Today we’d like to introduce you to Martin Aripez.
Hi Martin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started making my first costume back in 2005. I was inspired by my brother who made costumes for fun. My family used to help me out, but I wanted to try making one on my own. I used cardboard and aluminum foil to make a full set of armor to cosplay as one of my favorite characters, at the time, Armor King, from Tekken. It wasn’t a great looking costume, and fell apart quick as I went trick or treating in the San Fernando valley.
As fun as it was making it, I kinda let it sit till I got on YouTube and found someone showing how they made their own armor. Once I fell down that rabbit hole, I wanted to learn more. At the time it was a hobby still.
Things changed once I met my friend on Instagram who motivated me to start taking this art more seriously. Eventually I started going to events and networking with others. Now it’s still a hobby, but one I’m more passionate about. I wanna see how far I can take this stuff
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As much as I’d like to say it’s been smooth sailing, it hasn’t. I’m very thankful for having positive influences around me as well as positive interactions. Makes life easier for someone who used to be an introvert.
Most of the bumps on the road have been from my own self doubt. Most days I’m super motivated and ready to get started on the next project. Then some days I’m just not seeing movement and the self doubt comes in. “Am I really good?” “Am I moving fast enough?” Am I really wasting my time?”.
Thankfully I’ve had many great opportunities open up to me throughout the years of doing this cosplay stuff to reflect upon. I try to take pictures whenever I’m out meeting new people or invited to exclusive events. I have to stop to ask myself “am I where I was 4 years ago?” The answer is always no, then I keep going.
Seeing progress in my own work is such a great way to put things in perspective. I’m not making the same quality of work I was, it’s way better.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Something I’m proud of is my ability to focus in on a project. Also my attention to detail. The detailing aspect can be a blessing and a curse however. Attention to details has always been my focus, it’s always the smallest thing that makes a costume or prop go from good to great. The downside is that most of the time, I notice something is missing or sized slightly off once it’s fully finished. Although others see it as great, I have the urge to either tear it apart to fix it, or start over.
Focusing in on a project can be difficult at times, but it takes discipline to just sit there and focus. I always get a reaction like “you’re moving so fast”, in fact, I kinda call myself a speed runner of costumes haha! However, it’s not that I have any technique of making costumes fast, in fact, I’m pretty slow, because of my attention to detail. But it’s my ability to just be in tunnel vision the entire time I’m in my workshop working on a project. There are times I get distracted, but all I do is catch myself and bring myself back to work. No stress, just divert my attention back.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
To put it short and simple, family and friends. It’s the positive influences in my life that keep me going. Although we don’t always see eye to eye on everything, we still support each other.
Another thing is positivity. Staying positive isn’t easy, but it’s celebrating the little wins that make positivity easier. As someone who battled depression, I can say that it’s a long road, but it’s the past that drags most of us down. Focus on making a better future by doing what you can do in this moment.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elitemar_x?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Twitter: https://x.com/elitemar_x?s=21
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@mar_x?si=6YrCX3PpacCi4qdK
Image Credits
LumberSnack photography
MonzoVocals
Zombie Torres Photography
