Advice, Tips, Techniques and Warnings!

• The number one most important consideration above all else when making Darkness........start in November. Specifically November of the previous year.
  
• Glue guns are HOT!


• Save everything! I found a use for the oddest items to make this costume. Most of the prosthetics were made from soft packing foam and a thin paper like foam from computer packing material. Thin cardboard worked great for making forms and molds for things like the hooves.


• If you make the headpiece like I did, make sure you wear a beanie cap or something to make a buffer between your head and the final product. That space you will line with foam. Padding from a bicycle helmet would work fine. The reason being I made the mistake of making the skull cap a perfect fit. No room for padding. The was a small bubble in the cap that pressed against my temple all night long. It was extremely painful! Fortunately I had a pain medication from having a tooth pulled earlier. If not for that I'm sure I would have passed out. So, remember..... padding! Think soft, fluffy comfortable padding!


• If you choose to go the fiber glass route, use outside! The fumes are extremely toxic! Additionally, cut the fiberglass cloth into small manageable strips. It makes for easier handling especially when applying the resin. Be liberal with the resin but be careful not to use too much as it will pool up. Put the headpiece on a post or something when you start on the horn sockets. Make sure something is on the floor as the resin dries fast, hard and permanent!


• Glue guns are HOT! Really hot!


• Spend the extra cash on a good pair of theatrical fangs. I bought the cheapo pair and wound up gargling them.


• If you go for the contact lenses, the pair that are closest to the movie run about $250. The pair I bought were not totally accurate but very cool and cost about $65. I had to get a prescription but I have heard some companies will sell them without one.


• Glue guns will give you 2nd and 3rd degree burns. Are we clear on glue guns now?


• If liquid latex is used, here are some considerations: Shave any body or facial hair where you intend to use latex! Unless you want to experience the sensation of a full body wax, shave!


• Do not let latex get on fabric. It will make a permanent bond with the fibers.


• When applying, do not let it touch itself to another part of your body before completely dry (10 min) as it will stick to itself and tear. Use something to prop your arms on as holding them up will become difficult after 5 minutes. Don't believe me? Take a copy of the Los Angeles Yellow Pages and hold it with an outstretched arm for about 2 minutes. That is how your arms will feel after 10 minutes just with their own weight.


• Latex will lift itself from your skin after about 4 + hours. It will wrinkle, tear, and droop. Basically fall completely apart. Here are some photos towards the end of the night.


• Look on the Internet for anything and everything you can think of when brainstorming ideas for this costume. You'll be surprised at what you find and learn.