Cosplaying as Raven from Teen Titans is an exciting and rewarding project that allows you to embody one of DC's most iconic characters. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every aspect of creating a stunning Raven cosplay, from costume construction to makeup application. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced cosplayer, this guide will help you bring Raven to life.
Understanding Raven's Character and Appearance
Before diving into the costume creation process, it's essential to understand Raven's character and appearance. Raven, a founding member of the Teen Titans, is known for her mysterious and dark persona. She is a human-demon hybrid with powerful magical abilities and a complex personality.
Physical Characteristics:
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Pale, greyish-white skin
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Purple eyes with thick eyebrows
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Violet hair with a distinctive widow's peak
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Red gemstone with a black outline on her forehead
Costume Elements:
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Purple cloak with a hood
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Black, full-sleeve leotard
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Golden belt with round jewels
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Purple cuffs on both hands
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Ankle-length boots
Assembling the Costume
1. The Bodysuit
The foundation of Raven's costume is a black, full-sleeve leotard. You have several options for creating or obtaining this piece:
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Option 1: Purchase a ready-made bodysuit
You can find suitable bodysuits on cosplay-specific websites like CrazeCosplay.com. They offer a Raven Halloween Costume Teen Titans Suit that includes a jumpsuit along with other costume elements.
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Option 2: Sew your own bodysuit
For a more custom fit, consider making your own bodysuit using a pattern. Kinpatsu Cosplay offers a digital download that includes patterns and tutorials for creating Raven's bodysuit.
Materials needed:
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Black, stretchy fabric (preferably with a slight sheen)
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Bodysuit pattern
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Sewing machine and supplies
Steps:
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Choose a bodysuit pattern that fits your measurements.
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Cut the fabric according to the pattern.
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Sew the pieces together, leaving openings for the neck and legs.
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Add a zipper or closure method of your choice.
2. The Cloak
Raven's iconic purple cloak is a crucial element of her costume. Here's how to create it:
Materials needed:
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Dark blue or purple crushed velvet fabric
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Matching lining fabric
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Cloak pattern (half-circle design works well)
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Round crimson brooch or clasp
Steps:
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Cut the outer fabric and lining according to your chosen pattern.
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Sew the outer fabric and lining together, leaving the bottom edge open.
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Turn the cloak right side out and hem the bottom edge.
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Create a separate hood piece and attach it to the cloak.
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Add the brooch or clasp to secure the cloak at the neck.
3. The Belt
Raven's belt is a distinctive accessory that adds authenticity to the costume.
Materials needed:
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Golden fabric or craft foam
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Round crimson jewels or Christmas baubles
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LED lights (optional)
Steps:
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Cut a strip of golden fabric or craft foam to fit your waist.
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Attach round crimson jewels or baubles evenly along the belt.
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For added effect, incorporate LED lights into the belt design.
4. Boots and Gloves
Boots:
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Find ankle-length boots in a dark color.
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Cover existing boots with purple spandex fabric for a custom look.
Gloves or Cuffs:
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Create purple cuffs using leftover fabric from the cloak.
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Alternatively, use purple gloves that extend to your wrists.
Makeup and Wig
Makeup
Raven's makeup is crucial for capturing her otherworldly appearance.
Materials needed:
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Grey or pale foundation
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Purple eyeshadow
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Black eyeliner
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Dark lipstick
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Red face paint or prosthetic for the forehead gem
Steps:
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Apply a pale grey foundation all over your face and visible skin.
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Use purple eyeshadow around your eyes and to contour your face.
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Apply black eyeliner to define your eyes.
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Use dark lipstick for a gothic look.
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Create the forehead gem using red face paint or a prosthetic.
Wig
Unless your natural hair matches Raven's, you'll need a wig to complete the look.
Wig characteristics:
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Violet color
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Straight, angled cut
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Neck-length
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Prominent widow's peak
Style the wig to match Raven's iconic look, ensuring the widow's peak is visible and the hair frames your face correctly.
Accessories and Final Touches
Contact Lenses
For the most accurate portrayal, consider using purple cosmetic contact lenses. Always purchase from reputable sellers and follow proper hygiene practices.
Forehead Gem
Create a realistic forehead gem using:
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Red craft gem
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Spirit gum or prosthetic adhesive
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Black eyeliner for outlining
Voice and Mannerisms
To truly embody Raven, practice her distinctive monotone voice and stoic mannerisms. Watch episodes of Teen Titans to study her character and movements.
Where to Find Raven Cosplay Items
While making your own costume can be rewarding, purchasing ready-made items can save time and ensure accuracy. CrazeCosplay.com offers several Raven costume options:
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Complete Raven Halloween Costume: This set includes a cloak, jumpsuit, and waist chain, providing a convenient all-in-one solution for cosplayers.
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Titans Raven Rachel Roth Outfit: For those interested in the live-action Titans version of Raven, CrazeCosplay offers a costume set including a vest, pants, overcoat, tunic, and necklace.
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Individual Pieces: CrazeCosplay also sells separate components of Raven's costume, allowing you to mix and match or replace specific items as needed.
Tips for Wearing and Maintaining Your Raven Cosplay
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Practice Movement: Before attending an event, practice moving in your costume, especially with the cloak, to ensure comfort and to maintain character.
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Makeup Touch-ups: Carry a small makeup kit for touch-ups throughout the day, especially for the grey skin tone and forehead gem.
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Cloak Care: Be mindful of your cloak when sitting or moving through crowds to avoid damage or tripping hazards.
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Comfortable Footwear: If making boot covers, ensure they're secure and won't slip during wear.
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Weather Considerations: Raven's costume can be warm, so plan accordingly for indoor and outdoor events.
Photoshoot and Presentation
To truly showcase your Raven cosplay:
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Location: Choose a gothic or mystical setting for your photoshoot. Abandoned buildings or forests can create the perfect atmosphere.
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Poses: Practice Raven's signature poses, including her spell-casting stance and meditative position.
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Props: Consider creating props like Raven's spell books or energy effects using craft materials or digital editing.
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Lighting: Use dramatic lighting to enhance the mysterious aura of your cosplay.
Conclusion
Cosplaying as Raven from Teen Titans is an exciting project that allows you to delve into the world of a complex and beloved character. Whether you choose to create your costume from scratch or purchase ready-made pieces from sites like CrazeCosplay.com, attention to detail is key. From the iconic purple cloak to the intricate makeup, each element contributes to bringing Raven to life.
Remember, cosplay is about having fun and expressing your love for the character. Don't be afraid to add your own interpretations or adaptations to make the cosplay uniquely yours. With this comprehensive guide, you're well-equipped to create a stunning Raven cosplay that will impress at any convention or costume event.
As you embark on your Raven cosplay journey, embrace the character's strength, mystery, and complexity. Your dedication to accuracy and attention to detail will surely result in a cosplay that does justice to this iconic Teen Titan. Happy cosplaying!
