From Idea to Concept, to Design, Sewing into Fruition
What started as “Why not, this could be fun"
became a Huge Passion for me!
Lumiere or Lumi.
What started as a love for French Court, Clowns and Jesters and all things spontaneous— turned into one of my favorite characters to draw and one of the by far most fun Costumes To make!
Lumi is inspired by French Jester’s and built to be a character or Clown who excels at his role! With Cheshire Cat and SPUNK to be his whole being! Alongside the ability to break reality for simply the fun of it!
To aid understand a mood and Creative Drive for Lumi, here is a Mood Board!
Mood Board:
Lumi Design / Reference Sheet
Process & Construction
When it came to making Lumi, I started with his head. As it gives me a sense of Scale for the rest of the body to fit those proportions properly!
With Lumi, I used my now previous. method to make his head base. To always seek improvement and optimization I have now transitioned into 3D modeling and printing my bases to be used fresh off the print bed!
Which would involve a 3D printed base, that would be layered with Resin-Cast Bandages, using upholstery foam to give distinct shapes/features to his face.
Lumi was actually built to have a large harlequin hat that would be optional to his character. this is a still-in-progress project. In that regard, his head base was built with a 3D printed band to provide the peak and sides of his head with extra strength to support such a heavy garment upon his head!
While making ANY of my costumes. What I find to be a NECESSARY STEP of my process, is tk also make a playlist that fits the character, and listen to the playlist during the making of them. To keep and perpetuate the mood I want them to envoke from START all the way to FINISH!
I would also like to provide the playlist for a better perspective to be had when Perceiving Lumi’s character!
I would also like to provide the playlist for a better perspective to be had when Perceiving Lumi’s character!
After making Lumi’s head base, I would pattern his head. Drafting a Custom and Unique Pattern for Lumi requires taping his entire base. Drawing the design on his tape, with frequent reference to his design.
What I find to be another necessary step with anything I make.
‘Sleep on it’
Step Back.
Breathe.
Take a NAP!
Breathe.
Take a NAP!
Come back with Fresh Eyes
to view your project from a rejuvenated perspective and NEVER a tired one!
I have found that I Improve fastest like this! Call it a Not-So-Secret Method, that more people should take advantage of!
One of the most important features of my Costumes is the EYES. Lumi’s eyes would be drawn digitally, and Printed to Aida Cloth inserted into 3D Printed bases, prototyped and molded by myself. Using Optical Illusion to ensure no matter where you are, Lumi is looking at YOU!
Beyond the head, Lumi has Feet & Hand Paws that are made to be easy to travel and store. As they are fully stuffed and include a polyester quilted lining to assist with durability and comfort. Alongside having a 4-way stretch fabric for comfort and adjustability with Hook & Eye.
Legs made to jut out, and aid the viewer from seeing the costume as a human.
Alongside Achieving his body shape would require drafting a costume pattern for the legs, by layering foam and shaping it be the wanted shape, then taping it up to make a custom pattern. The padding made of scuba-neoprene and built as a type of suspender!
(In the photos here, the 'Padding Pants' are made of a Mix of Neoprene and a Stretch knit fabric. These are the prototypes! I pattern the body-suits off of the prototype to avoid cutting the finished 'Padding Pants')
I know I've done well In my costuming when without fail I receive gasps and disbelief saying:
"That's You?! In the costume?!?"
Sucess!!
Adjusting Design for Viewers with Disabilities!
Having attended several conventions in the last about 5-6 years. One thing I have noticed to be a large point of contention for not only myself but also seeing others voice their distaste of such things would be-
BELLS.
Unnecessary Extraneous noise, for those with disabilities, hearing constant ringing or buzzing, chimes etc. Can and often do become overwhelming, and in worse cases cause those with such impairments distress.
With that in mind, I thought to remedy that by designing, modeling, prototyping, and finally 3D Printing a series of bells that not only thematically fit Lumi's Design. as they would be attached to his SUnray Collars and Cuffs, worn and shaken around without causing irritation or distress for viewers or passers-by!
Small Features!
In Making Lumi, and all my costumes. I plan and give or take away certain features of their costume. With what I plan to perform in them.
With Lumi I wanted him to be:
-Easy to Transport Via Car & Air Travel
-Extra Customizable
-Extra Expressive
-Have Uniquity in a black-lit environment
-Wagging Tail
While for Lumi I didn't have as many features planned for him, although I did want to practice and express features I didn't have on my previous costume Tart (Pink, Dessert-themed Fruit Bat) that I wanted to express through Lumi.
With that Lumi has Black-Light Reactive Eyelashes and Nose! Alongside a tail that wags with ease!
Stuffed, and thematically fitting 'buttons' that snap on and off his feet, tail, and belly! Reversible & Removable Sunray Cuffs, and soon coming a harlequin hat!
With That Lumi is Complete!
-Alternative Winter Dress-
Custom Draped Pattern
As a Believer of having fun with your art,
Here's Lumi with a Mustache!
