The first thing I always like to do when starting a new project is to make a line art drawn over an outline of my own body. Doing this enables me to know how certain details are going to fit on my body and a rough estimate of how much material I’m going to need. 

Another great thing about making a line art is that you can start trouble shooting for your costume. So for Soraka she has hooved feet and i really liked the idea of making that effect for the costume. I know I wont be able to wear those shoes for the entirety of a convention day so I thought up a way for the shoes to be swapped out to flats so I can be more comfortable. 

Another thing I’ve been able to think through for Soraka from the sketch is the wings on her lower back. I was able to think through the harness attachment, and mechanics for the wings to open and close. The Harness will go under the main costume and the wings will be a simple pulley system I can open and close.

This project will also be my first stab at making my own silicone molds for the gems, hooves and diamonds you can see through the costume. This will be a completely new skill I’ll be learning, I’ve used premade silicone molds in the past just pouring resin inside but I’ve never made my own. I’m hoping making my own molds will be another skill to push me that little bit further in the competition. 

My next step in the project will be fabric shopping! We’re planning to go to the fabric district in Houston to shop around for different textiles so our costumes match! This costume will be a huge undertaking but I’m really excited to start this new project for Star Guardian Soraka! Check out my Instagram for updates throughout the build process!