Volpin is a freelance props and replica artist, and cosplayer who lives in Atlanta. He has garnered a lot of attention for his video game prop replicas such as the Portal Gun (Featured in Playstation Magazine US, April 2009) and Daft Punk Helmet (Featured in The Guardian UK August/September 2010). His website and blog offer step by step photos and information on the creation of his props which is an excellent resource for aspiring prop makers!
Website: volpinprops.blogspot.com
Facebook: facebook.com/VolpinProps
Flickr: Volpin's photostream
Photo by LJinto.
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»What was your first prop, and why did you decide to make it?
That
would be either Midna's helmet or Link's Hylian Shield, I can't remember which
one I finished first. My wife and I (girlfriend at the time) decided we
wanted to go as Link and Midna for Halloween in 2007. I had never even
heard of cosplay until that point, and only really had a passing interest
in making things. We had a week to finish our costumes, and since I can't
sew, we decided I would make the headpiece for Midna and the accessories
for Link. I had plans for a sword, but time was against me and I only got
these two things done in time for our Halloween party. Everyone loved
them,
and I was hooked.
»How did you learn the skills required for your creations? Are you self taught or was there schooling involved?
I have a minor in Furniture Design from college, but outside of that all my skills are self-taught. I went to school for Graphic Design and paid my way though college working as a mechanic. I've always been working with my hands and this was sort of the natural progression of all that. The internet has really been my greatest teacher. I've learned how to make molds, cast resin, airbrush, design electronics, do rudimentary programming, sculpt - nearly everything I know about propmaking really - from tutorials and from reading about other people's projects online.
» I am sure your props are inspiration for many others, but is there someone that inspires you or that you admire as a cosplayer, propmaker etc?
There's another builder named Mike Iverson (BlindSquirrel) who has always
been very influential in my work - if you look at my blog entries, you'll
be able to tell they're a pretty direct rip-off of how he makes his!
Before
I knew anything about all of this I found Mike's blog and followed his
techniques like scripture. I look up to the guys that work at the big
houses - Stan Winston Studios, WETA, etc - but the people like Mike and
Lee
Camara (Fev) who put their process out there for everyone to learn from
are
really the kinds of people that inspire me.
» Which piece or costume is your favorite, and which piece or costume gave you the biggest challenge?
My favorite costume has to be the Big Daddy. It
was a rush job and one I wish I'd had another month to complete, but the
reaction people had when they saw that thing was electric. All things told
it really didn't give me much of a headache when building it, but maybe
the
experience has been a bit dulled after 2 years. I seem to recall a lot of
bloody knuckles from working around all that raw, sharp fiberglass. The
biggest headache is the project thats most recently in my mind. They all
have their challenges, but once they're shipped off its amazing how
quickly
all the stress is forgotten.
»What would be your number one tip for someone who is just starting to get into propmaking?
READ! Google, then read. The read some more. If you're about to email someone for advice, stop - and do another 2 days of reading.There is SO MUCH information out there. Places like the Replica Prop Forum, the 405th, cosplay.com and Instructables are brimming with tutorials from people who want to share what they've done. I've never taken a single class in electronics. Three years ago when I made my Portal Gun, I had never heard of a microcontroller and had no idea how to wire up even a single LED. After some time researching online, I knew how to make my own
circuitboards! I think people take the accessibility of some builders for granted sometimes. There is nearly limitless knowledge out there, and the best way to educate yourself is to research it and try it for yourself.
»Do you have a dream prop or costume, and is it something you think you might make in the near future?
I'm really looking forward to the new Bioshock game and some of the awesome things bound to come out of it. I've always wanted to build a Gravity Gun, and I'm actually undertaking that build right now. Its a beast, but I'm hoping to have it done by the end of November. Fingers crossed! |  | | »Top Tutorials | | »Great Resource
| | »Pro Tips
Some types of paint can melt foam, especially enamel paints and spray paints. When you want to paint a piece of foam it is best to do a couple layers of primer first to prevent your piece from being damaged. Priming also adds some strength to the foam and can create a smoothe work surface once sanded.
After painting you should put on a protective coat of sealer to make sure your paint doesn't scratch or rub off. Make sure to read the sealer to see if it will work with the paint you used on the prop! | |
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