Costumer’s Corner
BY Martin Jaquish Comic-Con Masquerade Coordinator
Tips for the novice
Two photos that show the incredible level of craftsmanship at Comic-Con’s Masquerade each year. At left, “Honorable Mention for Textile Crafsmanship,” “Charm Lord Orlouge,” made and worn by Anne Kirn. At right, the “Judges’ Choice” winner: “World of Warcraft Raid Bosses,” made and worn by Maryssa Morris, Matt Miller, and Nessa Rigby.
At the first World Science Fiction Convention in 1939, Forrest J. Ackerman, writer, editor, and collector of all things science-fiction related, ushered in convention costuming by wearing a futuristic silver outfit portraying a character from the film Metropolis. As fan conventions grew, so did costuming, and masquerade parties and dances became regular events. Eventually, masquerades evolved and the dance floor was replaced with chairs as the crowds grew larger and presentations more elaborate. Today’s ComicCon Masquerade has more in common with the traditions of live theatre than parties, as the audience is treated to a stage spectacle of larger-than-life heroes, villains, creatures, goddesses, robots and more, some presented with drama, some with comedy, some in epic battles and some even with song and dance. If the exciting art of costuming inspires you, how should you proceed? We asked that question of some experienced convention costumers. Here are a few of their tips: • Any art works best when you do what you love, and do it for fun. Don’t worry about what may be “hot” this year; follow Photos by Jerry Shaw.
your inspiration, whether it be a re-creation or something completely original from your imagination. • Be a character on stage, not just a mannequin. If you are a hero, strut and stand proud, if a monster, act threatening, if a princess, learn to walk as one. Use music to create mood. Even if you’re a solo entry, you can likely find something comedic, dramatic, or innovative to include. • Wear something that works with your body type, not against it. Not everyone looks good in every type of costume. A clever costumer spends a long time at the mirror, evaluating. • Old costumer adage to wow a crowd: “Do it first, do it best, or do it differently.” In other words, try to bring something to the stage they haven’t seen before. If you can’t be the first to do a specific character, then make yours stand out in some other way, perhaps a humorous twist, special effects, or as part of a large group. • Surprise the audience, but don’t surprise the technical crew! Let them know what you
have planned, so that your lighting and sound cues happen as you want them. Sure, hide those wings under your cloak to startle the audience, or rip off your fairy mask to reveal a gargoyle beneath, or wage a lightsaber battle, but clue the tech crew in on your plans. • Choose fabrics wisely for workability as well as for stage appearance. For a group, usually everyone’s fabrics should have a similar look. If one costume is made of spandex, and another cotton or leather, they won’t mesh well. Groups have the advantage for presentations, but one weak element can bring the quality of the whole group down. Remember: details do get noticed by the judges, as well as the cameras. • Reserve your contestant spot as soon as you can, or you may find the show filled up. Most conventions have some sort of contestant orientation: rehearsals, or panels giving tips. Make use of them. • Finally: obey the showbiz adage: Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse!
Winter 2008 • Comic-Con Magazine 43