Saturday, November 26, 2011

Guest Post on Wig Styling by Cosplay Tutorials

Hello readers, this is Gaby from Cosplay Tutorials to give you some helpful hints and tips to style wigs.

Wig styling is a trial and error process. With patience, hard work, and a lot of references, you will get your desired end product.

Common products used for styling wigs are hairspray and hair glue. In my experience got2b Glued Blasting Freeze Spray and got2b Glued Styling Spiking Glue get the job done.

Setting Up the Wig Before Styling 
It's a good idea to buy a wig head to rest your wig on when you're styling it, but there is also a downside to this. The wig head is smaller than your head size, and what looks good on the wig head, might not look that good on you. I recommend buying the male wig heads instead of the female ones. The female ones are smaller and are at an angled pose.  

Cutting Wigs 
Sometimes, all you have to do to style your wig is to cut it. Look at official references and if possible, look at how other cosplayers style their wigs to get an idea on how to cut yours. 

Before you begin cutting, you have to pick out your scissors. Cosplay wig fibers are usually made by synthetic plastic fibers, and the plastic will dull the scissors blades fast. Choose your scissors wisely, do you want to spend the money on an expensive pair that allow you to sharpen it or cheap scissors that will dull after a few uses. 1 

Determine whether you want the edges of your wig to be blunt on soft from looking at your references. Characters with hair with blunt edges requires you to cut your wig straight across, while characters with hair with softer edges requires you to cut your wig at an angle. 

If you are cutting your wig on a wig head, please be careful of the length. The length on the wig head might be perfect, but it will run a bit short on you.  

Creating Spikes
It's important to have hairspray and spiking glue ready when spiking wigs. Hairspray will hold the spikes up while the spiking glue will keep the edge of the spikes clean and crisp. 

Different characters will have different spikes, but Malindachan at deviantArt created a great tutorial to help you get your spikes looking clean. 2  

Creating Curls 
You can create curls on a wig just like how you curl human hair, but there are some precautions. There are heat resistance wigs that you can buy, but using a curling iron on the wrong setting will damage your wig. Be sure to look at all of the information of your wig before doing anything to it. 

God Save the Queen Fashions created a great tutorial on how to create curls using a sponge roller and blow dryer. 3 
 Resources
  1. Kama. (2006, June 23). Does it matter what scissors you use when cutting wig hair?. Cosplay.com. Retrieved November 24, 2011, from http://www.cosplay.com/showthread.php?t=211774
  2. Malindachan. (2011, September 20). Yusei Fudo Wig tutorial v2. deviantart.com. Retrieved November 24, 2011, from http://malindachan.deviantart.com/art/Yusei-Fudo-Wig-tutorial-v2-259301464
  3. God Save the Queen Fashions. (2011). How to Curl a Wig. godsavethequeefashions.com Retrieved November 24, 2011, from http://godsavethequeenfashions.com/How_to_Curl_a_Wig.html

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Attending a Convention Podcast

Hey guys, just wanted to give you some tips about attending a convention with a podcast this time.
In the podcast I discuss
  • Shoes at a convention
  • Staying in character
  • Posing for pictures
  • Storing your convention goodies


Saturday, November 19, 2011

Choosing a Convention

Chances are that if you are choosing to cosplay you are planning to wear you costume to a convention. This post is to help those of you who are unsure of where you plan to go for your convention.

Things to Consider
  • Distance you are willing to drive
  • Which conventions your fellow cosplayers attend (especially important if doing a group cosplay)
  • Size of the convention
  • What you want out of the convention
  • Price of the convention
  • Type of cosplay you plan to wear
  • Time of year (it can be better to avoid cosplaying a character with a very warm jacket in the heat of the summer) 
  • Distance from home
  • Cost of hotels
Word of Mouth
One of the best ways to find out which conventions are good in your area is through your fellow cosplayers. Chances are, if you are new to cosplaying you have either attended a convention or know someone who has, so asking around can give you a great perspective into different people's experiences at different conventions. Their experience may not branch out past local conventions, though. I have known people who have gone to conventions in Texas and Indiana in the same year.

Another upside to asking around is that if you choose a convention a friend or acquaintance likes then you may be able to attend the convention with them, which can often be more fun and less intimidating for someone new the cosplay.

