I couldn't tell you why, but I find myself really wanting to take up cosplay. Most likely because it combines my loves of being artistic, games/comics/movies, and receiving attention (and gives me a reason to commit to going to the gym.) I won't get to do anything this year, since cons are kind of winding down for 2014, (at least, all the stuff around me has already happened) but next year, one of my friends and I intend to dive right in.
So, do you have any experience in cosplay? How'd it go? Have any pictures you'd like to share? Any tips for those starting out?
I'd hate to pigeonhole myself, but I think if I were to ever cosplay I'd be someone known for being short. Edward Elric being my first choice, but also perhaps a hobbit. It would feel weird to me to cosplay as some big dude. I don't have the kind of time to really attend conventions, but it's always been something I've wanted to do. Not comic-con though. I've heard it sucks.
If you're going to cosplaying, you definitely got to put effect into doing it! This means no half arse attempt in it. You're dressing up a character you liked, not making fun of him/ her or it! Granted I don't mean you got to get the cosplay 100% perfect and accurate (see my beam katana) but it still got to be above average.
Be very mindful that it going to cost alot for get the material or parts for your cosplay.
Are you going to a specific con or expo? You better check their website incase they got a cosplay rule/ guideline. I go to the MCM expo which they got a rule on cosplay which is mainly say that the weapons got to be fake looking and keeping a certain measurement in the cosplay.
Other than that, have fun since I certainly did (I admit I did liked the attention I got for my cosplay).
My next cosplay idea is going to be harde and more expensive since I was thinking of cosplaying Robin from Fire Emblem Awakenning!
Also doing a Miyuki cosplay when the outfit arrives. That and the Chobits one are the only shop bought ones, the rest are home made.
Cosplay is taking over my life, I'm constantly watching things and thinking about what I can cosplay and how to make the outfit.
My tips:
? Pick a character you like! Most important. You'll have tons of fun dressing up like them and it will reflect in your overall cosplay.
? Strapped for cash like me? All mine are handmade and cost less than £40 to make. Some characters are much easier and cheaper to make than others but if you can study a characters clothing you can knock yourself up a pretty easy outfit. Iron on transfers, sewing machines, fabric shops and fabric paints are your friend.
? Whenever possible, dress for your size. Of course not many people are Marcus Phoenix sized but a well made cosplay will look great on anyone. Wear what you are comfortable with. Show off your best assets. Don't get your tummy, boobs, arms or legs out if you don't feel comfortable. Either pick another character or alter the current one (my Harley Quinn one for example. I don't have the figure to pull off her traditional outfits so I opted for a Lolita style.
Look online for inspiration.
? Prepare yourself for fuck-ups. I actually made a blog post about how many disasters I've had. My wigs have knotted up beyond repair. My make-up has ran down my face. My contacts have made my eyes puffy, my dress has broken open. Fabric has arrived and it's been in the wrong colour. I realised I was allergic to my Elizabeth necklace after I wore it and my neck ended up covered in a rash. Part of my friends cosplay fell off and needed stitching back on. Last expo I went to, I prepared myself with sewing needles and tread, glue, wig brushes and all sorts. It might seem silly but you'll be thankful if you need it.
? Shop around. Just because something is expensive doesn't mean it's the best quality. Give yourself plenty of time to get it all sorted because some places cut costs by taking ages to ship items. I know a few good sites if anyone needs any.
Ebay is your friend for wigs but I know plenty of sites that does some fine quality, more expensive wigs.
? Have fun and be constructive to other cosplayers. Don't be a dick if you think they don't look too great but offer them some friendly advice instead.
I'm of the opinion if you can't do something well, don't do it at all (especially when it comes to myself).
So I've only cosplayed once, my roommate and myself were Jay and Silent Bob. It was a decent enough attempt, but I really wasn't satisfied (for one thing I got the wrong colour hairdye). I'm really too much of a perfectionist to just have fun with it, unless I start way ahead of time and I'm too much of a procrastinator for that
I got lots of support from people when I cosplayed. There generally aren't a ton of male crossplayers (at least at the small conventions I've been to), so you tend to stick out.
