I can sum up this article in a Shia LaBeouf quote, “JUST DO IT.” But seriously, do you want to cosplay at your next con but have no idea where to start? Here are some tips and tricks to help you on your journey into cosplay.
Picking a Character
This is the fun part, but also the tricky part on your first cosplay. Pick a cosplay you could make with the skills you currently have or could learn painlessly. Do not go for a full suit of Iron Man armor on your first try. This is why a lot of people’s first cosplay was someone who had a specific t-shirt, wig, and jeans. Those clothing items can be easily bought in stores or online.
Money, Money, Money
Cosplays can cost a lot. But that doesn’t mean they have to bleed you dry. Sit down before you go on a shopping spree and access how much you are comfortable spending on this cosplay. Consider how much the ticket, hotel, and food at this next convention will cost. Making a budget based on these factors can help you save money. Coupons and online coupon apps can also save you some cash while shopping.
Buy it or Make it?
Consider three things: 1) How much time do you have? Making makes sense if you have a month while buying is true if you have a week. 2) Which one is more expensive? Keep your budget in mind. Buying it might save time, but cost more. 3) Could I make this cosplay? If making this cosplay means learning ten new skills, save it for another con. After considering these things, you should be able to decide which is the best for you.
Reviews and Tutorials = Lifesavers
Many cosplayers have made tutorials online for popular cosplays. Even if there isn’t a guide out there for your specific character, there may be a sewing pattern similar to their costume or a tutorial on how to make a similar prop. Likewise, if you buy a cosplay read the reviews. Some sites look reliable but can end up being scams that take your money. Do your research! It’ll save you a headache later.
Wibbly Wobbly, Timey Wimey
I am not alone in staying up all night before a con to finish my cosplay. But good time management can save you from that form of torture. This could be as easy as paying for express shipping on all your items. Or as hard as planning out hour by hour what you are making and when it needs to be done by. In any case, leave a few extra days before the con in the event something takes longer to ship or make than you thought it would.
Test Run
This is very important: Do not wait until the first day of the con to try on your cosplay. Test out the costume, wig, and any makeup you want to do before you go to the con. This ensures that if any pieces are too big or small you have time to fix them. Experiment with makeup and any bodypaint you wish to do. The quicker and easier you can put it on at home, the quicker and easier it will be at the con.
Beauty Doesn’t Have to Mean Pain
Another thing I wish I had known earlier; prioritize comfort. You will be wearing this cosplay around a convention all day. Anything that pinches or hurts when you test the costume will increase exponentially as the day goes on. Simply switching out the shoes or loosening the wig can go a long way to making your experience more enjoyable.
We all start somewhere. So don’t be afraid to start your cosplay journey today! Buy or make that cosplay, wear it to the convention, and have a good time. After all, it is called cos-play for a reason.
