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Goddesofthemoon — THE COSPLAY GUIDE: Tips
Published: 2009-05-08 03:13:35 +0000 UTC; Views: 67486; Favourites: 426; Downloads: 0
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If you read this please leave a comment telling me if it helped you or not.If you have any tips that you would like to share so that I can share with others please feel free to note me you will be credit with the next posting.
FB Group DIY Cosplayer Help
[link]
First things first!
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE ASIAN TO BE A GOOD COSPLAYER!
I see this argument every time I click on a cosplay picture.
Here are a few good cosplayers that are NON ASIAN.
Convention Do's and Don'ts.
General disclaimer ;: these dos/don'ts are not meant to be offensive or rude in anyway shape or form. These are advice/tips to help you achieve your perfect costume/convention experience and can be taken literally or non-literally.
Do:
= Start on your costumes early. A month or two in advance.
= Set deadlines for yourself. While it can be stressful at times it'll help you stay on track and keep your progress steady.
= Always bring a good camera with you and plenty of film.
= Ask for permission to take photos and to hug/glomp people.
= Be creative, if you plan on doing originals or female versions of characters really be imaginative with the outfits. Don't just put on a dress and call it a version. Make sure the design fits the character and the series!
= Bring a repair sewing kit to conventions. Glue guns are a must for prop holders! You never know when it'll come in handy.
= Use the buddy system. Sometimes the places where cons are held aren't all that 5 star, the buddy system helps when you have to make a late night run or return to your hotel through sketchy areas.
= Exchange tips/advice or deviant pages/blogs. Network like a champ.
= Check con regulations to make sure your props/costumes are acceptable.
= Make friends and don't be a wall flower!
= Regularly check official boards/cosplay boards for meet up/photoshoot information.
= Invest in coolers and ice for late night snacking/drinks!
= If you're going to a Convention as a main character from a series meet up with some co-stars/supporting characters. Cosplay is good on its own but its better with company!
= Hotel locations near convenience stores modernly priced restaurants. This will help keep down food and drink costs.
= Stay hydrated. No one likes heat stroke or a trip to the hospital!
= Ration money, forget your wallet in your room or car. Check your Bank status after major purchases, keep a check book/balance book with you to keep track of your spending.
= Pick characters that are similar to yourself, it makes the cosplay better when you can adapt and relate to said character.
Don't:
= Use duct tape. While it may be magical, putting it on your shoes for a cosplay is not.
= Wear a costume that was put together in two hours, two days, or even two weeks unless you are a professional or you actually did an excellent job.
= Males, don't wear costumes that require you to shave if you refuse to. It ruins the illusion of the character that you've set out to portray.
= Pick characters that have revealing clothing if you don't have the body for it, are self conscious, or are doing it for the wrong kind of attention. Think of it like this, if you won't wear it in front of your grandmother, why would you wear it to a con in front of strangers?
= If you do wear revealing costumes do not complain about unwanted attention or being hit on by locals. Its going to happen whether you like it or not, be aware before hand.
= Just wear a costume to a character you know nothing about. Do some research! Its how the best cosplayers/cosplays are made.
= Please don't creep. No one likes a stalker!
= Don't act like you're better than another cosplayer or person just because you made your costume, are in a costume, ect. Conventions are for fun, not for tom douchery!
Addatives
Looking for Elven ears?
Here’s a great site.
Aradani costumes
[Link below. PLEASE READ]
Aradani features sets of prosthetic body adds such as ears, horns, scars, ect., ect.
Aradani is a good site to go to if you are looking for pointed Elf ears. These prices are low, some items are even under ten bucks.
Features A-J are good for:
High elves
Fairies
Goblins
Wilde Elves
Satyrs
Fauns
Orcs
Trolls
Elfquest characters
Anime characters
Sea creature ears for Mermaids and Dragonkin or even sea elves.
Hobbits
And they even feature ears from Lord of the rings, half elves.
Their most noted ears are the 10” Twilight elf tips.
Aradani also sells Latex horns and ones of polymers in a selection.
They sell vampire fangs in short and saber and even prosthetic wounds and open cuts for possible Zombie or fighting/wounded characters plays.
Store link:
[link]
Sesshomaru Cosplay [link]
Is a lens that I found that is pretty helpful for costume makers. Remember for any costume do your RESEARCH. Find plenty of ref photos and study the character.
