Ever puzzled what knowledgeable cosplayer carries round of their equipment bag? I sat down with Abi Le Guilcher (in any other case often called Opal Ink Cosplay) to seek out out. There’s loads that goes into cosplay, from crafting costumes to content material creation, and I will be unpacking the highest tech for cosplayers as picked out by a professional. See my interview with Abi for some prime tips about methods to get began in cosplay.Discovering the suitable instruments for cosplay might be tough, with so many materials choices to select from (there’s EVA foam, leather-based, spandex, chiffon, physique paint, and to not point out wigs). I’ve not too long ago been studying methods to 3D print cosplay props, and had some fairly nice outcomes. I additionally found 5 ways in which you should utilize a 3D pen for cosplay in the course of the course of as properly.Abi’s cosplay work is actually phenomenal, and her VFX make-up expertise depart her unrecognisable when reworking into advanced characters like Pennywise, a Wendigo from Till Daybreak, and a clicker zombie from The Final of Us. She’s additionally recognised because the official Atreus cosplayer for Santa Monica Studios and has been chosen to symbolize the UK subsequent month on the upcoming ECG (Excessive Cosplay Gathering) worldwide cosplay competitors in Paris.Beneath you will discover among the greatest instruments, tech, and prime inventive software program that Abi depends on for cosplay, however for some extra shopping for recommendation, check out our guides to the very best laser cutters and engravers, in addition to the very best stitching machines for rookies.High content material creation instruments
An reasonably priced possibility for high quality visuals”The Sony ZV-E10 steps up my social media posts vastly and has so many makes use of, from cosplay portraits to Twitch streaming and unboxings. It’s additionally a digicam designed for rookies/vloggers, so it is an ideal starter piece of equipment in the event you’re unfamiliar with cameras. DJI additionally do some nice handheld cameras for content material creation that may be a bit extra budget-friendly”. See Abi’s overview of the Sony ZV-E10 for extra particulars.
Paired with Procreate, it is a prime design device”I’ve had my 11-inch iPad Professional for 5 years-ish now, however it’s a big assist for issues like cosplay and photoshoots. From checking reference pictures to sketching out costume designs when crafting, I couldn’t reside with out it.”Check out our iPad Professional 11-inch (M1 2021) overview for more information.
03. Joby Beamo ring mild
Go full content material creator mode with skilled lightingGood lighting is important for ensuring your cosplay make-up appears skilled and making certain your content material appears even higher. There are some nice budget-friendly choices on Amazon for each ring lights and handheld lighting for cosplay movies. Abi makes use of a Neweer mannequin, paired with a Blue Yeti Nano mic. See our information to the very best digicam for streaming for extra shopping for recommendation.
Supplies and instruments
Nice for prop-making from scratch”I’m a giant fan of the producer PolyProps because it provides so lots of the supplies I would like for my tasks in a single helpful place.” Abi not too long ago created a complete bass guitar out of froth, and it appears epic! (see under).
Nice for post-processing props for that completion”I take advantage of the Dremel model loads as their hand sander is incredible for all of my foam tasks for armour and weapons. They’re straightforward to make use of and light-weight, and simply tremendous reliable”.
Spraycraft SP45K Skilled Airbrush
Nice for weathering cosplay props”I really like utilizing an airbrush for issues like sensible weathering on costumes and paint particulars, and would love to make use of it extra sooner or later.”
Cosplay Make-up must-haves
Abi makes use of Mehron make-up paint palettes and creamblend sticks for an array of superior SFX and cosplay make-up appears. Instead, Abi additionally recommends DiamondFX face paints, Kryolan make-up merchandise, Glisten Cosmetics water-activated eyeliners (I take advantage of these too!), and ColourPop Cosmetics eyeshadow.
Elmer’s purple glue stick
Abi makes use of Elmer’s purple gluesticks for sticking down her eyebrows for cosplay make-up creations, in addition to for conserving wig sides caught for dependable all-day put on. It could take Abi anyplace from 1 to three hours to finish a cosplay make-up look, relying on the complexity of issues like this physique paint/prosthetics.
Contact lenses might be a superb method to elevate your cosplay to the following stage. Abi shares, “Solely put on contacts in case you are comfy with it, as loads of folks cannot stand contacts! There are some incredible Korean manufacturers that do some actually cool lenses, together with plenty of prescription choices.”
Software program
The most effective Adobe software program packages for creativesAbi makes use of Photoshop for modifying a few of her visible property that she shares on social media. Check out our Adobe Photoshop 2025 overview for extra particulars on this software program program.
The most effective all-around editors for fast contentAbi makes use of Capcut for placing collectively a few of her most epic transition movies that you’re going to discover on her social media channels, particularly her TikTok, @OpalInkcos.Check out our information on methods to use CapCut.
The most effective FREE video modifying instruments for creativesAbi makes use of DaVinci Resolve for modifying a few of her cosplay content material, in addition to any b-roll footage captured throughout work filming tasks for Spores Productions, of which Abi is a producer. Check out our DaVinci Resolve 19 (2025) overview.
Abi’s cosplay wishlistI requested Abi what’s on her cosplay wishlist, and if cash have been no object, what would she purchase?”I might like to check out extra Sony lenses, and sooner or later spend money on an excellent higher digicam physique to essentially step up my photograph/video content material! I’m additionally determined to in the future personal a big 3D printer so I can get again into 3D modelling, after which I can mannequin and print my very own equipment for cosplays. laser cutter would even be excessive on my dream record to make my life simpler.FAQSDo you favor working digitally or with extra conventional strategies and instruments on the subject of cosplay?I’m a blended media queen – I really like utilizing each digital and conventional instruments in my tasks. I largely use Procreate on my iPad Professional (11-inch) for something design clever, the place as I historically sketch out plenty of my templates for issues like weapons and armour so I can simply alter proportions in actual time!Do you comply with or take inspo from any particular tutorials for cosplay make-up and crafting or is it primarily your personal inventive imaginative and prescient?Not likely! I’m all the time an individual who has struggled vastly following directions, so I not often use issues like business stitching patterns or actual tutorials. I really like getting a tough thought of how tasks will come collectively and simply kinda winging it as I am going, utilising the experience of associates by asking for assist after I actually get caught. It’s like a continuing (largely) enjoyable puzzle on this pastime.
