Things I've learned About Cosplaying

For my first convention I learned a lot about cosplaying; from making two costumes as well as well as wearing them at the con. This is what I learned:

Plan every little supply you'll need

This was a major problem I ran into. I planned out all of the more important pieces for my costumes, but not the smaller ones like glue, paint, rhinestones for Usagi's brooch, ect. It is very important to plan every little material so you aren't running to the store all the time or over paying.

Budget

This is very important. I hadn't realized how much the cost for materials would add up. It really adds up quickly too! Sure, $3 for fabric and $6 for a tank top doesn't seem like much, but add it to a $20 skirt and it will. Money adds up quickly.

Research

Before you get started, research how you're going to make your costume; from methods to materials. A problem I ran into was researching along the way/figuring it out along the way. It turned into a mess when I had finished with the foam pieces for my bass, but didn't realize I needed something to seal it with before painting.

Look for lowest prices

You will most likely be spending a lot on your costume, so shop around and find the best price you can. I found a bag of rhinestones with way more than what I needed for under a dollar on eBay, where it was  $4+ everywhere else. Who wants to spent a ton of money on a material you only need a little of?

Plan early, start early

I planned my costumes out and started them early, it was a huge help! I didn't gave to scramble around last minute trying to buy supplies.

Don't procrastinate

Even though I started my costumes early, I procrastinates badly on finishing it. This left me scrambling the week before con to finish it. It was extremely stressful! Manage your time, try to finish your cosplay a month ahead of time to on allow for minor tweaks here and there.

EBay is your friend

A lot of materials I needed I ordered on eBay. Yes,most of what I ordered came from China, but I ordered it at a minimum of three months early. I got Usagi's pearl earrings for $1. The red and blue fabric I needed, I got for $3 per yard and it shipped from within the US. EBay was my savior while financing this cosplay.

Take advantage of money earning sites

Sign up for websites such as swagbucks, earn free gift cards and stock pile them as soon as you decide to go to a convention. Every little bit helps. 80% of both of my cosplays were funded by gift cards and Paypal money that I earned online.

No one cares about your size at a con

I thought this was really cool. There were a lot of heavier men and women in costume at Connecticon. I never once caught anyone staring/laughing at them. I didn't hear of anyone making fun of anyone. In fact, people would compliment their cosplays regardless of size. I think this is important because this is how the world should work! Take notes America!

Make your props sturdy

This is extremely important. My bass for Marceline broke in the car on the ride to our hotel. The night before con which was the night before I planned to be Marcy was spent stressing and running around the hotel attempting to fix it. No one wants to be up at 11/12 at night fixing their prop the night before a convention.

Bring supplies to fix your props

I made the mistake of thinking my bass would be fine and that I wouldn't need anything to fix it. Luckily my friend brought glue with him and the hotel lobby receptionist let me borrow her stapler. Whatever can go wrong just might. Be prepared.

As long as you put effort into your costume, people will love it

I was worried about my Usagi costume. I assumed it would look mediocre next to other costumes and that people would judge it. It wasn't perfect, there were flaws. But it was my very first costume I have ever made completely on my own. It was completely made by hand, every stitch was sewn by hand. I spent 2 hours on Usagi's uniform top bow alone. I worked SO hard on it! If you work hard, people will appreciate it. It's easy to tell if you put a lot of effort in vs just slapping it together. I actually had quite a few people stop me or yell "Sailor Moon!" As I passed by. I even got stopped for photos a few times.

Stand out

Be creative with your costume and costume choice. The more you stand out, the more appreciation you will receive. Some of my favorite costumes were the ones with a twist or just the plain random/funny. Someone dresses up as W.B Mason from the paper company my high school had and people took notice because it was so different.

Budget time

Do this for both making your costume and getting ready to wear it at a convention. I sure didn't budget enough time forgetting ready. The results were a rushed makeup job and unstyled wigs. No one wants that!

I hope this post was helpful to anyone wanting to make their own cosplay! Check out my previous posts in my series about Connecticon!

Xoxo

Heather Zombie