Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jared Hale . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jared , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
I began my journey at the age of 8. I used cardboard and duct tape as my medium of choice. I created many different creations from robots taller than I was, to props and costumes from my favorite cartoons. As time went on I began to focus more on drawing and painting, but after a few years I craved more of a challenge. While scrolling through YouTube I came across a video by “Evil Ted Smith” using EVA foam to create a helmet. I knew right away that I had to try that myself. So I quickly ordered my own EVA foam and began watching more videos to learn how to use the foam for my craft.
Knowing what I know now I could have sped up my process by researching specific terms and materials to glue the foam together and sealing and finishing the foam properly.
The most essential skills involved were learning to heat form the foam and using the proper adhesive to bind the pieces together.
There were not many obstacles in my way of learning since there is a plethora of information on the internet.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I began cosplaying as a way to express my art to bring characters from comic book pages to life. I have always had an artistic streak since I was a child from drawing and creating props and costumes from cardboard and duct tape.
Since I have honed in my crafting skills with foam I have created YouTube tutorials to share my knowledge what I have learned over the years. I also sell my templates on my Etsy shop so others can use my templates to create their own armor or props.
I am most proud of how far my skill has come to be able to become a guest at conventions and be judge the cosplay contests there, but I could not have made it this far without the blessings from God to which I am forever grateful.
I am always willing to help anyone and share my knowledge with anyone who asks.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is seeing people’s reactions when they see something I have made from their favorite fandom. Seeing the excitement on someone’s face when they see their favorite character brought to life pushes me to continue what I do.
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
One resource I wish I had known about sooner is EVA foam that is smooth on both sides as the floor mats have a texture on one side which makes it difficult to adhere more layers and straps with buckles to hold the armor together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/BatOuttaHaleCosplay?fbclid=PAAaZMyqisKUN8TBQ8z3U4hF-HBdYT6dOzSm6pKjwq4JM1E1z5XPTpHsiN1aU_aem_AUVFUE6rDdB1hVgeVAmi64A0yCyuoi3ouONBTxwGyjlpHLOsB-ABGzA1tc6chcWxzRk
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/batouttahalecosplay?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@batouttahalecosplay?si=dIrPqdw83_edmPoY
Image Credits
Photos by Damion Hing and Greg Marler