Zach Fischer’s Valkyrie

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Zach Fisher's Valkyrie
[vc_column_text]I’ve loved Zach Fischer Illustration‘s work for a long time, and I wanted to finally cosplay one of his incredible redesigns. What better way to do it than by cosplaying his Valkyrie (I call myself Valkyrie Studios for a reason xD)![/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]
Reference Photos
Blueprints
[vc_column_text]If there’s one thing I really enjoy about making cosplays, it’s details, and on this project there’s a ton–from intricate knotwork and bevels, to a pile of horse heads. And I wanted to do all of it–including some more complex alternate pieces!

Using cling wrap and tape patterns of myself I sketched out blueprints for each of the armor pieces for my Valkyrie. After this I went into Illustrator and recreated them to scale, cleaning them up in the process.  It was my first big blueprint project, and 29 pages later I think I did a pretty good job. If you’re interested, you can pick them up by clicking on the box below.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1688″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″]

Valkyrie Armor Blueprints

Become a Valkyrie. Watch over battles and guide the victorious to Valhalla!

This PDF includes 29 pages of armor blueprints so that you too can join Zach Fischer’s Valkyrie army. They are scaled to size to make for easier armor construction.  Meant for US Letter paper.

Includes blueprints for the Headdress, Breastplate, Upper Arm, Vambrace, Glove, Thigh, Greave, and Boot armor.

