Budget Costuming
 
Always do a search for what your looking for before asking questions, it can save you some grief from the members and even some time that you would have spent waiting for an answer. But remember you cant learn anything without asking a few questions so don't be afraid too.  Sites may also have archives or a database where they keep all there files, much like the halo costuming wiki, were they store all of their papercraft files.

~Mike~
 
Well, seeing as Mike has done most if not all of the work on the site I suppose I should throw my hat into this advice thing. 

I'll be talking about Time Management. Some of you may already be thinking; But Shawn I already manage my time wisely. You're probably right in most respects. But humor me, how many times have you been sitting either A: at your computer, B: sitting in front of your T.V. either watching it or playing a game or C: just been generally bored and in need of something to do? if you've answered at least once to any of these options, you're probably making excuses right now as to why. Either way. Not important.

Management of time in a project is essential where in you need to set a deadline and make a schedule to work around it. For example: When Mike and I decided to finish our mandalorian armor this year, we had a VERY vague deadline until we were offered to appear in our cities Canada Day parade. This made us open our eyes to just how far behind we actually were from our goal. So having a strict deadline got us moving.

We realize that in the real world people have jobs or chores or lives that interfere with project builds. We get that.  I myself have found life getting in the way of my projects. I had been working on my armor for nearly 4 years on and off because of school and work and lack of funds. I saved enough and kinda relied on Mike for a bulk of our supplies (ie: the sintra). Now we went to extremes with our time management. If we weren't eating, sleeping, working or going to the bathroom. We were busting our humps getting our costumes ready. You on the other hand are free to do as you wish with your time.

The point is: if you have a project be it a fiberglass Mando helmet, suit of steel plate armor or even just a model car. You should always put aside at least 30 minutes to an hour to get even a little something done. That way you'll make baby steps to completing your project. All it takes is time.


~Shawn~
 

This tip was inspired by a commission by a friend who wanted a prop designed after a characters weapon. The prop is a simple gun, not much detail and basically no moving parts, the only problem is that I have yet to obtain a good front view of the weapon. Usually to make an accurate replica of anything you need at least a front, side, top, and bottom view, which you can then use to make a 3D model or accurate measurements for the replica. Most times you can usually find a good piece of concept art or footage of the prop, giving you a good look at the weapon and allowing you to estimate the proper look for it. This particular gun is from a video game so I think ill start shifting through game footage for good views of the gun, i hoping for a good front view of the gun which i can then use to plan out the final design.

-Mike