Hello everyone! This is actually a really outdated post, hence the old water marks. I wrote this last year but forgot about this post in my drafts, so I figured I may as well publish it!
I’d like to start this new blog series! I tend to get quite a few emails asking me about my cosplays or advice on how to start cosplaying, which is quite flattering because I never really expected people to ask me about it! But since this is also a cosplay blog, I figured I’d try to do more cosplay related posts!
Here are just some examples of the cosplays that I’ve done in the past. As you can see, I’m not a professional cosplayer or anything. I just love doing it. I love working on projects and getting to play dressup… in an extreme way. I’ve found that cosplay has helped me become more confident (I used to be really shy around people, and sometimes still am,) and it’s helped me make lots of really good friends! (Some of my best friends are people I’ve met through cosplay!)
These posts will be more directed to newbie cosplayers / people who want to get into cosplaying. This series isn’t to tell you a specific way on how to do things, but to give you an idea by showing you what I’ve done and the mistakes I’ve made! Haha!
Before we start, what is cosplay?
Cosplay (ใณในใใฌ kosupure?), short for “costume play”, is a type of performance art in which participants don costumes and accessories to represent a specific character or idea. – Wikipedia
Chances are if you’ve lurked my blog, you’ll have come across pictures of my cosplays! If not, you can click here to read the posts/ see photos!
Today, I’d like to start talking about choosing a character and time management.
Choosing a character to cosplay!
If you’re thinking of starting cosplay, you’ve likely thought of a character you want to cosplay! If you’ve already chosen a character you want to cosplay, that’s great! You can skip this step~
If you’re unsure of a character you want to cosplay, here are some things to think about~ In a series, do you feel drawn to a certain character’s design? Are you able to identify or relate to a character on an emotional level? Is there a character you like that you feel you resemble in a way? Do you like a certain character’s design/outfits?
It’s more fun when you’re cosplaying a character you love/have an aspect that you love. If you are able to identify with the character, you’ll have more fun embodying them when you’re dressed up like them! However, I know lots of people cosplay characters simply because they like their outfits!
A trend in some of my cosplays that you have have noticed is that I like cosplaying girl characters with long hair that is usually a dark colour. My two favourite characters to cosplay have very different personalities. Akiyama Mio (K-On) is very mature and cute! Black Gold Saw (Black Rock Shooter) is batshit crazy! But the thing is that both of them have long black hair which I think suits my look well and looks natural!
If you’re still finding it difficult to decide on a character, read a few manga! Watch some anime! Play some video games! Watch some cool cosplay videos! Browse cosplay.com or Cure! See if any friends of yours are doing a cosplay group from a series you like and ask to join! Inspiration will hit you. :]
Also, if this is your first time cosplaying, you might want to stick to a character with an easier outfit! It’ll be easier for you once you gain experience. There are also many cosplay stores such as Cosplayfu, MicCostumes, eBay etc, where you can buy cosplays! But I’ll be going into that later on.
Time Management~
Now that you’ve chosen a character that you want to cosplay, you’ve got to think about time management! You have to take these questions into consideration~
- What are you planning to wear your cosplay to? (Photoshoot, convention, cosplay event…etc)
- How much time do you have until that event? (Weeks/Days etc.)
- If the outfit is complicated, how long will it take you to make it? (Or how long will it take you to acquire these skills?)
- If you’re buying/commissioning outfits or props, how long will it take for the items to be made/shipped/arrive?
- If you’re ordering wigs, how long will it take to arrive?
- Do you think you’ll be able to finish it in time for the convention without rushing?
Have a question? Feel free to leave a comment!
