Hitagi Senjougahara Gallery 1 added.

Took some time off to add a new album into the gallery section. There seems to be quite a back log there, well there also seems to be some progress with this I suppose. The first half of the gallery has been posted. I'll put up a second half soon~

The move of the website from the old server to the new server seems to have been completed without problems. The previous server was in Germany and the current one is in USA. Those living in the US, is there any noticeable improvement in speed? The internet is quite fast nowadays, I imagine most people wouldn't notice a 1ms or 10 ms difference would they?

With the migration out of out of the way, I think I'll work a little on getting a new design up for the site too. The current version is version 6, the next version will be version 7. It all seems so fun, but I also happen to be going through quite a busy period. Well, baby steps I guess, baby steps can finish anything hehe.

Here are some of the activities that friends and members are up to lately.

The new mask project thread for Saki, from Steel Angel Kurumi (yes Kurumi, not Kigurumi).

Hotaru brings a chainsaw to a con?! Soon to be joined by Sainte, as Saki.

I want to know your desktop resolution, has things changed in the past 5 years?

Mutsu's sculpting of a goat head is sooo interesting to look at.

And a weird issue I kept encountering with FTP clients, do you know the cause?

Godaddy, we have arrived, on the new server and I'm lovin'it~^_^

The move to the new server is complete. I must say, I am very very impressed by the service provided by Godaddy.com. On several occassions, I needed to ask questions right away or the migration would have delays. Godaddy's 24/7 help centre was just a call away, and got to speak to a tech support personnel who was able to answer my questions right away.

Let me share with you how my Godaddy experience was like:

"          I know that they are trained to do so, but I am still amazed at how the workers were all able keep up such a high standard of customer service. On one occasion, I needed to delete the server for a reset and reapply for a new host, they walked me through the entire process, they even recommended me an option to choose a server nearer to my visitors, I chose USA(they have Singapore, Australia, China etc). It should be as quick as it gets to load for many of you now. I FELT VERY PAMPERED~^_^

I am so touched, perhaps because I moved from a host who abused their customers. The previous host, ulmb.com, took monthly payments from me, and when I realised and changed to an annual upfront payment, they still kept withdrawing automatic monthly payments, twice before I found out. That is like taking more money than they should and keeping quiet about it. When I sent a message to the customer service, there was no reply EVEN UNTIL NOW! :( I waited 3 days before sending a second message, and by now, I've sent 5 messages and still no reply. ULMB.COM IS THAT BAD. I figured if I stayed on, I will be charged a third time the monthly amount, so I decided to go.

I am still touched and impressed about Godaddy's control manager. The available options and settings are just incredible. Their build in web browser based FTP works just like Facebook/Photobusket/Filezilla combined, I didn't even needed to use my standalone FTP software. Almost all the settings can be modified and there is so much more that I haven't even tried. All the server details are REVEALED and I feel that I OWN MY SERVICE, unlike on the previous host.

Definitely as good as it can get for a web host and domain name registrar.          "

The new site is not just good service, the 4th generation hosting hardware and the features offered are in a list twice as long as my previous web host... Phew, Web developers for my site ought to be happy with the new toy I bought for their use~^_^

The forum is up, I will start working on adding new things to the website, meanwhile check take a look at the following topics:

If you have any problems now, let me know in the thread here or email me:
http://www.kigurumicosplay.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1116


Help me out with a title banner, I want to feature your work on here~^_^ Check here:
http://www.kigurumicosplay.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1127


Some great mask making and repairing tips by mask maker Fantesca can be found here:
http://www.kigurumicosplay.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=1124

A new kigurumi mask project in the works, with full costume and shoes for a buyer:
http://www.kigurumicosplay.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=1126


I am trying to make kigurumi eyes blink, check out how Rinrin plans on getting interchangeable expressions and making them go -_- !
http://www.kigurumicosplay.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=1131


Stay tuned for more updates~^_^ All suggestions are welcomed.

User's probably won't feel a thing, but the server is being migrated as we speak.

The clever thing about links, they all point to the right place wherever they files may be physically. 1/4 of the server and its files have been moved to the new server, but it is still expected to take a while. The most difficult part is yet to come. The forums.

I may want to do a clean installation of the forums, so that all the bugs, and accumulated clutter will become history. This way, I can also ensure that all the features, like the gallery and board version are the newest and most current version.

However the forum's galleries are about 800MB, phew~ I wonder who has been uploading non web optimised pics onto the gallery, I have folders with more pictures than there are in the forums and its not even 150MB lol.

The forums will be temporarily disabled when the actual moving of the forum is taking place. Do not be alarmed, it will be in that way for just a few hours. most likely less than the number of fingers and toes combined lol~^_^;

Anyway, work is on its way. I will be updating what is happening to the forum and new server as we speak on Twitter. I'll let everyone know when things are done~^_^

Server migration imminent in the next 3 days.

Server migration has been in the planning and it is expected that it will take place in the next few days.

