The world of cosplay was also completely different than today. I began cosplaying about 12 years old which is about 10 or so years ago. The community was much smaller and there weren't any "Cosplay Royalty" or any fancy cosplayers with perfect special effects that you see today. Sometimes people tell me they would like to get into cosplay and I think, "Yes! You should do that!" but then they tell me that they feel so discouraged because of all the professionals out there that set a standard much like the model pictures you see at the mall. It's easy to see why people get discouraged and feel like they can't cosplay. All people want to look at are the professionals or other more experienced cosplayers, and so that's all you find when you look on google.
When I was starting out, we didn't have that. There was no discouragement because I never saw the amazing cosplays from professionals. If I were 12 now and wanting to get in to cosplay I would never even try. I would cut my loss and go back to something else.
TL;DR version: I'm having a hard time coming up with advice because of the huge differences between our starting times.
The best advice I can possibly give is to just get out there and do it. Yeah, your first cosplay is going to be rough around the edges. It's not going to be one you'll be proud of. It might even be one you throw away after. Just make it. Tear up old shirts. Make uneven stitches. You will learn so many sewing skills and hacks from trial and error in 3 months alone than all the classes and youtube videos on the internet combined. The best part is that you're so lucky because you can go on facebook or twitter or whatever and ask others for help. Take advantage of that. For every meanie who tells you your cosplay is crap, there are 10 experienced cosplayers willing to support you and give you the advice you need to make your cosplay. Some may become Senpai*, and some may even be willing to give you free supplies. You have the internet at your fingertips. The world is your oyster. Cosplay that oyster. BE THAT OYSTER.
*Senpai = The cosplay definition of this is someone who helps you make your cosplay. They generally go with you to cons and make sure you're okay. They are typically older than you, but I guess they can be younger too.
* an Upperclassman/ Someone older that you respect or have a crush on
Nevertheless. I think everyone deserves tips. If you need/want more, feel free to email me. It goes straight to my phone, so it shouldn't take long for me to answer.
So, I thought I would compile some tips and hints that I have for anyone that might come across this.
*Note: These are my opinions. Other people will have other things to say. What I love might be what someone hates. What I hate might be what someone swears by.
Where to begin:
I think some people want a magic list of things to get so they can go on their happy way to any cosplay they might want at any given time. Unless you have a stash of sewing supplies from generous family members, there is no magic list. No essential supplies to get that will work for every cosplay ever. The thing is, this is an art. Every one has a way they like to do things. Every one has their own flare for doing things. That means that everyone needs/uses different supplies. Though, if I had to give you a list of in-general things they would be:
-Industrial Velcro (in bulk)
-Fabric Paints
-Invisible Thread
These will get you somewhere at least.
So, where do you begin? With an idea. Every great cosplay starts with an idea. Get out some paper, and draw out the character, even if its a stick figure. Start looking at what you've drawn. What are the clothes? What are the separate parts? Most ballgowns are two pieces. Are there any projections? Can those be added on as separate parts? How can you attach those parts? Do you want them to be removable? I am a big fan of removable parts. This lets me reuse parts for other cosplays to save time and money.
When you're not used to doing this, it can seem unproductive because you don't know all the parts that can be -or should be- separated. This is fine. Just try your best. You'll learn more as the time goes on.
Supplies 'n Junk I Like:
So, lots of people like lots of things. These are just my likes and dislikes.
First of all - thread. I don't care whether you're using a sewing machine or doing it by hand - use quilter's thread! These are the giant cone-ish shaped thread spools that you can find at any craft store. These are thicker (sadly this means its a tad bit harder to get it threaded on a needle, but its less likely to come out after), and won't break. Nothing makes me mad faster than thread that breaks. Quilter's thread is reliable and comes in every color out there.
Another thing you can use is ...are you read for it? ... DENTAL FLOSS!!! This is an old 1950s trick that I picked up from a woman who made costumes in the 50s. This stuff doesn't break at all. Ever. Problem is, it only comes in one color so... use it on the inside work.
Fabric!
I love fabric. Whenever I see another cosplayer, I'm not looking at them, I'm analyzing the fabric they used. What is it? How does it look? Is it light and easy to wear/wash? I usually ask if I can analyze their cosplay up close. I ask if I can tug on it and test the strength of the stitching. I ask them if it was cheap and easy to work with. How hot is it for them (in the summer) or cold (in the winter)? Don't be afraid to ask others about their material while at con. I've never been refused my answers, and most will instantly stand T-Formation and let you walk circles around them. Cosplayers, like most artists, love to show off and talk about their costumes. Its a strangely nice (and personal) way to get to know someone and make friends while learning something at the same time! You might even find out that they're taking commissions for a cheap or otherwise reasonable/negotiable price!
Fabric can get expensive, and if you don't know what to get, you might end up with a fabric you don't like. My favorite brand is Symphony Broadcloth. It has mainly solid colors which means that its great for cosplay! It usually has its own section by the linens at Joann's. Its softer and smoother than cotton, and is also cool to the touch. The problem is, is that it conforms to body heat more readily than plain 100% cotton because of the poly component of it. But I like it better because cotton can range from $3/yd. to $10/yd or more. Symphony Broadcloth is stocked at $3.99/yd. and it goes on sale frequently. This material isn't fancy in the least, so if you want fancy material you'll want to explore options. A lot of people like Satins because its shiny and flashy. This material is impossible to wash and smells when it's wet (i.e. sweat), and horrible to work with in my opinion. Plus, I think it looks tacky. I suggest that if you really want to work with it, wait til you're more experienced and have seen it on other cosplays.
