How to START creating your first post-apocalyptic costume or prop - basics you NEED to know

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Some practices shown in my videos can be dangerous. If you emulate any of those practices or follow any of my advice you are doing so entirely at your own risk.

[@maryhildreth754]

You might want to try a curved, half circle needle that you can get in any sewing shop. And you can see with fishing line because that is pretty sturdy. However, make sure you learn to start and tie off a stitch because otherwise it can come out. Look at some videos on French hand sewing on KZbin. You don't have to make those seams like that, but learn the stitches. I'm an old lady who sews, so I thought I'd give you a suggestion.

[@NuclearSnailStudios]

that is a good suggestion indeed! i try to avoid handsewing as muc hi can but sometimes still have tio.. so yeah !! will check it out :) thanks

[@maryhildreth754]

Nuclear Snail Studios have you tried rivets? They look industrial and you can grunge them up and they are a very easy way to attach things. Most people never think about using them, even though almost literally everybody has them on blue jean pockets. You can buy them on Amazon and you just need a little tool and hammer to use them and you can attach things very securely and it holds heavy fabric very well. On a similar note, for a cool look you might want to look into using grommets on fabric. Those are the little metal rings that are in the tops of the fabric of a shower curtain. You can put them on with a hammer.

[@Bauhauskiddo]

Such a good video! I’d like to add another thing: the post apocalypse aesthetic isn’t just about destroying things, but also about repairing things. After the apocalypse you can’t just go to the store and buy new things, you have to repair them yourself or make new ones.

[@NuclearSnailStudios]

right on!

[@dalegray3468]

Going to my first wasteland weekend this year. Your videos are awesome to a first timer. Ty very much

[@casualcanadian7691]

Ive always focused on certain characters and going for a fixed look but I thought "Hey, I got a gas mask for shits and giggles might as well make something with what I have." and this has helped me a lot, thank you.

[@twi3031]

so, this kinda makes me wanna ask about what you think are some defining differences between different kinds of apocalypses. zombie apocalypse, post-nuclear fallout, natural disaster cataclysm, governmental collapse (new Dark Age), futuristic cyberpunk apocalypse...

[@NuclearSnailStudios]

that isa topic for another video! maybe for my next one :)

[@SolartheSwed]

Tip soda can tabs are good for iron sights

[@AdrianKramarzyk]

thanks for ideas and inspiration

[@applejackhonesty1960]

I was just gonna get my tactical military loadout, dirty it up and put blood on it, I also paint my helmet and knee pads.

[@ericaltman4087]

Realizing the best questions aren't: "How do I create a Raider?" But rather, designing the Raider and if you don't know how to do an element asking, for example, "What's a solid, proven way to affix something like that knee pad to the shoulder?"

[@Defzus]

I love the vest, what type of vest is it?

[@dmand2353]

Turtles are awesome!

[@NuclearSnailStudios]

indeed! turtelly awesome!

[@rubbers3]