[link]
Buckled winkle pickers one of the best cosplay shoes. So close to his originals and pretty inexpensive I believe. Sold at Drac-in-a-box
www.Mehron.com Mehron
www.Kryolan.com Kryolan
These two above links are places for good quality body painting makeups.
[link]
For Sesshomaru makeup two pack refills are good. Cheery bomb red for cheeks, red for eyes and Dark blue, Dk.blue or DBL for moon, Wild orchid the last filler for a Just in case go with the purple moon.
This makeup was bought and tested by me and is a perfect match to Sesshomaru's [Anime]
Products that are good to go with using make up.
Barrier spray : [link]
A quality barrier spray that stops sweat. Misted before or after makeup use, before stops sweat underneath and after seals for the finished look and no run.
Foundation:
[link]
Foundation to hide the "I just shaved" look for a flawless finish. Good for a Sesshomaru cosplay as well as any other in general in general.
FOR WIG WEARERS:
If you happen to be wearing a bright coloured wig or white wig and are afraid of showing your hair underneath the first good way to reduce this is if you are a male you can go bald, too drastic?
Then for all a WIG CAP is a must. If your hair is long it is good to use knitted wig caps and to wrap hair around the head and pin it in place with bobby pins.
After hair is pinned, here is a product I have found that helps preventing coloured hair from sticking out.
[link]
Comes in silver or white.
If you’re doing a Sesshomaru play it’s good to go with the silver. It’s a SAFE and NON PERMINATE water based formula that covers the hair and will make sticking out hair LESS noticeable.
When the wig cap is on dab or stroke lightly around the edges of wig cap or hair line about half an inch into the hair to colour it. The hair will become less noticeable.
For those with COLOURED wigs such as purple, blue, green. Use the WHITE formula and do the same as above.
-Then take a bit of eye shadow in MATTE of the same colour as the wig and lightly brush it along the edges of your now whitened hair. Make sure that the shadow is of a NON-sparkling or pearlized kind and is a dull flat matte.
STYLING A WIG:
There are a few GOOD quality stranded wigs that sell and they are kanekalon, Eleora, toyokalon, and modlon. Human haired wigs are the best but expensive and stop at a certain length.
“ PART WIG” fibers are not good wigs at all so don’t buy them, they are usually poor quality.
Try to stick to reliable sellers and check out credentials if possible; also check out reviews or feedback.
When buying a wig check the quality as well as the assembly, make sure the wig will not fall apart. Double check sizing as well. Some go by Small, medium, and large.
When styling a wig important products to have are:
A wig brush
Wide tooth comb
Wig spray
Plenty of wig caps.
Hair spray or/and gel
Garnier Fructis Wetshine
Blow dryer
Only use salon professional products and nothing cheap or you will damage the wig. The Fructis Wetshine is a gloss spray, I have a small travel size bottle that I find good for travel, it gives the hair a quick shine boost and life while not being sticky or excessive. It also gives the wig or hair a nice fruity scent that last for hours. <3
When styling a wig use a generous amount of product but don’t go crazy. Treat it like real hair or you will damage it.
DO NOT use excessive hair gel or hair cement.
A little goes a long way when combined with sprays. Make sure to find a good hair spray that doesn't flake.
Take a small amount on your finger and rub it into your hands. Run your hands under cold water[for a couple of seconds] to further dilute to not damage but still do its job.
Or make sure the wig is damp or wet and gently work product in and style as needed.
Use hairspray to keep style.
Blow dry while holding the spike or curl. Do it low heat to not destroy the style.
Make sure the hair spray is not one that flakes off or gets OVERLY sticky or you could ruin your style.
For curly haired wigs, either buy them straight and style them yourself or get them curly styled already.
To curl a straight wig you need:
Curlers [plastic ones not the hot ones]
A blow dryer
Warm water
Bobby pins
Wide tooth comb
Hair spray
1. Wet the wig with warm water and rid any access water.
2. Part wig into sections like normal hair. Comb out section and roll it in the curler, pin and move on to the next one.
3. Repeat step two until the full wig, or just what you need is in curlers.
4. Make sure wig hair is still wet, if not mist it with warm to hot water.
5. Blow dry the hair dry on high but keep it far enough away so that it does not damage the hair.
6. Do this twice, step 4 and 5, and then remove curlers carefully. With Wide tooth comb; comb the hair gently through the curl once or twice if needed and there it is. Hair spray to hold style and done.
