Meet Walter Dean of Dean’s Lyst

Today we’d like to introduce you to Walter Dean.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Walter. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My story as a designer began when I discovered Dragon Con, which is Atlanta’s biggest Sci-Fi convention. In my first few years, I went from having simple and store-bought costumes to commissioning for something that was of higher quality. My Falcon costume that resulted was amazing. It allowed me to win a costume contest at Dragon Con. As happy as I was with this costume, the price made me want to explore other avenues.

Soon after the convention, I took my first sewing lesson with my friend’s mother and grandmother then followed up with a class at Hancock Fabrics. I was mostly self-taught after that. I took great pride in showing up at the next convention in a costume that I made.

After a few years of making costumes for myself, I decided that I wanted to branch out and do more. I began taking commissions to make costumes for other cosplayers. I enjoyed what I was doing, but still wanted to do more. A friend sent me a picture of a jacket that she liked, but couldn’t find in her size. She asked if I could make it. I was able to make one that was customized for her. She was able to pick the color, fabric, and whatever else she wanted. This opened me up to where I was creating custom costumes and apparel. I later began to create and sell my own unique designs.

Has it been a smooth road?
Getting started in the world of costume commissions was challenging. I originally thought that my biggest obstacle would be that people wouldn’t take me seriously as a designer because I’m a guy. From what I could tell, that was not a factor at all. I was offering to create intricate costumes for people, but nothing in my body of work inspired confidence in potential clients that I would be able to deliver.

As a test, I created a Vibe costume for cosplay artist, Barr Foxx. The costume for this character had a more complex and vibrant design than the ones that I had previously created. This helped me gain the trust of two cosplayers who reached out to me for their cosplay commission requests. They became repeat customers. Through them and clients that followed, I was able to build a body of work that created a demand for my services.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Dean’s Lyst story. Tell us more about the business.
The name of my business is Dean’s Lyst. I design and create apparel and costumes. I specialize in creating custom pieces in accordance with the clients’ shape, size and preferences. I am known for my ability to provide detailed and precise recreations of costumes for clients.

I am proud that I am able to provide quality products that bring joy to my clients. This pride is reinforced by the repeat customers that I have gained and the new customers who continue to seek me out.

The project that I am most proud of is the one that I did for Marvel Studios. For their “Marvel Becoming” series, I was asked to recreate two of the Dora Milaje costumes from the Black Panther movie. The video can be viewed on YouTube by doing a search for Marvel Becoming: Dora Milaje.

What sets me apart from others is that I take the time to see the client’s vision. I am able to incorporate any desired changes and alterations while delivering a quality garment that is recognizable and aesthetically pleasing. This applies to costume and non-costume projects.

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I think the industry will continue to grow and become more inclusive. As people continue to learn about cosplay, anime, comics, etc., the less “weird” it becomes. I see these things becoming more common place and mainstream. Costume designers will be more in demand because more of the general public will cosplay. I, also, think that there will be an increase in specialized costumes being used in TV and film.

Contact Info:

• Address: 4514 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd.
  Suite 401 Atlanta, GA 30338
• Website: https://deanslystwd.wixsite.com/deanslyst
• Phone: 470-588-2246
• Email: deanslyst.wd@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deanslyst/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deanslyst.wd/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/deanslyst

Image Credit:
Binafsi, Kecia Stoval

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