Dragon*Con 2009
Day 3 (Saturday, September 5th)

My first panel of the day was on Steampunk Costuming. After seeing some of the amazing creations at the Time Traveler’s Ball the night before I was ready to get pointers on how to improve my own outfit.

I came away with information on how best to plan a costume, what materials to use and how much is too much to include in a single look. One speaker said that the best place to start when planning an outfit is with your profession. This will give you an idea of the overall look and items you might need. He said after you’ve chosen that you can select an era such as post-modern, Victorian or 1920’s.

Another speaker suggested that starting with a silhouette from a particular time, type of outfit or character. He said that what makes a costume recognizable is the outline. Viewing a slide with two photos of Darth Vader it was easy to see what he meant. One was the “traditional” Star Wars Vader, the other a Steampunk version. (The image to the side is not what was used in the presentation, I put that together for the blog.) What makes the Steampunk Vader recognizable is the silhouette – the helmet, cape, boots, solid chest, etc.

Both speakers suggested that we draw our costume first to have a clear picture of it and then find components that fit the vision. I can’t draw and didn’t think of doing a mock-up of any kind first. I can see the value in having a clear vision from the beginning.

Sheena's Steampunk Costume

My costume is a monster hunter equipped with a Steampunk “tricorder” to take readings, potions to subdue monsters for capture and a zap gun for total incapacitation or termination, if necessary. The character is much like the “bag and tag” agents from “Warehouse 13″ or “Sanctuary”. She holds a doctorate in Cryptozoology and is interested in documenting, studying, and preserving (not killing) the rare preternatural creatures of the world. After this panel I can see how I may need to rethink certain components of my costume.  I may an incomplete silhouette or just too much stuff going on.

Some of the items of my gear are plastic, painted with metallic paint. One of the speakers said he prefers to use real brass for his costuming because it is more authentic and very easy to find cheaply. He showed us an amazing brass arm piece that cost less than $25 in materials. He went on to tell us just how easy it is to learn to work with a blow torch, saying it is “like super gluing with metal.” Um… no? First, I don’t have metal cutting tools or own a blow torch. Second, even if I did I don’t think it would be the best idea for me to play with fire. I have a hard enough time keeping glue off my hands and paint out of my hair. His creations were magnificent but to replicate the techniques would require learning a whole new set of skills and purchasing new tools (and fire insurance). I’ll stick with metallic paint, for now.

The other topic of discussion was how much is too much. There are many, many items out there for sale on ebay and etsy and that dexterous individuals may craft at home. Just because you have two guns, six key rings, a hat, goggles, an arm piece, and a fancy cane does not mean that you should wear them ALL at the same time. The speaker showed us side by side comparisons of two outfits. On the left was someone with at least 6 different Steampunk components including armor, goggles, weapons etc. The person on the right had an arm piece and an eye piece over relatively plain Victorian era shirt and trousers. What he wanted us to notice in this comparison was how the outfit on the left becomes a texture as you look at it. All the layers combine to create something the eye interprets as a whole, rather than individual pieces. By simplifying the look and including only two really nice components, the man on the right had a more successful costume that drew the eye to what made it Steampunk.

After the costuming session I was off in search of food and then to the live taping of The Signal podcast. The Signal is a podcast dedicated to Joss Whedon’s “Firefly”, a short lived but well-loved SciFi/Western television show, and the follow up movie “Serenity.” Always a fun event, the live taping includes audience participation, prizes and a live musical performance. Perhaps the most significant revelation to come out of this year’s Signal live was the gorgeous, fully-lit and partially motorized model of Serenity herself, the beloved ship from the television series and movie.

Serenity

The model is being produced by QMX (Quantum Mechanix), the premier maker of prop replicas for SciFi movies and television shows such as “Stargate” and “Battlestar Galactica.” For this project they worked with professionals who have created such movie-ready models as Star Trek’s Enterprise and ships for Star Wars. Initially they were put off by Serenity’s lack of “shine.” They were used to working with ships that gleam, coated with gloss, not bare-bones metal. QMX founder Adam Levermore-Rich asked the guys to sit with the blue prints, watch the television show and the movie and become familiar with the vessel.

Naturally, Serenity is now their favorite ship.

As much as I’d like to own one of these amazing models they are only creating 1000 of them. They already have over 1300 names on a waiting list. They would not discuss pricing at the Con, but Adam did say that they were making layaway arrangements with an on-line banking site which says to me it’s going to be VERY expensive. The model comes in a professionally packed movie set crate complete with pre-cut foam for absolute safety. The electrical components light up the ship, mimicking the engine rotation and back-lighting a tiny crew on the deck. There is even a red button remote control that allows you to set off a “flash,” simulating the ship’s hard burn. How cool is that?

This particular model may never be in my budget but Adam said the same builders will be coming out with subsequent versions in different sizes and with other options such as landing gear. One thing they said they will NEVER do is a reaver version of Serenity. Why? They don’t want to make her ugly! Awwwwwww.

Also taped during The Signal Live were musical performances by Marc Gunn and stories from the makers of the full-length film Browncoats: Redemption, benefiting charities selected by cast members from Serenity. If you happen to listen to the podcast, I’m the girl signing the Fruity Oaty bar song to win a poster and also the one who told the Han Solo story.

After the podcast taping I intended to go to the Alternate History Track panel “Farby Fashion and Misguided History: History Goes to the Movies. An exploration of the erroneous ways that filmmakers and actors have brought history to life, and possibly, discussion of some who’ve got it right!” Unfortunately, the panel was full so I did some shopping in the dealer area and then went back to my room.

I had intended to see a panel on The Guild but fell asleep instead. Oops! I did promise myself that I would rest when I needed rest so I’m not going to beat myself up over missing anything. There is always more to see and do but I can’t enjoy any of it if I’m tired or sick.

That night I had dinner with friends at upscale “Sear” in the Marriott (next to several famous actors, no less) and then hit the D*C Rainbow Party. The DJ was hit and miss. When he was hit he was amazing (try The Prodigy vs. The Killers!) but when he was miss – well, his turn table artistry did not extend to scratchin’ and I think his bpm meter was off a little. Much dancing was had regardless. The drinks were strong, the company excellent and the scenery lovely. Don’t ever let someone tell you gay nerds don’t know how to party!

Coming soon – Dragon*Con Day 4, the final installment for 2009