Thanks for your interest in our course! Here are some resources and contact information.
Compass Comic Con Website! Coming in May 2026.
Contact Dawn, our teacher/facilitator, at: dawn@compassfortcollins.org
Slide Presentation from InnEdCo, June 2025
Kamui Cosplay - YouTube tutorials and awesome books.
Lightning Cosplay - Tutorials and books.
Evil Ted - videos and resources that are especially good for prop making.
Punished Props - They also offer a Fusion course specific to cosplay.
Colorado Academy of Cosplay - reach out to them, we have always been amazed and humbled at how willing they are to send volunteers to teach you stuff. Join their discord to post questions. Super nice folk.
Mountain Garrison, 501st legion - A non profit, all volunteer corps of Star Wars cosplayers. They can give informational panels or make guest appearances for charity / fundraising.
Basic Guide to Cosplay for Libraries - helpful if you want to host cosplay events or comic-cons at your school / library
Humble Bundle - check this site often. Sometimes they have an offer for a library of cosplay crafting books, and they're an outstanding deal.
Online Coding Textbook - A good free resource
Codecademy - probably the most-recommended online course for Python
Adafruit Learn guide to CircuitPython - when you're ready to tackle microcontrollers, start here.
Adafruit QT PY RP2040 - a cheap, basic Circuitpython based microcontroller that is really suitable for cosplay.
Soft Flexible Wire Neopixels - Recommended neopixels for wearables.
Flora Neopixels - if you only need a pixel here and there.
Chainable Neopixels - Might be worth it for the really simple, solder-free connectors. You'll probably need to extend the wires to your microcontroller, though.
Pushbuttons - these are Dawn's favorite, just extend the wires and these buttons can be anywhere in your costume.
Micro Servos - really basic, only use for moving very lightweight things. For more power check out other servo options. These are great for learning.
Continuous Rotation Servo - if you want something to spin and not just move to position, get these.
Consider reaching out to Mike Crandall, Founder of Crashworks 3D, he is really helpful, knowledgeable about Python and microcontrollers and 3D printing, and can sometimes do classroom presentations. https://www.instagram.com/crashworks3d
Intro to the QT Py - lessons put together by Dawn for the Art and Science of Cosplay.
Folder with sample code and resources - From The Art and Science of Cosplay.
BBC micro:bit - available through Sparkfun. I recommend the Go Bundle to receive a USB cable and battery pack too.
Makecode for micro:bit - a block-based programming language with lots of tutorials.
Python for micro:bit - A really beginner-friendly Python interface.
Micro:bit curriculum I wrote a while back. A 10-ish lesson course on computer science and using the micro:bit.
Sparkfun Learn has a micro:bit curriculum you can use, plus an Arduino curriculum if you prefer to go that way.
Youtube Tutorial on micro:bit and Neopixels.
Autodesk Fusion Training from BrainBuffet - This online video course can teach you how to pass the ACU certification exam. If you're new to Fusion, this is really helpful.
CDIP from the Colorado Dept of Education - sends districts funding for students who pass industry certification exams and complete internships.