Tips for Those Who Wants to Cosplay

NOTE: This is a re-post from my created thread at Cosplay Fanclub Friendster Group.
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Okay. First of all, I want to make it clear that I'm not a veteran cosplayer. I consider myself as a beginner since I only cosplayed for a few times.

I just thought about making this one so that people who wants to cosplay won't create another thread and waste some space.

I also decided to write this one in English since we all know that there are also foreign members in this group. Oh I forgot, the owner of this group is a foreigner too. She's from Indonesia or Malaysia (I forgot).

Anyway here are some tips for you guys.

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1. Know Who Will You Cosplay.

This is very basic for cosplaying. You should know who should you cosplay. Choose the character you like the most. It's difficult to cosplay a character that you don't like because it would ruin all the fun. Cosplaying is not just wearing an anime costume, it's about having fun WHILE portraying the anime character you like.

2. Know Which Materials You Need

Now you've done the first step and now it's time to get moving. What does your character need? Does it have a weapon? Does it have a long hair? Know what you need to have then proceed on making/buying them.

3. No Money to Buy Costume? Then Make Your Own Costume!

What I liked about cosplaying is that it makes one use his creativity. If you don't have enough money to buy one, then make one. When you buy a pre-made costume, it'll cost you a lot of money plus the quality can be achieved by just making them.

You don't know how to make one? Then it's time to seek the help of your ever-reliable seamstress. But before you go there, be sure to buy yards of cloth that will be used in your costume. If you'll let them make your costume with their reserved cloths, it'll cost you a lot! Trust me. Been there, done that. Then just wait for a week or two for your costume.

It'd be a plus if you can sew your own costume. It'll be a great money-saver for you.

4. Cheap Materials Anyone?

Using cheap materials doesn't necessarily mean that your cosplay is of low quality. Not really. So don't be shy using whatever materials you have or is available in your surrounding. Let's take a sword for example. If your character has a sword (or let's say any weapon), you can make it by using wood then paint it silver (make it glossy) to look more realistic.

For cosplayers here in the Philippines (most especially in Luzon), we all know what's the best source for this, DIVISORIA. You got it all there! Wigs, cloths, wings, mask, to everything! It's all there! For rubber sheets fanatic, you can buy those at Marikina.

5. Know Where and When will the Conventions Be.

Now it's useless if you'll make a costume without even knowing when or where the conventions will be. So just check out the website in your country about the information on the convention.

For Filipino cosplayers, we have www.cosplay.ph website. Just go there and look at their calendar. Highlighted dates means that there will be a convention on the said date. Just click on the date for more info.

6. Ready? Fight!

Now that you have your costume and your props (yey!), and you know where the convention is at, it's time to get ready! Now, be sure to study the actions and poses of the character that you cosplay because the essence of cosplay will be lost if you don't act like your character. Use their signature poses if a photographer comes at you and takes a picture of you. Just enjoy. It will be a lot of fun!

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So there. Good luck to newbies like me! If you have any questions, just reply to this thread and we will help as much as we can for you.



jhaymagician/valcrist/athrun/jhay
09/17/09