Welcome to the PAX Prime 2014 costume thread!
Yes, it has already begun!! Work on a new PAX costume starts as soon as the recovery from the last PAX is over!
What is everyone planning on doing for their costumes for 2014?
Any big ideas or even just concepts of what you might want to do?
Games or other things coming out or are already out that you might want to base a costume off of?
Got any questions about how to make something or need opinions and advice?
Want to show off your work and post pics?
Find more members for your costume group or talk about a costume contest?
You have found the right place, now post to your hearts content!
Can't wait to see everyone's awesome work this year!
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Please keep in mind this post will be updated as often as possible to provide current information.
FAQS:Are there really that many people that cosplay for PAX?
There are enough of us that you are reading this thread!
I'm not sure if I want to dress up, what do you think?
Dressing up is a personal choice. No one will judge you either way.
Does my costume have to be video game related?
Not at all! There are a wide variety of costumes from all themes in geek culture from Doctor Who to Power Rangers, anime to video games! If you want to wear a costume then do it!
I am a beginner at costume making, any advice?
Many people will have many different things to say about this. At the heart of it all is to stick to your comfort zone. Never sewn a thing in your life? Don't make a full Princess Peach gown. Start out with something simple enough that you can make it, and make it well enough for YOU to be proud of. Don't get intimidated by others. Many people who do the large scale things have been at this a while. Also, nothing wrong with taking some pieces from your own wardrobe or the store and using them.
I have a cool prop weapon, can I bring it!? (this is the biggest one of all so please read on carefully!)
Please refer to these rules first and use common sense.
If you ABSOLUTELY cannot find the answer to your question then please put them in a message to
AaronC who is the security manager of PAX.
Do not flood him with questions if your answer can be found here!!!NEW PAX ATTENDEE COSTUME WEAPON POLICY
The (NEW!!!) official policy is as follows:
Weapons Check Policies
All prop weapons brought to the show
MUST be approved at the Info Booth (on the 4th floor by the large set of escalators) as soon as you arrive. We will be looking for the following criteria:
It cannot fire any sort of projectile. (Nerf guns are only allowed if they have been deactivated and cannot fire.)
It cannot be an airsoft weapon. (Yes, even if it’s deactivated.)
It cannot be sharp or pointy enough to cut or pierce someone with moderate pressure. This includes all real swords, daggers and knives. It also includes ceramic blades, needles, syringes and anything that can pierce (for example, a Little Sister syringe made of wood would not be allowed)
Upon approval, your weapon and badge will be tagged and cataloged.
What kind of restrictions on clothing are there?
As an attendee the only restriction is that your genitalia is not showing (for either sex) and for women your breasts should be covered as well. If you (as an attendee, not a paid employee of an exhibitor) want to wear the equivalent of a bikini, you can.
The restrictions for clothing apply to people working for Exhibitors (do not worry about these rules unless you are working for an Exhibitor, in that case, please refer to your employer).
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THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND IF GOING IN COSTUME:
*See weapons policy and peace bonding sections above for prop weapons (this really can't be stressed enough!)
*You will want to wear comfortable shoes. Shoes are required at all times anyways. Even if they do not match this is a HUGE deal. If you don't think you can walk all day in them, then don't do it.
*You will most likely get stopped for photos (especially if your costume is good). If you don't feel like it then simply tell the person that you are not doing pictures right now but to come find you later, the main thing is to be polite. Keep in mind also that some people are fans of "ninja photos", they walk by and nonchalantly snap a photo of you while you are simply standing there or eating, or...anything really. Once again be polite and sometimes you may even offer to take a nice photo for them (without your mouth full of food!).
*When taking pictures try to move out of the crowd and off to the side where there is less traffic (I am sure the person wanting the picture will also understand).
*The convention center will be hot. Keep this in mind especially for costumes with layers. Fake layers (fake collars, half sleeves that are sewn into a shirt to make it look like layers etc.) are all neat tricks to saving you from sweating like crazy.
