Chad is the owner and founder of Hoku Props, a Southern California-based fabrication studio specializing in custom props, armor, costumes, awards, and specialty builds for the video game and entertainment industries. Leading a team of talented fabricators and artists, Chad has helped bring projects to life for clients including Riot Games, Blizzard Entertainment, Digital Extremes, Bandai, Crunchyroll, and TOHO animation, combining digital design with a wide range of traditional and modern fabrication techniques.

 

Chad began his creative career studying at Gnomon School of Visual Effects, Games & Animation in Hollywood, where he developed his skills in 3D modeling under artists working throughout the entertainment industry. He later graduated from the University of California, Riverside with a bachelor’s degree in business, focusing on arts management. His background in both digital design and hands-on fabrication has allowed him to create everything from highly detailed armor and props to custom awards and one-of-a-kind pieces for studios, events, and craftsmanship competitions.

 

Within the cosplay community, Hoku Props is also known for winning the Grand Prize at TwitchCon’s inaugural Cosplay Contest in 2016. Since then, they have continued to champion craftsmanship, education, and accessibility within the maker community through tutorials, workshops, demonstrations, and educational resources.

 

Chad is also the co-author of Thermoplastics: Cosplay Props, Armor & Accessories, published by C&T Publishing, which teaches makers how to use thermoplastics to create their own cosplay props, armor, and accessories.