Crafting Astrid's Armour: HTTYD 3 Cosplay Tutorial
Table of Contents:
- Introduction: My Journey into Cosplay
- Choosing the Cosplay: Why Astrid Stormfly Alma?
- Starting the Cosplay: Gathering Inspiration and Materials
- Creating the Helmet: From Pattern to Foam
- The Shoulder Pads: A Tedious Process of Cutting and Soldering
- Crafting the Braces: Foam Straps and Animated Look
- Adding Details: Scales, Buckles, and Sewing
- Future Steps: Spikes and Final Touches
- Conclusion: The Journey Continues in the Next Video
- FAQs: Answers to Your Burning Questions
My Journey into Cosplay
Cosplay has always been a passion of mine, and I've been itching to share my creative process with you all. In this first video, I'll be diving into the making of my very first Hamid cosplay from How to Train Your Dragon 3. It's a character I've adored since the early days of my cosplay journey when I used to go by the name "The Fluffy Dragon". So, let's not waste any time and jump right into the creation of Astrid Stormfly Alma's costume!
Choosing the Cosplay: Why Astrid Stormfly Alma?
The decision to cosplay Astrid Stormfly Alma was an obvious one for me. I've always been obsessed with the "How to Train Your Dragon" franchise, so it was only fitting that I bring one of its fierce and brave characters to life. However, there was a challenge – at the time, I only had the trailers and released posters as references. I had no idea what the back of her costume looked like, which meant I had to put my improvisation skills to the test.
Starting the Cosplay: Gathering Inspiration and Materials
Before diving into the cosplay creation process, I dedicated some time to gather inspiration and materials. I scourged the internet for images of Astrid Stormfly Alma, studying every detail I could find. Armed with these references, I started gathering the necessary materials. Leather, stoneflies scales, foam, and contact adhesive were among the key materials required to bring this cosplay to life.
Creating the Helmet: From Pattern to Foam
The helmet was one of the most crucial parts of the Astrid Stormfly Alma cosplay. I started by creating a pattern using plastic wrap and duct tape, tracing it onto thin foam for a perfect fit. I also crafted rivets using repurposed googly eyes and painted them silver. The front of the helmet seemed to be designed to flip up, but after multiple attempts, I realized it wasn't feasible with the design I chose. So, I settled for a stationary helmet instead.
The Shoulder Pads: A Tedious Process of Cutting and Soldering
Next on the list were the shoulder pads. Using a template of my neck and shoulder, I created a pattern and meticulously attached each cutout piece to create the desired shape. To achieve a sturdy bond, I relied on contact adhesive and soldering work. Contact adhesive was applied to both surfaces, allowed to dry, and then joined together for an unbreakable bond. The soldering iron helped me create textures, indentations, and layering effects on the foam.
Crafting the Braces: Foam Straps and Animated Look
For the braces, I created a pattern that would fit around my arm, using a combination of thin EVA and 5-millimeter foam. I opted for foam straps instead of actual ones to ensure ease of wear while maintaining a lightweight construction. The foam straps were attached using contact adhesive, and I added buckles for a more animated look, reminiscent of the movies.
Adding Details: Scales, Buckles, and Sewing
With the main structures in place, it was time to add intricate details that would truly bring the cosplay to life. Scales were painstakingly crafted and applied all over the helmet, shoulder pads, and braces. Buckles received small soldering details to give the impression of being sewn on. Each step required precision and attention to detail to create a finished product that truly resembled Astrid Stormfly Alma's costume.
Future Steps: Spikes and Final Touches
Although the helmet and braces were nearly complete, there were still a few finishing touches left. Spikes needed to be added for an accurate representation of the character. These final touches will be covered in the next video of my cosplay journey. Stay tuned!
Conclusion: The Journey Continues in the Next Video
Creating the Astrid Stormfly Alma cosplay has been an exciting and challenging project. From gathering inspiration to assembling the various components, each step has brought me closer to bringing a beloved character to life. As I continue my cosplay journey, I invite you all to join me in the next video as we add the final touches and bring this cosplay to its full potential.
FAQs: Answers to Your Burning Questions
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Q: How did you choose Astrid Stormfly Alma as your first cosplay?
A: As a fan of "How to Train Your Dragon," Astrid Stormfly Alma resonated with me on a deep level. Her character is fierce and brave, and I wanted to bring her to life through cosplay.
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Q: What materials did you use for the cosplay?
A: The materials used include leather, stonefly scales, foam, contact adhesive, soldering iron, and various crafting tools.
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Q: How did you create the helmet?
A: The helmet was created by making patterns using plastic wrap and duct tape, transferring them onto thin foam, and adding details such as rivets and scales.
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Q: What techniques did you use for the shoulder pads?
A: The shoulder pads were crafted by cutting and soldering various foam pieces together, creating curves, and meticulously attaching them to achieve a seamless look.
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Q: Why did you use foam straps instead of actual ones for the braces?
A: Foam straps were chosen for their lightweight and movable nature. It ensures ease of wear without compromising the animated look of the cosplay.
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Q: Are there more details to be added to the cosplay?
A: Yes, in the next video, I will be adding spikes and final touches to complete the Astrid Stormfly Alma cosplay.
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Q: Where can we find more updates on your cosplay journey?
A: You can subscribe to my channel and follow me on social media for more updates on my cosplay journey and future videos.
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