#stormtrouper

[mypeppersoul]

Had fun playing with a #stormtrouper as tonight's #paintingaday project, prints to come.

[epictoiletpaper]

[stormtroupers-blog]

New Tumblr Blog

I'm starting a new tumblr blog in addition to the one I already have titled Imperial Center.

Because maybe, hopefully, this one takes on a life of it's own where people who I meet out and about the streets of Newcastle who take photos of me dressed in my white leather stormtrooper armor (especially shots of me and them together). And rather flood Imperial Center with such photos, I thought it best to separate them.

For those who are wondering, the outfit is leather (all the white bits are white leather instead of ABS plastic), it is made by Universal Designs. It is of top quality workmanship, and yes, it is expensive.

I ordered it last December (it was my Christmas present) but knew there'd be a wait to get it, as it is custom made to my measurements. It arrived 7 months later. The only time I was more excited waiting for a special arrival I had to wait for 9 months.

Why would anyone want to walk around in public wearing a Stormtrooper outfit? I think I already knew the answer to that long before I even ordered one. But now having done so, several times, it is quite a thrill to see the reactions of people when they see you for the first time. Kids of all ages (and by that, I mean grown adults too) get absolutely excited with seeing a "real live Stormtrooper". It would be like making a wrong turn and finding yourself in a galaxy far, far away.

There are lots of smiles, some shout outs, a few high fives, photos taken from across the road, being asked if they could take my photo if they're up closer, some ask if they can have a photo taken with me, sometimes I suggest that they should be in the shot.

Older folk (parents with grown kids) will say "my son will not believe I saw this, I have to take a photo of you!" and then I say "Lets have a shot taken together, that will really blow their mind".

Everyone leaves with a smile on their face. Especially me, but you can't see it hidden inside my helmet.