?!?!

[Ryouko]

Yay, cosplay update! First off, thanks to Keys, I snagged the half off sale at JoAnn's Fabrics today. Thus, I have all of my teal and red fabric for Greiga in hand. It's so pretty! Nice and stretchy too, so it'll be perfect for covering my foam armor. I like to get the fabric early, so that I can match my painted armor perfectly. It's a pain in the arse to have to go back and repaint everything just cause you couldn't find matching fabric.



Now then, I went ahead and attached the very last spikes to the helmet, thus completing the entire top half. It's now time to tredge into my least favourite aspect of every Rockman helmet - those bugger ear pieces.



I've used numerous ways of making these things, from styrophome, to plastic, and finally to dinnerware. The last option seemed to have been working out the best, so I went back to that method for this particular helmet. Thus, you can see the original bowl, then a trimmed version, and finally the taped up version.



I cut out a slanted slot in the side of the bowl, so I could fit it onto one of the foam board pieces on the side of the helmet. This will make it look like the earpieces are indeed actually -part- of the helmet, as they look in the character design.



As such, here is the helmet with both earpieces attached. I've begun work on adding on the frontal part of the helmet, but I need to go find a weight to hide in there, so I can balance out the front half from the slightly more heavy back half. It's suppossed to get icey here this weekend, so that may have to wait until Monday. XD Oh hey, you can see my Wii in there.



Until then, questions or thoughts are appreciated and welcomed!
_________________
"Cats are interesting. They're kind of like girls. When they come talk to you, it's great. When you go talk to them, it doesn't go so well." - Miyamoto

[Ryouko]

Yay, cosplay update! First off, thanks to Keys, I snagged the half off sale at JoAnn's Fabrics today. Thus, I have all of my teal and red fabric for Greiga in hand. It's so pretty! Nice and stretchy too, so it'll be perfect for covering my foam armor. I like to get the fabric early, so that I can match my painted armor perfectly. It's a pain in the arse to have to go back and repaint everything just cause you couldn't find matching fabric.



Now then, I went ahead and attached the very last spikes to the helmet, thus completing the entire top half. It's now time to tredge into my least favourite aspect of every Rockman helmet - those bugger ear pieces.



I've used numerous ways of making these things, from styrophome, to plastic, and finally to dinnerware. The last option seemed to have been working out the best, so I went back to that method for this particular helmet. Thus, you can see the original bowl, then a trimmed version, and finally the taped up version.



I cut out a slanted slot in the side of the bowl, so I could fit it onto one of the foam board pieces on the side of the helmet. This will make it look like the earpieces are indeed actually -part- of the helmet, as they look in the character design.



As such, here is the helmet with both earpieces attached. I've begun work on adding on the frontal part of the helmet, but I need to go find a weight to hide in there, so I can balance out the front half from the slightly more heavy back half. It's suppossed to get icey here this weekend, so that may have to wait until Monday. XD Oh hey, you can see my Wii in there.



Until then, questions or thoughts are appreciated and welcomed!
_________________
"Cats are interesting. They're kind of like girls. When they come talk to you, it's great. When you go talk to them, it doesn't go so well." - Miyamoto

[Dingo]

*snerk* Your Wii is showing... /immaturity

I'll definitely have to take dinnerware into consideration when making Toma's helmet. Speaking of which, I'm trying to think of a paper material that can be easy to bend, but thick enough to not be ruined so easily. Kinda like tissue paper, but thicker (I think... ) It's for the headdress, of course.

Any suggestions there?
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[Megaman X]

Wow thats very awesome ^__^ and yay for the nintendo wii!

[Ryouko]

Dingo: I found a nice flexible white material at a Michael's craft store, awhile ago. THey were near the small fabric sheets, I think. Either those, or craft sheet foam would probably be your best bet.
_________________
"Cats are interesting. They're kind of like girls. When they come talk to you, it's great. When you go talk to them, it doesn't go so well." - Miyamoto

[Ryouko]

Dingo: I found a nice flexible white material at a Michael's craft store, awhile ago. THey were near the small fabric sheets, I think. Either those, or craft sheet foam would probably be your best bet.
_________________
"Cats are interesting. They're kind of like girls. When they come talk to you, it's great. When you go talk to them, it doesn't go so well." - Miyamoto