*Weight of a costume can be a big issue. Think about it practically. If you can't carry the weight of a costume on you for the time that you will be in the center then don't wear it. Try to lighten up the load with hollow structures and the like. Remember that costumes don't always have to be the exact proportions of the original to look good.
*Costume size can also be a problem. Keep in mind that you will be wearing this into a convention center full of tons of people. No one wants to get smacked in the face by your giant Jesse from Pokemon wig or by your Final Fantasy bigger than a person sword.
*Swag is a very common thing, try to have a plan of where you will keep all your awesome shirts, buttons, magnets, games, etc. Matching bags are always a popular option. Having a buddy to help carry your stuff is also another option. Please note, there is no coat check or spare room to keep stuff in for attendees. It all depends on personal preference but is something to keep in mind.
*Freshness can be a little lacking by the third day of being in costume (this is not meant to offend anyone but this should be addressed). Try to change at least any underlayers to your costume everyday. If this can't happen then try to hang up the costume in your room for the night so that it can at least air out (febreeze isn't a bad option either). Wear deodorant and any other freshening toiletries that you prefer and shower each day to keep yourself and your costume nice and fresh.
*Finally, it is a good idea to carry a few safety pins (or your costume equivalent) with you to make on the fly repairs while at the convention center. Accidents happen, especially the more people you add to a situation. It would be a shame for someone to step on the hem of Kaylee's Fluffy Layer Cake Dress and have it rip and leave you exposed.
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GROUPS:
If you have a group page that you would like to have posted here then please PM me!
Keep in mind that most groups make a Facebook page to connect and organize through since things can get lost easily on this thread.
Mass Effect
(This is a closed Facebook group, if you would like membership then please make sure that you either message me (arwen_doll16_LOTR) here on the PA forums, or make your albums with your Mass Effect costume progress public so that an admin will approve you.)
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GROUP MEETUP TIMES AND LOCATIONS:
TBA
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CONTESTS:
S2 Games is running a cosplay contest at PAX Prime 2014.
There will be a masquerade walk Saturday, August 30 @ 12pm.
S2 Games will also be host to a Cosplay Competition at PAX Prime hosted Saturday, August 30th @ 2pm
The details for the competition can be found
Here
Check the link for further details as the event gets closer and to sign up!
Posts
All cosplay progress is put on hold for my future move to Seattle.
Pax Attendee/Enforcer:
Prime - '11 Attendee, '12 Enforcer, '13 Enforcer
East - '12 Attendee, '15 Enforcer
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After consideration of our security concerns and the wishes of our attendees we have dropped that requirement. All costume weapons will still need to be tagged, regardless of what it is, however costume firearms that look real will be allowed as long as they are not:
Airsoft regardless of their ability to work
Nerf guns if they still work
Pellet guns or other guns that fire anything.
Have fun cosplaying.
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@AaronC What is your take on this?
DS Friend Code - 5300-9697-9935
That was a joke.
I don't have a problem with a practice foil as long as the blunt tip remains on at all times (I'm assuming its a fixed tip?) If the tip is fixed then no worries.
Here's what I threw together off my existing Umbrella soldier outfit:
Thinking about ordering two Edward Kenway (AC4) hidden blades to equip myself with since HUNK supposedly has wrist blades in this outfit.
I'm hoping to attend as X-23!
If I attend PAX Prime, am I allowed to make my X-23 (Wolverine) claws aluminum based?
I couldn't see anything about metal in the weapons policy, other than it should not be sharp.
If the aluminum claws were not sharp, would that be OK?
The claws look similar to this (but would be made of aluminum metal):
http://martindnoa.deviantart.com/art/How-I-made-the-claws-of-X-23-and-Wolverine-305114488
Thank you kindly,
Liline
Under our rules I would allow your "claws" if they meet the following conditions:
1. They have no sharp edge.
2. The tip is blunt enough not to pierce.
From your picture they do not look sharp or that they come to a point, if that is the case then they would be allowed.