Internet Searching
Using sites such as Google can be useful to finding out conventions in your area. Search terms such as "Dallas anime convention" can lead you to which conventions are in the area.

Plan Ahead
Many conventions offer a lower rate the earlier you buy tickets. If you know you plan to attend a specific convention then buying tickets early is one of the best ways to save up to 50% off of the day of price.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Interview with an Experienced Cosplayer

Miles was one of the first people to introduce me to cosplay and has been consistent with it over the years. I asked him a few questions to gain some insight from a more experienced cosplayer.

How long have you been cosplaying?
Since June 2006, so a bit over five years.

How did you come to start cosplaying?
I was invited to attend my first convention in mid-2006 by a good friend. He convinced me to cosplay as was tradition for those attending the anime convention.

Why do you like to cosplay?
To be brutally honest, I did it at first for the attention (Hey, I was fifteen). Now it's more about the challenge involved in making the costumes and the fun behind devising the different ways of creating a real-life version of a fictional, two-dimensional character.

How many different characters have you cosplayed as?
About 10.

Do you have any particular favorites, and if so, which ones?
My favorite would have to be my Wakka costume [from Final Fantasy X]. I feel like I look and act like the character, so it's easier to don the costume than some of the others. If you don't feel comfortable with the character you're trying to portray, a big part of the experience is diminished.

What types of places do you cosplay at and which have been your favorites?

I cosplay at conventions, mostly. I used to wear a costume or two out in public places, but after some issues with security at a mall I have not worn a costume outside of a convention. Honestly, it's a bit silly to go around in public dressed in a costume. I guess I feel too old for it these days.

Do you prefer group or individual cosplay? Why?
Group. It's no fun if you're doing it alone.

Do you make your own costumes, buy them, or have help with them?
I make as much of my costume as I possibly can. For some of the more complex items, I will purchase them and when it comes to a question about sewing I'll ask my wonderful seamstress of a girlfriend to assist me.

In your opinion, what are the most important elements to a good cosplay?
It comes from the heart. If you're not having a good time, you're doing it wrong.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Choosing and Styling Wigs

Hair color and style are elements that can really make or break a cosplay. If you can dye and cut your hair to fit a character, you can get some amazing results, but for those blue haired or very long (or short) haired characters wigs are often a much better.

What to Consider When Choosing a Wig
When choosing a wig you will want to keep in mind your desired
  • Hair color
  • Hair style
  • Hair length
  • Cost
Types of Wigs
The two main wig types are synthetic and human hair.

Human hair wigs are the most natural looking wigs. They are made from hair people sell and as a result tend to be quite expensive.

Synthetic wigs are cheaper than human hair wigs. In addition, they hold their style very well and need little upkeep.1 Synthetic wigs also come in lots of bright colors that are commonly use in anime.


Because synthetic wigs lend themselves so well to cosplay the follow suggestions will be geared towards the use of synthetic wigs.

Styling a Wig
When styling a wig it is very important to remember not to use a blow drier or any heated device, as temperatures above 160 degrees Fahrenheit can melt the wig fibers. Make sure you also never brush a wet wig and use brushes specifically designed for wigs.2

Products recommended for styling wigs include hairspray and hair glue, like got2b spiking glue.3 If you aren't skilled at styling hair you can get a friend who is good at styling and cutting hair or a professional wig stylist to help you out. I have a sister who styles hair and have always had her style my wigs. Chances are, someone you know is good at styling hair even if you aren't.

Keep references of you character on hand or up on a nearby computer when styling a wig so you can get all of the details. Some character's hair is very dramatic and you may choose to take a more realistic approach and style the hair in a similar, but more natural fashion.

Coloring a Wig
In order to color synthetic wigs, liquid fabric dyes, such as Rit, can be used. Use four ounces of dye for a gallon of warm water and let the wig sit under the water until the desired color is reached.4

Sharpies can also be used with decent results, but the dyeing process can be a bit of a hassle and  is fairly messy.5 Figure 1 shows and example of a wig that was bought dyed, and a blonde wig that was colored using sharpies.

Figure 1 - The top wig was originally blonde and dyed with red sharpies, while the second was bought dyed.

Where to Buy a Wig
Wigs can be found many places online, such as eBay, but most veteran cosplayers suggest online sellers such as amphigory and cosworx.

