SJ Costume for Megacon 2012?

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db

MemberOvomorphFebruary 06, 2012

I should start by saying this is a new thread requested by some of you so you can track my progress on a costume I'm making (of an SJ) for possible inclusion in Megacon 2012 in Orlando, Florida in 2 weeks. I'll post pics and descriptions as I go (or have gone), since I've been working on this thing part-time for the last week. My full-time job is teaching video and audio production (with a side of art direction) in Central Florida. My media of choice to create my sculptures (seen elsewhere) and costumes is: chicken wire (basic structure), paper covered with masking tape (for general sculpted sections/shapes), and twisted masking tape (for detail), covered with more masking tape for a skin. I'll cover everything with either liquid latex (for pliability with costumes), or resin (usually for sculptures). Check back from time to time if you'd like to see my progress. Hope you enjoy!

db
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February 06, 2012

Meanwhile, one of my twin sons, (13 yrs, old), asks to help, and makes me 10 origami fingers. I show him how to detail one of them with small pieces of twisted tape and he does the other 9! [IMG]http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p495/dbshark94/SJ%20Costume/IMG_6354.jpg[/IMG] Eventually, I'll get a long latex glove and add them to the glove with more biomechanical muscle detail going up the glove. Thanks son! (Proud papa!)

db
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February 06, 2012

[IMG]http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p495/dbshark94/SJ%20Costume/IMG_6351.jpg[/IMG] Left side is getting there, so I try it on and show off the head and fingers to the family... (creepy eye in there)... maybe it really is a biomechanical suit, like Ridley said?

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February 06, 2012

[IMG]http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p495/dbshark94/SJ%20Costume/IMG_6382.jpg[/IMG] Front view showing added shoulder work.

db
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February 06, 2012

[IMG]http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p495/dbshark94/SJ%20Costume/IMG_6384.jpg[/IMG] Left side view of added shoulder detail.

db
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February 06, 2012

[IMG]http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p495/dbshark94/SJ%20Costume/IMG_6389.jpg[/IMG] More detail...

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February 06, 2012

[IMG]http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p495/dbshark94/SJ%20Costume/IMG_6386.jpg[/IMG] CU of shoulder left detail. Remember it's just paper and masking tape over chicken-wire...

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February 06, 2012

[IMG]http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p495/dbshark94/SJ%20Costume/IMG_6387.jpg[/IMG] The head with fingers on the side. Last pic for awhile. Next installment will show the head completed. Then fingers get attached to gloves and detailed. Then everything gets covered with liquid latex and air brushed for detail. I consider this costume to be a mix of the original SJ from the 1979 "Alien" movie and updates according to what I've seen online for "Prometheus". Wish me luck! Comments and critiques welcome.

db
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February 06, 2012

@Enderwiggen: Thanks for the kind words. I'd like to think the original SJ (from '79), was a mysterious, ancient, fossilized remnant of a nobel long-lost alien civilization that fell prey to a chestburster (just like Ridley implied in the original movie). But if he's found a way to tell its species' story through "Prometheus", while keeping true to the original universe (DNA), whatever he wants to call it, so be it. PG-13, R, prequel or not, in 122 days, I'm at my nearest IMAX in a seat!

Jeffomorph
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February 06, 2012

Watch someone post these as "New SJ PICS" for Prometheus.

Engineer Prototype - Model GAJ84
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February 06, 2012

You made that with just masking tape, newspaper & chicken wire? Just goes to prove you can turn something so simple into something wonderful. Major kudos to you Db, can't wait to see the finished product.

db
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February 06, 2012

Lol Jeffomorph! Ridley can hire me any time he feels like having a little more chicken-wire around the set! I'm probably way off in the design. I know the Prometheus SJ's are a lot more streamlined (according to the "statues" seen behind Shaw in that pic.) I just liked the original idea of a big, mysterious elephantine head and torso melting into a chair, rather than a "suit of (tight fitting) biomechanical [quote][/quote]armor" wearing army boots.

db
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February 06, 2012

@Engineer Prototype: Thanks! I started using this method mostly out of bugetary concerns. (I've probably spent less than $40 on supplies for this costume so far.) But through the years, I've really grown to love just how detailed you can get with it.

Engineer Prototype - Model GAJ84
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February 06, 2012

I like your thinking Db. I wouldn't even say your way off the design, Who is to say all Space Jockeys/engineers are the same? Your thinking fits nicely with the "used future" style. We all know the suits are bio-mechanical so whats to say that after it being worn by the user for a long period of time could make the suit change or morph with who or what is inside?

Dewey70
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February 06, 2012

That is some seriously impressive work. Thanks for the step-by-step, I'd like to get into sculpting, myself.

db
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February 06, 2012

Great ideas there EP. The ultimate green factor. Recycled biosuits!

db
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February 06, 2012

@Dewey70: Thanks. Just start with some paper and a good (sticky) masking tape. Make something small and work up from there. Facehuggers are a great way to begin. And when you're done, you have something light weight and wearable. Don't be scared to rip it apart and start over... it's just paper and tape!

db
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February 06, 2012

FYI: At this point, I'm about 30 hrs. (4-5 hrs. per day) into the project...

F--- it - lets go for it!
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February 06, 2012

that is incredibly similar to original in texture and tone, and slightly waxy looking... some fantastic work here. im always in awe of people with real talents and skill that are of benefit in the real physical world!!!

Chris
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February 06, 2012

Really fantastic work [b]Db[/b], keep up the great work! If you get the piece finished and upload a wide shot of the whole thing, I'd love to make a mention of this on the front page Prometheus news column.

Predator: Badlands - coming November 7th, 2025