Custom Projects from Scratch

Have an idea that doesn't exist in our catalog? We'd love to hear about it.

At Outcast Props, we've spent years creating our own collections of handcrafted leather accessories and armor.

Sometimes, a customer's idea inspires us to develop something entirely new. We love exploring those possibilities, although creating a new product is very different from customizing one of our existing designs.

Here's how we approach new projects, what we look for and what you can expect when working with us.

Our Approach

Not every artisan works the same way

Some workshops specialize in individual commissions. Others focus entirely on their own collections.

At Outcast Props, our main activity is designing and producing our own products.

We occasionally accept completely new custom projects, but we're not a general made-to-order workshop.

Our workshop is our livelihood. Every project requires professional time, materials, expertise and a place in our production schedule.

We genuinely enjoy discovering new ideas, but we have to choose carefully which ones we develop.

We love creative proposals. We simply need them to make sense for our workshop too.

Choosing Projects

What makes a project interesting to us?

Throughout the year, we accept a limited number of entirely new designs.

We're particularly interested in ideas that fit our style, connect with something we've already been considering or have the potential to become part of our future catalog.

Developing a new piece involves much more than making a single item. There are patterns to create, materials to test, construction methods to develop and sometimes several sizes to consider.

For example, we might love a particular character's armor, but if the design only appeals to a very small number of people, developing it may not be commercially viable for us.

In those cases, we may recommend combining existing products or adapting something from our catalog instead.

What if we like your idea but we're too busy?

If we're interested but can't take on the project at that moment, we may suggest revisiting it in a few months.

That allows us to consider your proposal again when our workshop schedule is more suitable.

And if we say no?

Please don't take it personally!

It doesn't mean your idea isn't good. It may simply not be the right project for our workshop.

There are wonderful artisans who specialize in individual commissions, and another maker may be a better fit for what you're looking for.

Respecting other creators

Fantasy art, films, videogames and cosplay can be fantastic sources of inspiration, and we're happy to explore ideas inspired by them.

However, we don't reproduce other artisans' original designs.

If you've found a piece made by another craftsperson, we'd encourage you to contact its creator rather than asking us to reproduce it at a different price or with minor changes.

We respect the work, creativity and livelihood of fellow artisans, just as we value our own.

What's Possible?

Great designs also need to work in real life

Something that looks incredible in a videogame or illustration doesn't always work when translated into real leather.

Some designs have impossible proportions, rely on materials other than leather or look fantastic until you actually try to move.

For example, a long torso armor might look impressive while standing, but its lower edge could press against your thighs and push the whole piece upwards when you sit.

Other designs may restrict your arms, limit movement or become uncomfortable after extended use.

Versatility has its limits

We also receive requests for modular armor that can be worn in several different configurations: with or without a gambeson, attached to other pieces or worn separately.

We understand the appeal. Everyone wants to make the most of their equipment!

Sometimes we can develop versatile solutions, but different configurations may require different measurements, attachment points and proportions.

One piece cannot always fit perfectly in every possible arrangement.

Let us guide you

When we recommend changing a proportion, simplifying a detail or approaching a design differently, there's a reason behind it.

We'll explain what works, what doesn't and which alternatives we recommend.

Our goal isn't simply to reproduce an image. It's to create something that can actually be made, worn and enjoyed.

When you work with us, you're not only paying for the finished piece. You're also trusting the experience, craftsmanship and professional judgment behind it.

We'll always listen to your ideas, but we won't manufacture something we believe is fundamentally impractical or unsuitable.

How We Work Together

1. Share Your Idea

Tell us what you'd like to create and send as many reference images as possible.

Photographs, illustrations, screenshots and descriptions all help us understand your project.

The clearer your idea, the easier it will be for us to evaluate.

2. Initial Evaluation

We'll consider the technical feasibility, creative interest, potential commercial value and our workshop's availability.

This first assessment is free.

If the project looks promising, we can usually provide a rough price estimate.

Please remember that this is only an initial approximation, not a final quotation. We haven't yet identified every detail or potential technical challenge.

3. Define the Project

If you'd like to continue, we'll discuss the details, establish the scope of the commission and prepare a more specific quotation.

The price may differ from our initial estimate as we identify the actual work involved.

We'll explain what's included before moving forward.

4. Full Payment

Once the project and its quotation have been agreed upon, full payment is required before we begin the actual design and production work.

We don't work with deposits or installment payments for these commissions.

Please make sure you're comfortable with the agreed project before completing payment.

Because each commission is developed specifically for you, confirmed and fully paid custom orders cannot be cancelled or refunded simply because you change your mind.

5. Design & Production

Now your idea starts becoming a real piece!

We want you to be involved in the process. Depending on the project, we'll ask questions, share progress photographs and discuss important decisions as the work develops.

However, this isn't an unlimited redesign service. Once the commission has been agreed upon, the workshop leads its technical and artistic development.

If you decide to add something during production, we'll assess whether it's possible and provide a separate quotation for the additional work.

We may also discover unexpected technical difficulties during development. If that happens, we'll explain the situation, discuss possible solutions and agree on any necessary changes or additional costs before proceeding.

Any agreed additional work must be paid for before it's carried out.

