Friday, September 09, 2016
Working with EVA Foam for Costume Construction
makezine.com: Yesterday, I went down a rabbit hole of EVA cosplay videos on YouTube. No, that’s not some weird… proclivity, EVA (Ethylene-vinyl Acetate) is an extremely versatile foam material (think: the material used in yoga mats) that’s used for all sorts of costuming and prop applications. It is reasonably-priced, lightweight, easy to cut, form, and bond, and it can be used to effectively simulate everything from giant sci-fi power armor to fantasy leathers.
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7 comments:
I used to be an avid convention attender and my curiosity of how some cosplays are made is sated. After watching all of the videos I'm temped to start making a cosplay of my own. My favorite part was the small incisions that expanded under heat. That type of skill seems to have so many different opportunities and areas of possible further development and exploration. I really wish I had more time to experiment on personal projects, so now I'm sitting around hoping for a show to require armor of some type.
This was a pretty cute article. It was unabashedly excited about this type of foam and then they just link a whole bunch of youtube videos they found. It was like when your friend comes up to you all excited after finding something they thought you might find interesting, unlike some of these articles that is coldly explaining whatever the article is about. It was also a lot of fun to watch all these videos, it looks like it is really simple to make some pretty amazing props and costumes for really not a lot of money. All you need is to be able to see all the layers in an object and know what shapes you’ll need out of the foam to do it right; a challenging task in itself. The easy paintability and rougher texture that you can bring out of this foam makes it easy to make it distressed. There are so many applications for this foam. And you don't need to make molds or use resin casting to make some amazing costumes.
Ive worked a LOT in EVA foam. it is by far one of my favorite materials to work with. I am super happy that more and more people are discovering this great material. Starting out making costumes with little to know money EVA was a god sent. If you dont have a heat gun you can use your oven to mold it. If you want to glue it hot glue works great. IT has so many great properties for people on a budget.you can amp up the looks buy covering it in other materials like PVC cloth to give a more metalic feel it truly is great.
To me, EVA foam is just another great example of how technology and products are continuing to expand and become vastly more accessible to anyone with a passion for costuming, cosplay, or just dressing up on Halloween. I think this shows an appreciation for the art of clothing and costume design, which has grown with the increased production capability of action movies, historical dramas, and all that today's television, movies, and theatre have to offer. What's more, talented viewers who lack the one thing these shows and movies have over them - I'm looking at you, CGI - can now express their undying love of fantasy fandom to an impressive degree with often near-professional results. EVA foam is yet another tool for the pride viewers take in the entertainment they love. Even today, with all the newfound popularity of nerd culture, comic conventions and Netflix availability going around, it is not hard to find those who look down on people who choose to spend their time and money making costumes and getting dressed up to show their unashamed love. EVA foam is a gift to those who still wear their capes and tights proudly, making it easier than ever before for them to escape to the world of their favorite character. This product means something to those people, aside from its usefulness, and that is what makes it great.
I was pleasantly surprised that I had so much fun reading this article! This felt like something I'd like to look up on my own time, and just binge watch for hours. That being said, I've always been amazing my cosplays and had a love of dressing up. My schedule never really allowed for cons, so I live through others for now. I've never heard of EVA foam before now, but I have seen tutorials of cosplayers using playmats typically sold for young children to play on. EVA foam appears to be the new and improved playmat! Reading through the article I found myself getting super excited about all the possible techniques. When I started the video I figured you just cut and stick, but there's so many ways to manipulate the foam in ways I've never thought of or seen with any other material. The heat incision technique to me is the most amazing, since that would save so, so, much time from trying to carve detailed helmet. The article was also laid out in a fun and engaging way, which I love. It's also amazing to see so many people excited about what I love most : costuming and nerd culture. It's an amazing feeling knowing just how talented these individuals are, and how much work they do all on their own accord. It also reminds me that even though I'm going to school for theatre, there's so much out there that can be learned through curiosity,imagination, and observing others. I've had a longing to do a Midna Cosplay from Legend of Zelda,so if SOD work load allows, I may do this for Halloween and make her Helmet out of EVA foam!
This article caught my eye as I am beginning to think about how to complete the mask project for design for the stage. EVA foam looks like an extremely flexible materiel that has the advantage being relatively hypoallergenic compared to many mask making materials which is a huge bonus. I really want to try using this interesting materiel at some point but unfortunately I think it may not work for my particular mask. I’m going to be trying to replicate a semi realistic human face and it seems like it would be very difficult to capture all of those intricate details in such a thick foam. That being said EVA foam still looks like a really incredible materiel. The expanding under heat cuts, insane ease of use, and inherent lightweight make this one of the coolest “hip” materials I have seen in a long time. And to top it off, it’s cheap!
I know I know I choose another cosplay one to write, but I truly believe it is important to write more about this. Cosplay has become something more than dress up as character from your favorite (insert here). It has become an art, where people have become more and more creative to bring to life something they care about. Doesn't that sound familiar. With materials like Eva and instruction manuals people don't need to professionals in order to create something they love, they can just go ahead and try it. That is what I love about cosplay, and these articles relating to it.
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