Location: Anime Milwaukee 2026 | South Hall Room 201C - Workshop Room

Saturday, March 7th | 10 am – 11 am

 Panel Length: 1 hour

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Stylized character designs aren’t meant to follow real-world rules, but costumes still have to work on real bodies. In this insight-rich presentation, Turtle Smithy breaks down how cosplayers can adapt exaggerated proportions, silhouettes, and visual shortcuts into wearable, flattering costumes. You’ll learn how to think like a costumer, not just follow a pattern, and how small design decisions can dramatically change how a costume reads on the body. Drawing from 20 years of cosplay experience, this session gives you practical tools to solve fit and proportion issues before they become build-stopping problems.

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In this workshop you'll learn:

• Why stylized character proportions don’t translate directly to real bodies
• How to analyze a character design and identify what actually needs to be replicated
• How scale, silhouette, and visual illusion affect how a costume reads on the body
• Common proportion mistakes in cosplay, and how to fix them
• How to adapt patterns and design elements
• How to make intentional design choices that improve fit, comfort, and visual impact

Prerequisite Skills:

• None, beginner friendly

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About the Instructor:

Turtle Smithy has been cosplaying for over 20 years. He has competed and won awards at many different conventions, not the least of which being the first C2E2 Crown Champion. He has also judged many competitions at shows over the years, and currently makes cosplay accessories full time for his Etsy shop. He has a wide range of expertise, including costume patterning, sewing, armor, props, leather, painting, mold making and casting. Turtle Smithy is excited to share his knowledge in this hands on workshop.

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The Nitty Gritty:

• Purchasing a ticket reserves one (1) seat at this lecture. For multiple tickets, please add more than one ticket to your cart
• Tickets will be delivered digitally to the email address provided at checkout. This digital ticket will be needed to enter the event.
• All classes start promptly at the time they're scheduled for. In the event of tardiness, you may miss certain aspects of the class.

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Our Sponsors for the 2026 Anime Milwaukee Cosplay Studio: