How do you plan your builds?

[Fallen]

I've seen quite a few different ways people plan out and/or track their build progress, so let me just ask

How do you plan or track your builds?

I like to use a Kanban board on a site like Trello with images, checklists, and labels so that I can have a single source of truth for everything I need. Want to look up that ref photo while in the workshop but there's no computer? No problem the Trello app is on my phone and usually has pics on the card for each story.

Example of a board at the beginning of a build

Section of same board with example photo shown

Example of a card without checklist(s)

I know some others create calendars when there's a specific timeframe to complete things or others use a hand written series of checklists.

 

[MrJamin]

Excel Trackers checking in! (Various kinds)

 

[indigoD0g]

A website is such a great and easily accessible way for build logs. I feel like its so much easier to organize and move around thoughts. I type up my build logs through Google Docs, and create everything from a table of contents to a reference section. This build book is easily customizable and rearranged and I can add to it as I go. I'll end up printing it and putting it in a binder for contest / reference purposes.

 

[HelljumperDoc]

Oooh trello is a good idea.

 

[PlanetAlexander]

I use the same planning methods I used in school and continue to use in university.

That is, winging it

Not entirely though - I just don't plan nearly as much as you guys. I have a corkboard on my wall where I stick reference images for current projects, I write some ideas down in books and have folders for patterns. When it comes to a professional commission though, I take it more seriously and plot things out in MS Excel.

 

[HelljumperDoc]

Yea I am sure with experience or if you are just built different it gets easier. As someone who is pretty new to the building process it def helps to label things in a step-by-step process to keep organized.

 

[FalseShepherd]

I just kinda pick my suit and find the files. Then it's one piece at a time with pep. Once I have a few things pepped move on to some hardening while pepping the next stuff. Kinda keep a flow going. Some things I am working on strapping, some things are drying outside while other things are getting pepped. Usually wait to paint until I have a few things ready. I do keep a list on my phone of the next few steps, but it's more so that I can check stuff off and feel productive than keep track of anything... And it gives me something to do when I'm bored at work or w/e. I try to keep my stacks of paper in the printed order and separate from any of the other random stacks of paper on my desk, but I don't really organize or plan things very often...


In terms of keeping track it's mostly just trying to remember to take pics for my build thread... I don't print stuff that often so I haven't been very good about my print log (although I do have one).

 

[Aikon]

For my marine I'm working on I downloaded all the pep files I need, I sized them based on my measurements, and then got distracted with another cosplan lol. I mostly keep all of my files on a folder on my desktop, including Pep files, reference pics, paint colors, decals, etc. If I'm away from my computer I take my IPad with me and sketch my armor and where I would like to add decals/weathering/damage. Most of my build progress are dependent on my weekly income. Sadly very unorganized, but maybe for future builds I'll use my Google Drive or a calendar.

 

[FANGS]

This is an EXCELLENT topic. Thanks for starting it Fallen! Let's keep the discussion going as this can be very helpful for everyone!

 

[nerdman234]

I typically use oneNote (only thing convenient that transits Linux/Android/Mac/Windows) with categories for each main section of a costume, with notes and references baked into that.
Once the grind starts I generate a checklist (print, prime, paint, etc), then check as I go. Strike through is used on anything I omit or side step

I never thought about using something like a workflow manager for costumes. Will have to take a look at Trello.

 

[FalseShepherd]

Wow. You guys are so organized. I just kinda find files and start cutting and gluing... I don't really do any planning for a build. That being said, I am almost 3 years on my first build and still not done so maybe some planning would be helpful... I did realize (about 1.5 years ago) that I had a lot for pieces in various stages of production and so I wrote down what steps I was on/were next for all the pieces on a note on my phone while I was bored at work. Does that count as planning?

 

[TH3TA]

Man you guys are organized. I write on a sticky note on my pc a check list of parts to build and download a bunch of files print them out and get going. I wish I was that organized lol. I usually only make one piece at a time so it works out pretty well

 

[tahu505]

I throw all of my files into a folder for my armor, then slap them into Armorsmith. Once I've printed a part I change the color in Armorsmith from default to orange. The exported scaled parts are renamed and also go into their own scaled folder within the armor folder so I can keep track of which files are scaled properly. Other than that I try keeping track of it in my head and pace in circles while I try to figure out what I need to do.

 

[SpartanSweed]

What is this so called “plan” you speak of

 

[Alcidine]

Conditional formatting and a dream.

 

[Unfit Armory]

I usually dont have the time to plan with excel and stuff, i just have a list of stuff to make and I mark it down as I go
(side note, do not do this, it will cost you a lot of money)
plan ahead of time and measure your body correctly.
also make sure to print your pieces a little bigger than usual. you want to move, right?

 

[SpartanJohn]

How do you plan or track your builds?

I like to use a Kanban board on a site like Trello with images, checklists, and labels so that I can have a single source of truth for everything I need. Want to look up that ref photo while in the workshop but there's no computer? No problem the Trello app is on my phone and usually has pics on the card for each story.

View attachment 317246
Example of a board at the beginning of a build

View attachment 317263
Section of same board with example photo shown

View attachment 317262
Example of a card without checklist(s)

I know some others create calendars when there's a specific timeframe to complete things or others use a hand written series of checklists.

I usually draw a picture! and then I find a model and start printing!

 

[Cadet]

Thread unlocked per OP request.

 

[Fallen]

Adding onto this with a spreadsheet I've been using for print and material usage specific tracking. It's been built up over a few years to track various metrics that I cared about and automatically calculate things like actual material usage, cost of my usage of materials bought in bulk such as buckles and clips, and total time spent printing

Figured it was worth putting out for anyone else who wants to use it for their own stuff. You're welcome to make a copy of this template for your own use and make any changes that are more useful to your specific needs.

Cosplay Tracking Template

Print tracker was heavily inspired by one shared originally by Rock Lobbster found here and adjusted over the years to better fit my needs and automate some calculations for me.

Hopefully it'll help some people organize, plan, and track.

 

[he4thbar]

You guys are far more organized than me haha. In the "keep notes" section of my phone I just have a checklist of stuff I need to work on or buy lol.
Maybe I should change my approach...