Cosplay Showcase: Eric Smart's Steampunk OC Lewis Mycroft

*Me last night at 2am*OH CRAP! I forgot to post my blog!! 

Ok, so that's what happened. What did I do while I should have been writing my blog? I watched my husband play "Batman: Arkham City" all day.



So anywho! Today is Eric's cosplay showcase! Woo! It's pretty sweet!

Cosplay Showcase: Steampunk OC Lewis Mycroft

Why did you chose this character/prop to make? Why did you chose it for the showcase?

This is an OC (original character) of mine. My friends and I want to do a steampunk assassin group, my character has two sides in our 'world'. Behind the scene he is the chemist for the assassin group, known as Lewis Mycroft the Third. Well I wanted a cool field version of him, one that goes out on the assassinations when need be. I've always had an appreciation for Tesla coils so I wanted to incorporate one somehow. After tons of designs and concept sketches I finally came up with what you see before you. Agent 713, as he calls himself while in the field, he is sent in rather to capture people they need alive, taser them basically, or if things go wrong jump in, crank up the power and help his partners out.

I wanted to showcase it because it combines a lot of my talents into one project. First off this is straight out of my head so it shows off my imagination. I also used my skills with wood and leather on the majority of this project. I also learned a new skill while working on this project, copper beveling.

What was your construction process? 

Well, where as this was a prop for an original character of mine I guess the first thing was figuring out what it looked like. Originally it was going to be more like a large canon type thing but eventually it came down to something that would provide maneuverability and attack. The first physical thing that I tackled was the most time tedious, wrapping the wires on the Tesla Coil shafts. After that it was a matter of wrapping the secondary wire (not nearly as hard) and mounting them into their base.

The next two parts happened around the same time. At the shop I started construction on the control box (the box mounted to the belt that goes around my waist) and at home I started work on the leather cuffs. The key elements to the control box were adding the power gauge, which I found at Rusty Retro Antiques, and the control switch, which I had. Yeah for being a pack rat! I cut out the leather for the cuffs and tooled it. The pattern that I chose was one I created based off a Tesla Coil schematic.

After the cuffs were done the Tesla Coil base was mounted to them. Then at this point it was connecting all of the pieces together with hoses. The last piece of the puzzle was the Leyden jar. It was a modified plastic tube where I built a new wood topper with a quark center. Like a regular Leyden jar it is wrapped both inside and out with aluminum half way up it. Then I made the thin leather sheath for it and mounted it to the control box.

The things you love about this cosplay/prop.

Well one fact that I love about it is that it is a creation straight from my mind. My imagination created this and I was able to bring it to life. I also love the look of it and how it looks on me. Not to sound vain, I just mean I really like how all the elements came together to form an interesting device.

The things you hate.

The Tesla coils stick out past my hands. I designed them this way because if he were in a fight he would have that added distance to jab at his enemy also it would keep him from shocking himself. The only problem with this is that it makes some tasks very difficult or hazardous. The first time I wore them I got a call from my wife. When I answered the phone and went to place it to my ear and I smacked myself with the coil. So if anything that would probably be the 'hate' factor on this prop but again the deign has a set and very logical reasoning. So basically it's the way it is and I just need to learn how to answer my phone with them on (and other tasks).

A general closing statement and where one might find more pictures of this and other cosplays you’ve done.

Steampunk is something that I will always love creating for. I love prop building in general don't get me wrong but steampunk just lets my imagination run wild to create and have fun. This is just one example of the fun I have with steampunk.

Other places you can find more would be:

DeviantArt

Facebook

How neat!!  I love original character designs and I also like steampunk! A steampunk taser, that's pretty clever! I like when someone does something other than a steampunk mechanic or something. Lol. I like all the intricate designs in this one. So awesome!

So, this weekend I'm going to Fandemonium, so next week will be a convention review! Woo! Though it will be late since I'll be driving home on Monday. So expect a post Tuesday or possibly Wednesday, depending on how pooped I am.

