This past year I finally got over all my worries and started making kigurumi masks. Despite all my anxieties and worries about the masks not turning out, not knowing what I’m doing, working with materials that I have to take extra precautions when working with, I got over myself. Early in the spring I committed to the fact that despite my best hopes and intentions my first attempts would be just that, my firsts. Much like base training in running, the key is consistency and being ok with not being at a level where you want to be.
Throughout my life it seems when I was least comfortable, is where I have had my most intense periods of learning. With each project starting from Honoka to the most recent Ram mask, I’ve sat down each project wanting to focus on one specific aspect of mask making. Others have often commented about how these have been “off” but I know where everything is off. I worry that we all take too much time showing only final and polished aspects of our lives, whether cosplay or regular, that few appreciate and admire the journey to everyone takes to get where they want to be. Professionally, personally, the best learning and growth is the journey through the less comfortable places.
So what I want to ask, what have you been wanting to do, but have been too too much doubt to try? What I have often found helpful throughout my learning this past year is focusing on a very specific aspect of what I want to set out to learn and focussing specifically on that. Whether it is learning how learn a new sewing technique, wig styling, costume drafting, or even making your own Kigurumi masks, we are living in a time where if the information isn’t directly available in your fandom, there are other fandoms that do. Take mask production and the plethora of information in the 501st community. Wig colour dye, there is lots of information available about dying synthetic fabrics. The point being is that often, breaking a project down into its component tasks and skill sets will open new avenues to finding the information that you need to get your project done. Moreover once the project is done that learning is yours forever.
As always, I would love to hear a time when you’ve overcome a challenging project and learned how to do something you only dreamt of accomplishing. Comment down below or send me your story at stories@ctriff.com.
Until next update
Chris
Chris and Meph 