ABSTRACT
Costume designers are using three-dimensional (3D) printing to add adornment and custom pieces to existing costumes as well as creating the full costumes themselves. In addition to full costume pieces, 3D printing has become a favorite among many costume technicians and designers for unique accessories. It can work particularly well with complex organic shapes, items needed in multiples, or accoutrement for the unique touches to the perfect costume. 3D printing can also be useful for fabric decoration – from stencilling to block printing. In addition to 3D printing, Legacy also uses 3D scanning as an integral part of their workflow. Instead of life casting, actors' heads and bodies are 3D scanned so suits, helmets, and specialty makeup can be built around their exact sizing. 3D printing is a versatile tool for creating understructures for costume pieces, masks, and other accessories. Rachel E. Pollock has also used 3D printing to create understructures for masks.
