Cosplaying Dave Strider from Homestuck is a fun and rewarding endeavor that allows you to embody one of the most iconic characters from the webcomic. This guide will walk you through the essential steps and tips for creating a detailed and accurate Dave Strider cosplay, including sourcing materials, crafting elements, and final touches to perfect your look.
Character Overview
Dave Strider, known for his cool demeanor and iconic shades, is a time-traveling knight of time in *Homestuck*. His typical outfit includes a white t-shirt with a red gear symbol, jeans, red sneakers, and his signature shades. In his God Tier form, he wears a red hooded cape with a time symbol.
Materials and Components
1. Clothing
Shirt
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White T-shirt: Purchase a plain white t-shirt. You can find these at any clothing store or online.
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Red Gear Symbol: You can either paint this on using fabric paint or create an iron-on transfer. For the latter, print the symbol on transfer paper and follow the instructions to apply it to the shirt.
Pants
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Jeans: Regular blue jeans will suffice. Ensure they are comfortable and fit well.
Shoes
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Red Sneakers: Dave is often seen wearing red Converse-style sneakers. These can be found in most shoe stores or online.
2. Accessories
Shades
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Aviator Sunglasses: Dave's shades are a crucial part of his look. Aviator sunglasses are the closest match and can be found easily online or in stores.
Wig
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Blonde Wig: Dave's hair is blonde and styled in a simple, short cut. A wig can be purchased from a cosplay store or online. Make sure to style it to match Dave's hair.
3. God Tier Elements
Hooded Cape
Creating the God Tier hooded cape is a bit more complex but can be done with some basic sewing skills.
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Red Fabric: Purchase enough red fabric to create a full-length cape. Satin or cotton works well.
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Pattern: Use a hoodie you already own to trace the hood pattern onto the fabric. Cut two pieces for the outer hood and two for the inner hood.
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Sewing Instructions: Sew the inner and outer hood pieces together along the back seam. Then, sew the inner and outer hoods together along the face seam, ensuring all seams are hidden when turned inside out. For a detailed tutorial, refer to resources like the video by KatnWolf Cosplay on YouTube.
Time Symbol
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White Fabric Paint: Paint the time symbol on the back of the cape using a stencil for accuracy.
Crafting Tips
1. Attention to Detail
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Shades and Clothes: Ensure your shades and clothes closely match Dave's iconic look. Small details can make a big difference.
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Makeup: Minimal makeup is needed, but a bit of foundation can help even out your skin tone for photos.
2. Sourcing Materials
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Crazecosplay.com: While specific items for Dave Strider may not be available, this site offers a variety of cosplay materials and accessories that can be useful for completing your look.
3. Tutorials and Community Help
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YouTube Tutorials: Several YouTube tutorials, such as those by KatnWolf Cosplay and CosplayingFitFreak, provide step-by-step guides on creating elements like the God Tier hood.
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Online Communities: Platforms like Reddit and DeviantArt have communities where you can find additional tips and share your progress.
Final Touches
1. Posing and Characterization
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Practice Poses: Dave Strider is known for his cool and laid-back demeanor. Practice poses that reflect his character, such as leaning against a wall with arms crossed or adjusting your shades.
2. Photoshoot
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Backgrounds: Choose backgrounds that fit the Homestuck theme, such as urban settings or abstract, time-related backdrops.
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Lighting: Good lighting is crucial for capturing the details of your cosplay. Natural light or softbox lighting works well.
3. Maintenance
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Wig Care: Regularly brush and store your wig properly to keep it looking good.
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Clothing Care: Follow care instructions for your fabric paints and iron-on transfers to ensure they last.
Conclusion
Cosplaying Dave Strider involves attention to detail, creativity, and a bit of crafting skill. By following this guide, you can create a cosplay that does justice to this beloved character. Whether you're attending a convention or participating in a photoshoot, your Dave Strider cosplay will surely stand out. Remember to have fun and embrace the character's cool, collected vibe.