So please do not be surprised if the forums are temporarily inaccessible. It is because when moving the database, I will have to freeze the forum to prevent any changes. Besides, any changes added to the forums when the data is being move will remain on the old server and won't be seen when the migration is over.

I will post a notice on the blog since blogger.com is hosted by Google and not my own host, it will stay up. It probably will stay up in a nuclear attach too~^_^; The new server has so much more features and stretching space for web developers to improve upon the website. I will talk about it when the bulk of the work is done.

Come to think of it, this will be the second time the forums has been moved. For old time friends and fans, you may remember the "proboards" forum and  "wyu.ulmb.com". With each move, things has improved and newer features and services has been offered for the visitor's enjoyment. Your fun, is my fun, I can't wait when everything is done~^_^

Stay tuned~

Feature your artwork in the banner~

Dear kigurumi cosplay lovers. Do you make good drawings? If so will you like your artwork to become inside the banner on this site?

Specifications:
1) Image must be 1000 x 200 pixels with edges tapered to white.
2) Title of website "Kigurumi Cosplay Society" and slogan "Kigurumi cosplay for everyone else" has be present.
3) You can write your personal URL on the banner as long as it does not obscure the title and slogan.
4) You can use any image, your drawing, your kig pictures etc. It does not have to be 100% kigurumi related, but some relevance is preferred,
5) JPG files are preferred for their compact size, though all image formats are supported.
6) Filesize should be optimised for web, otherwise I can do it for you.
7) You can submit more than one or get a friend to help you.

You may notice that the banner changes each time you hit "refresh" on your browser. The first artwork is provided by Zicron Knight as an demonstration.

Right now it only has two images to swap between one another randomly, but I intend to accumulate a fair number of different banner designs. The banner has absolutely no restrictions except for the dimensions, title and slogan. You can put your dog's picture, or gears in an engine. You can put a background of a scene you took in a CON with kigurumi in them etc. Although I'm after mostly kigurumi or cosplay related themes, just be creative, like how GOOGLE draw its name creatively once in a while~

To send me the banner you made, please post it up in the member gallery or anywhere, you can also email it to me directly. And link it in this forum thread below.
http://www.kigurumicosplay.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1127&p=12843#p12843

You can make suggestions on improvements and ask questions in the same thread as well.
See you there~^_^

Where were all the work hiding before this~

Just a non related cover girl to start of a post~ Looks like this are really going to get very very busy from now on~ Let me count them here:

1) Got a business plan to present to VCs in mid August (Not Kigurumi^^;)
2) Migrating of website and server to newer, better web host.
3) Full time work~
4) 1 new mask order, with full costume and shoes.
5) Blinking eye project, phew~ waiting for parts.
6) New cosplay character, heh heh~ It'll be a surprise~
7) Daily maintenance and answering of questions on forum/facebook

See lucky 7, blam~ no kidding, just where were all the work hiding before today. If I seem to take ages to reply to real time chats or emails, please forgive me, I think I may need to do less of those for a while.

In fact dear friends, when you send me a message, cutting off the "hi" and "how are you today" and getting straight to the "Its pouring out here today, I need an umbrella" may be more effective in getting a response lol.

I can still chat, but probably just less of the mundane stuff, but don't worry, I still care, its the whole point why I'm busy~^_<

The forums seems to be getting a while lot busier these days. If you are a frequent member, and have a mature attitude, will you like to help by being a moderator?  Don't forget to drop by the forums and check the following hot projects and topics:
-Okuu's new costume design~
-Rinrin's kigurumi character~!!!
-Some anime titles too short?
and more~ ^_^

Thank you for all the help offered with the building of the new community website. The intention was to share the work and share the pride. Trying to make something useful to help other kiggers and kig loving people.

Built the website from scratch collecting tutorials, discussions, ideas and pictures in the forums. I think it has came a long way. People finding the information provided useful kind of made me want to make it even better. Its cool isn't it, when you have a goal that seems right~^_^

So yada yada yada~ I'll be busy, but I'm still here~<3

Web developers, designers and artists. Want to have some fun?

We are making a new website. Will you like your work to become part of the new Kigurumi Cosplay Society?


I am so thrilled of having the current website which got me to know so many great friends with similar interests. Lately I was strongly touched by the support of your friendship when so many of you responded with ideas and suggestions when I asked for help with the recent blinking eye project. I truly experienced how the effort of a group very quickly overtook what I could accomplish on my own.

After speaking to a few friends here, it seems like all the help I need has always been here and all I needed to do was to ask. Little do many know, that my website is being maintained, repaired and renewed by a few members and friends alike. But the truth is, everyone who are reading this and visiting this website is helping this place a great deal.

I have come to the decision of making this Kigurumi Cosplay Society a more useful place by providing kigurumi cosplay lovers with better services than just being a website showcasing just my own's work. Its true that the forum has been doing a fair job in sharing information and showcasing other people's work, but I think it can be better.

