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>.