Advice for a beginner cosplayer
0
So recently I have developed more of interest in doing cosplay, but I'm not really sure where to start. What are some tips and tricks I should know?
1
Misaki_Chi
Fakku Nurse
I was trying to see if I had made some sort of post on this in here, but couldn't find it, oh well, will start from scratch lol.
Tips for beginning cosplay:
1. Decide what kind of cosplay you wish to do and start generating ideas.
Start off first by just thinking about what exactly you want to do with your cosplay. It's like thinking "okay what do I want to be for halloween this year?". You basically need to start generating ideas on what characters you'd be interesting in doing or if you'd like to be even more creative then that and make your own original cosplay. I know I've done lolita cosplay where I create my own unique look so there are so many options at your disposal!
2. Creativity vs cash vs time
You need to keep in mind that cosplay can be both fun yet challenging. The biggest issues will be time and money. Make sure you keep in mind the date of the convention because depending on when one is can influence how long it will take to make a cosplay, even for simple pieces. Also you'll need to decide on a few different things with creativity such as; how good are you at sewing/painting/gluing/crafting/etc, how difficult is the costume I choose, what would I need to order if I can't make certain things, how much is all of this going to cost me? It is very important to set up a budget as well as a creative plan as to how you will accomplish your cosplay. If you find you don't have a creative knack for things there is always the option of buying a premade cosplay (its been years since I've done this so I can't help much atm sorry, will have to ask someone else or google). The only thing with buying pre-made cosplay apparel is you need to make sure that what you are getting is good quality, that you know how much it costs along with shipping (can be expensive), and that you are getting what you order (not all items are always included in the sales sometimes) and make sure the clothing will fit you (if they have a measuring chart in the description, make sure you really measure yourself or inquire about it if none is provided).
3. What are the rules to the convention?
The reason I bring this up is you need to keep in mind every convention has cosplay rules on both attire and props. Most conventions aren't too bad about this, but you still need to check to see if there is anything not allowed and always check for each year/however often they have said convention because the rules can change! Biggest thing is be weary of props. You can have them (again depends on the convention), but you may have to go through inspection which could take you even longer to get into a convention (good conventions make safety a priority).
4. How accurate does my cosplay have to be? What is the right way to cosplay?
There is no right or wrong way to cosplay and you don't have to be accurate. As a cosplayer and as others should say as long as you enjoy what you are doing there is no shame to be had in cosplaying your way. I can't guarantee you'll have fans flocking to your side or that you'll be the hit of the convention, but as long as you enjoy doing what you're doing and you're happy with what the end result is then who is to judge you on that? No one should make you feel ashamed for wanting to cosplay and you for trying your best. Don't worry if you don't have the right color skin or the right body shape for something, if you want to do it then go for it! It takes balls to cosplay and you should be proud you want to be apart of something awesome. The only comment I will make on character cosplay is if you do wish to do a character, then try to respect that character as best you can whether it be good or bad (bad in a good way meaning dressing as shinji from neon genesis and wearing a sign saying "fuck you shinji"). Basically don't just put on a pokemon cap and say your ash ketchum from pokemon, add the bacpack and have a pikachu or pokeballs with you (even a pokedex, god I use to love having one of those!! Miss mine!). If you are going the quick and cheap route, just put a little effort into it that's all.
Other then that, you'll need to take your time with things and do research on what kind of cosplayer you want to be. There are so many options at your disposal, the internet being the best.
Bonus info:
Look at goodwill/thrift stores and cheap stores such as Target/Walmart for clothing items that you can use to help create an affordable look. I know some of my best stuff came from thrift stores and after some altering, I had a ready to go cosplay outfit. You don't have to create everything from 100% scratch to be awesome lol.
Tips for beginning cosplay:
1. Decide what kind of cosplay you wish to do and start generating ideas.
Start off first by just thinking about what exactly you want to do with your cosplay. It's like thinking "okay what do I want to be for halloween this year?". You basically need to start generating ideas on what characters you'd be interesting in doing or if you'd like to be even more creative then that and make your own original cosplay. I know I've done lolita cosplay where I create my own unique look so there are so many options at your disposal!
2. Creativity vs cash vs time
You need to keep in mind that cosplay can be both fun yet challenging. The biggest issues will be time and money. Make sure you keep in mind the date of the convention because depending on when one is can influence how long it will take to make a cosplay, even for simple pieces. Also you'll need to decide on a few different things with creativity such as; how good are you at sewing/painting/gluing/crafting/etc, how difficult is the costume I choose, what would I need to order if I can't make certain things, how much is all of this going to cost me? It is very important to set up a budget as well as a creative plan as to how you will accomplish your cosplay. If you find you don't have a creative knack for things there is always the option of buying a premade cosplay (its been years since I've done this so I can't help much atm sorry, will have to ask someone else or google). The only thing with buying pre-made cosplay apparel is you need to make sure that what you are getting is good quality, that you know how much it costs along with shipping (can be expensive), and that you are getting what you order (not all items are always included in the sales sometimes) and make sure the clothing will fit you (if they have a measuring chart in the description, make sure you really measure yourself or inquire about it if none is provided).
3. What are the rules to the convention?
The reason I bring this up is you need to keep in mind every convention has cosplay rules on both attire and props. Most conventions aren't too bad about this, but you still need to check to see if there is anything not allowed and always check for each year/however often they have said convention because the rules can change! Biggest thing is be weary of props. You can have them (again depends on the convention), but you may have to go through inspection which could take you even longer to get into a convention (good conventions make safety a priority).
