How to Cosplay
Posted on August 16th, 2009 by Carmelia
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Participating in a cosplay is a fun activity for anime and video game fanatics in conventions. There are certain things you need to consider before choosing on who to cosplay, and how to go about doing it successfully. Read on to learn more how!
Choosing a Character
The knee-jerk reaction for anyone wanting to cosplay is choosing to cosplay as a character he or she likes. However, take a minute to take answer these questions honestly.
- How popular is that character? If you are gunning for a well-known and well-loved character, chances are, there will be 50 of the same character wandering around in the convention hall. You want to stand out, don’t you? Going for obscure characters in the end, can be a lot cooler and will raise your cred. (For more information regarding anime characters, read The Guide to Popular anime characters)
- Do you look like that character? Slapping on a spiky blonde wig and toting a huge sword a Cloud Strife you do not make. Anime girls in particular, are tall and thin, but there exceptions to the rule. If you are a bit on the chubby side, it’s probably best to go with a character that resembles your physique. Embrace the reality, and you might end up making people more impressed and maybe some website won’t end up poking fun at you.
- Can you afford it? Getting the materials you need for cosplay is no laughing matter. Make at least a rough estimate of what you’ll be spending on everything.
Cosplay Clothes
As soon as you’ve decided which character you wish to go, start working on your costume immediately. There are three ways to go about it:
- Commission a costume. Cosplays have been around for a while, and you can be sure that there’s someone out there who knows the ropes of sewing something for cosplay. Be sure that you have adequate time for fittings, sewing and the like for commissions. Having the resources (read: money) for commissions is important, too.
- Search thrift stores. Thrift stores can be a source of costume potentials. Just keep an eye out for any clothing article that can be part of your cosplay ensemble.
- Buy a pre-made costume. Stores in Japan have well-made cosplay costumes all ready to be worn. However, not all places have these stores, so this option may not be open to you.
- Sew your own. If you have a bit of sewing talent, why not sew your own? Choose fabrics that match the character’s costume the most, and start working! (Why not try creating a ninja costume, learn how to make a ninja costume)
Cosplay Accessories
Cosplay accessories like wands, swords and staffs are always fun to carry around in a cosplay convention. Not only can you make cool poses with them, you can wow people with how authentic they look! You have a choice of buying them in shops, buying items that resemble them closely or just making them on your own.
The same goes with jewelry. It’s advisable for you NOT to wear real or precious jewelry in cosplays, as they have a very real chance of getting lost. Stick with costume jewelry or make your own.
As for your hair, you always have a choice of going with a wig or having it styled. The hair is usually the trickiest part in a cosplay getup, so plan that one in advance.
How to Cosplay Image Gallery
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- Asian Girl Cosplay
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- Catgirls and Other Critters
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- Cosplay
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- Cosplayers
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- Death Note Cosplay 3
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- How to Cosplay
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- How to Join Cosplay
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- Perfect Cosplay Costume
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- Professional Cosplayers
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- Transformation and Special - Effects Make-up
Ask a question
on October 30th, 2009 at 2:25 pm
There is a place in Japan where Cosplay fanatics hang out each Sunday to hang out. I forget where the place is but was hoping someone could mention it.