Cosplay Propmaking

Do you or someone you know enjoy dressing up? Whether it is for a Sci-Fi convention, a historical re-enactment, a local theatre production or just a fancy dress party you could be creating your own costume or prop whilst putting your own stamp on the design.Hats, headdresses, masks, armour and hand held props will be explored using a variety of techniques. You will explore modelling techniques, casting, and fabric manipulation.

What is the course about?
Creating costume accessories and small props for Cosplay events.
Learning making techniques.
Recreating outcomes from photos.

What will we cover?
- Modelling in clay and other pliable materials
- Mould making and casting
- Life casting
- Large scale work
- Paint effects and finishes
- Contextual research.
- Simple stitching techniques.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Sculpt models in clay, Styrofoam, and more.
- Cast models in plaster, Alginate or Silicone Rubber
- Stitch basic templates together
- Learn the basic principles of making hats, headdresses, masks and small props.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is a beginner's course so no previous experience is necessary, although those with some experience are
also welcome.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be introduced to new materials and techniques at each session, and encouraged to develop these to the best of your ability. You will be taught by demonstration followed by practical application, and given short tasks to follow. We understand that you might be more comfortable with some processes than others, but encourage you to have an open mind in order to experience all techniques and therefore gain the most from this course. You will receive one-to-one guidance and there will also be group discussions. We also encourage independent research and investigation outside of the class but this is not compulsory. You will be shown examples of work from practising practitioners and you will receive information about further progression routes available.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Materials and Equipment

Basic materials are supplied, though you may be asked to bring in images and/or objects to support various tasks. If you get particularly enthusiastic about a certain process, you might want to buy further materials. In this case you will get advice from the tutor in class.

Please bring a sketchbook, pencils and a pen to sketch and make notes. A camera is also useful to photograph your work.

What to Wear
Please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes—no sandals or open-toed footwear. Old work clothes or overalls are also advised.

Health and Safety
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as facemasks for use when working with materials that may release airborne particles, will be provided and must be worn as required.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?
If you enjoy this course and would like to pursue your interest in prop making and gain more in-depth experience of the prop making industry, the ideal course for you is 'Introduction to prop making for film, TV, theatre and display'. You may also be interested in the City Lit sculpture course.

Please ask your tutor for advice, browse the City Lit website for inspiration, or contact our visual arts team by emailing visualarts@citylit.ac.uk or calling 0203 880 2415 Monday - Friday, 11 am - 4 pm.

The in-person information desk (at our Keeley Street campus) is open Monday - Friday from 12 pm - 1:55 pm & 3 pm - 5 pm. In-person enrolment is supported Monday - Friday from 10:30 am -12 pm & 3 pm -5 pm. General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Student Centre and Library on Monday to Friday between 12:00 - 13:55 & 15:00 - 17:00. In-person enrolment is supported Monday - Friday between 10:30 - 12:00 & 15:00 - 17:00