Cosplay Inspiration
We Cosplay! | Cosplay Inspiration by Drecarus

Why should I Cosplay?

What does it mean to be a Cosplayer?

Drecarus talked to more than hundred Cosplayers about their Cosplay experiences and their upcoming goals.

Have fun reading and get inspired!

"Cosplaying is the ultimate form of dress up-- it is the opportunity for you to be WHOEVER you want to be and be able to strut yourself! It is what has given me so much confidence and I get so incredibly excited to prepare for the next con!"

- Bunny Rose

"It means dressing up in costumes. That's really it. I know a lot of people say that it means community, and being a part of a group that is kind to you, and not worrying about your body type, but really, I think those things should be true no matter what your hobby is. Be good to others, be a good human being PERIOD. Now, has cosplay helped me become a good human being? I'd like to think so. It's taught me the joy of making a stranger smile, the (sometimes scary)power of being in a large co"

- Smochi

"Cosplay is, as I stated, a side quest in my life that I finally gained the courage to try and I instantly fell in love with it. Cosplay is an escape from reality, where my inner nerd can come out and play with others. The photo shoots, the recognition, the people stopping and staring. It's all part of it and it means the world to me. "

- Sellexie

"Cosplay means being able to express your love for something in a fun and interactive way. It gives you the chance to be someone else for a while and bask in the spotlight as much or as little as you'd like. It also allows you to connect with people immediately who have the same passion and interests as you."

- Katie

"Cosplay means expressing yourself through what you love. Being creative, having fun and making friends. "

- Kyahri Cosplay

"Cosplay, for me, is a way to be creative, share my love for all things geeky, and meet other people who are interested in the same things I am. "

- Liana Richardson

"In my mind, cosplay translates into self enhancement. Within every outfit I make, I can see physical improvement. As bettering myself is something I strive for in life, being able to compare a redux of a cosplay from a year prior and really see how my potential has developed is more than something to make me smile. "

- Abbey Eve

"Cosplaying means complete acceptance for my eccentricity. I never could have guessed that there were people so close to me that understood what its like to play video games for hours, to wait for a new anime to be relaeased, to work obsessively on a costume, and to fangirl over ladies like itsrainingneon or Jessica Nigri. "

- MkPlay

"Cosplay for me is to envelop myself in a characer. To act as them and live myself into the role. Also for me it has a lot to do with the crafting. I love to work with different materials and techniques, and it's often more fun to work on the costume than wearing it. I enjoy the attention I get when I wear my cosplays and I guess for me cosplay overall means to "take a break from reality" and just go in as someone else for a little while. Other than that I have a lot of fun with my friends, but"

- Darkesttears

"Cosplay is a way for me to express an appreciation of the characters I love most. It gives me a way to be someone else for a day. It's an addictive hobby that I spend way too much money on. It's being so frustrated with a costume piece that I yell at it. It's meeting new people who share the same interests as you. It's spending the weekend at a convention coming back too tired to work the next day. It's learning how to gracefully accept compliments on your handiwork. It's taking care of yoursel"

- Ginger Liz

"Cosplay to me is like the best way for you to show love for fictional characters. When I decide on what costume I want to make next I pick characters I know and love. Cosplay is a great way to notice what you have in common with someone before you even speak to them. It's a great way to make friends. "

- Thread Witch

"Again, I have a lot of fun with the aspect of "being" whatever character you're portraying as you're portraying them. It's a lot of fun!"

- Gabrielle

"It means a way I can challenge myself to create something tangible in the theme of something I love. Making characters or original designs is just fun. I remember being little and wanting to be like Lara Croft or Celes from FFVI(FFIII snes). When I learned there were people doing this for fun, I slowly hopped in. Doing it with friends is even better. Yes I've seen this hobby tear up friendships, which is quite silly, but I've made such great friends through it as well. The best thing is when"

- Utopian Pigeon

"Cosplay is all about having fun, and showing your love for the characters you've grown up with. It took a lot for me to start making outfits and to parade around conventions with a lot of people, but I'm glad I started doing so because I've made so many friends in the process. It's given me a self esteem boost, and makes me feel beautiful on those days when I'm feeling down."

- Hanna Lynn

"Cosplaying is a means of escape to me. I become a completely different person for a day and I can repress all of my worries. Being a part of the cosplay community helped me feel a sense of belonging and adventure."

- Chloe Noelle

"Cosplay to me is showing your appreciation of a series by dressing up as the character that you can relate to or like the most. Your cosplay can at times reflect the person you are such as goofy, serious, or any others. Ultimately, it is actually the best way to get out of your shell and meet others. "

- Shadowcoll

"Cosplay is a sort of freedom for me. When I was little, I loved dressing up, to the point where Halloween was (and still is) my favourite holiday. But I will always remember the year when my freinds started laughing at me when i said i still get dressed up for Halloween. As an aspiring actress, being dressed in something i wouldn't usually wear helps me connect to a character and releases me from the stresses of everyday life. "

- Alexandra Beloe

"Cosplaying is about making your favorite character come to life. Becoming someone or something you look up too. Becoming one with your character."

