Itachi Uchiha is a fictional character from the anime series Naruto. He was a child prodigy who grew up to become one of the most powerful renegade ninjas of rank S. Also, he killed all of his clan except Sasuke. He is a member of the Akatsuki and is known to be very inexpressive. If you want to cosplay him, a set of Akatsuki robes can be a good start. However, there are other things to keep in mind, such as his long black hair, his unique brow guard and personality.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Create the Cosplay Costume
Step 1. Begin your costume preparations early
Even if you are going to buy it, you will have to take into account the shipping time. There is also the possibility that it will not fit you. If that happens, you will have to spend time adjusting it. You must have at least a month to make or purchase the cosplay costume. If you are going to pay someone else to do it for you, you will even have to wait longer.
Have several images ready to use for reference
Step 2. Buy or make an Akatsuki cape
You can buy an outfit at an online cosplay supply store or pay someone to make it for you. You can also make your own cape based on a gown mold. If you choose to make your own Akatsuki robes, do the following:
- Sketch your own mold or modify an existing one to include the tall, wide collar.
- Use some type of hardener inside the neck to make it stay upright. You can use thick interfacing or craft foam.
- Make your designs by painting them with fabric paint or creating appliqués.
Step 3. Modify a fitted t-shirt and a mesh t-shirt to create Itachi's mesh t-shirt
Get a tight-fitting dark colored shirt (black or navy) and cut the neck into a "V" shape. Hem it for a nicer finish. When cosplaying, wear that shirt over a long-sleeved mesh top.
Another alternative is to go online and buy a complete Itachi Uchiha cosplay costume
Step 4. Get some baggy pants in a dark color
You can purchase a complete cosplay costume online, purchase matching pants separately, or make your own. Pants must be loose fitting from the waist to mid-calf. After that, they will be tight. They should be of the same material as the V-neck shirt you modified.
If you can't find pants that fit below the knees, that's fine
Step 5. Buy or make open toe overshoes
Again, you can find them at a cosplay supply store, pay someone to make them for you, or make them yourself. If you choose to make them yourself, you will need to use the same material that you used for the shirt and pants. Start with a sock shape, then cut off the toes. Hem the raw edges, then slip the overshoes over a pair of black or navy blue flip flops.
- The flip flops will create the thickness of the sole and cushion the foot.
- If the overshoes comes off and slides too much on the convention floor, scribble on the hidden side with a hot glue gun or silicone. That will give you a bit of traction.
Step 6. Buy or make white open toe or heel socks
Itachi wears shoe covers similar to leggings. They can extend to about mid-calves and cover the bottom of your pants, causing them to puff up below the knees. You can buy them at a cosplay supply store or make them yourself using white yersi. You can also buy a pair of white socks and cut off the heels, as well as the entire front. Remember to hem the cut or raw edges of the leggings.
- The front portion includes everything from arch to toe. You should have a 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick strip under the arch.
- You will use it over flip-flops and overshoes open on your fingers.
Step 7. Get a headband
The headband (or forehead protector) is one of the most important parts of cosplay, after Akatsuki robes. You must find Itachi Uchia's specific type of forehead protector. If you can't find it online, you can buy Sasuke's and then draw a horizontal line across the forehead using a black marker.
Step 8. Consider getting Itachi's necklace and ring
These items are not required for cosplay, although they will make it more authentic and detailed. You will have to buy the red or scarlet Shu ring online at a cosplay supply store. You can also buy the necklace there or make it yourself by tying pieces of black rope to three silver washers. There should be a gap of a few centimeters between washers.
Method 2 of 3: Combing your hair and makeup
Step 1. Start with a primer, foundation, and concealer
It is important that you do it, even if you are a boy. The primer plumps up pores, while the foundation evens out your skin tone. The concealer will cover any blemishes. Combine makeup according to your skin tone. Don't make it lighter or darker.
- Always apply makeup to a clean face. It's best if you apply a toner and moisturizer first.
- If you know how to apply contour makeup, do it freely. It is not necessary, although it can make your face look more angular and masculine (in case you are a girl who does crossplayer).
Step 2. Keep the eyeshadows neutral
Any shade of brown (a warm shade of reddish brown or a cool pale brown shade) will be fine. You will need some eyeshadow in the crease. If you want, you can add a natural eyeshadow that matches your skin tone on the eyelid, and a lighter shade on the brow bone. However, do not go overboard, this part of the makeup should be kept subtle.
Step 3. Apply black eyeliner to the upper and lower lids
That will make your eyes stand out more. The eyeliner should be thicker on the upper lash line, and thinner on the lower lash line. Finish with a thick cat eye on the outer corner of each eye. However, do not apply eyeliner over the water line.
- Structure things a bit with a small diagonal line or lash at the outer corner of the lower lashes. You only need one line per eye.
- You can also cover your brows using a glue stick, concealer, and powder. Then draw more exact brows than Itachi has using an eyebrow liner pencil.
Step 4. Use a dark gray eyeshadow to draw lines on the face
Use a thin eyeshadow brush and dark gray eyeshadow to draw a diagonal line that extends from the tear duct to the outer corner of the nose. Make the lines darker at the top and lighter the further away from your eyes.
