ABOUT

I’m Terry Chui and I am a prop and specialty costume designer, artist and fabricator from Vancouver BC Canada.

I have been a costumer / cosplayer for almost 25 years and I have been making props and costumes for friends and fans the last several years. I have done some work for TV and film and hope to continue working in the industry.

I have a background in graphic design and Illustration, and a long career in video games where I was a concept artist, 3D modeller, character and environment designer, game designer, Art Director and Creative Director on various game franchises.

portfolio

These are various props that I have made for myself or clients. Everything is 100% original, made from scratch by myself. Techniques used include sculpting, scratch building, fabrication, machine work, electronics, painting / faux finishing and weathering.

Here are some costumes that I have created for myself, costumers / cosplayers and collectors. These cover a wide range of costume types – some are created from scratch, and some involve fitting, assembling and rigging armour kits as well as painting and finishing.

I have a deep background in graphic design and illustration, with skills as a traditional artist, concept artist, 3D modeller, Art Director and Creative director in the interactive games industry for almost 20 years. I have experience in character, vehicle and prop design. I have used many of my traditional skills in my prop and costume fabrication over the years.

These are some samples of one off custom pieces commissioned by some of my clients. I have been asked to create a variety of things, from customised vinyl figures to small props for kids costumes or even hand painted sneakers!

faq

Where did you develop the skills to do this?

I have a background in graphic design and illustration, sculpting and fabrication, painting / finishing as well as experience with 3D modelling and some drafting.


I have also worked in the animation industry doing model sheet turnarounds for characters etc. I have taken a variety of courses and trained for several years in school, but most of my knowledge and skills have been acquired through years of trial and error testing different materials and techniques. I have also learned a lot from others in the TV and Film prop and costume making industry.

What skills and techniques do you have?

  • Creating design and concept art (character and prop design)
  • Model sheets for characters and props
  • Sculpting
  • Fabricating
  • Vacuum Forming
  • Fabricating forming bucks
  • Sewing
  • Molding and casting
  • Sewing and pattern making
  • Armor fabrication and fitting
  • Weapon props
  • Painting, finishing, faux finishes, weathering
  • Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator
  • Creating vector graphics for stencils, decals

Could you design a prop for me?

Yes, I can create original concept art and blueprints for your prop or do a costume breakdown. I can also do research and create diagrams for existing props that don’t have much information before they need to be made. Please keep in mind this does take time and the time and costs must be accounted for.

Do you accept commissions?

Yes, but I take them on a case by case basis based on my personal timing, budget, deadline and subject matter. Please contact me directly here

Are your finished props for sale?

Sometimes. Most of the items you see on my website or youtube are finished items for clients completed in advance of publication. Sometimes I will make a second version for sale or customisation (with permission from the client). You can visit my Etsy shop here for items that I have available.

Could you finish,paint, faux finish or weather something for me?

It depends on the item and timing etc. Please see “commissions” above.

Can you teach me how to make X?

I am happy to provide feedback when I have time but I cannot guide people step by step. I do encourage fans and followers to check out my Youtube channel (link here) as I create lots of tutorials to help others.

Can you make something for my RECOGNIZED charity event?

I am open to donating something for charity but it depends greatly on timing and availability. I volunteer a lot of my time to supporting charities, but if you have an idea I am open to discussing it.

contact