Building a Cyberpunk Arm: A Cosplay Adventure

In a recent video, Be from Next Mechanics shared the process of making his very own cyberpunk arm for cosplay. From mistakes and mishaps to construction and painting, Be takes us through the entire process of creating this unique and stylish costume piece.

Learning from Mistakes

Be's journey in creating the cyberpunk arm begins with a common cosplay technique – making a duct tape mold. However, his choice of cheap, non-sticking duct tape led to a mishap as the tape began sticking to his skin. This serves as a cautionary tale to always follow proper steps, work in a safe environment, and take care of oneself during cosplay and crafting endeavors.

Construction Begins

After overcoming the duct tape mishap, Be uses a cardboard base for the upper and lower arm segments of the cyberpunk arm. The use of cornflake cardboard provides strength, lightness, and a smooth surface for further construction.

Connecting the upper and lower arm segments with joints, Be utilizes toy packaging plastic wrapped in cardboard for durability. While he initially envisions movement for the arm, using screws proves to be a bit daunting, and he switches to push pins for a more comfortable fit.

Adding Detail and Personality

In the absence of a strict design, Be begins adding panels and layers to the arm to create a unique and aesthetically pleasing look. He also incorporates milk caps and random plastic tubing for added detailing, aiming to create a visually impactful and cohesive cyberpunk aesthetic.

Crafting the Hand

The hand of the cyberpunk arm is a particularly challenging aspect of the construction process for Be. From figuring out the number of fingers to the materials used, Be experiments with techniques to ensure a functional and visually appealing hand. Elastic and cardboard elements are used to achieve both flexibility and strength in the fingers.

Painting and Weathering

Be opts for a quick and efficient painting process for the cyberpunk arm, using a metallic spray paint without the need for a primer. He then delves into weathering, using black washes and dry brushing to achieve a grungy, yet polished, metal appearance. The addition of RGB-colored cables adds a futuristic touch to the final look.

Glamour Shots and Final Thoughts

After completing the painting and weathering process, Be ends the video with a showcase of the finished cyberpunk arm, showcasing its visual appeal and functionality. Despite some pieces falling off due to wear and tear, Be remains satisfied with the outcome and expresses enthusiasm for potential future cyberpunk projects.

From mishaps to innovative problem-solving and creative detailing, Be’s journey in creating the cyberpunk arm serves as an inspiration for cosplay enthusiasts and crafters alike. Whether it’s a cautionary lesson about duct tape molds or the intricacies of hand crafting, this video provides valuable insights and entertainment to those interested in the world of cosplay and crafting.