A Word About Software
As a general rule, we try not to recommend software that you have to pay for unless it is a must have. For instance, Adobe Acrobat Reader is free for anyone to use, and it works as described in our tutorials. When we do recommend a paid software package, we will strive to point out free alternatives to the package in question. That is, unless there isn’t another piece of software that does the same job. Which brings us to this tool suggestion.
Armorsmith Designer
Armorsmith Designer (available at The Armored Garage for $40) is the most important piece of software we’ve ever invested in.
I hear you asking, “But Feral, why is it the most important piece of software you’ve ever invested in?”
I’ll tell you. Armorsmith Designer is a virtual dress form/mannequin/seamster’s dummy/Duct Tape Dummy. When you first start up the software, you are going to be entering a mighty metric buttload of measurements. Yes, that is an official unit of measurement.
Once you have them done, you have a dummy that allows you to import 3D models and place them on your avatar (what the application calls it) and scale them to you body. Then you can export them for 3D Printing.
BUT THAT ISN’T THE COOL PART!
It also has an Unwrap function. That means once you have the piece scaled for your body, you can then take the model, unwrap it and create a pattern for use with EVA foam, cardboard, etc.
This function is so amazing and important to what we do. In fact, our upcoming tutorial series: The Samus Build will be using the Armorsmith Designer extensively.
Why we feel the cost is justified
The protyping stage of cosplay can be frustrating and can get kind of expensive. Here at the the studio, we have had several projects that have gone through 2 or 3 iterations before we were able to get it just right. (Rilla insists that I share the fact that one particular piece has been built 6 different times. On the 6th try, I finally had it scaled properly.
Mind you, this was before we discovered The Armorsmith Designer.
With that in mind, let’s talk numbers:
Let’s assume you are building a helmet. In most cases, a helmet of any complexity (Like the Samus build) will take most of a sheet of EVA foam. Currently, a 14 x 39 sheet of 10mm EVA foam costs $15-$25. That means your prototyping will cost you between $30 and $50.
A couple projects and this program will literally pay for itself.
The Armorsmith Designer ($40)
October 2, 2025
