Making LODI Real: Wearability, Worldbuilding, and the Stories We Carry

One of the things that has always drawn us to Bungie is the worlds they create — not just the stories they tell, but the seriousness with which they take the act of worldbuilding itself.

There’s a difference between building a setting and building a world.

A setting can be passed through.
A world asks you to stay.

That kind of worldbuilding stays with you. It isn’t wallpaper. It isn’t something you skim past on your way to the next objective. It’s the kind that makes you want to meet it where it lives.

The world of Destiny 2 takes its own mythology seriously. Not as trivia meant to reward only the most obsessive fans, but as foundation. Characters exist because the world demands them. Their armor, their posture, their silhouettes feel like responses to history, conflict, belief — evidence of a life lived before you encountered them, and one that will continue whether you’re watching or not.

That kind of intentionality matters to us.

It’s rare.

Worldbuilding That Asks You to Stay

When Bungie reached out and asked us to translate a character like LODI into the physical world, the question was never How do we recreate a look? It was always How do we honor a world that already knows who this character is?

Video game characters begin their lives as abstractions.
They’re built from polygons, shaders, and light.
They obey rules that don’t apply to bodies — gravity is optional, materials are idealized, and nothing ever pinches or pulls unless it’s been animated to do so.

But the moment you decide to bring a character out of that space and into the real world, everything changes.

Suddenly, the character has to submit to reality.
To weight.
To balance.
To breath.
To the way a human body actually occupies space.

That transition — from digital certainty to physical limitation — is where translations either collapse… or deepen.

Honoring a World, Not Just a Look

There was a moment during the process when the character was technically “done.” Everything was present. Every element accounted for. And yet, something still felt unresolved.

Katie stood there for a long time without saying anything. Then she adjusted a single line — barely noticeable — and stepped back. The character didn’t look different in any obvious way. But the posture changed. The presence changed.

That was the moment LODI stopped feeling assembled and started feeling inhabited.

The Moment a Character Becomes Inhabited

This is where wearability stops being a technical concern and becomes a storytelling decision.

There’s a difference between recreating a look and translating a character. A costume that only looks right from a single angle, under perfect lighting, might impress — but it doesn’t live. It doesn’t ask the character to exist beyond presentation.

Wearability is where story meets consequence.

It’s where structure, softness, and motion have to work together instead of competing. Where the design has to respect the body inside it. Where a character proves they can exist not just as an image, but as a presence.

Wearability as Storytelling

This is also where partnership matters — not as a division of labor, but as a shared rhythm.

We’ve been creating worlds together for years. Sometimes that looks like me designing the structure — sets, props, armor, digital elements — thinking in systems, transitions, how something holds together and moves through space. Sometimes it looks like Katie shaping the body of it — garments, textures, set dressing, the details that give a world its lived-in truth.

And often, it doesn’t look like anything you could easily label.

There are moments where we don’t talk at all. Where the work moves between us without explanation. One of us adjusts a line. The other responds with structure. Something gets lighter. Something settles. The world starts to cohere.

We push each other. We complement each other. We notice what the other misses. And over time, that creates a kind of flow — not because we planned it, but because we trust it.

Creating in Flow

LODI needed that kind of partnership.

Because a character shaped by a world as intentional as Destiny’s can’t be solved in isolation. They have to be felt into being. They have to carry themselves in a way that makes sense — not just visually, but physically — and that only happens when structure and softness are listening to each other instead of competing.

When a Story Gains a Body

This is why we care so deeply about making things wearable.

Not because comfort is a luxury — but because embodiment is the point.

There’s a moment we always watch for: when someone stops adjusting a piece, stops thinking about how it sits or where it pulls, and simply stands differently. When the character stops being presented and starts being carried.

That’s when the world that once existed only on a screen steps fully into ours.

And that’s why projects like LODI matter to us.

Not because they’re impressive.
But because they remind us that when a story is built with care — and met with the same care in return — it doesn’t lose anything in the translation.

It gains weight.
It gains breath.
It gains a body.

Why Storytelling Is the Heart of Every Costume

At OuterRim Creatives, we don’t just make costumes—we craft stories. Whether it’s for cosplay, theater, or film, every piece we design is rooted in a character’s journey. Our mission is simple: to take our clients’ visions from imagination to reality, allowing them to step into the heart of their stories.

The Power of Storytelling Through Costumes

Costumes are more than just clothing. They’re a way to embody the essence of a character, whether it’s a hero, a villain, or something entirely original. Every stitch, fabric choice, and accessory becomes part of the narrative that the wearer is bringing to life. And that’s what makes a truly remarkable costume—not just how it looks, but how it feels and how it helps the wearer connect with their character.