Resources
  1. FAQs | www.Wigs.com. (n.d.). Wigs - Human Hair Wigs | Lace Front Wigs | Hairpieces | Monofilament Wigs. Retrieved November 14, 2011, from http://www.wigs.com/information.php?info_id=4#q2
  2. How to care for your wig - Wig care instructions - Directions on how to wash, comb, cut a wig. (n.d.). Hats, Turbans & Wigs for Hair Loss & Cancer Chemotherapy Patients. Retrieved November 14, 2011, from http://www.headcovers.com/care_wigs.php
  3. ghost613. (2007, November 24). Common Questions About Wig Styling - Cosplay.com. Cosplay.com. Retrieved November 14, 2011, from http://www.cosplay.com/showthread.php?t=132516 
  4. Coloring Synthetic Wigs. (n.d.). All About Wigs. Retrieved November 14, 2011, from http://allaboutwigs.wigwiz.com/allaboutwigsresults.asp/topic_COLORING+SYNTHETIC+WIGS
  5. ButterflyPanic. (2006, May 21). Dyeing w/ Sharpies. Cosplay.com . Retrieved November 14, 2011, from http://www.cosplay.com/showthread.php?t=82947


Friday, November 11, 2011

Interview with Potential Cosplayer

I interviewed my friend Jeff who has been considering cosplaying for an outside perspective on what a beginner is looking for and considers.

How do you define cosplay?
Dressing up as something you can't be in real life.  

What about cosplay interests you?
It's fun to be something more than normal every once in a while.

How did you hear about cosplay?
I went to an anime convention and noticed how much fun all of the cosplayers were having and wanted to try it out for myself.

How many conventions have you been to?
I have been to the same convention for three consecutive years.
What kinds of characters have you considered cosplaying?
I have thought about cosplaying Roy Mustang. I've been interested in cosplaying the Master Chief [from the Halo games and novels].

What are you most curious about in reference cosplay?
Not just dressing up, but the whole act of pretending that you are the person you are cosplaying.

What is your view of the make vs. buy cosplay debate?
It's much more impressive if you can make a costume. Buying one is like cheating.

What kinds of construction methods do you think you will use for making your costumes?
I don't know a lot about construction methods at the moment since I don't currently have any experience making costumes. I've been doing a lot of research online to try to find out which methods are best for making different types of costumes.

Hopefully this blog can help with finding the kind of information you and Jeff need in regards to construction and putting costumes together.

Interview with Fellow Cosplayer

To give you some insight into the minds of cosplayers other than myself I interviewed one of my fellow cosplayers who is another college student and casual cosplayer to get his take on cosplay.

What was your first cosplay?
Mr. Popo (from Dragon Ball)
How do you choose a character to cosplay?
Ease of costume creation and silliness of the character.

How many conventions have you attended?
Five

Which one was your favorite?
I don't have a favorite.

What is your next planned cosplay?
Probably a character walking around with a school jacket on, carrying a clipboard, and wearing glasses.*

Have you ever cosplayed in a group?
I tried it once, but it was too much trouble.

What anime/manga was the group supposed to cosplay from?
Naruto  

Would you consider cosplaying with a different group?
*Shrugs* I would consider it.

*He is referring to Kyoya Ootori from Ouran High School Host Club.

Tyler is the kind of person that proves that you don't have to take cosplay super seriously in order to have fun with it.

Friday, November 4, 2011

Pepakura for Armor and Props

What is Pepakura?
Pepakura is a software program that "allows you to create paper craft models from 3D data."1 Essentially, you take a 3D model from any 3D modeling software, put it into Pepakura, and the software will create a flat image of the model that can then be printed, cut out, and glued together with tabs to create a paper model. Another word for this type of modeling is paper crafting.

Pepakura use is very popular with the 405th.com where users share experiences making Halo armor, where a lot of my information comes from.

Note: In order to successfully use Pepakura for costume making you either need to know how to use 3D modeling software or find downloads of previous files people have made for your specific costume.

What Will You Need?
In order to start paper crafting you will need
  • Printed out parts (on card stock)
  • X-Acto knife
  • Pens
  • Rulers or bone folders
  • Cutting board2
Since rvb4life over at 405th.com has made a great tutorial, I will just forward you to his post since it is a lengthy process.