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Armor
[vc_column_text]I was really excited about this project because it was my first chance to start making things with Black Worbla, a new smoother type of the thermoplastic that I’d fallen in love with using. And the stuff is amazing. It’s smoother, easier to work with, and gets finer points when rolling out bevels, which is nice.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”1971″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]Made the usual foam pattern to test the shape of my vambraces.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”1973″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]Adding the details was fun, and I used a combination of strips, bevels, and hand sculpted bits to make it pop.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height=”20″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”1974″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]For my greaves, I used the cling wrap and tape method to get a copy of my leg. Though it’s best to add some extra to your pattern because worbla and foam are thicker and then your pieces will no longer line up in the back (especially if there are overlapping pieces).[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”1977″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]I was pretty happy with how they turned out, and I chose to have them attach via friction fit, so there’s no strapping or anything holding them on.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height=”20″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”1979″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]I made boob cups using two layers of black worbla (it shapes very well and doesn’t tear) stretched over a large acrylic sphere I got on Amazon. The underbust area was based on a bra and I sketched out the areas that stuck down more.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”1986″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]I sketched out the feather pattern on the upper edge of the breastplate, laid down the detail strips, then cut away the excess material so there was no longer a round edge. I also cut down the breastplate in the front because I keep forgetting that I have a shorter torso.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height=”20″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]This is how I attached the straps for my armor. First I would heat up a section of the back area, and cut a slit. Then I make a stub that wraps around my rectangular ring, heat it all up again, shove it into the hole and squish the worbla around it.  It stays really well this way even under stress.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_empty_space height=”10″][vc_single_image image=”1984″ img_size=”large”][vc_empty_space height=”10″][vc_column_text]I had a lot of fun with the headdress, which I got to fit my head perfectly (but forgot to account for the wig 😛 ). Just wearing it makes me feel infinitely more badass.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20″][vc_single_image image=”1996″ img_size=”large”][vc_empty_space height=”10″][vc_column_text]I patterned my thigh armor the same way as everything else, then carved in the details while the worbla was heated with a wood sculpting tool. They were attached with grommets and string as well as velcro that would sit on my tights to prevent them from sliding around.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height=”20″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”2003″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]Fixing some pieces, and starting to make my hand armor at a friend’s house.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”2004″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]All the hand pieces were shaped around my hand in a glove (I had recently learned not to do it on my own fingers since the glove adds material and having circulation is good xP). These then were primed and attached to the base glove using superglue.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height=”20″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”2006″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]I had some scraps of 8oz tooling leather laying around, and luckily I had just enough for the tabard pieces.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”2008″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]The leather was dyed black and armor details were added with worbla and painted silver.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height=”20″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”2017″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]So many pieces, but they all looked really good![/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pdlYsuU_UY”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”36″]
Painting
[vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”2019″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]Everything got three coats of black Plastidip, but unfortunately the last coat sprayed on kind-of gloppy because it was cold outside, so it looked much less smooth than it could have. Then I sprayed it all with Kryolan Aluminum, which looked really great for a metallic.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”2022″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]Here you can see the difference between the base coat of silver, and what the armor looked like after weathering with black using my airbrush, and several shades of silver (gunmetal, silver, aluminum).[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”20″][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTHHVjC8lrc”][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”20″]
Sewing
[vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”1998″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]Because I’ve never made a formfitting bodysuit before, I started with Yaya’s “Ultimate Bodysuit” pattern and some performance fabric that didn’t look too much like plain spandex (since my local fabric stores didn’t sell 4-way stretch pleather 🙁 )[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”2000″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]Let’s just say it required a LOT of adjustments, and as a person with a short torso, I was suprised by the fact that it wasn’t even close to long enough. I also added more fabric around the hip area because the openings went very high up.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height=”20″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”2001″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]Cutting out the stupid boob window![/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”2005″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]The whole thing put together with reflective silver piping.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height=”20″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”2015″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]I sewed  thigh high leggings, and then pinned them to a pair of dancer’s tights that would help keep them up.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”2016″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]Stretch stitch all day long.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”36″]
Sword & Spear
[vc_column_text]I was excited about making the weapons for this costume because I’d only ever made a bow and a staff before![/vc_column_text][vc_tabs color=”blue” style=”style_4″][vc_tab title=”Spear” tab_id=”ec5eb0d9-e899-1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”1989″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]The spear head was made from two pieces of balsa.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”1991″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]These were sandwiched together, then I sanded the edges down.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height=”20″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”1994″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]This was then covered in black worbla and primed.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”1995″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]Here’s what it looks like with some weathering.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height=”20″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”2024″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]The spear head was attached to a 1″ dowel that twists apart with an embedded screw in the middle. The whole thing is about six and a half feet tall.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”2077″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]The worbla portions were primed with three layers of wood glue (since they’re not bendy).[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20″][vc_single_image image=”2078″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]Then, like the armor, everything got several coats of Kryolan Aluminunm.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_tab][vc_tab title=”Sword” tab_id=”ea9defff-e336-3″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”2013″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]The sword was cut out of a large piece of 36″ x 4″ x 3/4″ balsa wood to keep it light, and then had Apoxie Sculpt details added.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height=”20″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”2018″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]The whole thing was covered in black worbla for strength and durability.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”2020″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]I hammered in some nails to keep the quillions strong and to create a core for the horse heads I had to add.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height=”20″][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvBDgRN0IAU”][vc_empty_space height=”20″][vc_column_text]I did a Twitch stream where I painted Dragonfang, the sword, that you can watch.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20″][vc_column_text]After painting, I wrapped and sewed the leather grip.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tab][/vc_tabs][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”20″]
Wig & Makeup
[vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”2026″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]Since apparently I needed to grow my blonde wig collection, I bought a Dany in Ash Blonde from Arda Wigs. It’s a really nice lacefront, and I think the color works better with my skin than some of the other light blondes I’ve tried.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”2056″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]I wanted to have a more viking-y war paint than the makeup that Zach had on his original design, so I played around with several styles until I settled on this, with a dark blood red lip.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”20″]
Wings
[vc_column_text]The wings I made were large, frustrating, and a ton of work. I’m very happy with them, but I couldn’t have made them happen without advice and inspiration from The Crooked Feather, Air Bubbles CosplayZak Labs, and my Dad.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”2023″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]I sketched myself out on butcher’s paper, drawing the size of the wing I wanted. This was used to figure out feather lengths, as well as the inner skeleton. These were attached to a backpack inspired by Air Bubbles Cosplay and ZakLabs.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”2048″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]The frame of the wings was made from 3/4″ Square Aluminum tubing. I made a 1/4 scale prototype first to figure out the joints, then transferred that to metal, drilling holes for feather attachments along the way.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height=”20″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”2054″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]100 feathers were hand cut from a light cotton in various sizes I had figured out suing my template from above.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”2055″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]Wire was sandwiched between two halves of cotton fabric using spray adhesive.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height=”20″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”2058″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]These large feathers get attached with bolts to the pre-drilled holes, 25 to a side.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”2060″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]Over a thousand real feathers (turkey quills and goose shoulder feathers) were hand airbrushed with a design reminiscent of a snowy owl.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height=”20″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”2064″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]Once attached, the big feathers were held together using string to keep the ones on the ends pointing out and defying gravity.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”2061″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]A “sleeve” was created to hide the upper area of aluminum and to provide a surface for the real feathers to get glued to.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height=”20″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”2067″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]A view of the backpack on, and the rear of the wings.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”2068″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]All the large feathers were attached, and ended up being a 12′ wingspan.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height=”20″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”2071″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]The mechanism was made from a cordless drill motor that pulled on strings to raise the wings. (Note: I do not recommend this. Go with pneumatics.)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”2070″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]The wings up with fully feathered sleeves. I added a white boa to the very top edge (I was running out of feathers and needed something downy).[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height=”20″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”2072″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]My wings just barely fit in my trunk with all the seats folded down (success!).[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”2074″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]The judges were really impressed with my wings (and everything else) at Emerald City Comic-con, and I came home with Second Place Overall! It was an amazing experience, and I’m super grateful and proud to have won.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height=”20″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”20″]
Final Photos
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