Today we’d like to introduce you to Walter Dean.
Walter, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
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.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
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.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Dean’s Lyst – what should we know?
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.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I have many amazing friends who have been there for me. Barr Foxx (JaBarr Lasley) is the brains behind “Cosplay Your Way,” which is a movement to encourage cosplayers to cosplay the way they desire regardless of race, age, size, sex, sexual orientation, etc. He started this cosplay journey with me. He was the first to know when I decided to make my own costumes, and when I decided to do commission work for others. He was the first person, outside of myself, to wear a Dean’s Lyst costume. He has supported and motivated me during every step of the way.
My parents, Walter Dean Sr. and Centha Lovett, have supported and encouraged me.
Josie Weatherly McDougald and Cora Weatherly gave me my very first sewing lesson.
Larry Mccalister gave me my first sewing machine.
Lisa Crafter loaned her hands to me to finish projects. She was, also, the person who told me about DragonCon
Deborah Finney was my sewing instructor at Hancock Fabrics. The second draft of the shorts that I made in her class became part of the first costume that I made for myself.
Jen Pawley provided the tutorial for the cape that I needed for the first costume that I made for myself. She was always available when I had costume questions.
Adam Dahlkoetter (RIP) and Moises Vermenton trusted me with their cosplay commissions while Dean’s Lyst was still in its infancy stages.
I would like to thank the amazing photographers that I have worked with who have helped to make my work shine.
I am thankful to Marvel Studios for giving me the opportunity to recreate the Dora Milaje costumes from the Black Panther movie in their “Marvel Becoming” series. These amazing costumes were originally designed by the very talented Ruth Carter. The video can be found by doing a search on YouTube for Marvel Becoming: Dora Milaje.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 470-588-2246
- Email: deanslyst.wd@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deanslyst/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deanslyst.wd/
- Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/deanslyst
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/people/wjdean2000?ref=hdr_user_menu-profile
Image Credit:
Dr. Law’s Photolab, Danique Events, AMPCosplay
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