Tip: If you plan to do a lot of paper crafting, it may be wise to invest in a craft ROBO that "can be used for cutting heavy cardstock, paper and sticker film as well as pen plotting."3 Using this machine gets you straight to the folding and gluing, and seeing as how there can be a lot of cutting with large or detailed props, this can be a huge time saver.
 
What Do You Do With a Finished Paper Craft? 
Once you have your paper craft all glued up and ready to go, it will need to be strengthened and smoothed. Sigma-LS provides another great tutorial and warns that card stock should be the paper of choice, as mentioned above.4

Sigma-LS also has another tutorial for using a rondo, "a mix of bondo and resin" to add detail to your armor or props.5

After you strengthen and detail your prop or armor then all you have left to do is paint. Metallic paints and spray paints can be very helpful, and in the case of colored armor can be used as a base coat that is painted over and then sanded down to on the edges to create a weathered look. The paint you can be a bit more creative with and have fun.

For Further Information
If the methods above don't fit your liking then the 405th website and cosplay.com have great forums with lots of helpful users that will be happy to answer any other armor or prop construction methods you may be wondering about. But, if you do use these sites, make sure you use the search option before bothering the users with a question that has already been asked and answered.

Resources
  1. Products Information. (n.d.). Pepakura. Retrieved November 4, 2011, from http://www.tamasoft.co.jp/pepakura-en/productinfo/product_index.html
  2. rvb4life. (2007, November 2). Tutorial: Pepakura building for dummies (or noobs). 405th.com. Retrieved November 4, 2011, from http://www.405th.com/showthread.php/8791-Tutorial-Pepakura-building-for-dummies-%28or-noobs%29 
  3. User's Manual. (n.d.). Craft ROBO. Retrieved November 4, 2011, from www.graphteccorp.com/support/manuals/craftrobo/CC100m-UM-152.pdf 
  4. Sigma-LS. (2007, March 3). Pepakura Fiberglass and Smoothing Tutorial. 405th.com. Retrieved November 4, 2011, from http://www.405th.com/showthread.php/1525-Pepakura-Fiberglass-and-Smoothing-Tutorial 
  5. Sigma-LS. (2007, March 3). Muddy Secrets Tutorial. 405th.com. Retrieved November 5, 2011, from http://www.405th.com/showthread.php/7215-Muddy-Secrets-Tutorial 

Details

A good cosplay will fail to be truly impressive if you do not execute the details well. Details can range from choosing the right trims for costumes to perfecting props and makeup.

Where to Find Miscellaneous Pieces
Most cosplay costumes will have a lot of elements that can't be simply bought at any store. To find just the right pieces you may have to keep your eyes open for a while and be open to making adjustments for pieces that are close, but not exact. Good places to look for odds and ends include
  • Thrift stores
  • Flea markets
  • Garage sales
  • Craft stores
  • Dollar stores
  • Online
The online option may seem fairly straightforward, but often a lot of digging may be required to find the right piece. For example, when working on one of my costumes the closest piece available was to match some latches on the costume were from people who sold pieces for horse bits. Get creative and be as descriptive as possible with your online searches.

Figure 1 - This is a combination of a gun and holster from the Dollar Store, ammo cases from online, and a belt made of D-rings and cord from a local Joann craft store.
Buying Details
For popular shows, it may be possible to find costume pieces already made online. These types of details often include
  • Badges
  • Pins (as seen in Figure 2)
  • Wigs
These are items that are often very difficult to reproduce properly without professional machinery. They may also be much cheaper than handcrafting and come out much better. Also, in the event that you aren't comfortable styling a wig, trying to find a preexisting wig can be very helpful.

Figure 2 - An example of a pin from FullMetal Alchemist that could have been made of clay, but looks higher quality from a factory.



Other Options
Details can be hard to nail since they will vary a lot from character to character and are something that doesn't have a true formula. To help with constructing details from scratch my next post will be about using Pepakura to make your own props.

Friday, October 28, 2011

Gathering References

If you plan to accurately cosplay a character, making sure that you have images of all of the details of what they wear and look like are very important.

Image Types
When you gather reference images, you want to focus on gathering a few types.
  • Full body shots
  • Half body close ups
  • Super close up detail shots
  • Full facial close ups
  • Shots from the side and back
Oftentimes, you may be able to find several of these types of shots on one page of a manga, as seen in Figure 1 below.

