Cosplay 101 for Beginners!
- K.O.
- Aug 17, 2020
- 4 min read
Just a few tips from a slightly experienced cosplayer
So, you think you want to start cosplaying, but don’t know if you should. The answer is... yes! Cosplay is a super fun hobby that anyone can enjoy! Now beginners, I know what you're thinking: HOW? You follow people on social media that make it look so easy. They make all their cosplays from scratch, their makeup is impeccable, and those amazing pictures?! Don’t even get me started on their clear, crisp pictures! This can all be fun to look at, but intimidating when you decide to start on your own. Here’s some ways to combat that!
Tip 1: Don’t be so critical of yourself! I know it’s easier said than done. Look, the amazing cosplayers you follow? They didn’t get so great by just cosplaying once! It took them time and effort to build up to the quality they now show. Also for a lot of them, this is their job. You most likely aren’t looking to do it in a professional setting so please don’t think you HAVE to be at their level to start. Put down the phone when you start feeling inadequate. Like I said, it takes time!
Tip 2: Have a plan. I'm not gonna let you think of yourself as less than before you even start! The best way to combat that is to plan and know what you want to do. That means it’s time to put in that MAXIMUM EFFORT! What exactly do you want to cosplay? Who do you want to be? The fun part is you can be anything! Want to be Wonder Woman? Sure. Want to be Iron Man? Go ahead! Want to be Sailor Moon? So do I! Want to mash them all up and be Iron Wonder Moon? Sounds super cool! After you decide what you want to be, there is a very important question you need to ask yourself: Is my cosplay going to be Store Bought or Homemade?
Tip 2a: Store Bought Costumes. Yay! You decided to buy a costume. Next is to plan your budget. Cosplay can be very pricey. Yes, you can just get your characters clothing but most people want to go all out! So now, in addition to the outfit, you’re buying shoes, a wig, and weapons/accessories to complete your whole look. The cost may vary depending on which sites you choose, but be prepared to spend some coins (I bought a cosplay for $30, but if I had bought the matching footwear and accessories, I would have added an extra $40 onto my bill! This was bought on a fairly cheap cosplay site!). Here are some sites that I’ve used or have gathered in my research to buy cosplay. These are also all plus-size friendly which is important to me!
Tip 2b: Homemade Costumes. Yay! You decided to make a costume from scratch. Next is to plan your materials. If you’re doing 100% homemade, a craft store like Jo-Ann Fabric/Craft, Michaels, Hobby Lobby etc. are your best friends! You want to make sure you get patterns for your outfit (which can be found on JoAnns website, Etsy, or from a pattern company like Simplicity) or you can wing it if you’re confident. You also want to make sure to get fabric, buttons, zippers, velcro, elastic, thread and anything else you may need (I’m assuming you have a sewing machine already but if not, get that too 💖) to be a success.
Most important, you need time and patience! If you’re gonna do less than 100% homemade, meaning you use some store bought elements, you’ll need less materials but just as much dedication. Years ago, my first “cosplay” was Minnie Mouse. I bought a red shirt, gold shoes, cut up a Minnie Mouse hat from Disney into a headband, and decided to make a skirt from red polka dot fabric. It was an adventure to say the least! It took me a week and a half to measure, cut, pin, sow and hem the whole thing. I felt so tired but accomplished at the same time. The lady at the badge booth called me adorable and that’s stuck with me ever since!
Tip 3: Doing Make-up. This one is easy. It’s all up to you! Do you want to wear make-up? That’s fine. You don’t feel like painting your whole body to be The Incredible Hulk or Mina Ashido from My Hero Academia? That’s okay too! Make-up is not a requirement, but an accessory. I promise it is not a make or break situation when planning your cosplay. It’s a fun add on IF you feel like it.
Tip 4: Have fun! Yes, I know I sound like a mom, but it's an important and vital step to cosplaying. You may have disabilities, or be plus-sized, or be black or POC, or you just may be shy and it took you a lot of courage to get dressed, do (or don’t do) make-up, take pictures and post them. Let me warn you there are weirdos, racists, and all around haters on the internet who seem to get off on humiliating and invalidating someone’s attempt at cosplay. That is a very real negative aspect. However, for every one of them, there’s 10 of us waiting to retweet, share, like, and comment a message of positivity and support! Don’t get me wrong, having people dislike your work is hard and heartbreaking, but that’s when you lean on us in the community who are ready to welcome you with open arms!
Here's Some cosplayers you should follow to help get the courage to start cosplaying!
@starbrightcosplay
@snitchery
@iron_heart_cosplay
@shellanin
@faithdcosplay
@summerdru
@melanin_squared
@alexdrastal
@youdontevencosplay
@notgrima
@cutiepiesensei
@cookiecorp
@anarkee
You can also just look under the cosplay tag on social media to get more inspiration! Happy Cosplaying! 🥰
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