It’s better to wear the wig after styling being careful to put it on without mussing it up. It’s also easier to style it while on your head. After it might be good to use a bit of Hair sheen. Oil sheen that says OLIVE OIL on the front or Wig spray to get the luster you need.
For plays with SHORT hair if you have short hair that is around the same colour or length it is good to use YOUR OWN HAIR and not a wig. [Saves money]
If your hair is to your jaw and you’re doing a Kingdom Hearts Sora play, use your own hair and either get it professionally styled or have someone help you.
Styling Sora’s hair is pretty easy as long as you DON’T use a ton of gel or hair cement. Use an amount like above but part the hair first to help.
Do not do a straight part but a zig zag part it seems to keep it more natural.
Spike the hair use the gel more at the bottom or base of the spike then the top and use hair spray at the top to hold the point.
If you want to go with a more natural realistic look then tease the hair slightly and use a small amount of gel or hairspray to have this fly away but spiked look. Make sure it’s not TOO messy.
If you do not want to do this here are a few good sites for QUALITY cosplay wigs already styled that I have found so far:
[link]
For those looking for contacts:
[link]
This link is good for Sesshomaru contacts using the ones at the bottom of the page: Hazel Autumn Bella
Or if you want to get more than one pair with a discount here is JAPANESECANDY
This site features contacts for cosplays or just regular wear in prescription and non-prescription.
So don’t worries if you have two different prescriptions in each eye you can get a pair without any added fees at all; also if you buy more than one of one style they give discount. Sae-Chan is amazingly nice and friendly and if you have any questions she is sure to help.
I’ve found contacts on here good for:
Chii or Freya cosplays
Naruto plays and a few others.
[link]
Another site:
[link]
[link]
Colours Honey and Pure hazel are good for Sesshomaru cosplays and any with yellow to golden eyes and want to keep the RL but anime aspects of a character. While they are cheap I am not sure if they can be prescription or not.
COSPLAY SHOES:
[link]
Jennifer cosplay from Ebay has great cosplay shoes.
She even has a realistic version of Sora's shoes. I am not sure as of yet but I do think that they do custom orders for shoes. Not sure but you can always ask.
[link]
Sometimes they sell Bleach shoes and whatnot, but they are good for Naruto headbands, keychains and Akasuki Necklaces as well as others. Mask, and collectables.
If you’re wearing the bleach whickered sandals I suggest using a sealant at the bottom of some type or fitting them with rubber to keep them from breaking as you walk on the concrete. Otherwise stay indoors and check them every so often.
Cosplay Tutorials
Magnet headphones:
[link]
LAYERS Tutorial Translations:
[link]
Deviant cosplay group w/tutorials:
[link]
Deviant cosplay group w/tutorials:
[link]
DarkElements:
[link]
GSTQ tutorials:
[link]
Yoko's gun step step:
[link]
Yoko's gun 2 step step:
[link]
These step step's on Yoko's gun are not an actual tutorial but just a step step picture progress on a pro-cosplay prop makers progress while doing a commission.
It is really helpful.
Yoko's Rifle: Info:
[link]
Commissions or costumes:
Cosplayhouse does quotes on commissions for outfits. I checked them out to see what you would get for some cosplays. They say 48 hours and they will get to you but its been more than three for me so I'm not all too sure. They can be pretty damn expensive sometimes.
Cosplayfu.com has some decent costumes. For those that can't afford to make from scratch or don't know how to sew its good to get premades and then taylor it to yourself and add or take from it as needed.
If you know people that sew its good to get them to help you. Also, taking it to a taylor is a cheap and professional way. Some may even do the costume for you. Ask around and see.
Lolita:
Its abundantly clear that you can google this and find whatever you need but to save some time here are some links to help you out.
[link]
This is a link to the Lolita handbook located on Live journal.
For the DIY Loli's
[link]
Sewing and DIY entries on lolita pieces.
Kanzashi Tutorial:
[link]
Lolita dress tutorial:
[link]
Altering a pattern [McCalls 7874]
"Victorian" skirt:
[link]
I've once used this as a basic step step for my lolita skirt pattern. With a few alterations on measurements and adding a panel or two i believe I got the effect I desired. It varies upon person to person.
Make Ruffles:
[link]
Disclaimer: This can be taken literally or non-literally.
For any questions just Note me and I'll be happy to answer or look up anything you might need.
Don't forget to check out the second one here : [link]
Related content
Comments: 228
Wow, this will be very helpful ^.^
Thank you.