Figure 1 - This page of the manga gives a nice half body and close up image on one page.1
Gathering all of these different types of shots will come into play with choosing proper patterns, choosing fabrics, choosing and styling wigs, and even makeup application.

Where to Gather Reference Images
One of the best places to start is Google's image section. Usually, a search of the character's name plus the show's name will turn up some good results.

Tip: If you find a great image using Google, but it is too small, choose the "more sizes" option on the right sidebar to see if a larger version of that image exists online.

If you own the DVDs for the anime or own the manga that you plan to cosplay from, they can be valuable resources. Mark pages in the manga that have the types of shots mentioned above and take screen captures of the anime if you can access it on your computer. Some anime even have art or concept art books that can be invaluable resources.

Using References
When looking at reference images, it may be a good idea to go through and jot down the important details about the character.

Why References are Important
As the previous example mentioned, without proper references you may miss out on details of a character. The little details are what show that you really care about your costume and will be what makes it stand out from the crowd.


Resources
  1. Hatori, B., Leach, G., & Yagi, K. (2005). Ouran High School Host Club (Shojo Beat Manga ed.). San Francisco, CA: Viz Media, LLC. 

    Choosing a Sewing Machine

    If you plan on making your own cosplays, it will be important to have a reliable sewing machine to get you through your costumes. 

    Note: I have only ever had the chance to sew on my mother's old Singer, but it has always done the job, so this post is primarily based off of other user's experiences.

    What You Will Need
    Depending on what types of costumes you plan to make, you will need varying qualities of sewing machines. If you plan to make costumes that involve leather or thick materials, you will need a heavy duty machine, but if you plan to cosplay mostly everyday characters you may be able to get away with something of a lower quality.

    Types of Sewing Machines
    Overstock.com has a wonderful guide to different types of sewing machines. The biggest differences you will most likely deal with will be computerized or regular electric sewing machines.1 If you are looking at computerized machines, the price will likely be significantly higher than if you go for a standard electric machine.

    High Quality Machines
    The author at Quiltbug.com suggests that you "buy the best you can afford. A top of the line sewing machine can cost as much, or more, as a major appliance. If you really want something and get something else because of cost you will regret it for the life of that machine. (10 to 20 years on a high end model.)"2
     
    ConsumerSearch.com suggests several Brother machines, with the Bernina Activa 220 as its pick for a high-end computerized sewing machine.3

    Affordable Machines
    If cost is a major concern, but you don't plan to sew heavy fabrics, a machine like the Brother XL2600I may be a good choice. It can be bought on Amazon for less than $100, and has mostly positive reviews. But, beware, if you want to sew heavy fabrics this is not the machine. Reviewer Cassiopea says, "The only major limitation of this machine is that it can't really handle heavy weight fabrics or multiple layers very well.4

    Right in the Middle
    There are plenty of sewing machines that will do very well for most beginning to intermediate sewers in the $150 to $250 range. One Amazon user suggests the Singer 7258, saying "The best machine I have ever owned is the Singer Stylist 7258, and I have 7, one of them is the Brother CS6000 and the Singer puts it to shame."5 That particular machine can be found on Amazon for around $175.6   


    References
    1. Writer. (n.d.). Sewing Machine Buying Guide | Overstock.com. O.co: Online Shopping - Bedding, Furniture, Electronics, Jewelry, Clothing & more. Retrieved October 29, 2011, from http://www.overstock.com/guides/Sewing-Machine-Buying-Guide 
    2. Choose the perfect sewing machine for your needs. (n.d.). QuiltBug Quilt Shop - Quilt Fabric, Patterns, Batting, Books, Notions & More for Sewing Store. Retrieved October 28, 2011, from http://quiltbug.com/Articles/sewing-machine.htm
    3. Sewing Machine Reviews | Best Sewing Machines. (n.d.). Product Reviews and Reports - ConsumerSearch.com. Retrieved October 28, 2011, from http://www.consumersearch.com/sewing-machines
    4. C. (2008, January 17). Amazon.com: Cassiopea's review of Brother XL2600I Sew Advance Sew Affordable.... Amazon.com: Online Shopping for Electronics, Apparel, Computers, Books, DVDs & more. Retrieved October 28, 2011, from http://www.amazon.com/review/RBBVW91V65N0I/ref=cm_cr_pr_viewpnt#RBBVW91V65
    5. Amazon fan. (2010, October 26). Amazon.com: Customer Discussions: Reasonable sewing machine for heavier fabrics? Brother cs6000i?. Amazon.com: Online Shopping for Electronics, Apparel, Computers, Books, DVDs & more. Retrieved October 28, 2011, from http://www.amazon.com/forum/sewing/Tx3SVIU1J7IT9F2 
    6. Amazon.com: SINGER 7258 Stylist Model Sewing Machine: Arts, Crafts & Sewing. (n.d.). Amazon.com: Online Shopping for Electronics, Apparel, Computers, Books, DVDs & more. Retrieved October 29, 2011, from http://www.amazon.com/SINGER-7258-Stylist-Sewing-Machine/dp/B003KK807M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1319860636&sr=8-1 

