Creative Process¶
Ideation & Sketches¶
Research & Inspiration¶
The foundation of this project began with a deep dive into the current landscape of cosplay design—its strengths, limitations, and unexplored opportunities. Traditional cosplay costumes are often constructed in layered formats: shapewear is worn underneath, while costume elements—armor, props, electronics, and accessories—are typically attached directly to the outer layer. While this allows for impressive visual detail and customization, it introduces several functional drawbacks, particularly for those with limited mobility or who spend extended periods in costume.
As costumes become more elaborate, the weight and distribution of external components can become problematic. Many cosplayers resort to using belts, harnesses, or adjustable straps to support heavier items such as power banks, wings, or rigid props. Though effective, these solutions often result in cumbersome, restrictive designs that limit fluid movement and can cause discomfort over time. Sitting, bending, or even walking naturally becomes difficult, which greatly reduces the costume’s usability—especially for wheelchair users or performers in seated roles.
This sparked the central idea behind my project: What if the costume itself became part of the infrastructure? Instead of layering shapewear, electronics, and structure separately, what if they could be seamlessly integrated into a single, functional base suit? This would not only reduce external bulk but also enhance mobility, comfort, and ease of assembly—an especially crucial consideration for adaptive cosplay.
One prominent reference in this space is Svetlana Quindt (Kamui Cosplay), a renowned figure in the cosplay community known for her expertise in armor builds, LED integration, and wearable props. Her designs often incorporate shapewear-style underlayers to help support weight and improve fit. However, like many industry-standard approaches, her costumes are primarily built for upright performance and static poses. As a result, they tend to become less functional when seated, limiting flexibility and accessibility for diverse body types or mobility needs.
This realization became the catalyst for a new design direction:
- A bodysuit that not only smooths the silhouette but also serves as a platform for mounting electronics, structural elements, and decorative components.
- A modular costume system where bulkier or heavier items are attached to the body, not the costume exterior, streamlining the visual and mechanical integration.
- A reimagined cosplay workflow where accessibility and adaptability are considered from the outset—not as retrofits, but as integral design features.
Key Insights and Inspirations:
- Traditional cosplay costumes often attach key elements externally, leading to mobility and comfort challenges.
- The use of belts and external rigging is widespread, but introduces bulk and limits natural movement.
- Integrating electronics and structure directly into shapewear can create lighter, more streamlined, and more wearable costumes.
- Bodysuit-based designs allow for modularity, easier assembly, and greater accessibility.
- Influences like Kamui Cosplay showcase the effectiveness of shapewear integration, but reveal the limitations of standing-only designs—highlighting the need for seated and adaptable costume solutions.
These insights guided the early stages of my creative process, leading to initial concept sketches, technical diagrams, and experiments with materials and placement strategies. From the outset, my approach has prioritized not just the visual impact of the costume, but the embodied experience of the wearer—one that supports full expression whether standing, seated, or in motion.