Hi! I have boobs and I make...

[CrimsonVision]

Hey everyone!

Have been offline most of this year due to a layoff last October and duties as Queen of the medieval reenactment group I am in (SCA; Kingdom of Ansteorra) but I step down as Queen in 9 days and am currently working so things are settling down again. Was good to see many of you at DragonCon!

So about me for those that don't know me; been sewing since I was 13; I asked for a leather jacket for christmas and instead got a sewing machine. Mom wanted me to make curtains, I started sewing costumes. So skipping over the last 20 or so years (heh) currently I have many hobbies that involve costuming. As mentioned I'm in the SCA. I'm also a burlesque performer & a member of a professional tribal belly dance troupe as well as moonlight as a mermaid or Ariel for various photoshoots and princess parties. Plus i pretty much will rhinestone anything that gets left in front of me for too long. Consider yourself warned.

Looking forward to being more active on these boards; I'm thrilled to see how diverse the costumes on here have become!

 

[Guri]

Hi there CrimsonVision!! I was one of the lucky RPFers to get to meet you this year. I think I was wearing Dread Pirate Buttercup.... I love your above comment about rinestones. haha! So glad you'll be around here more.

You know what, ladies, until we can get a 'subscribe to member' option, what do you say if any of us starts a new costume thread anywhere on the board we post the link in here? That way it would be so much easier for me to seek out, subscribe to and support your costume threads before they fall off the front page for more iron man builds. (Not that there's anything wrong with iron man)

I'll go first - this isn't a new costume thread, but it's a new tutorial thread with videos I've posted on making craft foam look like leather, hammered silver and how to make honey comb smocking like the sleeves on the Dread Pirate Roberts costume.

I plan to make more tutorial videos and I'll always stick them in there for easy searching.

http://www.therpf.com/f24/3-video-tutorials-craft-foam-leather-hammered-159848/

So, what are the rest of you working on right now?

 

[The Armorer]

Man, it's kind of sad how easily I was seduced into reading this thread just by the title:lol

First thing is that you all are wonderful artists (even if you have longer appendages on you torso) and your work is amazing... ALL of you.

Had one itty bitty little question.

Do any of you live in the Indiana/Chicago area? (completely business oriented, I'm trying to put together a production team for an original film, and will need at least one female actor. pm if you'd be interested, it's not anything naughty.)

Sorry for taking away from the thread. Good luck with your costumes! (and no, I don't have boobs.)

-The Armorer

 

[SunFire]

Okay, so I have boobs even though they aren't big
I am really new to this board having just joined today! I was looking for some ideas for a friends prop, and ended up here for the last 2 hours.
I do a broad range of costumes and props for myself, my husband, and friends. Everything from RenFaire to Halloween costumes to CosPlay. If someone is looking for something and can't make/buy it, they come to me.
Been doing these kind of things for the last 15 years or so. Been sewing since I was 10, got my first foam cutting knife when I was 20. Love to figure out how to do things on a cheap budget and how to make things that look kicka**. And now that I found these boards, I need more projects!!!

 

[FANGS]

Great to see you here, Crimson Vision!

 

[Freya Willia]

You know what, ladies, until we can get a 'subscribe to member' option, what do you say if any of us starts a new costume thread anywhere on the board we post the link in here? That way it would be so much easier for me to seek out, subscribe to and support your costume threads before they fall off the front page for more iron man builds. (Not that there's anything wrong with iron man)

Seconded. Nothing wrong with iron man, but I think chicks would find my thread more helpful than dudes, unless they plan on making boob armor.

I feel a bit like I'm on stage for the bros right now (haha, thanks for all the encouragement guys ). Any girls who are electronics savvy, I would love your input in the upcoming weeks.

My thread is in my signature!