- KatieKat_92

"Costume-wise: It means putting myself to the test to always try and get better and better with each costume, always learn from the mistakes I may make during the creating process and that nothing is ever too impossible to make as long as you're patient! In general: It means that I get to share a passion I have with others, making amazing friends who share these same interests and get to be a part of such a creative community as a whole. :3"

- Chelly Lee

"It's a wonderful way to express myself... to have fun, feel confident, and embrace my interests. On top of that, it helps me continue to learn and grow. I must improve my crafting skill to keep making more and better cosplays!"

- Princess Pig Muffin

"Cosplay means having fun and showing off projects you have worked hard on. The first con I went to was eve-opening in that I realized that there were so many people who weren't afraid to let their geek flag fly, I was so inspired. It's a great feeling to have your passions validated. I realized that I should do what makes me happy, and if that's dressing up like my favourite characters and reading comic books, then I should own it!"

- Rocket Cosplay

"To me cosplay is about self confidence, having a passion for the things you love, and creating art. Since there are no definitive guidelines as to the exact "how" of cosplay, it is fantastic to meet others at cons and discuss how we've each solved the many crafting challenges of the trade. I feel like this creates a very artistic community of people, not only passionate about a sub-culture, but also very dedicated to creating things around it. "

- Cnidarium Cosplay

"It's a great opportunity to build confidence and openly express yourself to the max! It's where like-minded people can show their creativity whether it be through makeup, costume design or character choice. There's potential to make some pretty awesome friends at events as well :)"

- Nickeil Genesis

"Cosplay to me is the ultimate form of expression of true self, ironically, by being someone else. Cosplay is confidence. Cosplay is a reminder, that you are important in the world, that you are your own main character in your own story and that you do matter. Cosplay gives us feelings of fantasy and whimsy that can only be brought on when something you thought was so unreal is now tangible."

- Silly Little Missy

"For me, cosplay is being something bigger than yourself. A whole network of people who would have otherwise been strangers now feel like close friends; people to look up to or who look up to you. Cosplay gives me the opportunity to be a student and a teacher, to give and to take. To display my hard work, ideas and innovations to my peers and have it appreciated where it might have otherwise been dismissed. I don't think there's really any community that can will give you the same feeling of bel"

- Laura

"It means having a strong creative passion, where you're truly only limited to what you set your imagination to. Where you get to express yourself and channel a character you love or love to hate! It is an unbounded hobby that has so many possibilities. It is something that I could do for the rest of my life!"

- Chanzlyn

"Cosplaying is literally everything to me. Ever since I made my first costume I knew that was exactly what I wanted to be doing. It has both fulfilled and consumed my life. Cosplay isn't just a hobby, is a community and a way of life. I believe as cosplayers we should uplift, and praise each other. It's important that we really interact, share ideas, technique, information and really encourage and include each other. When I cosplay I don't just see pretty costume I can wear around for"

- Bumbilee

"Miyah - Cosplay for me isn't just a creative outlet, it's a chance to get to know people and grow as a person. Cosplay for me means being who you are and loving that person. I grew up as the quiet kid in the corner of the room who everyone didn't care about or made fun of. I think a lot of people can relate to that, but cosplay has really helped me express myself and be accepted and loved by the people closest to me. Cosplay has brought me closer to the friends and family I have now and cosplay"

- Blackwater Cosplay

"It means learning new skills and working to do something that looks great! It's being part of an awesome community and to look what other cosplayers are working on and what they did. I really like when I can see a personal twist to a cosplay."

- Akishuna

"Cosplay for me is a form of art! Cosplay photography as much as the costumes theirselves."

- Leadpanda

"Dressing up as a character that you like or can relate to and showing your fandom."

- Samala

"Cosplay is a hobby for me. Something I love doing with the people I love beside me. It's a great way to make new friends as well."

- Lyssaroo

"It means I get to throw away who I am for a day or even an hour and become whatever I want and act like whatever I want! "

- Kitty Lips

"To me, cosplay is the best way to express your love for something. It is something people do to show how much they are a fan of some character or series, and nobody should be judged for who they decide to cosplay. Most people probably chose to cosplay something because they just love it so much, to me it is the ultimate tribute to both a caracyer, and its creators/designers!"

- Koyo Cosplay

"It means a lot: Childhood, dreams, hobby. "

- JenNyan

"It means having fun! Getting to play dress up with thousands of other people at conventions is a blast. And I cannot convey the flattery I feel when someone compliments my costume or asks to take a photo."

