Background:
Cosplay is the creative art of interpreting and representing favorite characters through costume. No matter how beloved the character, and no matter how faithful the reproduction, the truth is that movie actresses do not have DD breasts nor the real life curves that make us all unique and beautiful. Curvy Cosplay creates costumes and sewing patterns that alter the structural design of costumes to strike a balance between screen accuracy and a flattering fit for the individual costume wearer.
My Goal:
Open a store offering custom made costumes, sewing patterns (with instructions), and handcrafted embroidered memorabilia such as hats, totes, quilts, and t-shirts.
The Store:
Because of the diverse and international popularity of convention costumes and cosplay Curvy Cosplay will be an online store. This allows me to reach more customers and reduces the cost to customers since I will not have to raise prices to compensate for store front costs, and customers will not have to pay travel costs.
Products:
Digital PDF Patterns (with included instructions)
- Standard Size (US 0-22) Costume Patterns
- Custom Personalized Costume Patterns (Based on Individual Measurements)
- Custom Personalized Sloper Fitting Patterns (Based on Individual Measurements)
- Commissioned Patterns (Drafted by Request)
Costumes
Costumes are inspired by popular shows and movies such as Game of Thrones, Star Wars, Anime, Manga, and Science Fiction sources. I do not own the rights to the original costumes/images and the costumes/ products I produce are not officially licensed products, but rather my interpretation. Which costumes I design will be primarily based on customer request so I ensure I am producing a product for which their is a demand. I will offer standard size costumes available for immediate purchase as well as accept commissions for custom costumes.
Current Project List:
- Padme Lake Dress (Star Wars)
- Margaery Tyrell Gown (Game of Thrones)
- Danaerys Targaryen Wedding Dress (Game of Thrones)
- Danaerys Targaryen Qarth Dress (Game of Thrones)
- Ned Stark Costume (Game of Thrones)
- Nights Watch (Game of Thrones)
- Erza Scarlet (Fairy Tail)
House Sigils:
- Baratheon
- Greyjoy
- Karstark
- Lanister
- Martell
- Stark
- Targaryen
- Tarth
- Tully
- Tyrell
- More Upon Request
Fan Products (Swag)
Monogrammed, Embroidered House Sigils, Characters, Etc.
- Tote Bags
- Hats (Baseball and Newsboy)
- T-Shirts
- Quilts
- More Upon request
Why I Need Your Help
You may be wondering why I can't just take payment up front and then use that money to buy supplies for the orders. This is an excellent question.
The first reason is equipment. In order to produce quality costumes that are also durable I need a serger to more professionally finish seams. A sewing machine can sometimes produce a similar stitch, but it is not as strong nor as professional looking. My customers deserve quality and durability. In addition, an embroidery machine is necessary to produce embroidered goods in a time and cost efficient manner. If you know anything about embroider machines you may note that the my funding goal may not seem high enough to achieve this. I have some money saved up myself and am going to start with a smaller model. If I exceeded my funding goal I would likely choose a better quality machine to improve the speed with which I can produce products, but I would rather start small then never be able to start.
The second reason is the need for inventory. Although I can take custom orders and ask for payment up front, I need a finished product to show my customers as an example of what they are to receive as as a testament to my skill. Because I am designing costumes that are inspired by copy righted works, I cannot used images from the films themselves (people do on Etsy and other sites, but it is not technically legal and I really don't want to break the law). I therefore need to create at least one of every product so that potential customers have an assurance of the quality of my work.
I can take photos of the backer rewards I create as those samples, while thanking and rewarding your wonderful support!
Updates and Reward Previews
I am starting the design process now and will post updates on Kick Starter as well as on Curvycosplay.com
If you follow the Curvy Cosplay Website you can see costume studies, photos of the costumes I am interpreting, as well as early drafts of the costumes and patterns as they are released.
There are no pictures on Kick Starter because I do not want to violate copy right laws or use the copy right protected images for a blatantly commercial purpose, such as using them to induce you to back me. I hope you understand and as the campaign progresses I will share concept art and answer any questions.
More Information?
I am very excited about starting my own business and love any excuse to talk more about it! Contact me on Kick Starter, Curvy Cosplay Contact Form, or by e-mail at Whitney@curvycosplay.com
I look forward to your suggestions and thank you for your support!
Find us on:
Curvy Cosplay Team
Graphic Design Shout Out
I can't yet afford a graphic designer for my site logo and header, but Darin Case of Dark Castle Designs volunteered to draft the template I will use for the designs on Margaery Tyrell's Costume Bodice. If you are looking for Logo Design, Vehicle Decals, or Stationary check him out at Dark Castle Designs.
Risks and challenges
The greatest challenge will be the learning curve associated with new equipment. It may take more time than I anticipate to perfect the tension settings and hooping procedure. To prepare for this I continue to research operations manuals to ensure I have as strong a foundation as possible before I begin.
The other challenge is to ensure backers and future customers know my creations are original products inspired by popular (and copyrighted) media. My products are not official licensed merchandise or officially licensed reproductions, they are inspired by popular shows, films, and mangas. I just want to ensure everyone knows I am not an employee, agent, or other representative of HBO, Lucasfilm, or any other commercial entity and do not represent their work as my own.
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Funding period
- (28 days)