 

[Naru]

Hi! Haha, I'm painfully new to these forums, and have been having a tough time finding anything I'm comfortable to reply on. Found this one and had to.
I'm Bella and I am also a Lady Costumer.
I've made more costumes for other people, but I make the occasional one for myself. I tend to lean more towards mens costumes for myself, because of my build and more manly mentality. But I'm glad that there are some lady costumers on here that do a really awesome job! Super impressed!

I've been kind of lurking on this forums for a few weeks now, because of my current project being Captain America.

@Freya-Definitely going to take a look at your thread, I was actually curious if anyone had made a thread about armor for women, so thanks!

 

[CrimsonVision]

Great to see you here, Crimson Vision!

Great to see you too Lady!

 

[Lora]

I think sharing threads here is a great idea. It's nice to see what people are making.

I'm looking forward to continuing with my costume ideas, but for now I'm on a costume vacation. (Still think about them though). Can't wait to get back to costuming.

 

[shereekachu]

Help me ladies of the RPF you're my only hope!

Does anyone know where I can buy MAC chromacake landscape green? I don't have a pro account with MAC (wish I did) which is the only place to really buy the stuff. grumble grumble grumble I can't find it on ebay OR Amazon. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!
The Girl that wants to defy gravity

 

[BrundelFly]

and hello everyone! I make, props and costumes outta latex latex and a whole lotta other materials, Blah Blah Blah. Pictures are more fun. So, check out my profile for tons of them. Everything you see in my albums I have made over the past 13 years. San Diego Comic Con was my 1st costumed con ever for me to attend and I became hooked! Still going strong after all these years! The RPF has helped me so much, wished I found it years ago!

HAPPY COSTUME PROP MAKING TO ALL!!!

Your work is amazing!!
Such talented Ladies here!!

 

[BrundelFly]

I'm Jasmine. I've been into the costuming things since 2002. I didn't really get serious about making my own stuff until 2007 when I first attempted Tia Dalma from Pirates of the Caribbean. I'm currently on version 3 of that costume. I've also conquered my fear of sewing spandex and have made a Mileena costume from Mortal Kombat, and two version of She-Hulk, which I will debut at Dragon*Con this year. With Shulkie, I dabbled in some basic prop work as I made a giant dumbbell from foam. I will work on my airbrushing and makeup application skills. It should be an interesting adventure. I'm not going to get into how many pushups I've done over the course of this year to help do justice to the character.

For me, costuming has evolved from just wearing a costume to something of more of a performance. That is probably because sometimes I work gigs as Tia Dalma and the line between costumer and performer has blurred.

Anyhoo, here is a list of some costumes that I've done:

Imperial Officer
TIE Pilot
Jedi
Storm (movie and several comic book versions)
Vixen (JLA)
Pocahontas (Disney)
Fortune (Metal Gear Solid 2)
Tia Dalma (POTC)
Jade (Mortal Kombat)
Mileena (Mortal Kombat)
She-Hulk

I am always floored by the talent on this website. I am amazed at what people can create with their own hands. I am especially amazed by people who can sculpt and mold. That is a skill that I would like to learn someday.

First Tia Dalma Attempt - 2007 (Pic by Alex Ford)

Second Attempt - 2008

Current version - 2009

Like she stepped out of the Movie...really outstanding!!

 

[DMentdEnt]

I have some really talented female clients who make their own costumes for cosplay conventions:

Ya Ya Han (super amazing)
Jessica Nigri (most famous for her Lollipop Chainsaw stuff)
Kat Sheridan (Wonderwoman and Poison Ivy)
Paris Sinclair
and
LeeAnna Vamp

D-Mentd Entertainment

 

[Lora]

Hiya gals.
I was wondering if any of you have read this article from Geeks Are Sexy and what your thoughts are?

I say good for her for standing up for herself, but have any of you experienced things like this yourself?
The comments so far have been worth the read.

 

[Blobfish]

Hiya gals.
I was wondering if any of you have read this article from Geeks Are Sexy and what your thoughts are?

I say good for her for standing up for herself, but have any of you experienced things like this yourself?
The comments so far have been worth the read.

