Programming

Armor & Metal Work 101

Learn what tools are needed to work with armor & metal and learn some basic skills

Body Paint 101

Learn the basics for choosing your color, tools of the trade and applying an even color

Body Paint 201 – Special FX Makeup

Learn texturing, shadowing and more advanced techniques

Steampunk Costuming

A discussion of the genre, it’s costuming and props

Cyberpunk Costuming

A discussion on the genre, it’s costuming and props

Sci-Fi Costuming

A discussion on the genre, it’s costuming and props

Halloween Costuming

A history of the biggest holiday of the year for costuming and upcoming trends

Closet Costumes

No budget and no time?  How to build a costume from what you have in your closet or can easily find

Cosplay as a Profession

What does it take to make a living as a cosplayer?

Creating Your Character

The importance of identifying yourself as a character beyond your Costume

Day 2 – Review of Panels from Day 1

Take a quick review look back at the Panels and Workshops of Day 1 of Maker Costume Expo

The Differences of Costuming and Props for Stage, Screen, Conventions and Halloween

Not all costumes are created equal.  Learn what separates costuming as made for Stage and Screen, Conventions and Parties

Drafting a Pattern

Can’t find the pattern you’re looking for? Learn how to draft a pattern to make your own

Electrifying Your Costume – adding lights to your Costume

Different techniques and types of lighting to add to your costume
Panelists: Lon Muckey

Electrifying Your Props – adding lights and animation to your Props

Different techniques on how to light and animate your props
Panelists: Lon Muckey, Marc Irvin

The Expo Shoutback

What did you like or not like about Maker Costume Expo?  Let us know so we can improve for next year.

Hair 101 – Basics

Basic hair for costuming if you are using your own hair. Real hair and what to do with it.

Hair 201 – Let’s Get Crazy

Anime and Special FX Hair if you are using your own hair. Real hair and real crazy.

Interpreting a 2D Costume to 3D

Bringing something from a flat page or animated screen to the real world is a challenge. Learn some tricks for interpreting a 2D costume to the 3D world

Just Props

Making props from novice to professional. Whether you use what you can find to make a unique and individual custom prop or you want tips and tricks for making a replica of your favorite movie prop the same way it was originally created. This class is for you.

Let’s Talk Shoes

The shoes really do complete the look and in the world of costuming that is no different

Makeup 101 – the Basics

Basic makeup, tools and techniques

Makeup 201 – Let’s Get Crazy

Dramatic Makeup, Anime Makeup, Fairy Makeup and more…

Makeup – Special FX Makeup

Aliens, Zombies, and Monsters, Oh my! Learn about applying prosthetics, blood, etc…

Men’s Makeup and Wigs

Makeup for men find their challenges in looking natural while not looking like themselves.

How to Find and Order Props/Costumes From a Maker

Your not a seamstress or a maker but want an awesome costume. How to find the people who make them and how to order from them.

How to Make Hair or Fur Look Real

Punching, weaving and combing your hair to make it appear accurate and not “made”.

How To Pose and Perform for Still Photography and Video

Learn how to research your character to pose for a still photograph but also to be comfortable moving if asked for a video.

How To Wear Your Costume Not Let Your Costume Wear You

Having an awesome costume, amazing makeup and perfect hair and shoes is only half the battle.
Panelists: Katherine Stewart

Photoshop for Costumers

Smoothing skin, changing eye color, adding special fx like lasers or super powers and moving yourself to an entirely different background. Learn it here.

Professional Costume Photography

Movie stills, posters and cosplay photography, the challenges of photographing someone in costume.

The Psychology of Wardrobe

When you need your “character” to make an immediate first impression, you need to understand why people react in a certain way to the colors and style they are wearing.
Panelists: Katherine Stewart

Social Media For Your Business

You’ve got it all but no-one will know if you don’t promote. Learn how to use Social Media to your advantage to draw attention to your business. For anyone who wants to make a business out of their creative passion!

Sourcing Your Materials, Where to Find Them

Finding what you need to make a costume can be a challenge! Discover some of the places to source your materials from

Working with Foam

Tools and techniques for working with Foam
Panelists: RoxyRoo Cosplay

Working with Leather

Tools and techniques for working with leather

Working with Worbla

Tools and techniques for working with worbla
Panelists: RoxyRoo Cosplay

Vendors For Vendors

Vending as a living? Learn some tips and tricks from your family of vendors

Wigs

Don’t want to use your own hair for a costume (or can’t) how clean, style and dye wigs for your costume.