Also, I'm going to do some changes with my blog. But I'll let you guys all know about that next week.

I hope I see you at the con! Here is my cosplay schedule, so if you see me, come say hi! I'll be looking for folks to do more interviews with, so if you would like to be interviewed, come see me! I'm friendly I promise! I've heard that sometimes people are afraid to approach me and are intimidated by me?!? I have never seen myself as scary or intimidating, so please don't be scared! I am quite friendly, I assure you. If in doubt, you could always offer me chocolate. Haha, not really (unless you really want to give me chocolate and then that would be awesome. ((You don't really have to. (((But I love dark chocolate)))) Ok, I'm done. XD

Friday: Sailor Moon
Saturday: Morning- Peacebow OC / Afternoon- Briar Rose
Sunday- Alice

Ok! See you there!

~Edward


(Seriously though, you don't have to give me chocolate. XD)

Cosplayer Interview: Eric Smart/Trifinity Cosplay

Yay! Interview time! Finally. It's been a while hasn't it? And guess what?? I finally interviewed a boy!Woo! And his name is Eric! He is a very amazing prop builder. I've seen his work at the cons and am always impressed! Someday I'll commission him to help me with the list of props I need for my cosplays. But on with the interview!

Cosplayer Interview

Your name or Cosplay Name:

Eric Smart, or the husband half of Trifinity Cosplay

Age:

My state ID has me at 28, mentally who knows.

How long have you been cosplaying/prop building?

I first cosplayed at Anime Oasis 06 and it had a prop that I built with it, so 7 year on both accounts.

What was your first cosplay/prop?

My very first cosplay was Kaze or the Black Wind from the anime Final Fantasy Unlimited, which brought about my first prop, the Magun which is Kaze's weapon.

Demyx (original version) from kingdom hearts featuring my construction of the Sitar
Cosplayer: Laura Gray
Photographer: Jason Wills

Do you make your cosplays, buy them pre-made online, or have them commissioned?

I am part of a husband and wife duo *I'm the husband ;)* I'm the crafter, I build the pros and odds and ends that we need for our outfits. She is the seamstress and makes our outfits. So together we make pretty much make everything we cosplay.

Why do you cosplay?

Cause it's fun, vague answers aside I do it for many reasons. I love being creative and really enjoy bringing to life something that was once a two dimensional character. I love flexing my 'craft muscles', as it were, and get to use some of the knowledge I possess. Also if nothing else it is a great way to nerd out with people. Cause it is always fun to nerd out with more then just yourself, well in my opinion at least.

What is you favorite part about cosplay?

This is a tough one, there are so many elements about cosplay that I love. So I shall pick community! Like I said above, I really enjoy finding others that are into the same thing as me. Cosplaying is a huge advantage for finding people to be nerdy with. It's practically a billboard saying hey I like this show.

What is your least favorite part?

I personally haven't had this but have seen friends go through it and that is cosplay discrimination. Nerds, who are more then often outcast by 'normal' society, outcasting other nerds seems completely backwards, not to mention wrong. People cosplay for different reasons, have different skill levels and different body types. I wish they would let others have fun doing what they do and keep their opinion to themselves. Cause if anything the culture needs to band together.

(Original Steampunk Character) Reginald Rhythm's DJ goggles

Who is your favorite character to cosplay?

That is easy, Maes Hughes! He is such a fun, energetic, iconic and a good natured guy. It's always fun to run around showing off daughter pictures to everyone. I've also been told I fit the character quite well.

What is your favorite cosplay/prop to wear?

Most of my steampunk outfits. Not only do I love the outfits that I have to go with the era, as long as it isn't scorching hot out. It is also original creations that I've poured much thought into. The biggest part of my steampunk cosplays are the props that go along with the persona of the character. This way I not only get to show off my craftsmanship but my imagination and inventiveness as well. Most of them are also really comfortable to wear.

What is your least favorite cosplay/prop to wear?