Well, like always, this comment turned out waaaaaaay longer than I thought it would be. If you don't want to read it all, read at least things marked in *bold text* Another great video! (though a shock absorber on the spine @2:35... That's not a good idea, that's actually a terrible idea - when you fall on your back, even if it's just of your feet it's like landing back first onto a curb. Not only will it not be a pleasant thing, but more importantly - it could break your back really easily, it's really not safe) @5:20 - a real man uses his tools even when sewing! xD (tbh, pliers for tough materials - that's a lifesaver, seriously. Before I thought of using them, I used either a desk or a hammer to press the needle against, trying to push it through xD) @11:55 - I call that alternative cosplay. Aaaaand that's pretty much all I do, personally xD I'm not gifted with enough creativity to create my own designs from scratch (and I don't larp, my costumes are mostly for fantasy conventions), so I just take the character I like, take some key elements of that character that are easily recognisable (like the Dredd visor and roughly the armor design you showed) and work from there. Actually, I started as a cosplayer, but there aren't many characters with beards and long hair, and I don't want to shave, so I do postapocalyptic versions of those characters xDD My first mix was going to be Post-apocalyptic Viking Batman, but I only did few things and never finished it (in this, those key elements are pointy ears and a mask with open mouth, a long cape and utility belt, all in black and yellow colours. It seemed like too much for me, so I put it on hold, and reused some elements - for example the bat-cape became Inquisitor's coat) I'll finish it some day, maybe. If I may add something to the video (and it really is just adding xD), here's my advice (short one) - *JUST DO IT, remember about comfort and always remember about your and other people's safety* A bit longer advice from me is the same as the short one, but when starting out, don't go too fancy, don't go full on Fallout Power Armor style. Start with distressing clothes and softer materials, like cloth, leather, stuff like that. It's not only much simpler to do, it's much simpler to do it right, so that you're not ashamed of it in a year. It's a great way to get into the mindset of what you liked and disliked in your costume, what gave you trouble, what came apart, etc. And some of it will fall apart and give you trouble when you're starting out, even if it's just paint quickly rubbing off, because you didn't use primer under the paint (don't ask me how I know xD). For example - some kneepads, bit of chain, torn apart and sewn back together pants, a long coat, maybe a modified and painted builder's helmet - when properly distressed they'll look much better than any armour you can make at this point, you'll be able to reuse them in the future and you'll be proud of them for longer. Once you've done one or two mostly clothed ones and want to build an armour - don't go straight into steel - try a bit of EVA foam - it's easy to work with, easy to attach to anything (mostly), available nearly anywhere (just google it), it's affordable and you can do a lot with it with just a knife, hot glue and paint (with primer, you can also use wood glue instead, if you want). Aluminium is also relatively light and easy to work with, when you want to use steel, start rather thin and small (remember - thin steel is dangerous as fuck, so always file and roll the edges, so you won't cut yourself) Also - some more general advice: 1) with clothes, you can use your old ones, but to me, I find it best to go around second-hand hand stores and just look at what they have. With those stores it's best to just go in without being too specific (for example - don't look for "ankle long, olive drab coat with two rows of buttons and four pockets", just look for "green-ish, longer coat", you can always add buttons and pockets yourself with a bit of thread, if it's not as long as you want, you can get another coat, a t-shirt, a pair of jeans, whatever, and lengthen the coat you want just by sewing an extension to it - it'll probably look even better than if you'd get exactly what you wanted in the first place. 2) improvise and adapt. It's a bit of an extension from the previous advice, but it's not only clothes and sewing, it's for everything (tbh not only in costume-making, but in life in general) 3) military camo will not look good, unless you're a real fucking expert at design and you understand post-apocalyptic *_A E S T H E T I C S_* perfectly 4)...military surplus (not in camouflage) is great though 5) black is a bitch to work with it (apart from t-shirt style fabric), but for something simple you can try, especially with bright paint 6) safety is your number one priority 7) comfort is second, as often when it's not comfortable it is a sign, that it can be dangerous 8) that includes thermal comfort - it's often easy to oversee how hot you can get with all that crap on you (or how cold it is if you've done light clothing for a late fall event). 8.1) when you're going to a LARP event, remember that it'll most likely be outdoors, and you'll be most likely doing your costume long before that, so you can't know if it'll rain, snow, whether it will be hot or cold, so it's good to include some modularity to your costume - a jumper that you can take off if it's hot or put on if it's cold, for example 8.2) when you're going to a fantasy convention remember you'll be most likely in a crowded indoors place, where it will be room temperature or above (especially in crowds, it's hot), so you might be sweating a lot, so always stay well hydrated 9) everything has mass, and steel is heavy as fuck, even if it's just a bit of chain 10) remember that you're still human and you have to eat, drink and later dispose of the remains - if you can't lift your arms high enough to drink from a bottle, it's most likely best to rethink your design; if your costume requires you to take 80% of it off and takes a lot of time (or it requires a help from someone) when you just want to take a piss - yeah, it doesn't sound that great, doesn't it? 11) the devil is in the details, and in case of prop/costume making, those details are mostly painting, distressing and weathering 12) do your research, look for inspirations often, safe pictures on your computer and look through them every once in a while - sometimes you might spot some details you didn't see before or they weren't what you were looking for in your previous outfit, but will fit your new one perfectly. Joining post-apo oriented facebook groups is a good place to start (though it's best to not post anything for a while, just observe and read, and when you're looking for something try searching for it first, though I know, that facebook search is faaaaar from perfect) 13) when researching techniques, don't stick to only post-apo - there are tonnes of cosplay tutorials that will point you in the right direction and show you lot's of techniques of doing stuff or about certain products. There are also tutorials online about house building, woodworking, sewing, car modifications and many others - you might think they have nothing to do with prop/costume making, but they can often teach you a lot about paints, materials, tools and how to use them, glues, drilling, welding and many, many other things, that you can use in your own thing. Maybe consider joining a facebook group about cosplay? Even if people there will ask/discuss things that might not be of interest to you, you might learn a lot (unless you get cancer form people in that group, I know I have. More than once. Much more. Cosplay is awesome, but there's a strong vocal minority of cosplayers that are cancerous. Most are chill, but it's the cancerous ones that you notice most) 14) FOOTWEAR. You are going to be walking a lot, most likely, so your shoes/boots are really important as they also carry around all of your weight. So it's best to don't go overboard with shoes, tbh, just use normal shoes, but dirty/painted, don't even distress them too much, it's not worth it. If you really want to, you can add something on top of them (like a bit of leather, or some bandages), but again - don't go too crazy 14) *JUST DO IT* Try, do your best, have success or fail, but don't surrender and learn from your mistakes.

