I had a friend recently ask about some basic starting advice about making her own cosplay costumes.
Those who are unfamilar with cosplay might wounder what is the difference between a costume and a cosplay. I want to cover this, as I see it, as it good to know when you are just tipping your toes into cosplay.
Cosplay is normally (not always) worn more then say, you store halloween costume. That cheap halloween costume you picked up for $30-50 is most likely only going to be warn once, maybe twice. It is made quickly, its usally a fad and won't make it threw the wash. If you really placed you heart and time into cosplay, its going to be worn a few times, if not, recycled into other costumes. (that the smart idea)
It coast more. Costumes usually allow you to use your own hair, shoes out of the closet, and your eye color is ok. Cosplayers want to look like there characters and we usually don't look very much like them. Even less if its based off. So there are wigs (good and bad) contacts, make-up, accessories, and shoes. Set a budget...you will sadly 90% of the time over shoot your budget but try all the same.
Before I get any further, let me please make a plea here and now, keep it fun. If it starts to get you into trouble STOP. Its ok to take breaks.
Ok, now to some crafting tips.
1) Pick a character and research the crap out of it. Better yet, buy something that supports the creator of the character. You don't have to buy ever figure, art, manga, book, but be polite and buy one thing to help show you liked a creators work.
2) Realize the three keys in your progress Time, Skill and Money. -Katie Bair Concept that was great- Understand you will not have a lot of any one thing. A little more of one or another will help out. I really say give yourself more time if you don't have a lot of money. But if you rush, the coast will go up. If you will to give yourself time, you can work your your skill. But you want to rush job for a convention, its going to coast.
3) Ladder up your costumes. Sure, you could go for the big bang costume right off the bat, but won't be a good as you hopped. I started simple myself and worked off.
Good Starter - Altering store bought cloths. This will also help who you how things are constructed. Go to a second hand shop or clearance bin in Walmart or Target. When doing animation costume, they don't have a lot of detail so you want basic cloths.
Runner Up- For Anime, School uniforms are usually simple. For live action stuff, Renaissance fair low class costume (other words, being the queen or king is more third level.
Then you will work on from there. Ether small props, getting into dresses and so forth.
Tip: Most cosplayers LOVE to show and tell off there work. Just don't expect a quick answer as cosplay is not a life, and they have jobs that must pay the bills.
Tips on Sewing
Go to a local fabric store and see if they have a basic sewing class. I have only ever taken a basic sewing class in junior high. The rest of my Knowledge has come from the awesome book, DK The Sewing Book by Alison Smith. (witch my library had and was able to use till I bought my own copy) And always measure twice and maybe three times.
Tools
Sew Machine. I like buying new as when I have gotten a second there was usually a problem with it and it never good away. I have a middle grade sewing machine but bought it after a few years of sewing. If you take care of you machine and only want to work on a few projects a year, Target, Walmart, or JoAnns. I bought mind at a shop that deals more when selling machines and their up keep. But a machine is usually only needed when you get to the second round.
Again, love the craft. Understand that is a hobby. (I don't believe a professional cosplayers, its an oxy-moron. If you are paid, you are simply an entertainer)
I hope this helps a little. There is a lot of information out there to help. Best of Luck.
