My panel of experts:
Shawn Tuffy (2011 AWA Costume Contest Winner)
Anna Heim (2011 AWA Costume Contest Winner)
Courtney O'Donnell
Amie Peacher
PLANNING:
Amie) DO YOUR RESEARCH. Always have a budget and a "game plan". Know what you're going to do before you start bidding and buying. It saves you time and money. If you're having trouble with making something, odds are, someone has had that same problem and probably posted it online.
Courtney) Research (most people just believe that just cause they look good they can Cosplay the character WRONGO) heres an example: Squall Lionheart, was one of my dream Cosplays for a while most people said i wouldn't pull it off cause i was 5,6 and they believe he was 6ft, This is where research comes in if you collected the old games and look in the booklet that came with it Squall was actually 5ft 8in. i was a few off but u be surprise what steel toe boots can add on to you height wise. it is also best to know the character as well by reading the manga, watching the anime or playing the video game. If the research is done right and if you still believe you can pull it off follow the next steps
Anna) Don't reinvent the wheel. If there's a specific technique you've never tried, don't brave it blindly. The internet is full of tutorials, videos, and other cosplayers that make an insurmountable task much easier to tackle! Remember: knowledge is power.
Budget tip: While it fills your inbox and mailbox, sign up for coupon mailings and emails from websites. Cosplay can be expensive, so I equip myself with as many discounts as possible. Prepare a list of materials you need, then you can check your mail and email for any coupons or sales that will keep you from selling your kidneys. On a last-minute cosplay, I spent $90 on what should have been a $150 costume (Last minute, as in I grabbed my things and hit the store – still saving $60). You can even google coupons for certain websites and stores in case you aren’t on a mailing list. Don’t pay 100% if you don’t have to!
Shawn) Imagine if the costume was made for real, what would they use and what techniques would they use to make it. Think less costume, and more real. You cant always do this obviously, but when you can, do it.
Don't be totally constrained to a reference image. Take liberties to make things better without losing the character. This doesnt mean make the costume easier, just better.
MATERIALS:
Anna) Don’t just see an item; see its potential. Cosplay goes beyond traditional sewing, so why only use traditional materials? Over the years I’ve used/butchered soda bottles, vending machine casings, children’s football shoulder pads, chains, Christmas ornaments, foam eggs, novelty light-up rings…cosplay is all about creative solutions!
Shawn) Quality materials may cost more, but they save time, are way more durable, and look better. If you plan on wearing your costume more than a few times, make the investment.
Avoid fabric paint at all costs. textile ink/paint that heat sets is a much better option. Always use dye on leather or wood stain on wood when you can. use the natural grain of quality materials to your advantage.
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| Notice Christmas ornaments and a dyed axe handle. |
EMERGENCY KITS:
Amie) EMERGENCY KIT READY! Always be prepared with safety pins, makeup, superglue (pack a kit that has exactly what you got dressed with.) cause trust me, stuff breaks off in crowded areas, makeup wears off, etc. always be prepared! If you are wearing a wig, always have a wig comb on you. especially if it's a long wig; cause no one wants to look like a Miku that just rolled out of bed.
COMPETTION:
Shawn) Dont keep up with the Jones'... making a character that another has done and done well will not get the response you may want with other or with judges. Do the costumes that you dont see.
Amie) COMPETITION? GO TALK TO THEM! Always be aware of other people at cons that are dressed the same as you. If you notice that they're slightly better, that they're stuff is staying intact, etc. GO TALK TO THEM! Don't just sit back in jealousy cause you're not the one getting the pictures. Ask them what they did different than you or where they go there wig!
SOCIALIZATION:
Anna) Treat others as you would like to be treated. Don't you love it when people are courteous and ask about your costume? Try and do the same! When someone asks for your photo, it’s a huge compliment in my book. While most photographers thank Cosplayers for posing, I’ve gotten in the habit of thanking them back! A little good will goes a long way.
Shawn) On Drama-- Keep your mouth shut at all times. Never reply to drama, or say anything negative. If you have an issue with someone or heard a rumor about something, ask the person directly and privately.
Say hi to people who you like their work or show potential to be good costumers. I met Amy this way, along with a lot of other people that I have done work with. It takes 2 seconds and you can get a great friend out of it!
BODY TYPE:
Courtney) Most Cosplays male and female are successful cause of the body type of the person. Its best to exercise in order to pull of the Cosplay. As for male Cosplayers exercise is a must but not to mention there are some Cosplays that reveal the the chest area it is important to remove any body hair or blemishes that can ruin the costume.
Shawn) Choose characters that fit your age, body type and facial structure. Height isn't as important as most people make it to be, so ignore that. If you want proof of the height thing, I am 5'7 and make a damn impressive Ganon and Auron
THE WHOLE PACKAGE:
Courtney) Getting the face right for the character is a must for cosplay. For example Squall Lionheart's scar is a key feature my friend, Amie Peacher, showed me how to make it look realistic without buying halloween scars. If your character is clean shaved keep clean cut on the face or if there is a character with scruffiness get the trim right.
Always get the hair feature right weather it is a wig or using your natural hair. For example; Sanouske Sagara. I use my real hair by spiking it up aslong as the spikes are not too thick the hair will be successful, as for wigs find and style the wigs that is most accurate to your cosplay subject.
Shawn) Iron your costume before going before judges or doing a legitmate photo shoot. Make is a must - for chicks and dudes - for most characters.
SELF ESTEEM:
Shawn) Cosplay for the reason you want to, not for the reasons others define it should be for.
Amie) DON'T WORRY. Don't ever feel self conscious if you know you've tried your best. There's always going to be competition, always going to be the one-up'r, always gonna be the douche bag that critiques EVERYTHING.
Anna) Take pride in your work! It’s not a technical tip, but it’s a very good psychological one. By taking a little extra time on details or adding a little customization to your costume, you’d be amazed at how much more attached and excited you become about your cosplay. For me, it was taking 11 hours to make a wig look just the way I wanted. But it can even be as simple as adding an accessory or prop. Point being, when you have a costume feature you love, it motivates you to finish your costume, it keeps you positive while sewing, your sense of accomplishment will radiate when you wear it, and most likely other people will take notice.
STANDARDS:
Shawn) Do NOT buy patterns from stores. Learn how to drape/patern from scratch. the first few weeks will suck, but once you get it, its much faster, and easier to create a costume. Build costumes to last. You can wear em more, and they are MUCH easier to sell when you are done with them.
Anna) There is no shame in shortcuts. While I don't follow this tip for contest entries, I am a firm believer in buying basic garments in stores (like blue jeans) instead of building them. Who cares if you closet cosplay “L” Lawliet? It’s literally what he wears!
Courtney) Most people can make the costumes. I know several who can-- I myself made two cosplays in the past out of old clothes lying around the area-- but for those who can't make costumes it's best to find a cosplay store online with a high reputation and a reasonable price.
