PART ONE: BEGINERS TIPS

To be a Cosplayer or not to be a Cosplayer? That is the question!

After I found out about cosplaying I wanted to do as soon as possible but I never thought about how hard it really is. There are a few commitments you should make. This hobby is hard for me but only because I am fourteen years old and I can’t drive and not only that I can’t even get a proper occupation right now so that makes it hard for me to earn money and there is only so much my money I can mooch off of my parents >_< But you shouldn’t let things like that discourage you! Go for it!

Cosplay Pros and Cons

Pros:
1. Cosplay is a fun and unique hobby for all
2. It can improve your crafting skills
3. You learn something new for trying to make things so you’ll never make the same mistake again
4. If you go to conventions it will improve your acting skills and fear of being on stage or in front of people in general.
5. You can make new friends who enjoy the same hobby as you
6. You can go around to conventions no where near you!

For every Pro there is a Con…

1. Cosplay is an expensive hobby if your going to make a very difficult costume
2. Besides conventions, Halloween. Halloween parties and Parties in general I can’t think of another occasion that you could wear your costume in public
3. There is a fee for every convention in order to get in
4. Gasoline money >_<
5. Age (take me for instance I’m fourteen)

Choosing Your Outfit/Character

So you thought about and want to be a Cosplayer yes? Good for you now to begin you must decide on a character to be. If this is your first time sewing then I suggest to you to pick something easy.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Sailor fukus are NOT easy! Trust me on this one! So if you’re a first timer don’t bother on the Sailor Fuku unless you are with someone who knows a lot about sewing. Savvy?
What I mean by using the term “easy” I mean don’t pick something without a lot of detail and delicate work.
Now here is what you need to think about before you make the final decision…ask yourself these questions:

1. Will I be comfortable going as ____? When I use the term “comfortable” I mean will you be ok with people wanting your picture taken? Is it to skimpy looking? Is it to hot to wear for long periods of time?

2. Can I walk in it? If your going as someone with a big skirt will it affect the way you walk? Same with wings and Morrigan wings. Will you be able to walk through doors ok without any help?

3. Will I look appealing in it? Are you ok with your figure? Could you pull off a Chibi look or maybe a Lum look?

4. (OPTIONAL) Can I act out this character’s personality out in public? A part of the word Cosplay there’s COS and PLAY. Cos meaning “Costume” and Play as in “Playing” which generally means you act like your character when you dress up like them. If your taking this seriously think: “Am I comfortable acting like ___ in front of people?”

Sewing

Life as a Cosplayer would be really difficult if you do not know how to sew. I myself started out by hand sewing and it is very good for neat results. It can take longer but it is worth it. I still haven’t figured out how to get the thread working in my sewing machine but I am working on it!
So…overall you should first learn how to hand sew if you don’t own a sewing machine or can’t use one yet. Talk to someone you know that knows how to sew and let them show you how. Take a few classes I hear that’s a really good learning experience I can’t afford it right now ^^’

GO TO PART TWO!