My fav fabrics:
Symphony Broadcloth (SB)
Cotton
Cotton/Poly blends like SB
Msulins (for lining!)
Fusible Interfacing (the kind with the little white circles on it)
Pleather (Please line with another fabric)
Chiffon
My Least Fav Fabrics:
Wool (I'm allergic so that stands to reason)
Felt (Basically the same thing, though I'm not allergic)
Polyester (unless its a cotton/poly)
Satin
Denim
I love fabric. Whenever I see another cosplayer, I'm not looking at them, I'm analyzing the fabric they used. What is it? How does it look? Is it light and easy to wear/wash? I usually ask if I can analyze their cosplay up close. I ask if I can tug on it and test the strength of the stitching. I ask them if it was cheap and easy to work with. How hot is it for them (in the summer) or cold (in the winter)? Don't be afraid to ask others about their material while at con. I've never been refused my answers, and most will instantly stand T-Formation and let you walk circles around them. Cosplayers, like most artists, love to show off and talk about their costumes. Its a strangely nice (and personal) way to get to know someone and make friends while learning something at the same time! You might even find out that they're taking commissions for a cheap or otherwise reasonable/negotiable price!
Fabric can get expensive, and if you don't know what to get, you might end up with a fabric you don't like. My favorite brand is Symphony Broadcloth. It has mainly solid colors which means that its great for cosplay! It usually has its own section by the linens at Joann's. Its softer and smoother than cotton, and is also cool to the touch. The problem is, is that it conforms to body heat more readily than plain 100% cotton because of the poly component of it. But I like it better because cotton can range from $3/yd. to $10/yd or more. Symphony Broadcloth is stocked at $3.99/yd. and it goes on sale frequently. This material isn't fancy in the least, so if you want fancy material you'll want to explore options. A lot of people like Satins because its shiny and flashy. This material is impossible to wash and smells when it's wet (i.e. sweat), and horrible to work with in my opinion. Plus, I think it looks tacky. I suggest that if you really want to work with it, wait til you're more experienced and have seen it on other cosplays.
My fav fabrics:
Symphony Broadcloth (SB)
Cotton
Cotton/Poly blends like SB
Msulins (for lining!)
Fusible Interfacing (the kind with the little white circles on it)
Pleather (Please line with another fabric)
Chiffon
My Least Fav Fabrics:
Wool (I'm allergic so that stands to reason)
Felt (Basically the same thing, though I'm not allergic)
Polyester (unless its a cotton/poly)
Satin
Denim
Get Cheap fabrics instead of the expensive stuff! For example, Chiffon is a cheap option to silk, especially if you want belly dancer outfits.
Scissors. Nothing beats a good pair of fabric scissors. Friskars is a good brand.
A lot of people elect to painting designs on to their cosplay. I really don't like the look of paint on clothing, so make sure that you can paint very well if you're going to do that. Paint gets everywhere so make sure you have lots of control.
Commissions:
I feel this deserves its own section. On every cosplay forum I've been on, I hear about people -usually stuck up teens- arguing with artists on their prices. Do you know how much work goes into artwork and cosplay commissions? A lot. Probably a lot more than you know if you are commissioning something rather than making it yourself. Most people price things very fairly. Now, if someone charges you $60 for a simple paper fan that you can buy at the dollar store then, yes, that is ridiculous and you should walk away from the commission. That would warrant you posting on the forum for people to NOT go to that person.
But if someone charges you $50 for a light up prop that was 3D printed and hand painted and all that jazz? No. Don't argue it. The artist has to make a profit or else why are they taking commissions? Are there people who do props for free? Yes. They are rare though. Are there people who give their old cosplays away for free? Yes. Though they are rare.
Pricing is usually based on a profit margin and then the cost of materials. For example, I charge $20 as a base price, and then the cost of materials. I usually get $30 - 50. This is not unreasonable, but I still get people who argue with me, or try to cheat me out of money. It happens. Don't be that person.
Commissions:
I feel this deserves its own section. On every cosplay forum I've been on, I hear about people -usually stuck up teens- arguing with artists on their prices. Do you know how much work goes into artwork and cosplay commissions? A lot. Probably a lot more than you know if you are commissioning something rather than making it yourself. Most people price things very fairly. Now, if someone charges you $60 for a simple paper fan that you can buy at the dollar store then, yes, that is ridiculous and you should walk away from the commission. That would warrant you posting on the forum for people to NOT go to that person.
But if someone charges you $50 for a light up prop that was 3D printed and hand painted and all that jazz? No. Don't argue it. The artist has to make a profit or else why are they taking commissions? Are there people who do props for free? Yes. They are rare though. Are there people who give their old cosplays away for free? Yes. Though they are rare.
Pricing is usually based on a profit margin and then the cost of materials. For example, I charge $20 as a base price, and then the cost of materials. I usually get $30 - 50. This is not unreasonable, but I still get people who argue with me, or try to cheat me out of money. It happens. Don't be that person.
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