Definitely worth a read as you say - some of those comments are cringe-worthy. I can't believe some people still go for the "if she didn't want that to happen, she shouldn't have dressed that way" excuse -_-

Fortunately I've never had anything that bad happen. I've had the usual odd comment and the guys instantly putting their arm around you when they ask for a photo, but nothing worse really - then again, I do make a point of walking round with my partner if I'm in a comic-book costume or similar. I did however have one unlucky friend who was cosplaying Black Cat when a guy grabbed her ass when asking for a picture with her.

 

[Guri]

I can't help but wonder if there aren't some women playing along with this behavior... I mean, if every woman, regardless of what she was wearing and regardless of who was treating her as a sexual object, acted in offense and stood up for themselves, wouldn't guys in general get the message?

Maybe some women only seem to be playing along but are too passive or meek in their response and just wanting to get away from it or afraid of looking like a spoiled sport?

I mean, was that the first interview those guys conducted? If those guys got that sort of response before, they would not have been so shocked... something else is going on here.

Another thought is, maybe some women enjoy the attention from SOME guys because maybe they think those guys are cool or popular or attractive... so they play along because to them it is a flirting interaction. It is their choice to do so, they are getting something out of it too and not feeling used, per se.

Then maybe these other guys see that and think sexy women play along.

Maybe the real issue is that some men do not see women as individuals, they do not get that women play an equal part in any encounter that determines how they are treated.

And so they are shocked when a beautiful woman does not act with them like another beautiful woman did with someone else - wherever it is they saw it happening; real life, convention, movie, porn...

The point is, women do not have to pick between ALWAYS being flirty to any degree with everyone or NEVER being flirty with anyone to any degree.

We are individuals and you have to get to know us to know where the line is drawn... That is why respect is so key.

 

[Gizka]

I have experienced and/or witnessed a wide variety of unacceptable behavior at con, both verbal and physical. I don't know what it is about cosplayers and conventions that makes people think the normal rules/standards of societal behavior do not apply.

The first bad experience I ever had was the first time I attended Dragon*Con in 2009. I only had a few costumes because I'd had a baby the year before and was still losing weight. I was walking around the Marriott wearing a corset and leather pants. A guy I recognized from certain costuming groups had hit on me at a party, and I made it clear I was not interested. Then I noticed him following me around the Marriott as I accompanied a drunk friend up and down the convention floors of the Marriott. I thought I was being ridiculous and was just extremely tired and seeing things. As I was standing and talking to some other friends I'd run into, someone came up behind me and grabbed my butt, really hard. I turned to see who it was and saw him moving quickly away through the crowd. I didn't know what to do as it was the first time something like this had ever happened. I was flabbergasted. The friends I was with knew something was wrong by the look on my face, but by the time I'd explained what had happened, he was long gone. They escorted me back to my husband and I didn't leave his side for the rest of the night.

That experience opened my eyes to the skeevier nature of some of the con-goers. After beating myself up for not being more reactive, I've changed my behavior. If I know I will be in a costume likely to garner inappropriate attention and comments, I make sure to be with friends. I don't let my husband wander off unless I know there is a trusted male friend nearby.

I am also more assertive and vocal towards douches. I am happy to pose in my costume, as long as it is in an appropriate place and I am not in a hurry to be elsewhere, provided the "photographer" is polite and respectful. I'm not going to stop in front of a doorway, on the stairs, on the tile in the Marriott, etc. Yelling at me and calling me a c* because I won't stop at that point isn't going to get them a picture. If I am headed somewhere, I will politely tell them to follow if they want a shot, or wait until I return. If they really want the picture, they can be patient. Being nasty isn't going to make me more amenable.

When the "photographer" becomes bossy and snappish or tries to grab me to pose me, I'm done. I won't work with rude or aggressive con-goers. I've had people demand I change poses multiple times. Nope, I don't work for you. I've had guys yell at me from across a room or hallway to go to them so they can take a picture without moving. I've had people ask for pictures when I am in civvies (usually on the way to or from food). That is just creepy.