Kigurumi Cosplay has a flood of activities lately.

This update will talk about a few things I am aware of happening in the kigurumi cosplay circle of late (But of course, there are tons of kigurumi activity which I'm also not aware of). These include:
-Cici's (Cicelia Winn) completed purple hair, orange eye, gray side-tail Dita.(Hair's different, eyes different, hairstyle's different... is she still Dita >_<; hehe).
-The envy inducing AXCon went by Haru, Kei, Shino, Rinrin, Pool Trooper etc.
-The progress of the revolutionary blinking eye kigurumi mask project and what the ultimate final design is like.
-A new links page underway.
-And I'll touch on the skin-coloured kigurumi bodysuit mass order and a few things at the end.

Dita kigurumi mask
The kigurumi mask on the left is Dita (though I feel it should be called Cici). Well the original customisation was based on Dita from the hit anime Vandread, aired some time ago. Then Cici wanted a purple haired version of the Dita mask with gray side-tails, and the eye colour be orange. (btw, Dita has red hair, blue eyes etc) Hehe... plus a few more customisations, and the mask is completed. Check out more of the completed image shots in the related forum thread here:
http://www.kigurumicosplay.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=5&p=12566#p12566

Mikunopolis~ USA~

Damned that Draconpern and Rinrin, they got to see Mikunopolis live while I get to watch it on this youtube video~^_^; Hehe, just wanted to rant about it, I'm fine, no worries. I suppose anyone whose familiar with the Vocaloid's recent activities would have seen the similiar concerts in Japan... on Youtube as well for me.

Indeed, it is quite amazing. The effect does look like a real 3D person is singing on the stage. The movements are very well choreographed and looked so beautiful dancing. They probably are better off in endurance and liveliness compared to real life artists.

When I watched the video, I keep realising how much the performance look like kigurumi cosplay. It looks almost identical to a slender little girl, dressed in kigurumi cosplay costume and doing the show up there. I wonder how amazing it would be if a kigurumi cosplayer can put on that outfit and parade the public grounds. Perhaps there would be countless fans who will fall in love with her at first sight.

One IMPORTANT thing that I noted from the performance is that THE VOCALOID'S EYES KEEPS BLINKING~!!! It does make the character appear more alive, and probably will break the uncanny feeling traditional kig masks give to the public. THIS FREAKIN* MADE ME WANNA FINISH THE BLINKING SAYA MASK A.S.A.P...... GGRAOWLAGH. Wow, what was that? A growl? Sweet. Imagine if a kigurumi mask's face can achive blinking, it will be no different from the 3D Mikus and other vocaloids. I think we're getting somewhere with the blinking eye no jutsu. Definitely going somewhere.

P.S.... if a kig mask isn't singing, the mouth doesn't need to move right? After I tackle the blinking eyes, let's see if I have some time to think about a moving mouth~^_^; I must be crazy.

>>>"CREDIT OF VIDEO GOES TO VIDEO UPLOADER" <<<
The Calif Mikunopolis video has been taken off Youtube, so I replace it with one formerly from Jap.

Someone help me please?

In need of huge help. All ideas are welcomed.

Question: Where and how to put the pistons so they would be able to push the flaps?

I want to make kigurumi eyes blink. One final touch and it could be turned into reality. But I am puzzling over where and how to install the final crucial bit. The placement of the air pistons so they will connect with the eye lids.

The air pistons may or may not be the best solution even in this case. You you thought of an even better method to drive the eyelid flaps, please let me know.

The problem now is that the mask is curved on the inside. There is very little room to install the pistons, and the pistons needs to be able to extend as well.

Is there any kind of electronic switch or simple circuit I can build that when released, inverts the direction of a motor? Building a micro controller circuit is probably out of the question, but simple on/off dc motors are still viable.

Preferably, I do not wish to rely on electronic circuits as I see that the battery most certainly will not last a 4-5 hour continuous driving. And kigurumi cosplays are meant to last that long or longer.

So how, if not the pistons, can I drive the eyelids? Any creative problem solving lovers around I can discuss this with? If you have an idea, best tell me how to do it as well. It best explained with an illustration or sketch ^_^

Thank you very much~

The discussion forum is located here:
http://www.kigurumicosplay.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1090&start=50

Another step completed in the blinking eye project.

All these improvising and re-inventing made me recall how easy it was to make ponytails on kigurumi masks in comparison to this.

Shocking, absolutely no less than shocking. The eye lashes part of the project has been overly underestimated in complexity. I twitted the other day that making the eye lashes was like inventing the light bulb, do you know that story of Thomas Edison? He tried and failed over 10,000 designs, well mine was not as dramatic, but still no less than 10 designs.

So many things has changed in the design, even the material used has been changed. I was quite busy figuring out how to get it to work as well as doing my other priorities that I haven't had time to update much in the forums or on Facebook.

Well, the good news is. It is completed. And it is working. That is the sliding action of the eye lashes controlled by the eye lids.