Bringing a self-made light-up Skyward Blade to the anime convention and debuting as Lumine on the first day was an absolute eye-catcher in the crowd. The instant the sword lit up, eyes immediately turned toward me. Many fellow fans stopped in their tracks, leaning in close to inspect how the lighting effect was achieved, whether there were external wires, and where the batteries were hidden.
The process of Cosplay prop making for this weapon took a tremendous amount of effort. Starting from 3D modeling, I repeatedly fine-tuned its internal light-guiding structures. To ensure an even diffusion of light, I tested several different materials just for printing the translucent parts. The 3D printer whirred almost non-stop for a full week. Once the main components were assembled, I continually adjusted the internal wiring. To keep the weight manageable when held, I hollowed out extensive internal sections and created a hidden compartment for the battery module to preserve the sword's original sleek silhouette. After assembly, the surface required sanding, airbrushing, and protective topcoating—every step demanded precision, as any flaw would be glaringly highlighted once lit up.
On the second day of the convention, I switched to cosplaying the Dendro Archon, which brought a delightful surprise. A fellow attendee stared at me for quite a while before asking directly if I was the same person holding the glowing sword yesterday! Hearing that question made me feel genuinely proud. It turned out those detailed prop elements didn't just shine on day one—they left such a lasting impression that people recognized me even after a total character change. The real joy of prop making comes from these moments of genuine recognition.
Aside from this light-up longsword, I also brought along the Cryo Abyss Mage staff. Due to time constraints, I hadn't yet installed light modules into the staff, settling for basic paintwork for now. Given more time in the future, I plan to retrofit the staff into a glowing version to make the entire setup feel even more immersive. Additionally, the Hilichurl wooden club was handcrafted step-by-step using EVA foam—fully shaped by hand, carefully painted layer by layer, and finished with weathering details to enhance the wooden texture, giving it a satisfyingly tactile feel in hand.
The convention floor was packed with heavy foot traffic, so I had to periodically check battery compartment stability and power connections to maintain prop functionality. Although the day took a toll on my physical stamina, all fatigue vanished whenever attendees approached to ask about the build process or pose alongside my weapon. I love sharing my experiences with interested fans; this genuine exchange is the most rewarding part of any Anime convention sharing experience.
Through building these props from scratch, I gained a deeper understanding of weapon architecture in Genshin Impact. Many friends wondered if light-up prop weapons are heavy, but by combining 3D printing technology with lightweight interior designs and evenly distributed optical components, the actual handling feels significantly lighter than expected. This convention gave me double the joy: stepping out as Lumine with a tech-inspired light sword on day one, and showcasing the Dendro Archon on day two. Receiving different forms of feedback gave me a profound sense of accomplishment.
Moving forward, I will continue refining prop details, especially concealing power wiring even better to achieve a seamless look that mirrors in-game rendered models. Every event serves as a valuable opportunity for self-reflection, allowing me to judge where prop upgrades are needed based on direct audience reactions. Transforming something I love from blueprint to a 3D physical object and sharing that excitement onsite with everyone is a deeply meaningful journey. I look forward to perfecting these crafts further and bringing even more surprises to future conventions!