The reason I decided to go with Mercy as my next big build was because I wanted to make something animatronic, but larger in scale than my previous projects.
This particular version, the early concept art from The Art of Overwatch book, although visually striking, to my knowledge was not cosplayed by anyone before, so I was eager to ‘go in blind’ with no other references than that single drawing.
The project was challenging, and made me learn loads of new skills:
- I never worked with aluminium before, so I had to buy a welding machine and learn how to weld.
- I haven’t done 3D modelling, so had to learn some of that too.
- Using unusual electronic components – f.x. Chip on Board LEDs and how to animate them.
Because of that, from start to finish this entire build took around 1,5 years.
Materials used in this project: aluminium, steel, plexiglass, pleather, EVA foam, PLA 3D print filament.
Techniques used: welding, soldering, 3D modelling, 3D printing, sewing,
foam-smithing, painting, airbrushing.
I chose metal as my primary material. Although it is really hard to work with, it has a distinct, “real” look and feel to it that I wanted for my build.