4. How accurate does my cosplay have to be? What is the right way to cosplay?
There is no right or wrong way to cosplay and you don't have to be accurate. As a cosplayer and as others should say as long as you enjoy what you are doing there is no shame to be had in cosplaying your way. I can't guarantee you'll have fans flocking to your side or that you'll be the hit of the convention, but as long as you enjoy doing what you're doing and you're happy with what the end result is then who is to judge you on that? No one should make you feel ashamed for wanting to cosplay and you for trying your best. Don't worry if you don't have the right color skin or the right body shape for something, if you want to do it then go for it! It takes balls to cosplay and you should be proud you want to be apart of something awesome. The only comment I will make on character cosplay is if you do wish to do a character, then try to respect that character as best you can whether it be good or bad (bad in a good way meaning dressing as shinji from neon genesis and wearing a sign saying "fuck you shinji"). Basically don't just put on a pokemon cap and say your ash ketchum from pokemon, add the bacpack and have a pikachu or pokeballs with you (even a pokedex, god I use to love having one of those!! Miss mine!). If you are going the quick and cheap route, just put a little effort into it that's all.
Other then that, you'll need to take your time with things and do research on what kind of cosplayer you want to be. There are so many options at your disposal, the internet being the best.
Bonus info:
Look at goodwill/thrift stores and cheap stores such as Target/Walmart for clothing items that you can use to help create an affordable look. I know some of my best stuff came from thrift stores and after some altering, I had a ready to go cosplay outfit. You don't have to create everything from 100% scratch to be awesome lol.
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Misaki_Chi wrote...
I was trying to see if I had made some sort of post on this in here, but couldn't find it, oh well, will start from scratch lol.Tips for beginning cosplay:
1. Decide what kind of cosplay you wish to do and start generating ideas.
Start off first by just thinking about what exactly you want to do with your cosplay. It's like thinking "okay what do I want to be for halloween this year?". You basically need to start generating ideas on what characters you'd be interesting in doing or if you'd like to be even more creative then that and make your own original cosplay. I know I've done lolita cosplay where I create my own unique look so there are so many options at your disposal!
2. Creativity vs cash vs time
You need to keep in mind that cosplay can be both fun yet challenging. The biggest issues will be time and money. Make sure you keep in mind the date of the convention because depending on when one is can influence how long it will take to make a cosplay, even for simple pieces. Also you'll need to decide on a few different things with creativity such as; how good are you at sewing/painting/gluing/crafting/etc, how difficult is the costume I choose, what would I need to order if I can't make certain things, how much is all of this going to cost me? It is very important to set up a budget as well as a creative plan as to how you will accomplish your cosplay. If you find you don't have a creative knack for things there is always the option of buying a premade cosplay (its been years since I've done this so I can't help much atm sorry, will have to ask someone else or google). The only thing with buying pre-made cosplay apparel is you need to make sure that what you are getting is good quality, that you know how much it costs along with shipping (can be expensive), and that you are getting what you order (not all items are always included in the sales sometimes) and make sure the clothing will fit you (if they have a measuring chart in the description, make sure you really measure yourself or inquire about it if none is provided).
3. What are the rules to the convention?
The reason I bring this up is you need to keep in mind every convention has cosplay rules on both attire and props. Most conventions aren't too bad about this, but you still need to check to see if there is anything not allowed and always check for each year/however often they have said convention because the rules can change! Biggest thing is be weary of props. You can have them (again depends on the convention), but you may have to go through inspection which could take you even longer to get into a convention (good conventions make safety a priority).
4. How accurate does my cosplay have to be? What is the right way to cosplay?
There is no right or wrong way to cosplay and you don't have to be accurate. As a cosplayer and as others should say as long as you enjoy what you are doing there is no shame to be had in cosplaying your way. I can't guarantee you'll have fans flocking to your side or that you'll be the hit of the convention, but as long as you enjoy doing what you're doing and you're happy with what the end result is then who is to judge you on that? No one should make you feel ashamed for wanting to cosplay and you for trying your best. Don't worry if you don't have the right color skin or the right body shape for something, if you want to do it then go for it! It takes balls to cosplay and you should be proud you want to be apart of something awesome. The only comment I will make on character cosplay is if you do wish to do a character, then try to respect that character as best you can whether it be good or bad (bad in a good way meaning dressing as shinji from neon genesis and wearing a sign saying "fuck you shinji"). Basically don't just put on a pokemon cap and say your ash ketchum from pokemon, add the bacpack and have a pikachu or pokeballs with you (even a pokedex, god I use to love having one of those!! Miss mine!). If you are going the quick and cheap route, just put a little effort into it that's all.
Other then that, you'll need to take your time with things and do research on what kind of cosplayer you want to be. There are so many options at your disposal, the internet being the best.
Bonus info:
Look at goodwill/thrift stores and cheap stores such as Target/Walmart for clothing items that you can use to help create an affordable look. I know some of my best stuff came from thrift stores and after some altering, I had a ready to go cosplay outfit. You don't have to create everything from 100% scratch to be awesome lol.
Thank you for the advice, I really appreciate this. I do have characters in mind like Casey Jones, Adell(Disgaea 2), and the Red light-speed Rescue ranger.(Think I'll buy this one.) I hope to have one of these ready to go for next year, and I totally understand the cost of cosplaying money-wise. I want the costume to look decent when I put it on,so I'm more than willing to pay for quality. Overall, I just want to meet new people through this.
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Papa Nito
Enemy Stand
Best advice for starting out is to stick with something you love. Be it a specific character, or series. Try to pick something simple that anyone can make with a lack of experience. It's also best to pick a project that doesn't break the bank either. Also, youtube tutorials are incredibly helpful. There are videos that demonstrate many different crafting methods such as makeup, sewing, and prop making.
But most importantly, make sure you're having fun with it. Do it because you love it. You'll get way more out of the hobby by doing so.
But most importantly, make sure you're having fun with it. Do it because you love it. You'll get way more out of the hobby by doing so.