I order my stuff online because I'm not super clothing-inclined, but I'm thinking of making a Cosplay for Gaige from Borderlands 2 sometime.
I got lots of support from people when I cosplayed. There generally aren't a ton of male crossplayers (at least at the small conventions I've been to), so you tend to stick out.
I order my stuff online because I'm not super clothing-inclined, but I'm thinking of making a Cosplay for Gaige from Borderlands 2 sometime.
I have cosplayed, and to you and all other aspiring cosplayers I say:
Wear comfortable shoes.
This cannot be stressed enough.
You should also take into consideration how great your headgear, etc. will feel after an hour or two, in whatever weather you'll be walking in. A friend of mine likes to go all-out (full body paint 3+ years running), and even she learned the hard way that a pair of lekku weigh heavily on a weak human neck. Some masks can also make breathing pretty tricky, so keep comfort and wearability in mind whatever your design.
All that said, definitely, definitely get into cosplaying. It's the best motivation I've ever had to get into shape, and it makes being at a convention at least three times as much fun. Probably closer to 700 times better, especially if you get recognized. (You may also want to practice some characteristic poses for photo ops...!)
I got lots of support from people when I cosplayed. There generally aren't a ton of male crossplayers (at least at the small conventions I've been to), so you tend to stick out.
I order my stuff online because I'm not super clothing-inclined, but I'm thinking of making a Cosplay for Gaige from Borderlands 2 sometime.
Most the basics have already been mentioned, good shoes, prepare for breakages, have plenty of run up time in making the costume, check weapon rules, etc but there are a few more items.
1: Stay hydrated, especially if you go with a really heavy multi-layered costume.
I've done Two-Face for a themed party called 'The Beast Within' before:
It was based on the garish one out of Batman Forever and cobbled together from whatever I could find in charity shops or budget clothing stores, as I only decided to make the costume a few days before the party!
One bit of advice I would give is to ensure that you're comfortable in your costume once you've made it. Not just size-wise (although obviously you want a costume that fits!) but also one that you're happy to move around in. As my costume was made from a bunch of clothes sliced in half and then sewn together, I gave them a little testing beforehand just to make sure they'd survive the night: it's no fun to keep fretting about whether your trousers will fall apart every time you walk up a flight of stairs =P
I'd love to, but I don't really have a lot of situations where it would seem appropriate. I only have one friend, who happens to be my girlfriend, that does it occasionally, but that's it. I just think it'd be too expensive or time consuming. Maybe I'm just too lazy?
Plus I'm never quite sure what to do in the first place. None of my ideas really seem that great.
I've wanted to do Nathan Explosion, Snake, my own version of an Organization XIII member, but I never know where to start. (I suppose Nathan would be simple though, since I already have a wide upper body and long, straight hair.)
If cosplay is still what I think it is (costumed roleplay), then yes, I used to be part of a live action roleplay group about 12 years ago called LARP Quest.
It was loosely tied into our D&D games at the time. This is one of my characters (I apologise for the lens flare/sorcery and the tail is also digital):
The costume was awesome at Hallowe'en, because it's really cold at that time of the year here. Any other time of the year I was hot as balls in there. The mask was made with a huge mold pulled from a sculpture, and carpet latex/acrylic cast. Gonna try and do a lighter one, possibly this year. Costs a bit to get the materials for this stuff, but it's entertaining!
My most recent one was Black/Hilbert/Male Player Character from Pokemon Black and I had a big Reshiram plushie as my little companion along with my sister as the female version. We actually got a lot of people interested in our costumes because you don't see many of them running around.
I've also gone as Canada with my sister cosplaying America from Axis Powers Hetalia a few years back. That was fun, though Hetalia fan girls went nuts seeing a guy cosplay from Hetalia. I got a few creepers out of the deal, especially from online comments since my sister is really into cosplay so she posts them on dedicated cosplay sites.
I don't have any pictures since my sister has them all on her computer, I may edit my post to have them if I get on her computer.
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