6. Final Presentation

When your piece is finished, we'll normally send you photographs, and sometimes videos, so you can see the result before shipping.

We love sharing the finished work with the people who helped inspire it!

Design & Pricing

What goes into creating something new?

Developing a new product takes much more than cutting and assembling leather.

Depending on the project, we may need to create patterns, test materials, prepare prototypes, adjust proportions, experiment with dyes or develop new construction methods.

All of this requires professional time and expertise.

Preparing your design

The amount of design work also depends on the information you provide.

Ready-to-use artwork

If you provide clean artwork, ideally in vector format with clearly defined black-and-white shapes, we can often work from it more efficiently.

Reference images

If your references require cleaning, redrawing or technical adaptation, those tasks involve additional design hours.

Developing an idea together

If you don't have a defined design and would like us to create or develop the concept with you, considerably more creative work may be required.

When applicable, design hours are quoted separately and included in the project budget.

Our designs and future collections

When we accept a new project, we invest our own experience, development resources and creative work in it.

You commission the piece, while we retain the rights to the original designs, technical patterns and creative solutions developed by our workshop.

This also means we may manufacture the design again or incorporate it into our official catalog.

By retaining that possibility, we can absorb part of the development investment rather than charging one customer the full cost of creating a commercially viable new product.

For this reason, we don't offer exclusive design rights or guarantee that a design will remain a one-off.

Your piece is made for you, but the original design developed by our workshop may become part of our future collections. Any pre-existing artwork or rights belonging to others remain with their respective owners.

What does the quotation include?

The project quotation covers the agreed piece, its materials, our craftsmanship and the design work included in the budget.

Shipping is not included in the production price.

Transport costs are calculated separately, based on the destination, the package's actual or volumetric weight, its dimensions and the shipping service selected.

Economy and express services may have different prices and availability.

International shipments may also involve import duties, taxes, customs clearance or carrier handling charges. These are separate from the workshop's production price.

How those charges are collected and who pays them depends on the destination and the agreed shipping terms.

These external charges are determined by customs authorities and transport providers, not by the value of our craftsmanship, and cannot be waived or negotiated as part of our custom quotation.

We'll explain the shipping arrangements applicable to your order.

Sizing & Fit

Made for your measurements

If standard sizing doesn't work for you, we can discuss creating your piece based on your measurements.

Depending on the design, this may require new patterns, additional materials, changes to decorative elements or extra production time.

Some pieces also require new layouts or stamping tools when their proportions change.

We'll explain which measurements we need and how to take them correctly.

Accurate measurements are essential. Your piece will be developed using the information you provide, so please follow our measuring instructions carefully.

Because we work remotely, we cannot offer the same fitting and adjustment process as a workshop working with you in person.

We'll guide you as carefully as possible and explain any important limitations before accepting the project.

Important Conditions

Production Times

New custom projects require considerably more time than our regular catalog products.

The schedule depends on the complexity of the design, development work, materials required and our existing workload.

We'll discuss the estimated production timeframe before confirming your commission.

Shipping and transit times are separate from production time.

Discounts

Custom Orders are not eligible for discounts or promotions.

This includes promotional codes, temporary sales and automatic discounts applied by the online store.

Custom quotations are calculated independently of promotional prices.

If a discount is applied to a custom order by mistake, the difference must be paid before production begins.

Cancellations, Returns & Refunds

Every custom project is a commitment of our time, creativity and workshop resources.

Unlike our regular catalog products, these pieces are developed and handcrafted specifically for your commission.

The work involves individual planning, dedicated design hours, materials and production resources that cannot simply be transferred to another customer.

For this reason, once your custom project has been confirmed and fully paid for, we cannot accept cancellations, returns or refunds simply because you change your mind.

This applies whether the project is in development, already being manufactured or completed.

We kindly ask you to consider your decision carefully and make sure you're comfortable with the agreed design, quotation and estimated timeframe before proceeding.

Of course, this policy doesn't affect your mandatory consumer rights, including those relating to faulty or non-conforming products. If there's a problem with your piece, please contact us so we can review it properly.

Shipping & Customs

Shipping is always calculated separately from the price of your custom project.

The final transport cost depends on the destination, actual or volumetric weight, packaging dimensions and the available shipping services.

If you prefer express shipping, we can check the available options and their additional cost.

Import duties, taxes, customs clearance and other carrier charges are also separate from the manufacturing price. Their application and payment depend on the destination and the shipping terms agreed for your order.

These are external costs, not additional craftsmanship charges, and we cannot negotiate or waive amounts imposed by the relevant authorities or transport providers.

We also always declare the correct value of the goods on customs documents.

We cannot declare a lower value, falsify an invoice or misrepresent an order to reduce customs charges.

Share Your Idea

Have something in mind?

We'd genuinely love to hear about it.

Not every project will be the right fit for our workshop, but we're always interested in discovering new possibilities.

Tell us what you're imagining, share your reference images and explain what you'd like to achieve.

We'll give you a professional assessment, explain what we can realistically offer and, if your idea is a good fit for both of us, we'd be delighted to explore it together.

Have a project in mind? Contact Us.

Looking for a smaller modification to one of our existing products instead?

Discover the possibilities in Customizing Our Catalog Designs.

Back to Custom Orders