So I guess it's time I start one of these. For me my first step will probably be a little different than others. I'm a graphic artist by nature/hobby. So my first step is going to be using Z-brush, Poser and Photoshop to generate a figure of Ventress that will be exactly what I'm looking to do. I'm working on collecting images to this goal (go print screen!!! and yes this means I get to watch the Nightsister episodes of Clone Wars over and over again, no complaints to be heard for miles around on that one. I LOVE to rewatch my fave episodes of movies/tvshows). I find having the ability to render out the images in 3D space in every angle under natural lights will help me with both the painting of the makeup/tattoos (since I will have already done this in a linear environment and then wrapped it onto a figure I will know how the lines distort from perfectly linear over facial structure) and it will also give me an idea of those little hidden spaces you don't see on pictures for sewing/assembling. I also find it easier to get shading of makeup to be more accurate when having to completely alter my facial color. The fact that I am naturally pale will actually play into my favour here as it'll make the gray-white makeup easier to apply/blend. Bonus I can do more fan art...
I'm currently looking into bald cap options. Though I don't have a lot of hair (as I tend to keep it short) I do have some that I'd like to keep otherwise my boss might well be a little upset with me. Or just assume I'm as crazy as he thinks I am. The only problem I have is that I don't have anyone to help me paint myself. Thus I need to find a way to paint the skull cap before it is glued onto my head and then blend. Only thing is most of the ones out there are stretchy and I've yet to find a permanent painting technique. I've looked online into a couple of options from Malabar one of the costume shops I know in the area. They have some interesting things on their site. But it doesn't give me enough information.
Unfortunately I'm new as grass to the world of buying and obtaining these items and how to apply them. I've had them on before or helped in their preparation for Drama productions in my youth and I'm a fair hand at stage makeup but I have never had to procure any. Any help or advice would be appreciated.
I'm currently making a list of materials and possible locations where to obtain them. I will most likely end up sewing most of my own costume which will be an interesting challenge. I used to sew all the time as I did upholstery for antique cars and costumes. However, that was before the accident so this will be my first try at sewing since the accident.
Challenges to overcome:
- brace builtin or under the right arm/wrist wrap
- painting the bald cap prior to putting it on
- light sabers (I could easily hold one for a long period of time. Holding the second will be very very challenging.)
- patterns for the belt (the skirt I could easily use any of wide base skirt patterns and for the shirt I can cut up one of my stretchy shirts that are getting on the ratty side and use as a basic template to transfer onto paper)
- fastenings that can be done one handed or very easy to do up without assistance (the shirt won't be a problem as it's stretchy and should be relatively easy to put on so long as I don't make the right arm too skin tight I shouldn't have any negative side effects and it won't have fasteners. The neck piece will be interesting to put on, but should be relatively easy to figure out. The skirt I could make an elastic waistband to eliminate the need for a zipper or ties. The belts are what are going to be the biggest challenge there).
- sensitive skin makeup/inks (just means I need to find the higher end products and pay a little more, by far not the hardest challenge. They usually have a lot of options especially since in our modern age there are so many variety. It'll be more a matter of finding someone who knows about the products out there then anything else.)
So that's where I'm at. I figured I'd start with something at least to show that I'm still interested in being a part of the community. It will be a long project. I have a goal in mind, but whether or not I reach this goal is yet to be seen. On September 22nd I'll be in Ottawa so I'll be going around to the stores then and gathering up the fabric I need to get started.
I'll also be looking into the stores for makeup options and product lines. If anyone has any suggestions these would be appreciated.