How do I answer the question: "Did you make all of this?"

[maxsteele[TK]]

I'm nearing the completion of my TK, and when showing people the various pieces I have, I have had the typical "Did you make this?" question.  It's normally sufficient to say "Yes".  However, I have had several people follow-up with questions like "How did you get the plastic in this shape?"  "How did you make the molds for the plastic?" and similar types of questions.

 

I know the official 501st stance is that we don't sell anything and to respond with "we make all our own costumes."  However, I didn't make the plastic.  I didn't vacuum-form the pieces.  I purchased the plastic from a vendor, cut the pieces to fit me and set up the strapping system to be able to wear it all.

 

How should I answer someone when they ask questions pertaining to how I molded the plastic?

[Smiling Fox[TK]]

I tell people there are several armor makers who make the raw armor. We then have to build it into the costume you see here. Or I tell them it is standard Imperial issue. Depends on how I feel that day and if they are annoying me or not.

[gmrhodes13[Staff]]

I say we purchase in kit form and have to assemble it, i'ts like a full size plastic model kit. If they want anymore info I suggest they sign up on the forums

[pattrooper]

Vader gave it to me.

[I'm Batman[501st]]

I'm having a debate with one of my non fan good buddies who hassles me about my fancy dress costume, where I correct him that it is ARMOR!

 

But seriously, I just say there are makers who make the raw white plastic to a general shape then I cut to my size and put it all together with the other accessories.

[Palpatine1977]

You didn't make it, you assembled it... just say no, I bought it as a kit like a model, and assembled it myself.

[Darth Voorhees[501st]]

i think the only problem with just saying you bought it, is that then this person may go home to e-bay and find a suit to buy..and then well you know...

 

I usually say like smiling fox said.... "its imperial issue"...or, if they aren't being annoying, and seem genuine about the question, i tell them there are certain members in the legion that vac-form the pieces into a kit and then each member trims and builds the kit to their specs. It omits "bought" from the equation...just in case

Edited July 6, 2014 by Darth Voorhees

[dtrippler[TK]]

i think the only problem with just saying you bought it, is that then this person may go home to e-bay and find a suit to buy..and then well you know...

 

I usually say like smiling fox said.... "its imperial issue"...or, if they aren't being annoying, and seem genuine about the question, i tell them there are certain members in the legion that vac-form the pieces into a kit and then each member trims and builds the kit to their specs. It omits "bought" from the equation...just in case

 

I usually same something similar to this.  'We have other Legion members that have sculpted and molded the armor and each one of us trims the armor to fit our body.'

I too like to avoid the word 'bought' as it makes it seem like we just went out and paid for finished Stormtrooper armor.

[TKedt[TK]]

or say: its classified information.  which its the truth

[seantrooper[TK]]

I usually same something similar to this.  'We have other Legion members that have sculpted and molded the armor and each one of us trims the armor to fit our body.'

I too like to avoid the word 'bought' as it makes it seem like we just went out and paid for finished Stormtrooper armor.

 

I usually say roughly the same thing, that way it shows how much work we put into our armour as well

 

or just give them the 'standard imperial issue' response that so many of us use haha

[maxsteele[TK]]

I like the "Standard Imperial Issue" comment for when I'm trooping.  I'll keep that one in mind.

 

I'm also referring to people who I'm talking to about my armor and the 501st, and they bring up how I 'made' it all.  I have been giving the answer that I get it from other members who vacuum form the armor, and then I cut and assembled it all.  I also receive follow-up questions about how much it has cost me.  If I'm comfortable enough with the person, I'll let them know (friends, co-workers, etc...), but I also stress that no one makes any profit, and then I go into the history of the creation of the 501st, which ends with:  "...so I'm doing it all for charity!"  Everyone really likes that part.

 

Thanks everyone for the responses!

Edited July 6, 2014 by maxsteele