I have to say I love this cosplay and the prop that goes with it, I love wearing it to … as long as it doesn't take all day. That would be my first steampunk original character, Nigel Witt. The prop, which is my concept of a steam powered cellphone, is the part that can get to me. After wearing it for a long time it starts to get to my back and always seems to start slipping awkwardly on me. I love the looks but it does eventually get to my back.

(Original Steampunk Character) Nigel Wit and his steam powered cellphone
Photographer: Jason Wills

What was the most complicated cosplay/prop you’ve worked on?

Not counting the one I'm working on right now cause it would win out once it's done. There are several that could actually compete for that spot Yoko's Gun from Gurren Lagann and my Steampunk Cellphone to name a couple. Overall I think the Quick Fix for the Medic in Team Fortress 2 takes the lead as of now cause not only was it a complex build to begin with, then add in the fact that I was building it to light up in two separate places. With the addition of the wiring, battery and lighting system defiantly made it less than easy.

Quick Fix Medic Canon for the Medic in Team Fortress 2

What was the least complicated?

Hands down the easiest, least complex prop I ever built was Cloud's night stick for his Crisis Core outfit. Two different sized dowels placed together add some rubber ends and some paint and bam, it was done.

What group cosplays have you been a part of?

I have been in a Kingdom Hearts, FullMetal Alchemist and a Fruits Basket group.

What group cosplays would like to be part of?

I would love / have plans to eventually be in a Trigun, Serenity / Firefly, Avatar: the Last Airbender and Legend of Korra groups.

Who are some characters/props you plan to make in the future?

One of the main ones is Nicholas D Wolfwood from Trigun and I would be building his cross, Punisher . Mal from Serenity and I would build his gun. A Laputa Guardian from Castle in the Sky and that is a prop all in its own. Bolin from Legend of Korra. Also I'm sure more steampunk down the road.

What crossplay characters have you done or would like to do?

Sorry but these legs aren't made for crossplay.

Yoko from Gurren Lagann featuring my construction of Yoko's gun
Cosplayer: French Chicken Productions.
Photographer: Red Zone Fandom

Who is a character people say you should cosplay (or prop you should make), but you aren’t sure about?

Yep, a Big Daddy from Bioshock. I'm sure I could do it but it would be a big daunting project full of lots of crafting and more then likely some swearing, not to mention the cost.

What is your dream cosplay/prop?

Wargreymon for Digimon, that would be both a cosplay and a prop all in itself. Prop wise, actual prop wise Wolfwood's Punisher, not the covered up in cloth version. I've always wanted to cosplay him but refuse to until I can make a Punisher worthy of that cosplay.

What is a cosplay/prop you would love to make, but don’t feel you could pull off?

I haven't really come across a cosplay or prop that I felt I couldn't do. Not saying I think I'm some kind of god when it comes to cosplaying or building. Its rather I haven't looked into anything overwhelming or I at least want to TRY tackling it.

In your opinion, what makes a great cosplay/prop?

This is a bit difficult. In general I think if a person puts all their heart and effort into a cosplay or prop and they have fun doing it and wearing it, even if they don't have mad skills, then it is great. But if you mean what do I marvel over when I see really great cosplays then it is attention to detail and for props it is that they are proportional.

At which conventions are we likely to see you?

Fandemonium and Anime Oasis have always been two I frequently go to, I’m hoping that soon I can expand that to one of the Seattle's cons as well.

Soul in Scythe form from Soul Eater

Any advice to other cosplayers/prop makers?

Well this is one that I always say when I run my prop building panels that I find very important: Try and make your prop proportionalized to you. It's not to difficult of a math process and that is coming from someone who hates math. Just find a good picture of the character with the prop you are trying to make and measure the characters height in centimeters (cm) then create a division problem. Your height (in centimeters) divided by the height of the character in the picture. That answer is your magic number. Now measure the prop you wish to build and multiply it by your magic number and thus you have the height the prop should be compared to your personal height.

