You may have seen the Crafting Legends cropping up on your social media feed from time to time, wondering exactly what the big deal is?
The Crafting Legends, commonly referred to now as “The Legends” are a group of community and professional artists that dedicate their time crafting props for the professional market to cosplaying in the local scenes. What makes them Legends, however, is their commitment to making the community a better place; be it with providing free education to the community to promoting a better and equal image of cosplayers and industry artists.
So how did the Legends come about? Poly-Props Ltd (UK based), a brand of crafting materials, came up with the idea when invited to a cosplay focused event ‘Cos-Con’ in 2015, held in the city of Glasgow. The event set to prove a point; what the scene was all about. Cos-Con founders, Thom Wall (Sorenzo Studios), Alasdair Watson (Alasdair Watson Photography), and Caitlin Lappin (Skogsagas/Sorenzo Studios) set out to provide an event which reflected the cosplay culture; creativity, community and craft. Ultimately, this birthed the Legends, as it was a means for Poly-Props to bestow a title on individuals who also promoted this culture. This was initially done by giving Legends a T-shirt, which are worn proudly by artists through Europe.
Sorenzo Studios
As the brand was developing, so were relationships. Poly-Props grew a close friendship with Artyfakes, a duo of high standard artists that provided residential courses for aspiring crafters.
Nic Samiotis and Tabitha Lyons, the duo that created Artyfakes, were clear examples that professionalism in the industry and community can both be tied together, which inspired the Legends Culture even further.
Artyfakes; Left- Tabitha Lyons and right- Nic Samiotis
Becoming a Legend now is harder than ever (which makes it so much more satisfying when you become one)! So what do we look for in a legend? That’s easy;
Dedication to the craft and contribution to the community. As Poly-Props grows, the Legends grow. As the legends grow, so does the opportunity for events and services to offer more through them.
Ali Cosplay and Props, Germia and Ketrin Cosplay
Now recognised world-wide and being involved with international pop-culture giant MCM and Reedpop, the Legends are growing strong! From humble beginnings, the Legends now provide workshops, panels and talks around the UK, with many plans to attend events around Europe. It gives the opportunity for Legends to travel, promote their own brands and be part of a family that is welcoming. Also, the discounts on products and free access to trial products doesn’t hurt.
The foam pirates (LionHeart Kosplay and Hallow Studios)
Being a Legend now means more than a t-shirt.
Want to be considered as a Legend? Simply hashtag #craftinglegend in your builds!
Credits
Thumbnail Kenny Cosplay Stuff - Photograph by www.facebook.com/DistrictDraconis
Thumbnail R31 Studios- Photograph by www.facebook.com/MangaGirlPhotography
