https://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/design/2013-07-13/cosplay-all-day/

Cosplay All Day

By Richard Whittaker, July 13, 2013, 12:07pm, Chronique

Ever wondered how to make your own Steampunk pith helmet? Or how to vacuform Storm Trooper armor? Panicked that your Cobra Commander gloves just aren't on model? North Austin comic store Dragon's Lair is holding an all-day cosplay symposium to solve all your character costume conundrums.

The one-day even, going on now at the Norris Conference Center, is a newbies-to-experts introduction to the skills, crafts and artistry of playing dress-up. This isn't just about going through some old boxes for spare clothes: Many cosplayers learn everything from cutting cloth to leather working, and this is a great opportunity to exchange knowledge amongst the growing community.

Aside for representatives from Central Texas R2 Builders Group and Ghostbusters ATX, there's a veritable army of local professionals and experts on costuming, tailoring, design and fabrication. That includes UT Professor of Wigs and Makeup Allison Lowery, Rick Gonyo of Designs by Talon, plus Chelsea Johnson of CAJCosplay on plus size cosplay and Josh Powers of Star Wars' greatest expression of fandom, the 501st Legion on weathering props and costumes.

For the budding cosplay photographer Dell from Filmshooter Event Photography and Jeff Cicolani will be running panels on convention composition and catching cosplayers in the wild.

And it's important to remember that a lot of cosplay groups do a huge amount for charity, so stop by the booths for the American Cancer Society and local Halloween fundraisers (and Best of Austin winners) Scare for a Cure.

Still a little baffled about what cosplay is? Check out this video we shot at Wizard World Austin Comic Con and this interview with leading cosplayer and creator Meredith Placko.

Dragon's Lair Cosplay Symposium, Norris Conference Center, 2525 W. Anderson Lane, Suite 365, Sat. July 13, 10am-11.30pm. Afterparty at Elyzium, 705 Red River. More at the event Facebook page.