Organized by: Justin "J'ortsa" Thibeault
1. What is your OOC name?
John Rescigno
2. What is your character's name?
Gordon
Photo provided by John
3. What crafting mediums do you typically work in?
Leather, sometimes foam.
4. What is your favorite medium to work with? Why is it your favorite?
Leather. Partially because it's therapeutic hitting something over and over, but mostly because of the feel and versatility. Leather can be tough, soft, or in between. You can dye it, tool it, paint it, and cut it into any shape.
5. What is the most challenging part of working with this medium for you? How did you overcome it?
It's incredibly expensive to get into, and the RSI you can get sucks majorly. Scrap leather is your best friend for starting out. Getting the basics down of form and construction are more important than tooling at the start. As for the RSI, sorry. Take frequent breaks when tooling and pay attention to your body's needs.
Photo provided by John
6. What is the piece you are most proud of? Why?
My current cuirass was a labor of love. It was the first time I really took a pattern and made it my own instead of following the guidelines. There are secrets hidden in it, and all of the symbols and carving has a lot of personal significance to me. That being said I'm making a new one that I'm going to like more.
Photo provided by John
7. What is the piece you have done most recently that you are allowed to share? Tell us about it!
I was really honored to be asked to make two sets of bracers to be presented at Leviathan for Janna's kids. I was able to make it so that they can grow with them thanks to the pattern I used and using eyelets as opposed to buckles.
8. What is the earliest piece you made? How long ago did you make it?
In 2016, I made a pouch with soft, undyed leather. The rivets clicked together, and I didn't even know you had to hammer them. We all start somewhere.
9. What medium do you wish to learn more about or have been interested in?
I've dipped my toes into foamwork but I am still really bad at it. I had to try it for a character in another game and made some cool automail, but I want to revisit that garb in leather or maybe better foam at some point.
10. What advice do you have for the rest of the community when it comes to crafting and making?
Try it. You are going to fail at first. You're going to hate things you make that will blow other people away with how amazing they are. You're your own worst enemy and you need to trust the process. Put love into it. My actual blood is in some pieces. I don't recommend that; it was an accident.
Photo provided by John
11. What inspires you to do what you do?
I'm really proud that my efforts into improving my garb and armor have inspired others, which keeps me going. Seeing others up their own game and grow and learn is amazing.
(Editor’s [Justin T.] note: I am one of these people that have been inspired to up my game and learn because of John. :D)
12. Is there anything else you really wanna share with us? Any upcoming projects, etc.?
I'm making myself some new armor which is going to reflect recent changes to my character.
Photo provided by John
If you have any questions or would like to be interviewed, please send a DM to Justin Thibeault (spartan_a239 on Discord)