Process: Mockups for crafts artisanship pieces

In the course of making a hat, helmet, glove, boot, breastplate, what-have-you, the making of a mockup is an essential step in the process. A mockup allows you to see a three-dimensional shape of the piece and fit it to an actor; it gives you a "canvas" onto which the designer can manipulate scale of aesthetic elements. I try to make mockups from something as close in nature to the final material--vinyl or heavy felt mockups for leather items, poly jersey for knit caps, thin craft foam for Fosshape thermoformable felt pieces.

If a piece is likely to be needed in rehearsal, it's helpful to make the mockup in such a fashion that it can be finished off and used as such.

( Here are some images of mockups: armor, hats, boots, and more! )