[@NuclearSnailStudios]

skimmed it. what caught my eye looks liek good advice from an experienced larp costumer :) like much! especialyl the pts about comfort. makes me wanna go to a larp again :D

[@jacobkeary6740]

I'm doing a somewhat modified Bane costume that's fully functional and a blunt force and slash resistant. Could you do a bit of a tutorial on that vest and/or what you did for the base? It would be me a world of good.

[@camerong7365]

I want to make a post apocalyptic costume for Halloween and also use it for nerf (yes, I'm a nerf nerd) and this really helped!

[@weedman421]

You look like a cg character. You move like you were animated. However I will complement you on your high poly count. Good job

[@ghostytree2338]

It sucks being 14, just on the verge of being able to buy and build what you want, but being held back. I really want to build a wastelandish/post-apocalyptic costume to fit the whole pandemic thing and everybody joking about the fact this will be the year we go into an apocalypse, I just thought it would be cool, but as I said, I am held back by money and my access to tools, this sucks.

[@hc750]

Hast du ein Kostüm mit Kaputze oder Mantel bzw Umhang? Mich würde interessieren wie du etwas mit Kaputze baust, würdest du sie selber nähen oder aus anderen Kleidungsstücken adaptieren? Cooler Channel... Es ist okay wenn du es auch in Deutsch erklärst ;)

[@DREAD0]

I wanna make a chest piece simular to yours, any tips? did you have a base chest piece to work off of or did you make it from scratch?

[@schattenmenschchen301]

Gabe he has a Video about making Metal armours

[@NuclearSnailStudios]

that i do!

[@AchievementAssault]

Is that leather jacket connected to the swat armor in the background or is it 2 separate pieces of clothing

[@NuclearSnailStudios]

separate, but meant to be worn together. thats not to say u cant connect plates directly to jacket. might make a vid bout that oo :)

[@Atinakiwis]

your costume is so good you look like cgi

[@tomato7722]

German ist like Post-apocalyptic Comecon some shit ->Sternchenzwirn

[@pahmts6547]

yo wheres his accent

[@shoutlouder-gk1hr]

this was painful to watch... he just goes on and on and on....

[@tylermatthias7588]

dude you dont know what post apocalyptic looks like you are only using madmax concepts to create your costumes, rediculous idea in the first place

[@cuppa6319]

"Fifty cent, maybe ten cent, maybe they just throw it at you" I cackled 😂

[@kaitorinshi2675]

"I like turtles" I see you're a person of culture as well

[@visualanxiety9681]

1:48 "I'll use my frying pan as a drying pan!"

