How to Create an Astrid Cosplay from "How to Train Your Dragon 2"
Cosplaying as Astrid Hofferson from How to Train Your Dragon 2 is a fantastic choice for fans of the series. Astrid is a fierce Viking warrior known for her bravery, loyalty, and strong sense of justice. This guide will walk you through the steps to create an authentic Astrid cosplay, including where to find the best costume pieces, how to make certain items yourself, and tips for embodying her character.
1. Research and Inspiration
Before diving into the creation process, it's crucial to gather as much visual reference as possible. Watch How to Train Your Dragon 2 and take note of Astrid's outfit, hairstyle, and accessories. Look for high-quality images online and consider checking out cosplay communities on platforms like Reddit and Instagram for inspiration and tips from other cosplayers.
2. Costume Components
Astrid's outfit in How to Train Your Dragon 2 consists of several distinct components:
-
Top and Skirt: Astrid wears a blue tunic top with a brown leather skirt adorned with skulls and spikes.
-
Arm and Leg Guards: She sports arm and leg guards made of leather and fur.
-
Belt and Accessories: A wide belt with a skull buckle, leather straps, and pouches.
-
Boots: Sturdy Viking-style boots.
-
Wig: A long blonde braid with a headband.
2.1. Purchasing the Costume
Several online stores offer complete Astrid cosplay outfits. Here are a few options:
-
Crazecosplay.com: This site is highly recommended for its quality and accuracy. They offer a complete Astrid costume that includes the tunic, skirt, arm and leg guards, belt, and accessories. The prices are reasonable, and they provide customization options for a perfect fit.
-
CosplayFU: They offer a comprehensive Astrid cosplay set for $44.00, which includes free shipping.
-
EZCosplay: They have a range of How to Train Your Dragon costumes, including Astrid's axe prop and wig, which can be purchased separately.
-
Amazon: You can find various pieces like the Astrid costume for $69.99, which includes the tunic, skirt, and accessories.
2.2. DIY Costume
If you prefer a more hands-on approach, you can create parts of the costume yourself. Here's a breakdown of how to make some key components:
-
Top and Skirt: Use a blue fabric for the tunic and brown faux leather for the skirt. You can sew these pieces together or modify existing clothing items.
-
Skulls and Spikes: Create these using air-dry clay. Once dry, paint them silver and attach them to the skirt and belt.
-
Arm and Leg Guards: Use foam or craft leather to create the guards. Add faux fur trim for authenticity.
-
Belt: A wide leather belt can be decorated with clay skulls and painted details.
3. Accessories and Props
3.1. Astrid's Axe
Astrid's axe is a crucial part of her look. You can purchase a replica from EZCosplay for $102.99, or make your own using EVA foam and PVC pipe. Paint it with metallic colors to give it a realistic look.
3.2. Wig and Headband
Astrid's long blonde braid is iconic. You can find a suitable wig on Amazon for around $42.99. Style it into a braid and add a leather headband to complete the look.
4. Makeup and Hairstyling
Astrid's makeup is relatively simple. Focus on natural tones with a bit of eyeliner to emphasize her fierce look. For the hairstyle, if you're using your own hair, consider using a hair extension to achieve the length and volume needed for her braid.
5. Embodying Astrid's Character
Cosplaying is not just about the costume; it's also about bringing the character to life. Here are some tips to embody Astrid:
-
Posture and Attitude: Stand tall and confident. Astrid is a warrior, so maintain a strong and assertive posture.
-
Expressions: Practice Astrid's determined and fierce expressions. She is often seen with a serious or focused look.
-
Voice and Speech: If you're participating in a cosplay event, try to mimic Astrid's voice and way of speaking. Watch scenes from the movie to get a feel for her tone and mannerisms.
6. Photography and Presentation
Once your costume is complete, consider setting up a photoshoot to capture your hard work. Choose a location that resembles the Viking world of *How to Train Your Dragon*, such as a forest or rocky terrain. Use props like Astrid's axe and pose in action stances to bring the character to life.
7. Community and Sharing
Join cosplay communities online to share your progress and finished costume. Websites like Reddit, Instagram, and cosplay forums are great places to connect with other fans and get feedback. You can also check out tutorials and tips from other Astrid cosplayers to improve your costume.
Conclusion
Creating an Astrid cosplay from How to Train Your Dragon 2 can be a rewarding experience. Whether you purchase a ready-made costume from sites like Crazecosplay.com or make your own, the key is in the details and your dedication to bringing the character to life. By following this guide, you'll be well on your way to becoming a fierce and authentic Astrid Hofferson.