    Friday, October 21, 2011

    How To Choose Patterns


    If you have already been through the process of choosing a character, and assuming you will be constructing your own costume, it is now time to choose patterns and fabrics.

    How to Choose Patterns
    1. Gather reference images of your character. This can often be done through internet searches or, if you have a great memory, watching a show.

    1. Make a list of the necessary pieces for a costume. For example, in Ouran High School Host Club the pieces considered when choosing patterns include
      • Button up shirt
      • Jacket
      • Tie
      • Pants
      • Shoes

    1. Look through patterns, either online or in stores. Common pattern makers include

      Figure 1 - A screenshot of the same jacket from multiple angles.1
    1. Choose a pattern that resembles your individual pieces as closely as possible. Don’t be afraid to pick and choose from different patterns. If you like a coat from one suit pattern and the pants from another, then buy both and use the pieces you need. Figures 1 and 2 shows an example of a jacket pattern that works well for a costume, but more patterns are still needed for the shirts and pants.

    Figure 2 - A McCall's Pattern with many similar features, but one less button, than the characters' jackets. Note that the back view gives a better comparison to a manga page.
    How to Choose Fabrics
    1.   Think about the types of clothing your character is wearing. Choose fabrics that would match the real life equivalents. For example, a light suiting material would fit the Ouran character’s outfit because they are wearing suits.
    2.   Go to a local craft store and hunt for the types of fabrics you want. Then another, and another, until you find exactly what you are looking for. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make some adjustments because perhaps suiting fabrics don’t come in the perfect light blue. Decide where these adjustments are necessary and go with it.
    3.   Decide how much fabric to buy. Typically, allow for some extra fabric for the event of messing some fabric up during the creation process. The back of the pattern will tell you how much fabric to buy and it can be a good idea to add at least a foot to that measurement for mistakes. I typically add an extra yard and then usually end up with extras for future costumes.
    4.   You’re now ready to cut out the patterns and fabric and begin sewing the actual costume. Don't forget fabrics, such as interfacing and linings, that patterns call for but aren’t visible from the outside. They can make a big difference in how the pattern turns out.


    Resources
    1. Hatori, B., Leach, G., & Yagi, K. (2005). Ouran High School Host Club (Shojo Beat Manga ed.). San Francisco, CA: Viz Media, LLC. 
     

    Choosing a Character

    Things to Consider
    If you plan to cosplay, choosing the right character is incredibly important and there are many factors that will weigh into choosing a character.
    Things to consider include
    • How much time you are willing to dedicate to the costume
    • If you look like the character
    • If have a specific show or character in mind
    • If you are willing to cut and/or dye your hair
    • If you are willing to wear colored contacts
    • How accurate you want your costume to be
    • How much experience you have making costumes and/or props and accessories
    • If you plan to cosplay solo or as a group
    If You Don't Want to Wear a Wig or Alter Your Hair
    For many costumes the hair is a very important, and often very unnatural, part of the costume. If you are unwilling or unable to purchase a wig or alter your hair to look like a character's then finding a character that looks like you will be important. There are a couple of great resources that can help you choose characters that look like you.

    The Anime Characters Database features a search function that allows you to input characteristics of yourself and find characters that fit you (note that for many users you will want to check all boxes under "character preference" except "hentai game").1

    Another, less instant resource is the "Cosplay Suggestions" section of the Cosplay.com forums, even more specifically the "Who Do I Look Like?" thread.2 In order to use the "Who Do I Look Like?" thread you will need to create a cosplay.com account and upload some photos of yourself, so if you are uncomfortable the Anime Characters Database is a better option.

