Wig shape studies
Describe the length zones, not one overall number
Separate the fringe, face-framing area and back when briefing a layered character hairstyle.
Read the guide ↗SANJIESAN COSPLAY / JOURNAL
From reference to shoot
Reference sheets and practical preparation for costume projects, without confusing a styling idea with an official character design.
122 guides and practical notes · Page 3
Wig shape studies
Find the curl pattern before drawing every strand
Use a simplified sketch to identify the large repeated shapes that need to survive in a costume portrait.
Read the guide ↗Wig project organisation
Choose the storage space after understanding the wig shape
Compare the object’s real envelope, access route and maker guidance before assigning shelf space.
Read the guide ↗Wig project organisation
Keep the care guide with the wig it actually describes
Connect the product line and any styling additions with the appropriate original instructions.
Read the guide ↗Wig project organisation
Give wig delivery and styling their own places in the plan
Work backwards from the agreed photograph rather than treating arrival of a base as completion of the look.
Read the guide ↗Wig project organisation
Give the photographed back of the wig its own check
Use a purposeful rear-view picture to identify the shape that the front portrait cannot show.
Read the guide ↗BUYING GUIDE
Buy the garment bag for the costume’s real shape
Compare usable dimensions, depth, opening and pack quantity before treating a hanging bag as a complete costume container.
Read the guide ↗BUYING GUIDE
Read both dimensions before buying a weft
Separate fibre length from the supporting strip’s width, then match the exact component to a stylist’s plan.
Read the guide ↗BUYING GUIDE
Buy the ponytail piece as part of a complete plan
Compare supplied form, quantity and the intended base before ordering a separate ponytail component.
Read the guide ↗BUYING GUIDE
Buy a colour target for a workflow you can actually use
Distinguish neutral-reference tasks from camera profiling, and check software compatibility before choosing a target.
Read the guide ↗BUYING GUIDE
Choose the paint colour and product type separately
Begin with a defined decorative surface and a maker-approved finish plan before comparing colour names and tube sizes.
Read the guide ↗BUYING GUIDE
Choose the vinyl format before choosing the effect
Compare the intended graphic, surface and compatible workflow before buying a roll because its finish resembles the reference.
Read the guide ↗BUYING GUIDE
Measure the case inside before choosing its outside size
Compare internal dimensions, selected insert and the actual object envelope before assuming a hard case solves transport.
Read the guide ↗BUYING GUIDE
Choose the reflector for the portrait and the person handling it
Compare surface options, open size, packed size and the complete handling arrangement before buying a multi-surface kit.
Read the guide ↗BUYING GUIDE
Choose the remote for the camera and the controls you need
Read model compatibility and feature restrictions separately before buying a wireless trigger for a solo costume portrait.
Read the guide ↗BUYING GUIDE
Choose the card from the camera requirements, then estimate capacity
Separate compatibility, recording requirements and file volume instead of buying by the largest headline number.
Read the guide ↗BUYING GUIDE
Choose the reader for both ends of the file transfer
Compare supported card type, device connection and supplied cables before buying a transfer accessory.
Read the guide ↗BUYING GUIDE
Choose paper for the print you intend to make
Compare printer compatibility, actual sheet size, finish and trial quantity before ordering portfolio supplies.
Read the guide ↗Costume portrait planning
Count the pixels left after choosing the costume picture
Use the final image dimensions in print arithmetic, keeping the original file and the intended paper layout separate.
Read the guide ↗Costume portrait planning
Give three costume pictures one small action
Plan an opening, a change and a result instead of collecting three nearly identical poses.
Read the guide ↗Costume portrait planning
Keep a small accessory consistent when the pictures belong together
Choose which details need continuity across a short sequence, without forcing every portrait to look identical.
Read the guide ↗Costume portrait planning
Give the record picture and the fantasy portrait different jobs
Keep a clear view of the real garment alongside a separately identified creative image.
Read the guide ↗Decorative prop design
Give the fictional book cover one readable feature
Compare title, emblem and border at portrait size before filling a prop cover with detail.
Read the guide ↗Decorative prop design
Give the map prop one visible route
Choose the part of a permitted fictional map that supports the portrait instead of redrawing a whole world on a small sheet.
Read the guide ↗FROM THE ARCHIVE
More from this site
Browse the earlier articles, references and reading lists.
Open the article archive ↗Browse resources ↗BEFORE YOU BEGIN
A few useful answers
What belongs on a costume reference sheet?
Use the character name, the exact version or scene, the source of each image and separate notes for visible details and unknown details. Keep fan interpretations in their own section.
Can a new outfit change a Sanjiesan identity?
No. A styling variation is kept separately from the established identity. The 54-card identity system is unchanged.
Are the current looks available to order?
The current listings are concept directions and enquiries. They are not finished costumes with confirmed sizing, inventory or delivery.