Chris Tock
Tock Custom, LLC
Carrollton, TX USA
"Don’t be who you think people want you to be—just be you."
Career Roadmap
Chris's work combines: Fashion, Entrepreneurship, and Being Creative
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Day In The Life
Life & Career Milestones
I've taken a lot of twists and turns
1.
I never finished high school and also dropped out of college—I just wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do.
2.
I got sober at a young age, when I was 17 years old, and decided I wanted to help other people, so I spent 10 years in the mental health field.
3.
After making my own costume for my first comic convention, I found that I loved it and would stay up late learning how to sew more things.
4.
When I was about 30 years old, I made the switch and started making clothing and costumes full-time.
5.
I started broadcasting my workshop on Twitch because I was craving social interaction, which led to me gaining a following and diving into the comic convention community very quickly.
6.
In addition to making men’s clothing, costumes, and props, I also create unique mixed media projects.
7.
I’m also in the process of writing a series of books as a sort of encyclopedia of cosplay in order to teach others.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Friends:
Getting a sewing machine is a waste of time. Don't do that.
How I responded:
Before I started this venture, I joked to the girl I was living with that I wanted to get a sewing machine. I was known for joking around and being spontaneous, so she responded by saying that was a dumb waste of time. I wasn't actually joking—I wanted to get a sewing machine and make something. I did and it ended up growing into a full-time business. Now, having supportive people around me is one of my biggest assets.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
While struggling with addiction, I hated myself. I even put myself in the hospital because of it. I eventually accepted that I was a flawed person. I sought out recovery and got sober at 17 years old.
I struggle with anxiety and depression but I found passion and drive in making clothing, costumes, and props. I'm so excited to get up and work at this every day.