Deep Ellum Traveling Man costume

Creative Arts Cosplay
1

Hey Makers!

I am putting together a really exciting, locally inspired costume project and I am looking to commission a couple of talented builders from the community.

I am creating a Deep Ellum Traveling Man costume designed specifically to be worn by a stilt walker! To keep it safe and agile for the performer, I am skipping actual metal fabrication and breaking this build down into two lightweight components. I am looking to hire either a single maker who can handle both, or two specialists who want to tackle different halves of the project.

Here is what I am looking to commission:

1. The Headpiece / Helmet (EVA Foam or 3D Printed)

I need someone to fabricate the iconic Traveling Man head (complete with the bird cutouts, smile, and hollow eyes).

  • The Catch: Because this is for a stilt walker, it has to be incredibly lightweight and balanced so it doesn’t strain the performer’s neck or throw off their center of gravity.
  • Ideal Maker: Someone highly skilled in EVA foam fabrication (who can paint it to look like brushed metal) or someone with a large-format 3D printer who can print it in lightweight PLA.

2. The Silver Bodysuit (Performance Sewing)

I need a custom-sewn bodysuit made from a metallic, 4-way stretch fabric (like spandex or Lycra) to mimic the robot’s body.

  • The Catch: This cannot be a standard pattern. It needs a massive custom inseam and flared legs to completely cover the performer’s stilts, plus strategic mobility for stilt walking.
  • Ideal Maker: A seamstress from the Creative Arts/Sewing group who has experience working with tricky stretch fabrics, dancewear, or cosplay bodysuits.

Project Details:

  • Timeline: I need this completed by late September for an October event.
  • Safety Note: The hired maker(s) will need to briefly coordinate with my stilt walker to ensure the visibility sightlines and fabric stretch meet their safety and rigging needs.

If this sounds like a project you’d be interested in tackling (or if you have recommendations on who I should talk to), please shoot me email me [email protected] with some photos of your past EVA/3D or stretch-fabric work.

Thanks so much, and keep making awesome stuff!

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