[@Sm0othi3]

I was literally just about to say the same thing

[@KarhuLP]

Now I want a giant turtle to cuddle with ;_;

[@NuclearSnailStudios]

you should get one! :3

[@jazziered142]

Nuclear Snail Studios I have a giant pink unicorn. It works for me.

[@haydenfrost2692]

I used to have a giant red lizard that I kept for years.

[@TheShotaShot]

You're such an inspiration to me :) Honestly I love your costuming style and I find it amazing that you take the time to explain your work methods. Hail the snail!

[@NuclearSnailStudios]

thanks! :) and ofc i take the time ,its my job :D well, part of it anyway :) *cough* *patreon* *cough* @öö

[@adjusttherain]

hello could you please do a video for disabled people? for example I wear splints to keep my legs and hands streight how would i incorporate these into a costume? and for your veiwers that use wheelchairs or canes? I'm sure many of your disabled viewers would love to get advise on how to add these to outfits.

[@haydenfrost2692]

You could design the splints and such as a thrown together version of the same thing. Remember, mad Max wore a splint on road warrior.

[@GargoyleBard]

Have you done any post apocalyptic inspired streetwear? I think that would be fun to see, but I'd like to see some examples of inspiration if possible before trying it myself

[@NuclearSnailStudios]

workin on it

[@GargoyleBard]

Nice, will be interested to see

[@lukeyonts9191]

May be able to make them look like bracers

[@wyrdstoneforge]

"tortoise" :P Nonetheless a great video for starters. :)

[@NuclearSnailStudios]

all tortoises are turtles but not all turtles are tortoises. while tortoise is a more specific term for this sort of turtle, turtle is still a valid term :P *biology snail response @öö*

[@NuclearSnailStudios]

but hey, you are aware of the difference, and that is great!! :) I LIKE TURTLES

[@wyrdstoneforge]

Can't deny that truth, but it's just a tempting setup for trolling a little bit. Similar to slugs and snails. :)

[@olly3231]

You should make a video about bags.

[@HaydenW0511]

How did you make the chest harness, looks really cool

[@sunnybunny6275]

So helpful!! I got an acting gig as a survivor of the zombie apocalypse but I've got to supply my own costume, so this was really helpful!!

[@kurier1595]

That's what I needed! I really would like to start doing my own post-apocalyptic costumes.

[@NuclearSnailStudios]

DO IT!! DO IT NOOOOW!

[@kurier1595]

NOOOOOOOOW I have no time, but I'll do it later.

[@PCLHH]

How's it coming on?

[@freeksho8416]

Is it slow? Yes. Is it tedious? Yes. Do I still use it sometimes when I have to? Yes. Kinda like algebra lol

[@yinshee19]

Who else noticed the tiny snail? It's so cute!

[@NuclearSnailStudios]

haha got it from Wasteland Joe a loooong time ago :)

[@DustMonkey]

Here’s the link for the video Nuclear Snail himself mentioned (I did the happy dance). kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZobUqZ57e9OHq6s

[@NuclearSnailStudios]

snail blesseth thou! @öö amen!

[@bern1228]

Thanks for this. Yes I'm still watching. Questions; (of course), Have any of your costumes and gear appeared in any film work? And have you ever been a judge on costuming during any of the events you frequent? Be well.

[@patrickhowes5672]

This helped me. I'm trying to come up with a new costume(s) for Wasteland next year.

[@haydenfrost2692]

I'm trying to design one for my sister

[@amayasego3812]

Love your message and your information! I'm finally getting into the post apocalyptic side of steampunk. @rufflesandsteam sent me to check out your channel to build my first outfit! Thanks for the info.

[@andrewplayzgamez112]

Player Unknown Battleground Chicken Dinner Simulator

[@pointless_lea]

STERNCHENZWIRRN!

[@jarlnils435]

First rule of Armor. If you have only small pieces of metal than make a Brigantin. Never put metal on leather but put it under leather so the enemy can´t see the holes between it.

