Problems finding a commission...

[shinigamil5l3]

Hi!
     I have been trying for the last few months to get a commission going that I do not have the time or skill for yet and been having massive problems in at least getting a finger point in the right direction.

So here goes I am going to a con in april 9-11 and I am supposed to dress as Von Pinn ( Von Pinn )

Comments

[lux_alexander]

I'm really afraid you're not going to find anyone willing to make you up an outfit for cookies.

You also run the risk of actually insulting some of these clothiers by suggesting it - many of them make their living this way.

Also, you should stipulate whether or not this popcorn tin of cookies (admittedly that is a large amount of cookies) would also be expected to cover the cost of materials.

[aubergine_pilot]

It's pretty common amongst cosplayers, I've found - though no mention of a budget is sometimes better than "I want this insanely detailed military uniform that has a zipper spiralling around one sleeve for no good reason and may or may not be vinyl for under US $50".

[lux_alexander]

And as a result, the materials are so cheap it doesn't look like a military uniform anymore because it has no lines. God, one of my biggest pet peeves, but then, I'm a fabric and clothing lines snob - one of the reasons I love uniforms.

[aubergine_pilot]

Yes. People don't seem to realize that good fabric, good sewing, and interfacing are needed to make things like this and this look right in the real world! (Oh dear, my fandoms are showing, aren't they.)

[lux_alexander]

As are your snobberies, but you'll have no complaints from me. I first encountered this problem during the Utena fandom of the late 90s and early 2000s, god there were some travesties done then.

My girlfriend is currently working a uniform for me (historical not anime) and I spent a great deal of time sourcing proper wool broadcloth for it. This will hopefully combine with the interfacing to produce the requisite snap and dash. (Teaser image here if you're interested.)

[faerydragonet]

Oh, dear god. I think I just messed my panties. Do not, I beg you, do not walk around in broad daylight in that, sir. You will be a danger to all ladies of sensibilities.

[lux_alexander]

I shall keep your warning in mind - to the shadows!

[puzzleoflight]

I agree, but buying a costume is like buying a car. You should have a good idea of the features you want in it and how much you're willing to pay before you start shopping around. Otherwise, how are you going to know whether you're getting a fair price?

[veniceparrish]

This is why I don't make costumes for others. Because people who don't sew simply do not have the ability to comprehend why a complete costume should cost more than $50-$200.

[thatjazz]

You worded this very nicely. I freaking love cookies, I do. But I would charge $300 for the labor alone on this. Even if I wasn't a professional costume designer, being a costumer/tailor/seamstress is a huge investment in time, education, and supplies (scissors, machines, tool maintenance), and even someone who just does it as a hobby deserves to be fairly compensated for their time.

[lux_alexander]

Thank you. My girlfriend is a seamstress, so I have some sympathy for the trade. You outline the reasons for charging very well.

[thatjazz]

Also, I suggest including a larger picture of what you're looking for, to give people a better idea of what it entails. I googled to find one, and the costume was much more detailed than I initially thought, and my estimate would probably be doubled.

[lux_alexander]

Well said, I actually meant to include this in my original comment.