    Time, Experience, and Budget
    It is important to consider how much construction time and experience you have when creating a costume. Tackling an over the top costume for your very first cosplay can lead to a frustrating experience, so start simply and work your way up.

    Also keep in mind that great costumes are very doable on a tight budget, but it will take a lot of time to hunt down good materials on a smaller budget. If you want to make a great costume in a short amount of time you won't be able to pick and choose materials and may end up paying full price for a lot of items. If you want an awesome costume on a small budget, then plan well in advance.

    Accuracy
    Although you can be any character you want, many fans of specific characters will get even more excited when the person dressed as their character looks a lot like them in reality. For example, if you are a very tall male, it might not be a great idea to cosplay Fullmetal Alchemist's Edward Elric because he is specifically known for being short. At the same time, don't let the fact that you don't look exactly like a character discourage you from cosplaying them, as no one will ever look exactly like a character.

    All in all
    If you have considered everything mentioned above and have found a character that fits your needs, then it's time to dive in. What is most important is loving the character that you choose because the whole point is to have fun with it.

    References
    1. "Search - Anime Characters Database." Anime Characters Database. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Oct. 2011. <http://animecharactersdatabase.com/search.php#searchpanel>.
    2. "Cosplay Suggestions - Cosplay.com." Cosplay.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Oct. 2011. <http://www.cosplay.com/forumdisplay.php?f=168>.

    Friday, October 14, 2011

    History of Cosplay

    What is Cosplay?
    According to the Oxford Dictionaries cosplay is “the practice of dressing up as a character from a film, book, or video game, especially one from the Japanese genres of manga or anime.”1 Although cosplay is primarily composed of characters from manga or anime, cosplaying American video game, comic or movie characters has become popular at conventions as well.

    When Did Cosplay Start?
    Cosplay is believed to have started in 1978 at a science fiction convention in Japan. At the time, the point of cosplay was for role-playing.2

    Cosplay Today
    Cosplay has now become and industry unto itself. Many companies survive solely on the production of cosplay costumes and accessories alone. Many wig makers also cater to cosplayers. Special contacts to make the wearer’s irises appear bigger have even been developed in an attempt to further imitate anime and manga characters.

    Modern cosplayers make and wear costumes for

    • Conventions

    • Photoshoots

    • Cosplay gatherings

    Cosplayers often wear the same costume multiple times, so one costume may see each of these types of events over its lifetime.


    Many of the conventions also hold cosplay competitions. Prizes are awarded for categories such as best costume and most creative and will vary from convention to convention. If your goal in cosplaying is to enter and win competitions then your costumes need to be both unique and very well executed.

    References 
    1. Defintion of Cosplay. (n.d.). Oxford Dictionaries. Retrieved October 12, 2011, from oxforddictionaries.com/definition/cosplay 
    2. Thorn, M. (n.d.). Girls and Women Getting Out of Hand. Welcome to matt-thorn.com––shoujo manga (shojo manga) and more!. Retrieved October 14, 2011, from http://matt-thorn.com/shoujo_manga/outofhand/index.php

    Introduction

    Purpose
    This blog is intended for those of you who are interested in beginning to cosplay but are unsure of where to start. For those of you who are unsure of what cosplay entails, see the history of cosplay post.

    What the Blog Will Provide
    Instructions on how to
    • Choose a character
    • Find references for costumes
    • Choose and alter patterns
    • Choose and style wigs
    • Get into character

    What the Blog Will Not Provide
    • Step by step instructions on how to  sew
    • Step by step instructions on how to make specific costumes
    • Galleries of cosplays from around the world

    To Cosplay or Not
    If you are considering cosplaying but are not sure if you are willing to put in the commitment, don’t worry.  Cosplay can be a fun hobby and while some people prefer making it a lifestyle you get to choose how important it is to you. Some people also worry about what their friends or family will think about the fact that they cosplay.  In the end, it’s important to do what makes you happy and you can be as public or private as you want about your hobbies. Many of the people I thought might look down on me for cosplaying have actually been impressed that I know how to make costumes. Don’t be quick to judge people in thinking that they will judge you.

    Who I Am
    My name is Andrea and I am a hobbyist cosplayer, perfectionist, research addict and student. I know the difficulties that can come with trying to begin cosplaying, especially cosplaying on a budget, and will work to include budget conscious ideas that still produce high-quality costumes.