If you have eyeshadows in the corners underneath them, use that as a guide
Step 5. Remember to set your makeup with a compact powder or a makeup setting spray
You'll sweat even on a cool day or the convention hall is air-conditioned. That can cause makeup to look shiny or wear away. A good application of pressed powder or a light mist of setting powder in an aerosol will prevent this from happening. If it's a very hot convention, it might be a good idea to take your pressed powder with you to touch up your makeup from time to time.
Step 6. Use your own hair if it is the right length and color or get a wig
Itachi Uchiha has long black hair that falls to his shoulders. He has a low ponytail, his bangs fall to his jaw and is parted in the center. If your hair is not long enough, you can wear hair extensions or not worry about it (the cape will hide it). If you are wearing a wig, you can style it by placing it on a Styrofoam wig head or on your head after attaching the wig cap and securing it with hair clips.
- If your hair is curly or wavy, straighten it with a straightening iron.
- Be careful, if you are going to wear a wig, get one with straight black hair. Otherwise, you can smooth it out using the hot water method. Don't use a flat iron.
Step 7. Consider getting a black or red contact lens for a more realistic cosplay
You can stick with wearing only completely black contact lenses, or get red contact lenses with black markings on them. Keep in mind that contact lenses are not required and that you can even make a spectacular cosplay without them. If you choose to wear contact lenses, remember to practice common sense and take appropriate safety measures:
- Visit an ophthalmologist. This professional will tell you if your eyes can support contact lenses. It will also teach you how to use them appropriately.
- Always remove them at the end of the day. Never keep them on all day.
- Put them on with clean hands and remove them. Clean them with the solution provided.
- Keep your contact lenses in their case when you're not wearing them, and throw them away when they expire.
Method 3 of 3: Personify the role
Step 1. Watch the anime to get some ideas on poses
When you wear cosplay, someone will most likely ask to take a picture with you. Instead of just standing there, consider striking an Itachi pose. This will make your look more like the character. Fighting stances are always great options if you can stick with them. Another alternative is to angle your body towards the camera slightly and mimic one of their hand seals.
Step 2. Learn the physical eccentricities of Itachi and try to imitate them when you walk around
He is a skilled and serious warrior, although he does not maintain contact with anyone unless he plans to interact with a person. If you really want to surprise your fellow cosplayers, you can walk into the convention with purpose and determination avoiding eye contact. If you find someone you want to converse with, get their attention by making eye contact with that person before walking up to him or her.
Step 3. Imitate Itachi's eccentric personality when interacting with others
He is a cold, serious and quiet person. He doesn't talk too much or show much emotion. Keep a serious face and a calm, level voice. If you are going to speak, keep your language cultured and polished. That's an allusion to his smart side.
He is not a challenging person. If another cosplayer wants to start a fight with you, avoid it or walk away (as long as they are in character!)
Step 4. Focus on Itachi's good side and moderate his bad side
Many of the anime characters have exaggerated personalities. That makes them so much fun on screen. However, in real life, this can be very annoying (if the character is hyperactive) or hurtful (if the character is mean or violent). It's okay if you interpret Itachi's coldness and seriousness, even if you don't go too far to hurt someone. Remember that there is a distinctive line between real life and anime.
Step 5. Acknowledge what is considered appropriate or not when playing Itachi Uchiha
Many people like to get into character when they cosplay. Often times, you will see characters from the same anime interacting with each other at a convention. There is nothing wrong with it and it can be a lot of fun. Keep in mind that not everyone will want to play with you. If you interact with another Naruto character and they don't respond, stop and walk away.
- Don't force people to interact or role-play with you.
- Be aware of people's body language. If someone looks or acts awkward, leave them alone.
Step 6. Consider learning martial arts so that you have more ideas about poses
You don't need to become a black belt in martial arts, although it will help you gain a better understanding of how to pose like him. The fighting styles to consider are judo, kickboxing, and boxing. Another benefit of martial arts is that they can help you stay fit and relax after a long, hard day.
Step 7. Consider getting in shape
Anyone can cosplay regardless of gender, race, or body type. However, if you want to look like the character, consider starting an exercise regimen that allows you to build some lean muscle. How long in advance you do it will depend on the current state of your complexion and your goal. However, don't pressure yourself. Remember that Itachi is an anime character and it is not realistic or possible for someone to get his exact weight, height and physical condition.
- You don't have to spend hours in the gym or go hungry. Actually, that's not recommended at all.
- An easy way to get in shape is to eat a healthy diet with a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy grains. Get a few hours of light exercise, like walking weekly.
Advice
- If you are a woman, you can girdle your chest, but don't do it with bandages like Ace's, as you could seriously injure yourself. Don't use multipurpose tape either. Instead, you can wear a sports bra.
- Cosplay is for everyone. You don't have to be thin, pale, and male to cosplay Itachi. Your race, gender, and weight are not important.
- You don't need to cosplay Itachi only at anime conventions. You can also do this at other costume events, such as Halloween, costume parties, and comic book conventions.
- Watch his scenes in the anime and read his parts in the books and manga to get a better idea of his personality.
- If you are going to cosplay, please print several reference images.
- Buy contact lenses from a reputable source. Don't buy them simply because they are inexpensive.
- When shopping for a wig, invest in a high-quality wig at a wig store or cosplay supply store. Avoid wearing cheap wigs from Halloween or party supply stores. They will tangle easily and will be difficult to style.
- You can buy the entire costume at a cosplay supply store. You can also pay someone to make your costume for you.