[42 Cookies] Keep Yourself in Mind

I have participated in the cosplay community scene about 2005. Being popular in the community was always an underline want for any cosplayer. What kind of fame, differed from person to person. If you post a profile of yourself on any cosplay community, you are seeking some sort of acknowledgment from someone, weather its just for finding fellow crafting cosplayers, fellow fans from a series/show from what your cosplaying from or just seeking attention after getting nothing from the real world.  Because of how technology is growing and how much easier it is to be on the web and how many easy social media's there are far more people who are grasping onto cosplaying because it can acquire fame very quickly but quick fame has very nasty back lash.  Before I go farther, I don't want to disuse about "so- and-so", or "look at my views/repost/retweet" or "hey, guess who I am going to do/or have a photoshot with?".

What I would like you to do is just stand back.

And understand one thing the cosplay community doesn't want, rudeness. Please stand back and look at what you are doing in the community. If you are simply trying to get to the top, understand you have to have someone to stand on. Some of these people don't mind and you aren't going to have to be rude, snotty, or selfish for someone to reach out and help you out. But when you are rude, snotty and ignorant about others, if you ever get out of your own selfishness and look around you, you will soon find people aren't going to be there. And there is no reason for them to be there.

I wish I knew a way way to stop the bulling, the trolls, the flamers, the stalkers and just the shit that is coming to the community from the outside and from the inside. But there isn't really a simple answer.

Be realize at the end of the day, the greatest cosplay you can dawn, 

is being yourself.

Cosplay Crafting Tips

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.