"Fantasy football still counts as fantasy." -DnD Greg
PAX Prime / PAX Dev 2014
PAX Prime 2013
PAX Prime 2009
This is provide I can secure tickets but yes.
PAX 2014 Tickets [X] Got em!
PAX 2014 cosplay [ ] (Magicka Wizard)
PAXen attended:
2013
Attempting to communicate through the Morphogenetic field....
PAX Prime 2013 (Bollywood Black Mage)
PAX Prime 2014 (Renaissance Lady Link)
1. I have a prop gun that I was planning on bringing that absolutely cannot fire any projectiles (it's a film prop weapon), but it still looks realistic. Should I orange-tip it, or can I bring it in raw? I prefer realism, but I'm totally fine with the orange tip as well.
2. I also have a telescoping baton similar to the one Aiden uses. It's not sharp or anything, but it's steel. Am I able to bring it?
No matter what, I plan on bringing any sort of weapon-looking item to the info booth to get it checked. Thanks in advance!
EDIT: I'm thinking about also doing Booker DeWitt, which reinforces point #1. However, it would be for an old-timey revolver rather than a modern semi-automatic pistol.
A baton is fine, don't hit anyone with it.
This costume is underway. Also, I am giving myself brownie points for getting it started in May and not the week before PAX:3
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May I ask where you get your film prop weapons? I can only find airsoft guns sadly, which is a big no no.
I've already had it at my last Pax, so I know security was cool, however I took the train to Pax 2012 and I drove to SDCC.
First, relax. Cosplay is fun! Second, Yda...nice mix of simple and ambitious. I would choose mask materials and construction carefully, as that blindfold could get very annoying over the course of the convention. I think you might want to use a heavily textured upholstery vinyl with a felt backing, then add grommets so you can see through it and mimic the round bits. And have a seeing-eye person around to help you out, because even with holes, that thing is going to be a nuisance to get around in. Shirt and shorts, I would alter Goodwill finds. The shirt's trim could be either more upholstery vinyl or suede cloth for the deep V. There are tutorials for boot tops out there, and I'd again recommend red upholstery vinyl and acrylic paint, lined with felt or something non-scratchy. For the belt and goggles, craft foam and white glue are your friend, and again there's lots of tutorials out there. Oh, and for the designs on the sleeves, I've had great luck with stenciling on fabric using acrylic paint mixed with a fabric medium. Hope the suggestions help get you started!
PAX Prime 2013 (Bollywood Black Mage)
PAX Prime 2014 (Renaissance Lady Link)
Sorry for the late reply. I get my props from historicreplicaguns.com/. Useful for both filmmaking and cosplaying!
Sweet, thanks! Sadly no M4, but been dying to find a good 1911 replica!
Remember you'll be on your feet allot, so try and get a good pair of shoes/insoles to go with the costume. If you can try and wear your costume for an hour or so around the house to see how it feels even better, and try and break in a new pair of shoes/insoles the week before. My fiance found out how uncomfortable the shoes were for her tuxedo mask costume the hard way.
Also keep in mind you might be caring a bag with you for swag, so make sure it fits with your overall look or just blends well, for example said tuxedo mask costume had a black handbag the was kept under the cape. Good luck with your costume, looks like a good concept!
I'm getting proper swords made for photoshoots, but they are making convention-safe wooden replicas so I can wander about with them in. A little silver spray paint and they should be good enough.
I think Ninjanun will be doing a Daughters cosplay, and I'd love to meet up with anyone else doing Eyrewood stuff.
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Considering The Hound or Rhaeger (so I can bedazzle a dragon on the chest piece)
Well with Inquisition hitting in October you should totally do a Femquisitor based on the sweet armor they've shown off.
Don't Panic.
Twitter: @APacManSays