I think a big part of the problem is expectations and feelings of entitlement. Cosplayers are such a big part of these cons that we are expected to be there. And I think many people forget that we aren't provided by the convention. We aren't paid to provide entertainment to the masses. We pay to attend the convention, just like everyone else. I am not there for their pleasure, I am there to enjoy the convention and enjoy wearing my costume. I will not cater to someone who wishes to make the experience un-enjoyable for me.

I think we are seen as fantasies come to life, and some people forget that there are real people behind the masks and costumes. And again, the standards of normal societal conduct seem to go out the window. When guys make nasty comments, I have asked them if they would say that to their mother, their girlfriend, or their wife. Would they like the same type of comments said to the females in their life? When I relate it back to REAL life, they get very defensive. They don't see con as real life, and therefore their behavior doesn't have to conform.

Some guys harmlessly flirt. But often I think they are flirting with the character, not the real me. I'll flirt back if it suits the character. If it doesn't, I won't. If they say something completely disgusting or dis-respectful, I have actually responded as my character as well, and when they get upset that "they were just playing" I respond that I was "merely playing as well, would you rather I respond as I would in real life, or as my character? Either way, I suggest you get lost". Honestly, would Black Cat or Black Widow or a variety of other characters just stand there and take the verbal abuse? If we were truly embodying some of our characters, the douches would have broken bones.

But I won't just stand there and take the abuse anymore. Public shaming works well. Often I don't even get a chance to respond anymore, my friends are wonderful and will tear into any guy who says or does something inappropriate before I get the opportunity to do so myself.

This year, I was grabbed again at D*con. I was posing for pics on the atrium and took a step back after the photo and nearly tripped over some guys squatting down by my friends' and my butts while a girl took a photo of them. I told him "Our faces are up here." They made some snide comment then ran off. About 10 minutes later, someone bumped into me and grabbed my butt, hard. I turned to see who it was (I almost punched a friend of mine who did it jokingly after the first incident at D*con, so I always check first). I realized it was one of those guys. I took off after him screaming at him. I pointed him out to one of my best friends, who happened to be wearing a Walking Dead sheriff's costume, who chased him down and verbally berated him for the inappropriateness of his behavior. I never saw that group of guys in the Marriott again.

I was proud of myself for reacting that time instead of just standing there dumbfounded. Maybe if more of us point out what is and is not appropriate, the idiocy will decrease. Or maybe it is insanity to expect these people to change their behavior. We can only control our own behavior and continue to point out bad behavior and look out for each other.

 

[Tastyburger]

Good for you!
You shouldn't need to wear a "hands-off" sign. It's disgusting that there are people out there who know no boundaries...

 

[kibosh]

I think we are seen as fantasies come to life, and some people forget that there are real people behind the masks and costumes. And again, the standards of normal societal conduct seem to go out the window. When guys make nasty comments, I have asked them if they would say that to their mother, their girlfriend, or their wife. Would they like the same type of comments said to the females in their life? When I relate it back to REAL life, they get very defensive. They don't see con as real life, and therefore their behavior doesn't have to conform.

I've never been to a con before, but I imagine this is the very root of the problem. Some people get so caught up in the fantasy, they don't see costumers as real people. They don't realize they are acting completely inappropriately towards someone's wife/girlfriend/daughter/sister/etc. They need to be able to separate fantasy and reality, but sadly can't. Or maybe cons just attract total DBs because they know the costumers will be there.

I feel for you guys. I really do. You should be able to enjoy yourselves, and not be the object of someone else's enjoyment. And good for you for standing up for yourself. More women need the strength to do so.

I know I will teach my daughter to be strong.

 

[Ruprekt]

Lots of talent here for sure. Glad I don't have boobs, I'd never get anything done... :love