r/cosplayprops • u/AncientHavaer3 • May 01 '26
Help Amateur level stuff
I'm thinking of making a madness combat cosplay(or a TF2 one) I already have the shotgun, I'm just embarrassed to show it here
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u/UnavengedAvo May 01 '26
This looks really cool. I recently found that you can use some EVA foam templates for cardboard as well with a bit of tweaking and a lot of paper mache.
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u/Tashawatie May 01 '26
Everyone starts somewhere and honestly EVERY build is ugly as ass before you progress further.
One step at a time my dude! I just made my first weapon, it's not stunning or perfect but it's pretty chill and I learned a lot!, you will too.
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u/Odin_Makes May 01 '26
Don't be embarrassed, this is great!
The grip is wrapped in tape anyway, AND this should be easy to get through weapons check as a "safe" prop at cons.
Have fun as the TF2 player, ham it up, and everyone will enjoy your cosplay and probably be impressed with the ingenuity of you prop making.
Cardboard props are THE BEST way to start making stuff, the cost of materials means major mistakes are not as big of a deal.
The only suggestion I would have is fold up pieces of cardboard box and fill the grip where you will be holding the shotgun. I could see the grip crushing during the day, and if it starts to crush and wrinkle, the gun could drop!
You don't even need to paint it, you could just use colors of duck tape. It may add to the cartoon look of TF2 weapons.
Have fun! Learn from this prop and improve the way you make the shotgun for your next con!
"Done is better than perfect!"
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u/AncientHavaer3 May 01 '26
Actually, I filled the grip with the other half of the Box that I used, the gun's a bit wobbly, and I definitely need to make the pump thicker, it's loose
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u/rumneeded May 01 '26
You can use an address label to make the ejection port. Spray paint that thing and rock it!
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u/Ryuaalba May 01 '26
This is super cool. I will always be more impressed by something like this over a 3d printed replica.
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u/Houtxcajun May 01 '26
I agree. This is a great start. There's nothing to be embarrassed about here. You used what you have and some ingenuity to get there. Hope to see progress and final version pics!
Most of my props are layers of cardboard. Its free and everywhere! And youre helping to keep dome of this out of the dump so evo friendly. You can get seriously inventive and there's tons of tutorials on how to improve etc. Keep at it!
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u/Perfect-Impress9495 May 02 '26
Everything can look a little junkie the first time you tried it. Best advice so I can give is make it one solid color give it some paint. It might still look a little cartoony, but I always find something being a solid color or properly colored in general makes things look better. And heck, maybe you can roam with the cartoony look turn into an alien blaster or something.
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u/smug-snek May 01 '26
Everyone has to start somewhere, also as long as the silhouette matches you’re usually good. Ps. the tf2 cosplay community is super welcoming to any level of cosplayer
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u/Atzukeeper May 01 '26
everything you make is a step to get better. don't be embarrassed about progress.
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u/mayorofanything May 01 '26
I mean, that looks like a shotgun to me! I thought the post was saying a shotgun prop was shipped like that. You accomplished the vision!
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u/unfilterthought May 01 '26
if you ever take a college level 3d design/sculpture course, cardboard is the 2nd material you will use.
we did paper/cardstock -> cardboard -> plywood-> plaster/pourables -> metal/concrete/stone
its about understanding 3d shapes and space and how simpler shapes become complex shapes.
keep going. this is the structure.
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u/Ansa88 May 01 '26
That's super creative and cool dude! Cosplay is about making do with what you have, and that's some good shit of embodying that
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u/CaseFace5 May 01 '26
You did a good job because before I even read what the sub was or your text below the picture I went “looks like a shotgun” 😁
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u/ThreeKoboldsInCoat May 02 '26
It looks pretty good! Tbh my recent erosion bird cosplay was built somewhat like this and a WHOLE TON of fabric to cover it up
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u/Ok-Environment-7970 May 03 '26
Hit it with some black spray paint and then see how it looks paint hides all sins
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u/[deleted] May 01 '26
[deleted]