[@yoshibannana7959]

My first prop was rad x and it turned out really well

[@DustMonkey]

epic buddy love it !

[@NuclearSnailStudios]

*fistbump*

[@w0t3rdog]

Turtles are fecking terrifying! Combine the agility of the "running turtle" with the nut cracking jaws of snapping turtle and shell of alligator turtle and the average turtle penis and you have a fecking monster!

[@Todesengel13]

The Judge Dredd one is a really cool concept. In the world of Judge Dredd, there was exiled judges out in the cursed earth. Some of them were good and some were bad.

[@keysterglenjamin8461]

I hung the pan on my bag and I just say it’s used for cooking. I made sure to REALLY beat it up tho to make it fit the look

[@pjraydheinrich6901]

Meine Reifenrüstung besteht aus Glück,Hoffnung und Kabelbinder🤣 Gutes Video.

[@Shoku_Korbin]

In Switzerland we say „STERNDLIFADE“!!! xD

[@FrayedLisu]

Remeber that kid who said "I like turtles"? It's him now. Feel old now?

[@PartTimeGoblinSlayer]

I think I messed up. My costume is now a giant turtle plushie. 😐🙂

[@muggedmug6386]

Now I can play After The Flash in real life

[@darktitan0144]

Absolutely love the apocalyptic vest

[@boilmeup1571]

Best place to get items is thrift stores or pawn shops

[@joetheguard3904]

Is there a good way to make cardboard to look like steal or a lisence plate?

[@akumabito2008]

Great vid as always! You should do a vid just on distressing / repurposing jeans. I know, they're not sexy and postapocalyptic-y but let's face it - when you go on a scavenge hunt, how much military gear will you find compared to civilian jeans?

[@NuclearSnailStudios]

well.. you will but realism is nto the only thign that matters, in fact far from it .aaaand you disress jeans same as anythign else :D made a video about that 5 years ago :D it was my first

[@ohthankg-dforthebourgeoisi9800]

Your story is the most important part ... We are our own drama now! 😮

[@keysterglenjamin8461]

Watching all of these now I guess 🤷‍♂️

[@tabascopuffen2905]

Why cant i find the workshop video anymore?

[@protip6794]

I made my first set of raider armor for only $4 USD

[@tonymaw8582]

Where can I buy the thread from online

[@jackcolless3989]

MAD MAX:ROAD WORRIOR

[@srenvexx1977]

I like the turtle

[@toasterdemon3716]

Kommst du aus Deutschland?

[@head3495]

Уже в который раз твои видео доставляют =) Если будет минутка, рассказал бы про свою "жилетку" ты в ней на многих видео, интересно, что да как=)=)

[@NuclearSnailStudios]

ok rasskazhu kak nibud!

[@MrGrzegorzwlo]

@@NuclearSnailStudios Join Ink In Join Ink Kk Kim Ink Kim Mm Kk Nikki M M Join!mm!!on Kk ! Kim I'll Kk Kk! L! L M!!jlooo!!l M Look Joj JoJo On Hi Ko

[@kevinnochwas1355]

Danke dir ✌️

[@meh9682]

Thanks for video! *subbed I'm new to this stuff but had a dream I made a holster for my new 8.5 inch barrel 500 Smith n Wesson Magnum revolver. I saw that movie Mad Max and seems like something imortan Joe would have(Most Powerful factory made handgun in the world) I polished to a mirror "shiny & chrome" so I want the holster/belt to be something he would wear but then BAM when you pull out Revolver you are blinded.👍

[@hidhaptalton3626]

I like the Tank Girl post apocalyptic version a lot xD i drew a lot of inspiration from that comic/movie I subscribed the moment you said "So watch my videos grab a beer..." and i had for real just grabbed a beer!

[@tanneradams2252]

Hey man, love your videos! I will be making my first costume pretty soon...going for a "mad doctor" type aesthetic since I will be playing as a medic. What materials do you recommend for hot weather?

