I’ve been on a “Persona 5” high for a while now, following my discovery of it at the beginning of the school year. With the recent release of the anime, my obsession is still running strong. So strong, in fact, I have decided to do a cosplay of the protagonists metaverse form, known as Joker.

I haven’t figured much out for the costume, seeing that it’s an elaborate trench coat. But I have started working on other elements of the outfit, such as the mask. I have been experimenting with the art of paper mache lately, and so far the results are…messy. But after some practice, I’m confident I can perfect the mask. Here’s how I’ve done it:

First, get all the materials! It may be inexpensive to use paper mache, but it’s time consuming. The process of applying is messy and it takes loads of time to dry. Also, most of what you need are things you can find somewhere in the house. Here’s what you need:

• 1-2 newspapers
• Glue
• Water
• A clean plastic bowl
• Cardstock or thin cardboard
• Gesso
• Paint (White/Black)
• Sandpaper
• Masking tape

Set up a clean space and cover it with newspaper or paper towels so you don’t make too much of a mess. Cut out two small square pieces of cardstock about the length of your nose and fold each in half. Fold each in a triangular shape and attach each to the middle of a full sheet of cardstock.

Draw a loose outline of Joker’s mask onto the pieces of cardstock with the noses. This took me a while to realize you have to do the mask outline twice, so I ended up doing it later. Make sure they are about the same size, and cut one out. Leave the other one or paper mache.

Don’t forget to cut eye holes. You need to see!

Make the glue mixture. Put a generous amount of liquid glue in the bowl and water it down. You want the mixture to be pretty runny.

Begin Paper Mache. Cut out or tear strips of newspaper and coat them in the mixture. Apply in layers. You want to do at least three layers. Make sure to completely cover the outline of the mask. 

When it is dry, get the second cardstock outline that you made earlier, and glue it to the back of the paper mache structure, then cut the paper mache to the size of the cardstock outline of the mask. This part is sort of hard to match up, so be careful that it’s proportional.

Now, apply the Gesso. Gesso is a liquid sealant that you apply before the paint to make the paper mache waterproof. It’s expensive, but it lasts a while and comes in large bottles. Sand it after it dries, then apply Gesso again. Keep applying until you’re satisfied with the texture.

Once everything is dry, paint to your liking.

And you’re done.