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You're welcome
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Do you know any sites that has a lot of anime props? But aren't so costly?
But then again..there's always making your own. But it can sometimes hard, especially if the prop is very detailed.
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At the moment, I do not. I lost my original laptop through malware and lost all of my doc/bookmarks for all these incredible sites. I think a few google searches should help though.
I made my first prop over a summer, it was Oblivion from KH it was very detailed. It was my first time working with power tools and doing any type of wood working. It came out very well and I got loads of compliments on it. I even sold it to a close friend for a badge to otakon one year. He absolutely adores it.
It takes time, while the initial cost of the tools are NOT cheap the pay back is well worth it. I now am able to create tons of props and my initial investment was 150$ for tools. I can easily make it back through commissions.
At any rate, it takes a lot of time and learning but it can be done. The end result is always best especially when you are complimented on it.
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thank you for the links to the sites
and the great tips its awesome
wish i would have had something like this to bring to some cons with me for people who need to know some tips lol
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You can always link them to the site/write it for them! but you are very welcome!
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'if you do not have the body for it' You should remove this, it's seriously offensive.
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Let me start first by saying that this is something I made to help people and can be taken literally or non-literally. They are tips, not solid-in-stone rules.
Not really, if you are about 200-300 pounds I think there is a line crossed when you walk into a convention with hot pants on and a bikini top. Especially when most conventions cater to ALL ages. Along with if you are super skinny and trying to cosplay Bison... its just not going to work.
Cosplay looks best on you when it fits you. Not because you think the character is "cute" or "sexy" or "manly."
And as I've said before if you won't wear it outside of a con in everyday life or in front of your grandmother, then don't wear it to a con.
Being at a con does not give you license to dress slutty, or be as gross looking/smelling as you can be. Its just a place to meet people with the same interest and show off your works, skills, and wonderful personalities.
I have seen plenty of plus size cosplayers who cosplay and have done it the right way. One of my best friends does crossplay and I cannot tell you all the times I envy her for her accurate costumes and wonderful portrayals of the characters. She is plus size.
It all boils down to, if you aren't going to put effort into it... please don't wear it. Cosplay may be for fun but there is a fine line between doing it for fun and just doing it because you can.
And that is to say we are all entitled to our difference of opinion but last I checked you are the only one that has ever messaged me that this is "offensive." Now if I had 20+ people I may consider removing it but I won't.
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:3 I thought I'd said more than this. I like the guide and everything, i didn't mean to make you mad >.<
I just think that everyone, of all weights should feel comfortable enough with cosplaying any character. I mean, why is it okay for a skinny person to cosplay in hotpants and a bikini top, but not someone bigger?
'Not really, if you are about 200-300 pounds I think there is a line crossed when you walk into a convention with hot pants on and a bikini top. Especially when most conventions cater to ALL ages. Along with if you are super skinny and trying to cosplay Bison... its just not going to work. '
And I'm jsut wondering what the weight has to do with the agegroups? Dressing like a skank is dressing like a skank either way.
I mean, I'm not overweight but I'm not skinny either, I'm jsut sort of average and I know I don't have the stomach/thighs for cosplaying, for example sailor-moon character's but I'd do it anyway because I like the anime and the characters. It has nothing to do with the body type whether or not you do it because it's fun or just because you can. My plus-sized friend cosplayed Miku Hatsune, and though she wasn't shaped the same way she had fun and so did everyone else.
I admit my first comment was very immature -_- I don't know why I said it the way that I did, I think I was just p/o at the moment and didn't really think about it. Sorry.
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The Solgoo.com place is it actually reliable? My mom (who so happens to be paying for my wig because I am broke) wants to make sure before using her card to buy it.
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I couldn't honestly tell you since I've never ordered from them, from the LOOKS of it it seems to check out, however, I suggest your mom getting a paypal account for a secure checkout where her credit card numbers won't be used.
Looking at some of the wigs though it seems you'll get iffy service, seeing as two or three of the pictures used the person in them is using their natural hair NOT a wig. Its a 50/50 chance you'll get a good product.
Style wise, they are all pretty... poor, I suggest getting an unstyled wig and styling it yourself. If you're unsure how to use a wig look at some of the tips I give if you still don't want to then pre styled ones are best. ^ ^ Hope this helps.