[@gjigaqaquj]

My character is from an earth that is much hotter and is plagued with frequent Ash storms. I'm having trouble coming up with the costume but I have an idea of flowing Bedouin robe with leather chest pieces and with steel pieces and leather arm armour. I'm inspired by morrowind ashlanders, fallout raiders, and Bedouin nomads for the culture my character is from. I just don't know how I'm going to start, I had the lore on standby for like a year and a half.

[@Cyber_Zombie]

Came across this while looking into doing a post apocalypse airsoft kit. Some awesome advise and looks really cool. Definitely subscribing.

[@MasculineUtopianDweller]

hey im working on making some grungie long rifles that are camouflaged im making about 6-7 different and unique long sniper rifles w camoflaged material all over them and i was wondering if you could do a weapons video for some inspiration

[@joielollis]

doesn't have to be perfect. It's post-apocalyptic...scavenged

[@plagueclown4350]

Giant turtle? Post apocalyptic stuff? Is this the dark tower series? I love it.

[@zwojack7285]

It is clear that Frying Pan should be repurposed as a Drying Pan.

[@camerong7365]

I hate manual sewing also, but the after product is amazing!

[@otherabby4099]

Making my first post-apo costume for the ren fair and this was so helpful!!! Thank you :D

[@mainrunner4279]

I going to make a basebal glove shoulder armor wit metal plates on it

[@harrykuheim6107]

Weathered Coveralls are a good easy start. too...

[@Gutwrencher666]

That was Cleary a tortoise , not a turtle 😂

[@oddeyes9413]

So... um... Mad Max style?

[@camilabiancoaguero1552]

That is a nice turtle

[@Odaken_hl]

Amei, me inspirei nisso

[@royal-wolf]

I'm still trying to figure out how I'm going to make Belt Style armor. I have a lot of belts, both military and none, but I have no idea where to start with it. Since my dad likes to junk a lot of stuff, I have constant access to small metal parts that would make for great decorative pieces. I should just sit down with what I have and go from there.

[@NuclearSnailStudios]

exactly. just start, and if sumn dont work try it a diffrent way.. thats what postpao crafting is about :) ..well.. among other thousand things :D but yes IMPROVISE! may the belt be with you!

[@Pizzatime42008]

What is that around his neck?

[@NuclearSnailStudios]

a sheeps fur collar from some old-ass jacket i scavenged from a bunker during my trip to russia. i think.

[@Pizzatime42008]

Badass!

[@Sasquatch4811]

Love your vids glad you take the time to make these...

[@NuclearSnailStudios]

thanks! support me on patreon then :PPP j/k no pressure :) glad if i can help regardless :)

[@Pizzatime42008]

First

[@NuclearSnailStudios]

great! now go makea postapo costume and post pics on my FB! :)) :P

[@ayden_g5139]

10 like

[@sandramills9303]

1,65th view and 119th like.

[@NuclearSnailStudios]

great! you´re a WINNER! :D .. now go make a costume :P

[@badspydie]

Man I love your bids. There awsome! I am making a post apocalyptic Darth Vader and a assault vw beetle on a 1965 army jeep drive line. Any advice?

[@jeffr7752]

Back in high school, two guys rushed past me in the hallway. As it turned out, it was a well-known bully chasing a much smaller guy. Now that kind of crap always boiled my blood, but before I could step in, the smaller guy looked back, then suddenly balled up and came to a complete stop. Well, needless to say, the bully was too big and moving too fast to react, so he went flying over the smaller guy who quickly popped his head up like a turtle and ran back the other way. For his trouble, the bully hurt his shoulder and missed the game on Saturday. And the other fella? Well, I ended up sticking up for him and he became a life-long friend. And for his quick thinking and the "slick" move he made and the way he popped back up like a "Turtle", my buddy earned the nickname, "Slick The Turtle". So yes my friend, Turtles ARE awesome!

[@lickthismiff]

Do you have any advice for distressing synthetic fabrics? I'm working on a costume where I'm a bit of a magpie and have collected all the shiny, glamorous stuff I can find, but I want it to look like glamorous stuff that's been exposed to a nuclear wasteland for 20 years