The other thing would be do your research, the more reference shots that you can find the less you'll miss and the more accurately detailed your prop will be. And as always have fun!

What are some other hobbies you have, other than cosplaying?

Some of my hobbies tend to run into my cosplaying, like leather working. I also do miniature scenes, writing and am involved in Cowboy Fast Draw (I get to dress up for that as well :) )

Favorite anime/tv shows?

FullMetal Alchemist, Mythbusters, Star Trek (predominately Voyager)

Favorite movie?

From the older movie it will always be the Back to the Future trilogy

From newer movies, Rise of the Guardians

Favorite books/manga?

The Fablehaven series and Boneshaker.

Favorite video games?

Kingdom Hearts!

Favorite color?

Black no Bluuuuuuuuuuuuuuue * gets flung off bridge* If you get the reference you're awesome, if not you're still awesome. It's true though, blue is my favorite closely followed by black.

Favorite food?

Pepsi Chicken, mmmmm good!

Favorite desert?

Cheesecake with strawberry topping.

Favorite curse word?

I don't curse a lot while my child is present, which he is during a lot of the building process. Though I would have to say ‘damn it’ gets mumbled under my breath the most.

What are some websites where we can see more of you?

http://trifinitycosplay.deviantart.com/

https://www.facebook.com/TrifinityCosplay

Woo!

His stuff is super awesome! If you need a prop guy, this is your man! Next week will be his cosplay showcase! I can't wait to see what he choses to show us! No doubt it will be epic!

Until next week!

~Edward

Administrative Stuffs

Hey there all. So.... remember in a couple of my blog posts I mentioned how my super crap internet prevented me from posting sometimes? Well, we chucked it. That’s right, we got rid of our internets. $60 a month for crap that didn’t work 70% of the time just wasn’t worth it. Ah, the joys of living in the sticks.

But Edward, if you have no internets, how are you posting?

Haha! Yes, well you see, right now I am using my phone as a wifi hotspot in order to get the precious internets. We have worked it all out so that once our next billing cycle begins we will have more data on our phone plan. Then I’ll be able to post to my hearts content! 

Edward... What IS your point?

My point IS until the next billing cycle starts, I don’t have enough data this month to post the interview I had planned for today-- what with all it’s photos. So after the interviewee made a special effort to get their interview done in time for me to post today, I can’t post it because I don’t have enough data.

BUT FEAR NOT! Our billing cycle renews on the 19th and then I’ll have 10 whole mb (woo, big spender) of data for the next month! So next week I will post the interview.

But what about this week?

Yes, I was getting to that.... Look.... It was planned!..... I was ready!!.... There was an interview!!!... But circumstance being.... what they are......*sigh* I’ve got nothing.

So this post is just an administrative announcement to let you guys know what’s happening. I didn’t want you all to think I was skipping a week out of neglect. I HAD A PLAN! It just got all buggered up. 

But while I’m here, I have a question for you all. What do you think of discussion type posts? For example, I would pose a question to you guys relating to the cosplay world and I would state my view on the topic and then we could discuss things in the comments or on Facebook? It was just an idea I had. 

Honestly, I’m running out of things to talk about, and more importantly, people to interview. It would be great to hear some feedback of what sorts of things you guys want to read about. If I can’t figure out more things to post I may have to cut down on the amount of posts I make each month, or (Luna forbid it) end the blog. I quite like this blog and I like blogging, so I really would hate to do that. And you guys seem to really like it. So if you guys DO really like my blog, please post some ideas for themes or topics in the comments or on my Facebook page. If you know of someone I should interview, that would help me out also!

And so this post isn’t completely devoid of cosplay stuff, I did complete Peacebow’s tunic! Woo! This year at Fandemonium they are doing a original character fashion show (which I’m SUPER excited about) so I wanted to get her ready for that. I’d post a picture, but yeah... we already discussed that. So I will post pictures later on my Facebook page. Now I just have to make some boots and figure out some accessories.

