Jacqueline Goehner

Tip: Sometimes, beads can be tricky to find, but if you can't find what you're looking for, you can either make your own beads or you can find a substitute! For Deedlit's mantle, I took a bunch of drinking straws, cut them down to the right length, painted them and then attached them to a black fabric for my mantle. Not everything is readily available to us or it's impossible to find, but when it is, look around you! You'd be surprised what can work!

Jacqueline Goehner

Photography: DavinDaLilAzn

Tip: Don't limit yourself to traditional sculpting tools. With my Witchblade, I used a toothpick and the prongs of a fork to achieve the cool organic look!

Jacqueline Goehner

Tip: Body painting can be difficult, especially if you're doing it by yourself! If you can't find a friend to help you out, lay out a drop cloth and a sizable mirror to help you find areas you might easily miss. Also don't forget to do it in a dry, warm area so your makeup paint will dry. Don't forget to add on a sealing spray to help hold your makeup down and try your hardest not rub up against anything if your makeup comes off easily!

Jacqueline Goehner

Tip: Make sure you wear very comfy shoes! If you MUST wear heels, try to select a pair with a thicker heel. Spiked heels make footwear terribly uncomfortable and it'll show your photos!

Paul Esquer

Tip: A great way to create a wow factor for your costume is to apply hand painting directly to the fabric. It can really push the values of your outfit, and that helps to draw and keep the eye on you.

Paul Esquer

Tip: The type of paint or coloring technique you use is also important. The armor here I wanted to be light weight and safe to walk around in, considering how pointy it is! So I went with layered cardboard cores, and then adhered vinyl to it. Then painted with a mother of pearl sheen, and finished it off with some varnish.

Paul Esquer

Tip: During a photo shoot, always be aware of your surroundings. If there is something in your setting that you can utilize as a character, then go for it! Climb a tree! Take a dip! Crawl all over a boulder! Just remember to keep safe.

Paul Esquer

Tip: When wearing a mask all you have to convey your attitude is your body language. Try practicing in front of a mirror to see what works best for your character. 

Meesha LeDoux

Photography: WeNeals

Meesha LeDoux

Photography: WeNeals

Meesha LeDoux

Photography: WeNeals

Meesha LeDoux

Photography: WeNeals

Jessie Pridemore

Jessie Pridemore