I'm portraying Link from The Legend of Zelda in an upcoming web-series, with a bit of a twist. I'm depicting the Hero of Time version, but at age thirty. This is a battle-hardened swordsman who has seen countless adventures. The first step was to find or make a costume design that looked true to the character, yet was more mature and utilitarian. After doing some of my own designs that I wasn't incredibly thrilled with, I turned to the internet and found this one by Aaron Morse:
www.threenineart.com
Though that version is based on Twilight Princess, I love it. I e-mailed him about using it as the inspiration for the costume and he kindly gave me his blessing. I've decided to make some minor changes to the gloves, belts, and shield, to make them more in line with the Hero of Time version. Next was to find a visual aid that captured Link's face at the age I want to portray. Browsing DeviantArt I found this by the user Sage of Winds:
Perfect!
So between these two designs, I have the inspiration for my build. I've begun work on the Hylian Shield, using EVA foam. First I built a 2d template, which I'll share in the attachments. The Ocarina of Time decals were from one found in Google images. The design based on Aaron's artwork was done by myself in Photoshop before I decided to go with the classic decals.
My shield going to be four layers of EVA foam (two for the base, two for the framing, and is to be detailed with craft foam sheets and 6mm foam for the decals and extra parts of the frame itself. It's mostly built at this point, and while I haven't weighed it I can tell you it's incredibly light. Here it is so far.
Next up I need to cut out the front frame, and glue it in place. I've left part of the top open so I can rivet on the belt straps for the back, and once that's done all the edges will be completely glued and sealed. I was thinking of using some bondo to seal the edges, as the texture of my EVA foam made it difficult to get a completely clean bond. The whole thing will be sealed with mod-podge, and then painted and weathered.
More to come soon! My goal is to finish the shield this week (though painting may have to wait til next week) and get started on the clothing next week. I've already got most of my fabrics, so with some good luck this will be a quick build!
www.threenineart.com
Though that version is based on Twilight Princess, I love it. I e-mailed him about using it as the inspiration for the costume and he kindly gave me his blessing. I've decided to make some minor changes to the gloves, belts, and shield, to make them more in line with the Hero of Time version. Next was to find a visual aid that captured Link's face at the age I want to portray. Browsing DeviantArt I found this by the user Sage of Winds:
Perfect!
So between these two designs, I have the inspiration for my build. I've begun work on the Hylian Shield, using EVA foam. First I built a 2d template, which I'll share in the attachments. The Ocarina of Time decals were from one found in Google images. The design based on Aaron's artwork was done by myself in Photoshop before I decided to go with the classic decals.
My shield going to be four layers of EVA foam (two for the base, two for the framing, and is to be detailed with craft foam sheets and 6mm foam for the decals and extra parts of the frame itself. It's mostly built at this point, and while I haven't weighed it I can tell you it's incredibly light. Here it is so far.
Next up I need to cut out the front frame, and glue it in place. I've left part of the top open so I can rivet on the belt straps for the back, and once that's done all the edges will be completely glued and sealed. I was thinking of using some bondo to seal the edges, as the texture of my EVA foam made it difficult to get a completely clean bond. The whole thing will be sealed with mod-podge, and then painted and weathered.
More to come soon! My goal is to finish the shield this week (though painting may have to wait til next week) and get started on the clothing next week. I've already got most of my fabrics, so with some good luck this will be a quick build!
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A little detail I got from one of the shields in the game Morrowind.
