gavin makes

Costumes, props and electronics

Category: youtube

  • gavinmakes rebrand and new cosplay electronics course

    gavinmakes rebrand and new cosplay electronics course

    Much as I liked the earlier “code and components” branding, I’ve decided to change to a more straightforward gavinmakes. This is also the new handle for my main YouTube channel too.

    So that allows for gavinmakes 2040cosplay and gavinmakes 2ndmagpiefilms (in time).

    The main thing I’ve been working on in the intervening time has been a YouTube based course on how to make props with LEDs, sounds and buttons. I like teaching people how to do things in my job. From looking at youtube and going to comic-con, I think there is a gap on the electronics side of cosplay, which hopefully I can help fill.

    I’ve got 12 episodes planned, which will grow, as I continue developing the material. I’m focusing on blaster type props, but will also cover swords and similar weapons, as I’ve made both types. It will cover

    • RGB LEDs from strips to individual one
    • Power management and power sources
    • Buttons as triggers and power on or mode selection
    • Amplifiers, speakers and making sounds
    • Which micro-controller to use
    • What kit you need covering soldering and no soldering options
    • How to put it all together into a prop
    • Programming the prop in circuit python

    I should have the first videos starting this May, this autumn, as ADHD slightly got in the way. If there are things you’d like to see me cover, then please do add a comment.

  • Up next on code and components

    Up next on code and components

    Next is a build for comic-con, actually completing Buggy, but also possibly a new character, Stoick!

    Stoick the vast!

    I’ve started scripting videos for my you tube channel on 2040cosplay and have got drafts for the following.

    • glues, primers and why they are complex and country specific with a guide to each country
    • Which microcontroller to chose for different lights and sounds props
    • Expanding on the microcontrollers video to show five different ways to include lights
    • How to put sounds into props

    Let me know which of them sound the most useful?

    I’ve also been learning a huge amount about making videos, recording audio, lighting, scripting, editing and generally setting up a youtube channel. There is a LOT to think about. I’ve also had the most shocking sinusitis, thankfully that was back in June.