Costumery

Tutorials & More

Today's Date:   

:: INFORMATION ABOUT COMMISSIONS ::

Please read this entire FAQ before submitting an Inquiry!

Click on each orange header to learn more!

 

+ First Rule

Submitting an inquiry does not automatically mean your commission will be accepted. There are some projects which are beyond our resources or are too time-consuming at present.

I will let you know of our decision within the week.

+ Second Rule

I am an artist, not a magician. I will do the best I can with what is available. That being said, sometimes by going another step farther and investing in more or better materials will yield a much better finished product.

+ Contracts

Before work shall commence you will be required to sign (e-signature) a contract. It's a legal formality but is designed to keep things running smoothly and ward off evil spirits. It's a basic run-down of the item(s) you commissioned, payment details, and other pertinent information.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW A SAMPLE CONTRACT

+ Materials

I only use high quality materials with the best color match. I use the same materials I make my own costumes from because I have high standards and know you do too! A note on color matching: I use my computer to color match based on the reference pic(s) you provide. Please know I am at the mercy of the market for finding the right fabric, I don't own a warehouse nor a costume sweatshop.

b. Found the perfect material for your costume? You can purchase your own materials and ship them to here for the costume (You're responsible for shipping and making sure that they arrive).

+ Reference Pictures

As much as I'd love to be familiar with all the anime and game characters in existance, I am not. Unless I've already made the costume for someone else, you must send clear reference pictures of your character from a variety of angles.
(Front, back, sides, close-up, full, etc).

I am not doing research for you. If there are limited pictures of the character, feel free to draft a few of your own and send them. For an additional charge of $5.00 we can draft some possibilities for your approval. 

If you send small, crappy pictures, you might get a small and crappy costume - and no one wants that. -__-;

+ Difficulty

Difficult or intricate costumes will be subject to additional fees.

+ Sizing

Tailored to fit your measurements. Please be accurate! At present we can only accomodate work up to ladies 14 or mens large, based on the chart OVER HERE (popup).

It's a good idea to get someone to help you with this. Hold the tape firmly and don't pull it too snug! Do not add inches to your measurements - we automatically allow a few inches for a comfortable fit. Let's face it, you might want to eat...and maybe breath while in costume... just maybe.

Please, accuracy is a must if you want your costume to fit. If you have a 40 inch chest, a 36 inch waist and 46 inch hips, you ARE NOT a size 4. To avoid shenanigans, just provide your real measurements the first time. I'm not here to judge, I want you to be happy with your costume.

Note: DO NOT SEND ME A PHOTO OF YOURSELF EXPECTING ME TO KNOW WHAT SIZE OR HEIGHT YOU ARE! Height and size are incredibly subjective to the photographer and angles, perspective, and lenses used can greatly alter things. Please just provide clear reference pics along with accurate measurements. I wish I were joking, but this just recently happened.

+ Why Choose You?

1. Unlike many eBay sellers, I don't overbook - this allows me to focus our attention on your costume. It's a good thing.

2. US-based. Why pay $30 for shipping from China/HK?! You're only responsible for the exact shipping costs plus insurance to your area. Most often this is around $7 to $10 varying by weight.

3. I work to the best of my abilitiy and take my time to get things right the first time.

4. Communication is a big part of the business. I stay in contact throughout the commission. If I need more information (e.g. finished length of shorts etc.) I will always ask before assuming something.

+ Do You Take Rush Orders?

No - Haste makes waste. This is not a cosplay sweatshop and I hold a fulltime job (unfortunately I can't make a living off costumes). A minimum of 4 weeks is required for costumes (after payment has been received) so please plan ahead.

If you have a date or event in mind, tell us.
"I need this for Otakon!" isn't as helpful as
"I would like to wear this at Otakon so if I could get this by June, 14th that'd be great!"

+ How And Where Do You Ship?

