HELP ME MAKE THIS COSPLAY

Lately, I've made it kind of a hobby to go to conventions such as Comic Con and Insomnia and I went to Insomnia last weekend in Coventry with my dad and we watched the cosplay masquerade there and saw some AMAZING cosplays! I've always told myself that one time, I'll go in costume but I've never had any idea where or how to get a costume like most others do, but seeing those guys and girls at Insomnia made me realize that next time, I REALLY want to be one of those guys on that stage so next time I go to an event I really want to be in a decent cosplay outfit. Even if it IS an obscure character that most won't recognize.

I have no artisan crafts skills whatsoever so I'm extremely limited as to what I can do in the way of cosplay but I've decided to go with one of my all-time favorite video game characters, Sketch Turner from Comix Zone. Most of his costume should be simple enough to put together. The main things that concern me though are the armor plate for the left forearm and the shorts and sleeveless hoodie, mostly because of the red motif/symbol on the left leg and the back of the hoodie. I'm not entirely sure how I'll make the armor plate. I might be possible to build on something with card board and mod-roc, maybe? I have NO idea how I'll make the red symbols happen but I'm sure someone on DA must have the know-how. I really need someone's wisdom with this. 

If you're skilled at artisan crafts could you please give me some advice? Or if you can make the more difficult parts, maybe we could work out a commission deal?

Thanks in advance, I reeeeally hope this gets some response.