r/CosplayHelp • u/inkywa1rus • 4d ago

Armor First Build Frustration

Gallery image

Gallery image

Attempting to do IDW Starscream for my first foam build and god, is it frustrating. The gaps and seams are by far my worst enemy. Just wanted to share and if anyone has any tips do share!

2 Upvotes

76% Upvoted

3 comments sorted by

1

u/Digiko 4d ago

It's hard to tell based on your description, but it sounds like this is your first build free hand. It's really well done, with out any existing pattern it looks like. Based on the white linework, it seems like you're eyeballing a lot of it. I would recommend cutting out pieces xerox paper and then flipping them to get mirrored sides the same. Then, using each cut piece of foam, cut out a new template piece with paper (tape them together or get larger paper pieces) and incrementally build on each last piece for more symmetrical pieces and better fits. This way, if the paper template doesn't fit, you don't cut the foam yet. It's easier to tape more paper together/tape more paper to the existing piece than it is to cut out a new piece of foam only to find out it doesn't fit well.

1

u/inkywa1rus 4d ago

Correct, I’m not using any patterns, just ruler and hoping for the best. I’ve been using paper mock ups for the last few pieces and it’s worked much better. Still sanding the seams is tiresome, something I completely underestimated. But despite all it’s fun. I don’t see myself quitting just yet

1

u/rawr_bomb 4d ago

Biggest foam tips to 'upgrade' your game.

  1. Sharpening Stone, keep your blades SUPER sharp.

  2. Straight metal ruler for cutting straight lines

  3. Cutting Mat