At OuterRim Creatives, we believe that every person has, at some point in life, pretended to be someone else—a hero, a villain, or the next superstar. This desire for transformation is innate, and our role is to help people fully immerse themselves in that experience. We don’t just make costumes; we help people step into their stories, becoming the main character in a world they’ve dreamed of.

Bringing Characters to Life

Whether we’re working on a beloved character from pop culture or creating an entirely new design, our approach remains the same: we start with the story. Our clients come to us with ideas, references, and visions, and our job is to translate that into a costume that tells a story before a single word is spoken.

A recent example is the set of Spy X Family mom-daughter costumes we designed. The mother and daughter came to us wanting to bring to life two beloved characters from the anime—a perfect blend of action, family, and heart. We collaborated closely with them to ensure that the costumes not only looked authentic but also captured the dynamic bond between the characters. Every detail, from the tailored fits to the accessories, was designed to reflect the personalities and story arcs of the characters, giving the wearers the full experience of stepping into their roles.

Another standout project was designing a Dawn costume from the movie Terrifier. The challenge here was capturing the film’s gritty, horror-driven aesthetic while ensuring the costume maintained its functionality for the cosplayer. We focused on blending subtle details with iconic visuals from the film, ensuring that the final piece reflected the eerie atmosphere that makes Dawn's character so memorable. The end result? A chillingly accurate costume that allowed the client to fully embody the terror of the film.

Why the Right Costume Transforms the Experience

A costume isn’t just fabric and thread; it’s a vital piece of the character’s puzzle. We’ve seen firsthand how the right costume can transform an actor’s performance, a cosplayer’s experience, or a fan’s connection to a beloved character. At OuterRim Creatives, storytelling drives every decision we make, ensuring that each costume fits not only the body but also the vision behind the character.

In our professional theater work, we’ve helped actors bring characters to life by creating costumes that enhance their performances. As we like to say, “No matter how good an actor is, the story is shaped and enhanced by the right costume.” This holds true for cosplayers, reenactors, and fans alike.

Collaborating to Tell the Story

We pride ourselves on working closely with our clients to understand the character’s journey, ensuring that every design detail reflects the story they want to tell. Whether it’s a commission for a historically accurate reenactment outfit or an original cosplay design, we take the time to collaborate, tailor, and perfect the final piece.

For example, when we created a Heartbreak Kid costume for Dungeon Guild Printing, the collaboration process allowed us to tailor not only the fit but also the feel of the costume to match the larger narrative. The result? A costume that didn’t just look great—it felt like a part of the world the character inhabits.

More Than Just a Costume

At the end of the day, a costume is about more than appearance. It’s about helping people tell their stories. Whether you're stepping onto the convention floor, a stage, or creating your own world through cosplay, OuterRim Creatives is here to help you tell that story in the most immersive way possible.

The right costume doesn’t just allow you to pretend to be someone else—it allows you to become someone else. And at OuterRim Creatives, we’re honored to be a part of that transformation.

Call to Action:

Are you ready to create a costume that tells a story? Let’s work together to bring your vision to life. Reach out today, and let OuterRim Creatives help you step into a world of limitless possibilities.

Thanks for reading,
—Todd
(Co-founder, Storyteller, and the guy who still finds thread in his beard)

Welcome to The Outer Limits

Let’s be honest—we’ve had a blog for a while now. It’s called Katie’s Korner, and if you’ve ever wanted to peek behind the curtain of a professional costume studio (or witness caffeine-fueled creative chaos in real time), that’s the place. It’s where Katie breaks down the how behind our builds: stitching choices, fabric selection, in-progress shots, and all the little behind-the-scenes moments that make our work come to life.

But cosplay? Cosplay is about more than just the how.

It’s about the why.

That’s why we’re launching The Outer Limits—a space dedicated to exploring the heart of what we do. It’s where we talk about the stories, the community, the culture, and the deeper meaning behind this wild and beautiful world of fandom. We love a crisp seam line as much as the next nerd (okay, Katie lives for them), but at the end of the day, we’re not just costume makers. We’re storytellers. And this blog is where we get to tell those stories.

Why Now?

Because the more we’ve worked with cosplayers, performers, and fans across the country, the more we’ve seen that this community is craving connection. Not just a connection to the characters we love, but to the experiences that shape us. The kind you find on a convention floor when you lock eyes with someone dressed as your favorite character. The kind you feel when you finally zip up a finished build and look in the mirror—not just as yourself, but as something more.

We want to talk about that.

We want to write about what it means to play—and why that’s something adults still need to do. We want to dive into the emotional and cultural side of cosplay, the highs and lows of creative work, and what it really means to step into character. Whether you're suiting up as a Sith Lord or a Studio Ghibli character, there’s something powerful happening under the surface—and we think it's worth exploring.

