the RPF 2011 Halloween Costume Contest

[Art Andrews]

What means store-bought costume?!?

So, if I got a part of my costume from another RPF member or got a belt or boots from someone, because Im not able to make shoes by myself, is it already a "bought" costume?!?

This is something that can be a little tricky. Basically, we want to see YOUR creations, not a complete, premade and prepackaged mass produced costume from a retail store.

With that said, not all of us are able to build our own costumes from the ground up, but have to assemble them from pieces we have bought or paid other people to make for us. Those are fine to enter in the contest.

If you have a question about your costume, please feel free to ask as we will ultimately decide if something is just an off-the-shelf costume or not.

 

[Art Andrews]

I'm a dad with a teen daughter and we're going to do characters from one movie. What category does that go into?

Also, can I replace our crappy backyard in Photoshop with a frame grab from the movie? Something like this (the costume is not Photoshopped):
Parks

First off, awesome costume.

Second, we don't mind minor photoshopping of the background as long as members aren't photoshopping their costumes.

In regard to your daughter, since she is considered an "adult" according to our contest, why not have her sign up for the site and enter the women's competition while you enter the men's? Gives you two opportunities to win!

 

[Art Andrews]

Already emailed my submission... good luck to all

Got it! BTW, while not everyone gets to see it, my favorite part of this contest are the proof pics people send in! Some are hilarious!

 

[Noelson]

This is something that can be a little tricky. Basically, we want to see YOUR creations, not a complete, premade and prepackaged mass produced costume from a retail store.

With that said, not all of us are able to build our own costumes from the ground up, but have to assemble them from pieces we have bought or paid other people to make for us. Those are fine to enter in the contest.

If you have a question about your costume, please feel free to ask as we will ultimately decide if something is just an off-the-shelf costume or not.

Thanks for that clarification, Art. I had been meaning to ask about that since a couple of the costumes I'm considering will be handmade by someone else, but certainly not "off the shelf."

Got it! BTW, while not everyone gets to see it, my favorite part of this contest are the proof pics people send in! Some are hilarious!

I think you should post some of the funny ones. Maybe make it a sub-contest or "extra credit?"

 

[rollerboi]

Thanks for that clarification, Art. I had been meaning to ask about that since a couple of the costumes I'm considering will be handmade by someone else, but certainly not "off the shelf."

Originally Posted by Art Andrews
Got it! BTW, while not everyone gets to see it, my favorite part of this contest are the proof pics people send in! Some are hilarious!

I think you should post some of the funny ones. Maybe make it a sub-contest or "extra credit?"

Seconded (perhaps an OT thread can be started after voting ends).

 

[rollerboi]

The voting is public, meaning both members and nonmembers are able to vote. [..] The voting seems lopsided in his favor because he worked the hardest to get people to vote for him.

I wonder if we could actually have two voting areas, just for curiosity's sake. Make one public, and the other open to RPF membership only. Call it the RPF's Choice Award or something.

It would be VERY interesting to see what trends, if any, parallel the two votes. (or are you able to break down the data behind the scenes as to who are members and who are not?)

 

[fleefromme]

i like that idea. even if there is no actual money involved in the "RPF's Choice Awards".

 

[Eveningarwen]

yeah....they could be like the RPF member of the month with a little bio about what they do or what was involved with their costume and have a little banner on the front page.

It'd be cute!!!!!

 

[MJLolanaK]

I'm new, so I'm not nearly in the the same hemisphere as some of the fantastic costumers I know here, but I think I'll give it a go anyway. Not quite sure what I'll enter, but I'll go through my photos and see what's even worthy!

 

[Art Andrews]

I wonder if we could actually have two voting areas, just for curiosity's sake. Make one public, and the other open to RPF membership only. Call it the RPF's Choice Award or something.

It would be VERY interesting to see what trends, if any, parallel the two votes. (or are you able to break down the data behind the scenes as to who are members and who are not?)

It is a bit tedious, but yes, we can break down member vs non-member votes.

 

[Art Andrews]

I'm new, so I'm not nearly in the the same hemisphere as some of the fantastic costumers I know here, but I think I'll give it a go anyway. Not quite sure what I'll enter, but I'll go through my photos and see what's even worthy!

Go for it and don't be intimidated at all.

One thing I will tell you (and everyone) is that an amazing photo can make a good costume look great and a crappy photo can make the most amazing costume look mediocre! Really take time with your photos. Make sure they are dynamic, in good lighting, and have an uncluttered background. Chances are, if you are just standing there, looking like a putz with your dirty dishes in the kitchen sink behind you... even if you have an incredible costume, it isn't going to do well.

 

[VelaNoon]

if you are just standing there, looking like a putz with your dirty dishes in the kitchen sink behind you... even if you have an incredible costume, it isn't going to do well.

But what if you are dressed up as a 50s housewife?

 

[PizzyMan]

Will submit mine soon, when I get the proof pic taken

 

[desolate]

submission emailed..

 

[Art Andrews]

submission emailed..

Tens kinds of creepy and HUGE!

 

[Ardrich Keybus]

From what i read in the rules, i believe it's alright, but i'd like to know for sure...I only just joined about two weeks ago, can i enter a costume i built last year and am sprucing up a bit?

 

[rollerboi]

But what if you are dressed up as a 50s housewife?

Oh, I'd say you *have* to go the Pleasantville route and desaturate (b/w) the background, leaving only the costumer in full color. That would rock.

 

[Art Andrews]

From what i read in the rules, i believe it's alright, but i'd like to know for sure...I only just joined about two weeks ago, can i enter a costume i built last year and am sprucing up a bit?

Not a problem at all.

 

[Theist17]

Oh, I'd say you *have* to go the Pleasantville route and desaturate (b/w) the background, leaving only the costumer in full color. That would rock.

Sure, if you want to go the easy route. If you've got tons of time and paint, you could build a black and white set for the shoot. Haha

EDIT: I'm actually working on a costume at the moment. I'm going to be a Venetian plague doctor!

 

[fotokid]

The rules state we have to list what reference (film/comic) our costume comes from. Does this mean we can't create custom pieces for the contest?