And about Fandem--I’M SO EXCITED! They have some new events this year that sound AWESOME! One is an impersonation contest--of which I am totally entering! I have perfected one voice in particular that I think will do well. It should be fun! And then the OC fashion show is new, and is the reason I really wanted to go this year. Now I am kind of regretting spending all my money on Anime Oasis. It was an ok time, but I think next year I’m going to skip AO and save my money for Fandem. It has a lot more events that I really like. 

Ok, so I guess that’s it for this week. Sorry for the bum post, but next week will for sure be an interview post! As long as nothing else goes awry. Until next week!

~Edward 

Lolita Teddy Bear Picnic

I'm late again, I know. But I was driving home Monday and yesterday my internet was refusing to work. But enough of that-- on with the frillies!!

As I've mentioned in my previous posts, I hosted a Lolita Teddy Bear Picnic for the local Lolitas. Now, I KNOW Lolita is not cosplay. Even though my blog is mainly about cosplay, it's also about the convention scene and nerdy/otaku stuff in general. So I think lolita has a place here.

All in all, I think my first Lolita event was a success! We gathered at a park across from the Zoo. Most everyone brought their teddy bears or other stuffed animals. It was damn hot , but I think everyone still had fun. We all looked so lovely in our frillies! Some girls didn't wear lolita or didn't have full coords, but it was really laid back and no one was snubbed for not being the perfect lolita. Haha. Which is how I like it. I can't stand stuffiness. There is a lot of snobbiness within the fashion (I suppose that's true of all fashions), so some girls were afraid to come if they weren't dressed in the perfect lolita coord. But I'm not fussy and I don't want to scare away prospective lolitas. I think being snooty like that is a real disservice to the fashion. We all start out as "itas" even if you don't want to admit it.


If you aren't aware of lolita fashion a lot of that was gibberish, so I apologize.

Anyway! After we snacked and had tea (I made rosebud tea, which everyone seemed to love!) some of us headed over to the zoo! It was so much fun and I hadn't been in a long time. I really like the Boise Zoo and I think it's getting better and better. The tigers weren't there for some reason, but we got to go into the butterfly exhibit and they also had a tiny baby monkey!! And of course, they had my favorite, the red panda. I love those little guys! And he was actually awake and running around being adorable. If I lived in Boise, I'd go visit the zoo all the time just to see the red panda.

But now for photos! LOTS of photos! All of these were taken with my iphone. If you want to see more photos check out Tim Boothby's page.

The Bears:

All of my bears (And Raf. I had to bring him)

Everyone's bears.

My favorite of the bears that were brought. I love that he's missing an eye! I love toys that have been loved to death. So cute.

Photo shoot time!

A little shy. ^_^

The one in the middle is a nursing student, so she needed to get a photo with my doctor and nurse bears!

Teddy bear coord!

She brought her boyfriend in a matching coord. Adorable.

My coord. ^_^

She matched the roses. ^_^

She made her dress. So cute!

Some cult party and mori kei girls.

On to the zoo!!

First we went to the butterfly exhibit.

They kept landing on us! It was fun!

Some cuddling gofers 

They had animatronic dinosaurs!! It was awesome.

Some adorable monkeys

Lol.

Chillin' with a camel.

They had jellies!! It was awesome. 

Tiny baby monkey!!!

The perfect scenery for her sailor coord!

I don't know... but it's awesome. 

The meerkats were so photogenic!! I love them!

Lol. So lazy.

A lion to match my kitten dress.

I had a pretty awesome time. And I think everyone else did too. We are probably going to do another lolita event in the fall, which I will most likely host as well. I'm thinking it will be halloween themed! Hehe.

Next week will be back to cosplay! Hopefully I'll have an interview ready, but we shall see.

Oh, and one last thing-- MY SUPER AWESOME DAD BOUGHT ME A BADGE FOR FANDEMONIUM! Woooo!!! I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to go, but he saved the day! So I hope to see you guys there!

~Edward