Worldwide shipping is available. I am unable to ship items resembling weapons outside the United States for security reasons. You're responsible for covering the shipping costs and insurance (required). I will provide shipping quotes with various methods for you to choose from. Most clients are happy with First Class shipping via the USPS.

+ Payment Specifics

After sending an initial inquiry, we will send you a quote for the goods and provide you with shipping options. At this point you can accept the quote and choose a payment plan:

a. Full payment - exactly what it says
b. Two Part payment plan - You send half the quoted price to cover materials and some labor, upon completion you send the other half.

Payment methods:
Postal money orders (preferred), well-concealed cash (sent at your own risk), and Paypal.

+ What Costumes Can You Make?

We can make most costumes. If something is super fitted/skimpy we may not be able to accomodate your request unless you live close enough for frequent fittings. Even with dress forms getting a good fit is difficult without you present for a fitting.

+ What if I Don't Want The Costume After I Paid You?

THERE WILL BE NO REFUNDS OF ANY PAYMENT SENT IN.

No cancellations will be accepted once work has begun on the project as we may have already bought materials and turned other projects down to work on yours. Be certain that you want something made before you order.

Furthermore if you've opted to do the 2-part payment plan and default on the final payment upon completion of your project, it becomes sole property of Stealthos.com and its associates and you forfeit all rights to it. Future orders will not be accepted.

+ Can I Compete With This Costume?

Please do NOT compete in contests with any costumes and or accessories we provide. It's very dishonest and frowned-upon to deceive and make others believe a commissioned work is your own.

All I've got to say is, KARMA. What goes around, comes around.

+ Do You Do Wig Commissions?

Yes! I can style wigs for your character. You can either provide your own wig or we will get one for you.

Please note: We want you to be 100% satisfied with your wig. Wigs are generally sewn and designed to be worn with the hair down. If the style you require deviates from this (e.g. spikes, ponytails, pigtails, parting etc) wigs usually are too thin for spiking or will show the wefts and mesh if pulled up. As such we will add hair extensions into the total bill (again, only if the style requires it).

I've had a few customers who didn't want to pay for extensions (which usually run about $3 to $4 a package - most wigs have only needed 1 package) only to later say, "Well, I wasn't really happy because the hair wasn't thick enough for the ponytail" or something along the lines of that. With extensions you'll get a fuller style and much better coverage.

+ Can You Make Me A Super-Cheap Costume?

Again, we are not Wal-Mart or a cosplay sweatshop. Generally we only work with high grade materials because they yield better results meaning we'll all be happier. If you want anything worth wearing, expect to pay more than what Walmart charges.

If you are on a budget - we can negotiate using less expensive materials or a simpler design. My aim is, as always, to recreate garments and accesories with utmost accuracy no matter what we're working with.

+ Can You Make Props and Accessories?

Props: I occasionally do props for people. Please realize large items may be costly to ship. Generally I work to keep props as light and durable as possible.

Jewelry: I make jewelry and accessories - I work primarily with metals and glass. Unless you specifically request it, I will be avoiding plastic beads and materials.

Accessories: If you need hair accessories or clip in extensions, let me know!

+ Open Line of Communication

As I said before, I'm big on communication. If I need more information from you about a measurement, you bet I'll be emailing you. This courtesy extends to you, if you have questions or want examples of something, please feel free to contact me.

New: When starting a project, I often find I need more information than I requested initially. In an attempt to provide faster service/feedback, I will provide you with my AIM screenname (and hope you'd share yours too) so we can communicate quicker.

As always you can contact me using the CONTACT form listed to the left.

+ How Can I Submit A Photo?

I always like seeing my work in action! If you have photos of yourself in costume and would like to have them posted here, let me know! I'll link back to whatever identifier page you request (e.g. deviantart, coscom, myspace, lj).

+ I Still Have A Question Though, Stealthy!

Didn't find the answer here? Send a note using the CONTACT link to the left. I'll do my best to answer promptly.