Why I Chose the Vault Dweller?
I’ve been a gamer for a very long time and Fallout was some of the first video games I played that weren’t retro. I have played every game from the first Fallout up to 76 and now even watched the show and fell in love. I knew with how dearly I hold this game to my heart, cosplaying it had to happen. But there’s so many characters in the franchise to choose from and it was hard to pick for sure. I picked the vault dweller because it let’s me explore all my favorite items, weapons and armors. A vault dweller is the most customizable character since it’s the one you get to play as. That’s what led me to choosing the vault dweller. I also didn’t just choose one suit. But I chose suits for vaults 101, 111, 76 and even 33.
How I Made the Vault Dweller?
Creating the vault dweller took a variety of skills and techniques. There was a lot of parts to it that I had to create. It started with the purchase of a vault suit with some major modifications for the 111 suit. As for armor, I incorporated everything from pleather, EVA foam, LEDs and Worbla. The techniques were truly endless with foamsmithing and sewing alone.
As for my props, a lot of them required I do my own pattern drafting. This was honestly so fun to try out since I really got to see my prop be created from start to finish. I had to study lots of reference images and learn to use different techniques to make everything look weathered, worn and even rusted or damaged. My airbrush was truly my best friend during these projects.
With my super sledge though, it required I explore some unique mediums. This included incorporating PVC pipe to make it durable and come apart for travel.
Final Thoughts
Overall, this was truly a passion project and it’s one that never ends. With the Fallout universe constantly expanding and new weapons and armor coming out, there is always more to create. I enjoyed every bit of making this cosplay and I look forward to what I can make next to add to it.