What to Expect

You can expect weekly(ish) posts that are real, honest, and full of heart. We’ll cover:

• The emotional connection people have to their favorite characters

• What it means to find belonging through fandom

• How cosplay intersects with identity and transformation

• Creative process insights from theater, film, and convention prep

• Highlights from our favorite builds, shows, and collaborations

• Oh... and probably a few chaotic Katie stories along the way

(No promises I’ll always get the last word. She talks faster and is verbally quicker—but I type way faster, so I’ve got a fighting chance.)

We’ll be sharing examples from recent projects, behind-the-scenes moments from the studio, and reflections from the road. Some posts will dig deep. Some will be lighter. Some will probably be written at midnight after we’ve both lost a battle with hot glue. But all of it will come from the heart of what OuterRim was built on: story, partnership, and a shared love of turning imagination into reality.

The Difference Between the Blogs

Just so you know where you are:
If you’re looking for the nuts and bolts of a build, go to Katie’s Korner. That’s where she breaks down the construction process, shares sketches, and shows what’s happening on the sewing table.

But if you’re looking for the big-picture stuff—the why behind the craft—you’re in the right place.

The Outer Limits is where we talk about what costumes mean, not just how we make them.

One More Thing

If you’ve followed our journey, you know that Katie and I have been at this for a long time—professional theater, cosplay, conventions, and more glue sticks than we care to count. This blog isn’t just a content strategy or a branding move. It’s a passion project. It’s us, sharing what we’ve learned, what we’re still learning, and what we love most about this strange, nerdy, creative life.

We’re glad you’re here.
We hope you’ll laugh with us, reflect with us, and maybe even be inspired to step a little deeper into your own story.

Because that’s what this is really all about.

Welcome to The Outer Limits. Let’s go past the seams.

See you out there,
—Todd (still typing circles around Katie)

The Magic of Comi-Cons: Celebrating Creativity, Community, and the Power of Imagination

At some point in life, we’ve all done it—thrown on a cape, swung an invisible lightsaber, or looked in the mirror and imagined ourselves as something more. A hero. A legend. Someone who mattered.

That moment? That feeling? That’s what Comi-Cons are all about.

They're not just conventions. They're a collision of creativity, courage, and community—a celebration of story, self-expression, and the beautifully nerdy magic of becoming someone else... or finally becoming who you really are.

A Community That Says, “You Belong Here”

There’s something electric about walking into a convention center filled with people who just get it. No judgment. No pretense. Just passion. Whether you’re wearing a $5 mask or a fully custom build that took six months of blood, sweat, and EVA foam—you’re part of the tribe.

Comi-Cons create space for all of us: introverts, extroverts, veterans, newbies. It's not about perfection; it's about presence. It's not about looking like the character—it's about feeling like them.

And in a world that often demands we shrink or conform, these spaces remind us it’s okay to take up space. Loudly. Colorfully. Authentically.

Cosplay as a Creative Manifesto

For a lot of us, cosplay is more than a costume—it’s a declaration. It says, “This story matters to me.” It says, “This character got me through something.” It says, “I see myself here.”

Every stitch tells a story. Every paint stroke, every armor plate, every glued seam holds the weight of hours spent building something meaningful. Cosplay is art. It’s identity. And at Comi-Cons, it gets the spotlight it deserves.

Where Creativity Goes to Stretch Its Legs

Beyond the costumes, you’ll find rows of artists, writers, dreamers, and doers—all showing up with something they made from scratch. Original stories. New worlds. Wild ideas. At a good Con, the air buzzes with the energy of creation—of what’s possible when imagination runs loose.

It’s not just about seeing cool things—it’s about feeling that pull to create something yourself. A sketch. A script. A full-on costume. Comi-Cons don’t just entertain—they activate.

It’s Not Just Dress-Up—It’s Devotion

Wearing a costume to a Con isn’t so different from wearing your favorite player’s jersey to a game. It’s pride. It’s connection. It’s identity. You’re saying, “This story shaped me.” You’re honoring the characters, creators, and the part of yourself that still believes in adventure.

That’s the real power of it all. Not just pretending to be someone else—but being more fully yourself in the process.

Why It Matters

In a culture obsessed with productivity and perfection, Comi-Cons give us permission to play. To create without apology. To connect without small talk. To walk into a room and know, without a doubt, that we’re not alone.

And in that room—in that sea of heroes, villains, smirking rogues, and overcaffeinated creators—you’ll find something rare:

Belonging.

So whether you’re cosplaying, vending, sketching, spectating, or just soaking it all in, never underestimate what you’re a part of. It’s not just a weekend event. It’s a celebration of what makes us human—our stories, our dreams, and our wild, beautiful imaginations.

See you on the con floor,
—Todd
(Co-founder of OuterRim Creatives, con regular, and Jedi in denial)