Hello, both old and new subscribers or lurkers!
I don't get online a whole lot these days besides checking my facebook and occasionally uploading photos on here and tumblr. I used to be pretty hooked on DA between late High School and early College days, but it just became more difficult to keep up as my workload increased. I graduated college, but I now work a full-time job and just have evenings and weekends to relax and work on my hobbies. I do social networking for my job, so I'm generally not in the mood to do my own social networking when I go home. XD Cosplay is a wonderful hobby, but there have been times when it took a toll on my health. I am prone to anxiety and stress, and too much of it causes migraines or makes me sick. I've had to change a lot of things about my lifestyle; besides a lot of online inactivity, I stopped focusing on my personal Youtube channel, stopped competing in contests, stopped setting deadlines for costumes, started making less (but higher quality) costumes, doing less photoshoots, and developing a thicker skin against negativity. I still make costumes and strive to be the best person I can be, and I hope those of you that still follow my work can respect the decisions I've made.
To make things easier for everyone, I'm going to post answers to some of my most frequently asked questions here, and leave this on the top of my profile for hopefully everybody to see! XD If you've asked me a question before through a note or a comment, please read below!
Q: Do you take wig commissions?
A: No I do not! D: I occasionally take some here and there, but only from closer friends. Unfortunately I just don't have the time for them. I work a full-time job, so I like to spend what free time I have on personal projects and having some relaxation time.
Q: How do I style this wig!? What wig/color should I get?
A: I have a variety of wig styling tutorials both here in my gallery as well as on the Arda-wigs website!
If you still can't find what you're looking for, please email me at customers@arda-wigs.com with your question and I'll answer to the best of my ability. Part of my job is helping customers with wig questions, and you'll get a much quicker response if you ask me there instead of here.
Q: How did you make your _____ costume?
A: When I upload the first photo of a new costume I like to type a nice wall of text in the artist info box with all that info for you guys! Check my gallery folders for more photos of the costume, and you'll likely find it.
Q: How should I make my _____ costume?
A: At my work we have this handy forum! I check the forum regularly during the week, so feel free to post your question there, and other costume-makers might have some advice as well!
kingdom-arts.org/viewforum.php…
Q: How do I get into cosplay!?
A: Do some research for tutorials or take some sewing classes if you're interested in making your own things, but if you don't have the money or time to invest then there's nothing wrong with buying a pre-made costume or commissioning someone to make it. Start simple and challenge yourself to experiment with new materials and techniques as you go! If you think something will work then go for it! Buy cheap fabrics or articles of clothing from Goodwill/Salvation army to take apart and play around with.
Regardless if you make or buy your costumes, enjoy it!
Q: Can I use one of your photos for a class/publication/etc?
Q: Are you going to _____-con?!
A: Here is my current con list for 2015:
-Midwest Costume Academy
-Acen
-Colossalcon (fun time con)
-Cosplacon (guest)
-Dragoncon (depends on work)
This list is subject to change depending on if I'll be sent to more/different cons for work, or if I get invited anywhere else as a guest. For cons I work at or am a guest at, I am compensated for transport and hotel, which is why I am able to go those long distances. Most of the cons I am able to afford for fun are just the more local ones (which for me is around Chicago).
I've had people offer to pay my way to go to a con near them, but I'm just going to tell you guys that the answer is no unless it's being offered by the con itself. I'd feel bad using someone's personal money like that, and it'd make me feel obligated to return the favor, and I just don't want to get myself into that kind of situation. When I guest at a con, I'm technically working for my hotel/travel by hosting panels and judging the contest. If you're offering me money for the gas and hotel without asking for anything in return, I'm going to be suspicious.
When I work at a con, this means I'll be at the Arda Wigs booth during dealer's room hours, so feel free to stop by and say hi (maybe buy some wigs! ;D) but just a heads up that I can't chat when there are customers that need my help.
Sorry for the long explanation of things; since I've been to cons all over, people oftentimes assume I can afford to go anywhere, but that's not actually the case. XD I'm currently in a good financial situation, but I'd like to put more money towards future investments like a house or car rather than blow it all on cons and costumes. XD
Q: Why don't you do skits/videos anymore?
A: I work a full time job now in a place far from where my skit friends live. As much as I enjoy making silly videos, it's difficult when I don't have the time or enough people around to make them happen. :<
If you have another question that is not answered here, then feel free to send me a message on facebook; it's currently my favorite place to share my work and interact with people.
Sta.sh
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