About me
Hello! My name is Gwen Ousby and im a 22 year old trans female crafter with a passion for learning whatever I can! I currently study at Northbrook college on a Prop Design and Special Effects BA-Hons course and have come from a background of art and a pinch of engineering.
Ember Celica - RWBY
Jokers mask - persona 5
Inspired by the mask worn by the protagonist of 2016's, "Persona 5"
how it began...
Since a young age my life was heavily influenced by video games, fantasy and horror. This has followed me to influence and inspire my desire to create and build all sorts of wonderful creations. At age 15, I gave 3d art a go for my GCSE exam and instantly fell in love with working with my hands.
Unsure on where I wanted to go, I went to study vehicle and motor engineering at my local college whilst I explored my options. In this time my love for cosplay and video game recreations sprung to life. This was my first time making something that I had a true passion for, something that would lead me to where I am now...
Where It led me...
.jpeg)
Since then I moved college courses to experience 3d Art and Design whilst continuing my love for 2d art in graphic design. There I was able to explore mediums and continue to build my skill set in foam whilst experimenting with different metals and leather.
This was part of a project based around armor, specifically inspired from fantasy settings in particular: "dungeons and dragons" and "Monster Hunter". Based on my own design, I aimed to create a gauntlet that was made from the scraps of a mythical beast: the "owl bear". Inspired by a bear arm with the skull of an owl on the back, the fingers were elongated owl talons made of foam clay and string and elastic, inside the hand there were strings allowing you to pull on the fingers creating articulation, allowing you to open and close the hand. The arm and hand itself were made of EVA foam and faux fur, joined with evostik contact adhesive. Along this was a leather pauldron and arm band that used all traditional joining techniques such as riveting, braiding and knot tying, all made of real leather.
This was a continuation of the armour project, as a simple project and first experimentation with weathering and creating werable pieces. This pauldron was inspired by the Sci-fi world of Games-workshop's "Warhammer 40K", specifically a faction of space marines called "Thousand sons". Their designs drew a lot of inspiration from Egyptian royalty and so I simplified this to a much smaller design as a way to practice and explore creating a battle torn and aged look. Made of EVA foam, it was base coated then slashed with a box cutter before apply a deeper coat to the cracks. Finally with a cloth I dry brushed on dirt and silver so it looked at if the paint was chipping. The shoulder strap was my first experiment with leather and riveting with an adjustable belt buckle strap I made from wire.
Where I am now
Currently I study at Northbrook college on a Prop design and special effects BA Hons course. This course has allowed me to learn new skill and improve old ones whilst showing me and allowing me to explore so many new materials and techniques.
My love for foam has persisted but recently Ive wanted to start exploring metal work, which I hope to do with future projects. My drive and curiosity for all materials however, keeps me open to learn as much as much as I can.
​
Im a fast learner who's capable of working in a team or leading one. My experiences have pushed me work hard and aim higher. My mixed education background has made me open minded and able to approach a challenge from numerous angles. I always have another project cooking in my mind, my only problem is I struggle to find the time to try them all! I plan to continue working with creativity for all my life, no matter which path it takes me down with hopes that ill constantly be learning!
Qualifications and experiences
College
South Downs College
Level 2-3 Vehicle repair and maintenance- merit
Havant college
Graphic Design Level 2 - merit
3D Art and Design - merit
Work experience
GO Autos vehicle repair and MOT station
Glastonbury's Wishing Well prop team
Wild Creations moulding and casting
Black Kettle Workshop
University
Currently third year at Northbrook college
Prop Design and Special Effects BA-Hon
Graduate 2025