The Art of Cosplay: A Creative Outlet for Cal Poly Pomona Students
Cosplay, a portmanteau of “costume play,” has become a popular hobby among students at California State University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona). For many, it’s a creative outlet that allows them to express themselves and showcase their artistic skills.
She likes to start working on her costume weeks in advance, but she still finds herself scrambling to get everything done on time.
Preparing for the Convention
Planning and Research
When it was time to prepare for the convention, Chenin De Guzman knew she had to start planning and researching her costume. She began by looking at pictures of the convention’s theme and the characters she wanted to dress up as. She also made a list of the materials she needed to buy and the time she had available to work on the costume. Chenin De Guzman considered the following factors when planning her costume: + The theme of the convention + The characters she wanted to dress up as + The materials she needed to buy + The time she had available to work on the costume
Creating the Costume
Once Chenin De Guzman had a clear plan in place, she began working on her costume. She started by making a pattern for the costume, which involved creating a template of the character’s body and adding details such as sleeves and a collar. Chenin De Guzman used the following techniques to create her costume: + Pattern making + Sewing + Threading and knotting
The Challenges of Creating a Costume
Time Management
One of the biggest challenges Chenin De Guzman faced was managing her time effectively.
Crafting terrifying costumes from thrift store finds and a dash of creativity.
The Art of Crafting Scary Costumes
De Guzman’s passion for creating scary costumes is evident in her meticulous attention to detail and creativity. She spends hours perfecting her designs, often using thrifted supplies to create unique and terrifying looks.
Thrift Store Finds
De Guzman’s approach to crafting scary costumes is centered around thrift store finds. She scours local thrift stores and charity shops for unusual and eclectic items that can be repurposed into her designs. Some of her favorite thrift store finds include:
These items are then transformed into terrifying costumes through a combination of creativity, imagination, and technical skill.
Makeup and Special Effects
De Guzman’s costumes are not just about the physical appearance, but also about the makeup and special effects.
She is also a member of the CPP University Council, which represents the student body and makes decisions about the college’s policies and programs. Charlotte is a student at the College of Professional and Continuing Education (CPCE) at CPP, studying to become a professional makeup artist. She is passionate about the arts and has a strong interest in the intersection of technology and art.
The Intersection of Technology and Art
Charlotte’s passion for the arts and technology is evident in her involvement with Cosplay Corner and her studies in makeup artistry. She believes that technology can enhance and expand the possibilities of art, rather than replacing it.
The Maker’s Studio at UVA: Where Innovation Meets Creativity
The University of Virginia’s (UVA) Maker’s studio is a vibrant space where students, faculty, and staff come together to explore, create, and innovate. This collaborative environment is designed to foster a culture of creativity, experimentation, and problem-solving, allowing individuals to bring their ideas to life using a wide range of tools and technologies.
The Tools of the Trade
The Maker’s studio is equipped with an array of cutting-edge tools and technologies, including sewing machines, 3D printers, laser cutters, and more. These tools enable makers to work on a variety of projects, from crafting and textiles to electronics and robotics. Sewing machines are used to create clothing, accessories, and home decor items, such as custom dresses, bags, and quilts. 3D printers are used to create prototypes, models, and functional products, such as phone cases, jewelry, and even prosthetic limbs.