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I did buy they contacts and they work great. They came when they said they would and it gives you the option to track where they are from when they are shipped. The wig I'm still really iffy about but I really want to get one. I'll be looking into a lot this weekend.
Thanks for the tips they were really helpful.
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I searched Fruity Cosplayers to find this, thats the name of my cosplay group
OH NO! I didn't bind as Len to animeland this year, I have Iron and lung problems, if I can't breath properly I tend to get very sick and that ends in the bathroom.....;0;
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If you have small breasts you usually can't tell. Bigger breasts though should be bound.
If you have chest problems, look into a chest compressor. It binds your breasts without being restricting to your breathing.
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thank you so much for the advise <3
it's really helpful *O*
I really love cosplaying as a guy..
I'm so happy that I have a flat chest
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Then you're pretty lucky.
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These are so helpful!
I'm new to cosplaying, so I'm hoping these will help. If you can give any tips, please let me know.
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Well these are just a few tips. If you have any questions, though, feel free to ask.
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I'm sure this will help me with AnimeNEXT this year.
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This sounds definitely great! I've never done Cosplay, but I'd love to one day and I'll definitely have a look at this then!
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Thats good to hear. c;
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Good tips. If I had more money I'd totally follow them. I have (almost) short enough hair to use temporary spray on crap dye instead of getting a wig. My guy's pretty easy, except the hair and haori, he wears a track suit.
And if my mother weren't scared of me dying I would have been able to bind my chest for my Rinne Rokudo Cosplay. (I wish I found this out before I started my costume, my mommy doesn't think girls can bind their chests without passing out...) But, a guy I shall be. He wears a haori over a jacket anyways so I don't think they'll be too noticable.
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You should talk to your mother and explain that there is virtually no risk to binding especially if its only done for a few hours or on the rare occasions of cosplaying. I bind and there are no negative effects for me besides it aggravating chest problems I already possessed.
If done properly binding will be comfortable, just like wearing a regular shirt.
If you can bind, like suggested in tips ll, compression vests are good and do all the work for you. Its like wearing a regular tank top.
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I'm thinking of going to my first con as Lightning Farron from FFXIII, and I was wondering if its a bad idea to walk around at my very first con with an approx. 40" foam sword in my hand? Also, do you think they'd let me into the con with it, or would it have to be smaller?
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Usually prop limits are about 3-4ft. So planning to have a 7ft seph sword, for instance, would be against prop regulations. However, it is different for every con so check the official con website and make sure.
As for your costume Lightning is done a LOT, be aware. ^ ^
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On the Lolita plays, I do not suggest cosmates because they just buy from bodyline and whatnot and they generally seem to be overpriced at times...
Either way, many of the Lolita clothing on cosmates are from Bodyline, and bodyline does have their own English website that you can purchase from. However I do suggest that if buying from bodyline, you should either do a group order or buy a load of things because they do have a 20 dollar flat rate shipping. However when they have sales, it's really something to take advantage of.
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awesome tips 
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Thanks, but I don't mean that in a condecending if you're ugly don't do it way. Just in a, if you won't wear it infront of your parents don't do it in front of strangers type of way. = 3 =
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Thank you for making this! It's helpful. . .Um. . I know a tip for how to bind your chest that's cheap and easy. . .If you'd like me to share it.
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Of COURSE I'd love you to share it. Just write it up and send me it in a note. Once I gather enough info I'll be UNSTOPPABLE MAWHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!! -Cough- I mean, yes. Thank you.
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XD You are welcome!
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I am a girl and I cosplay guys, but what if u dont have tons of money? Some people like cosplaying cause its fun. Also, if ur not great at sewing or rather young, these guidlines might be hard to obey. Im still faving it.
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The guides been updated with some tutorials. ^ ^
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Well I never explained anything about sewing really, this was just for some random tips i had collected about a few things; some rules some should follow and a few places i've seen around on costumes if you were looking to buy,
I never continued on with The Cosplay Guide because I didn't have time. I suppose I will start up again.
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Oh! ok! I dont believe in buying... unless u HAVE to.
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Of course, neither do I but most people cannot sew, or have the means to learn so I did this to target those people in particular.
The next one should have stuff for people who are actually willing to sew. D:
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omg thanks so much this is awesome!
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I've wanted to do cosplay for a while but I seems like a whole bunch of work. I'm not old enough to go to a bunch of cons anyway, but I'd still like to try before I am. If and when I start, I will most definatly use this. Thank you so much!
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