How to make a homestuck cosplay?

Introduction to Homestuck Cosplay

Choosing Your Character

• The main human kids (John, Rose, Dave, Jade)
• The trolls (e.g., Karkat, Terezi, Vriska, Nepeta)
• The Ancestors or Dancestors
• Cherubs (Calliope and Caliborn)
• Carapacians (e.g., Jack Noir, PM)

Essential Components of a Homestuck Cosplay

1. Character-specific clothing
2. Wig or styled hair
3. Makeup (especially for troll characters)
4. Props and accessories
5. Symbols and insignias

Clothing and Costumes

Basic Outfits

1. Shirts: Most characters wear t-shirts with their associated symbol. You can create these using:
   1. Iron-on transfers
   2. Fabric paint
   3. Appliqué techniques

2. Pants/Skirts: Choose appropriate bottoms based on your character. For example:
   1. John and Dave: Black pants
   2. Rose: A black skirt
   3. Jade: A long skirt

3. Shoes: Many characters wear simple sneakers or flats. Choose a style that matches your character's design.

God Tier Outfits

1. Use reference images to create or modify patterns for the hood and shirt.
2. Choose fabrics that match the color and texture of your character's God Tier outfit.
3. Pay attention to details like the aspect symbol and any additional embellishments.

Troll Clothing

1. Black t-shirts with the troll's symbol
2. Gray pants or skirts
3. Character-specific accessories (e.g., Terezi's red glasses, Eridan's cape)

Wigs and Hair Styling

1. For human characters, you may be able to style your natural hair if it's the right color and length.
2. For trolls and characters with unusual hair colors, invest in a good quality wig.
3. Style your wig using heat-resistant products and tools. Many Homestuck hairstyles involve spiky or messy looks.
4. For characters like Dave or Dirk Strider, consider using temporary hair color spray for a more natural look.

Makeup and Body Paint

1. Gray Skin: Use water-based body paint for large areas. Brands like Snazaroo or Mehron are popular choices.
2. Application: Use a wide, soft brush or sponge for even coverage. Set the paint with a translucent powder to prevent smudging.
3. Eyes and Lips: Use black eyeliner to create the characteristic troll eye shape. For lips, choose a color that matches your troll's blood color.
4. Contouring: Use darker gray shades to add depth and definition to your face.

Horns and Prosthetics

1. Materials: Use lightweight materials like foam, Model Magic, or Worbla.
2. Shaping: Sculpt the horns based on reference images of your character.
3. Painting: Use acrylic paints to create the distinctive orange-yellow gradient.
4. Attachment: Secure the horns to a headband or wig cap using strong adhesives.

Props and Accessories

• John's hammer or Vriska's dice
• Dave's turntables or sword
• Rose's knitting needles or grimoire
• Terezi's cane or scales

Symbols and Insignias

1. For t-shirts, use iron-on transfers or fabric paint to apply the symbol.
2. For God Tier outfits, consider appliqué or embroidery for a more polished look.
3. Ensure accuracy in both design and color of the symbol.

Advanced Techniques and Special Effects

1. LED Lights: Incorporate LEDs into props or costumes for characters like God Tier Jade or Sollux.
2. Prosthetic Makeup: Create more realistic troll features using latex prosthetics.
3. Animatronics: For ambitious projects, consider adding movement to props or costume elements.

Resources and Communities

1. Online forums and social media groups dedicated to Homestuck cosplay
2. Websites like crazecosplay.com, which offer tutorials and resources for various cosplay techniques.
3. Local cosplay groups or workshops in your area

Cosplay Tips and Best Practices

1. Comfort: Ensure your costume is comfortable for long periods of wear.
2. Practicality: Consider how you'll eat, drink, and use the restroom in your costume.
3. Transportation: Plan how you'll transport your costume and props to events.
4. Maintenance: Bring a cosplay repair kit for quick fixes during conventions.

Character-Specific Tips

John Egbert

1. Focus on his signature messy black hair and square glasses.
2. Create his hammer prop using lightweight materials like foam.
3. Don't forget his blue windsock for his God Tier outfit.

Rose Lalonde

1. Pay attention to her precise and elegant style.
2. For her Grimdark form, experiment with black body paint and special effects makeup.
3. Create her knitting needles using dowels or 3D printing.

Dave Strider

1. His iconic shades are crucial - ensure they're the right shape and size.
2. Style your wig or hair to achieve his cool, slightly messy look.
3. For his sword, consider using foam or lightweight plastics for safety.

Karkat Vantas

1. Focus on his perpetually angry expression with makeup.
2. Create small, nubby horns to match his canonical appearance.
3. Don't forget his signature black sweater with the Cancer symbol.

Terezi Pyrope

1. Her red glasses are a must-have accessory.
2. Practice her wide, mischievous grin for photos.
3. Consider making her dragon cane as a prop.

Cosplay Photography

1. Choose locations that match the character's environment or personality.
2. Practice poses and expressions that capture your character's essence.
3. Consider group photoshoots with other Homestuck cosplayers for dynamic scenes.

Conventions and Events

1. Anime and manga conventions often have Homestuck meetups.
2. Comic conventions may attract Homestuck fans due to the webcomic format.
3. Look for Homestuck-specific events or mini-cons in your area.

Cosplay Etiquette

1. Always ask for permission before touching or photographing other cosplayers.
2. Be respectful of other fandoms and cosplayers.
3. Follow convention rules regarding props and behavior.

Sustainability in Cosplay

1. Reuse and repurpose materials when possible.
2. Choose eco-friendly fabric and paint options when available.
3. Share or donate cosplay items you no longer need.

Conclusion