How to Make a Mask Cosplay
Masks are a great way to cosplay a character because they can completely transform your look. Masks can also be very versatile and be used for various costumes. This blog post will show you how to make a mask cosplay.
We will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to make the mask and some tips on how to wear it and make it look like the real thing. So, whether you are wanting to cosplay as Batman, Catwoman, or another character with a mask, read on for our helpful tips!
Step by Step Guide: How to Make a Mask Cosplay
Step 1: Choose the Material
The first step of any cosplay build is to decide what the costume will be made out of. There are many options available, but we advise looking at some basic rules before making any decisions:
1. Use a material that will easily allow someone to see out of it. Unless you are going for an imposing-looking mask, most masks will require the wearer to be able to see through them.
2. Make sure whoever’s face shape your base mask is designed around can fit into it comfortably. Nothing kills a costume faster than an ill-fitting mask that slips around.
3. Match the material to the character. For example, a leather Iron Man face mask will look ridiculous on a cowboy, so discretion is needed when picking your base design.
Step 2: Research and Set Your Budget
The next step is to gather information on your character and figure out what you can do with your funds. If a suit of armor is not something you can make, a mask will at least get you one step closer while still looking like part of the costume.
Try to find at least three different masks for your character that are available on websites like Amazon or eBay, then pick out the ones you think look best. Then, if you have the funds, try buying one, even if it’s just a placeholder until you can make your own.
You can also check it out to Make Phantom of the Opera Mask
Step 3: Find a Starting Point
Once again, a lot of this depends on your budget. If you have a mask that you can use as a base, try to find good pictures online of it from the side, front, and back to clear the angles in your head when designing.
Step 4: Make a Design
If you don’t have any masks to work with, look at your character and find the most defining features. We suggest finding a good picture of your character that shows their face from multiple angles, then using them as reference points for designing your mask.
When designing, be aware of what you’re going to make the mask out of – While cardboard will work for a few quick mock-ups, it won’t hold up over time. If you’re using something like cardboard or wood, try to use a paper stencil to make your design easy to repeat.
Step 5: Choose the Shape and Size of the Mask
If you’re designing a mask for someone, take their facial features into account here – The more curved and rounded your starting shape is, the harder it will be to curve correctly. Try to imagine how you would want the finished product to look before cutting into real materials. You never know if an idea that sounded good in your head will work out.
If you’re using a base that’s close to the size of your face, try to match it exactly If not, extend or reduce the design so that it matches ring sizes. A good rule of thumb is to make the mask 1/4 inch wider than your eye line and an inch longer than your chin to your forehead.
Step 6: Make the Mask
This part shouldn’t be too hard if you have access to tools. Use what you’ve designed as a guide for cutting out the essential pieces, and then do any necessary carving or cutting to make them look right. If you don’t have access to tools, try making a paper stencil that will be easy to cut out with scissors and trying your best to follow it when laying material over the original design.
If you’re using cardboard, this step should be fairly self-explanatory. If you’re trying to do it with wood, many kinds of wood will split or crack slightly when cut if they are not appropriately dried beforehand.
Step 7: Add the Edges and Details
You should be able to get away with hand-sanding edges if your mask is made out of cardboard or paper mache. If you’re using real materials, try to find a jigsaw or something similar that can get into tight corners and do it. If you want to add any details, such as where the mask would meet your character’s armor pieces, use a ruler and pencil to mark them before carving out the details lightly.
Tips for Cosplay Crafting: Making DIY Masks
1. A material to cover your face with. You can use cloth, plastic, or paper mache, but in the case of the latter two, you’ll need something to hold them in shape while it dries(duct tape is recommended)
2. A material to make the inside of your mask with. Paper mache is good for this, but you can also use cloth, plastic bags, newspaper, or rubber foam sheets
3. An object to trace around. This will be the shape of your mask, so you’ll want it to be as symmetrical or close to it as possible
4. A pencil for lining up the pattern with the object you traced around
5. Scissors for cutting out your pattern(or using them to cut apart further a paper mache mask)
6. Colored paper, fabric, or paint. Use any of these to decorate your mask if you’d like
7. Duct tape for fixing cracks in your paper mache mask or holding it together while you let the glue dry
What Foam Is Used for Cosplay?
Foam is an ideal medium for making masks in cosplay because it is easy to shape and detail. Foam comes in a variety of thicknesses, colors, and types that can be easily cut with an x-acto knife or other hobby knife, sanded down using sandpaper or various grits of wire wool, heated with a heat gun to give it the curve of human facial features, and dyed with acrylic paints. Often it is glued together with strong glues such as Gorilla Glue or Liquid Nails.
Conclusion
Cosplay is a great way to show your love for a character or series. It can also be a fun and challenging project. If you’re new to cosplay, start with a simple mask project. There are many guides online that can help you get started.
With a little bit of time and effort, you can create an amazing mask cosplay that will wow everyone who sees it. We hope this blog post on how to make a mask cosplay has been helpful. Have you ever created a mask cosplay? What was the process like for you? Let us know in the comments below.
Nancy Behan
Nancy is an embroidery artist, fashion blogger and a full time editor at DIY quickly. Nancy edits the fashion section on DIY quickly, focusing on the embroidery and cross stitch articles, alongside with fabric and other costume design elements. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Arts in Art History. She loves to work on her own projects, read books and watch romantic movies in her spare time.
