NZ Asajj Ventress

[frankie]

Hi all

 

I have submitted my AOTC Concept costume for approval and need to make some changes for final approval.

Hoping I can get some tips/advice on how to alter some bits.

 

http://www.mediafire.com/view/?20gfoo0y13un5ff

 

My buckle is too small - does anyone know the dimensions I should be looking at?

 

Similarly the grey stripes on my shirt are too wide and I'm wondering how skinny/wide they should be.

 

http://www.mediafire.com/view/?vl7faoiawx44ocz

 

The other issue is my collar being attached to the shirt - currently I have some snap domes that are hidden to attach the two together - does anyone have any ideas on how I can do this differently without the fixtures being visible? This one is a bit difficult for a first time costumer and very amateur sewer to fathom

 

I am getting better at the makeup but any tips for ease of application would be greatly appreciated too!

Very keen to get approved so all feedback is welcome

[Guest Aysel]

when you look at concept art what I find that helps is take a picture of yourself in a similar pose and resize it to about the same size as the art your looking at then do a measurement approximating the size of the item you need to fabricate or find. It's also a good way to determine the width of belts and things of that nature. I hope this helps your build.

 

Katie

[kathgruben]

Welcome frankie! LOL this is a great start and while Ventress is definitely a tricky costume, it's not unattainable!

 

ladyb is our resident expert on this version of Ventress so hopefully she can give you some pointers. Nonetheless, I'll add my 2 cents

 

Your buckle definitely needs to be bigger. When I was making my Sash-belt buckle I needed to figure out a good size proportionate to me, so I cut discs out of paper, held them up to my waist in the mirror and compared that to the reference pics. I had to do this a few times until I found a size that looked right.

 

For the shirt, are the stripes you have now removable? As per the CRL, the stripes are optional (states "may have"), or I would do like ladyb and keep them as small pin stripes.

 

For the collar, the best results I've seen are when the collar is sewn directly to the shirt - do-able if the collar is made of pleather/leatherette fabric, but can be problematic if the collar is made of real leather when it comes to giving it a wash. Personally, I find your collar a bit long and would suggest taking some of the length out of it if possible. It also appears to be missing the horizontal lines (seams) along the chest/shoulders/back sections, which will need to be added.

 

For the makeup, here's a good read on doing the baldcap

http://theflagshipeclipse.com/forum/vie ... =70&t=1068

 

How you apply the makeup will depend on what kind of makeup you're using. If you're using liquid makeup (water or alcohol-based) I would recommend applying it with an airbrush - light, even coats is key.

 

And patience! Lots of patience Good makeup takes time. A good baldcap and makeup application takes upwards of 4 hours in my experience.

 

Good luck and looking forward to more pics

[ladyb]

 

Good advise shared, thanks ladies. What is the black neck/chest armour made of? Particularly since you have it over the shoulder, it would be best to be something flexible. (I used spandex which had a leatherish sheen to it) It is sewed down to the shirt. This Ventress can be over the shoulder or not, so based on what you have, pick what works best.

 

Dimensions of the buckle should be more proportionate to the wearer, rather than a certain number of centimeters. I'd recommend looking in hardware stores. Check in the bathroom section, things such as bathtub fixtures. My buckle is made of 3 parts. One is from a washcloth ring, another from a bathtub fixture, and a third ring I found off of a horse saddle closure.

 

As to the makeup, the alcohol based stuff is great. What I use is a Ben Nye cake foundation. The colors are Geisha mixed with Porcelain. This I apply with a slightly wet natural sponge (better for avoiding streaks). Then set with baby powder. The tattoos are made with a Graftobian creme foundation color: Black (also set with powder). I also use a fixative spray to prevent drips or smears. I cannot speak for bald caps as my first and last attempt to do a bald cap on my own resulted in my being bald.

 

I hope this give you a start. Do tell if you have further questions.

[frankie]

Fabulous feedback - ladies!

 

This gives me plenty to work with and a fellow member here in NZ also uses an alcohol based makeup so I will pick her brain as well.

Definately all do-able as the fabrics I used are easily manipulated and I also know a local welder who can help me with the buckle!

 

Will re-post once I have some updated photos for you.

[frankie]

Hi all

 

Just thought I would provide a wee update as it has been a long journey, but I am now official and approved as a 501st member!

Yay!

Still working with my makeup as it is the most difficult part to get right every time but got some great tips from local Body FX tutors and members to keep this improving with each application

 

So pleased to finally be approved and an actual member as I love what we do for our charities. I have posted a couple of pics from recent troops for your perusal and look forward to my next build and more charity work throughout 2013!

[kathgruben]

Congratulations!

[DarthTagion]

Congrats!

[ladyb]

Congrates

[Guest stinkape]

Awesome great work Looks just right !!! Congrats on 501st approval.. That is my fave Ventress !!!

 

Again Congrats

[tk6232]

SENSATIONAL!

 

Your pics look fantastic, Frankie! And your bald cap looks stunning! I hope I helped in some small way...

[en-zozallow]

Looks awesome and scary poor kids hope there is an asoka nearby to defend them