- Rachel

"Cosplay means exploring the creative side of yourself. Making art is my passion, so when I learned about cosplay I was so excited to have found a new platform to channel my creativity into. It's also a great way to express yourself, to meet people and discover new things about you. Outside of cosplay, I'm very shy and quiet, but when I'm in cosplay I find myself becoming more comfortable in my own skin and being more outgoing! The whole experience can be very eye opening, and I'd recommend it "

- 8-bit-daydream

"I would be such an even more shy and introverted person without cosplay. I have met the love of my life and some of the greatest people and friends EVER. It is my lifelong goal to work in costume design and what better way to practice my sewing and creative abilities than by doing something I love, with the people I love."

- Ashe Rogue

"Cosplay means having the freedom to be creative, expressive, and silly. I love bringing characters to life while feeling free to be myself completely."

- AbbersM2

"Cosplay is my outlet and my way of showcasing my creativity and hard work. My entire life is consumed with working to improve my skill. Cosplay means pushing your limits. There have been many instances of self-doubt, anxiety, and lack of motivation but having my friends by my side help me remembering what cosplay is all about. It's about having fun and seeing how far you can go with a project. It's about being with your friends and reaching out to others. Cosplay is more than just dressing in a"

- Mayhem Cosplay

"To me, cosplay is the ability to bring a character to life. Not only for myself, but for fans of the character. It's not just putting on a costume, it's playing the part."

- Lexi

"Cosplaying your favorite character is fulfilling that inner child that wants to dress up for Halloween every day. It's just fun! Put on an Assassin's Creed costume and just TRY not to start climbing random things!"

- IamtheGriffin

"To me cosplay is my escape from the stress of real life. Sometimes I just go to the fabric store and browse around for material for an upcoming project, look at patterns to see if any will work for me, research techniques online, or take the time to sit down and sew. I find all this very fun and a stress reliever. Wearing costumes and taking photos is an added bonus for me! And going to conventions are little mini vacations for me. It's all about having fun! "

- UsagiNoSenshi

"I work at a Japanese store called Wabi Sabi and host cosplay events all the time. I firmly believe that cosplay shouldn't always be all about accuracy. It should be fun, artful, and about the individualism of the cosplayer. I don't think one should be criticized for being unique and making a character their own. Skill doesn't define you either, you're passion does."

- Mad Macha

"At first, it was an excuse for me to start getting stronger. A long time ago, I was very overweight. So I focused on losing out excess weight and building muscle. During those times, cosplay was another one of various reasons to stop being lazy and start getting healthier. Nowadays, it's another way to have fun. I've only done two cosplays, but I've had a blast doing them."

- Mazaki20

"Cosplay to me is an escape. I have dealt with illness as well as loss with costuming. I also don't have to be myself for the day or the weekend."

- Sylvanaw Magnus

"To me, cosplay is one of the purest forms of self expression. I've been shy my entire life, and when I put on a costume, I feel like an entirely different person. Attention and conversations suddenly become fun! I'm incredibly passionate about the time I spend on making my cosplays, and showing off my hard work is exhilarating. There's really nothing like the cosplay community, honestly. Everyone is so open and welcoming."

- Sarahkitty Cosplay

"For me, cosplay is a way for me to explore another world and a different side of myself. I find that I have the most fun cosplaying when I really get into character, which allows others to see me as that character first and a cosplayer second. It's also a really great way of making friends! I've met more people at conventions from just cosplaying a particular character than I have in any other situation. But most of all, cosplay is a way of creating and showing off something that you're proud o"

- ParaPara Yukiko

"The definition of cosplay itself is actually what cosplay means for me (the word 'cosplay' is a mixed of the words "Costume" and "Play" to define people who dress up). For me, it's just another way to express myself and be as much artistic as I can possibly be. It's just incredibly fun to pretend to be someone else for a day or two! I love every form of cosplay from homemade costume to store-bought ones and I'm not against sexy cosplays either. The only important thing is to do something that y"

- Kimberley Darko

"Cosplay means getting creative with your costume and how you build it. Building the costume has always been such a fun part of the cosplay experience for me and having an unlimited pool of characters to choose from really lets me stretch out and use all kinds of materials in ways I never would have thought to use them. To me, cosplay is also a sharing experience, whether it be tips or tricks or just showing off my work. "

- Catherine

"Cosplay is love in material form. It is love of a character, show, movie, or a story. Sports fans wear uniforms or face pant to support their favorite players or teams. So do cosplayers, only our uniforms and face pants are so much more fun. Cosplay is living your dreams with others living theirs. "

- Chameleon Cosplay

"It means complaining about how much I hate sewing. It means breaking down, but pushing through anyway. It means learning new things. It means meeting new people and being more social than I could ever be when I'm not in costume. It means Halloween lasts all year. Most of all it means happiness, happiness you bring to other people and the happiness that brings to me."

- Ari Faye

"I love creativity. Cosplay lets me create lists of the characters I want to play, step into outfits that make me feel like someone else, and see so many other cosplayers who've done just such an amazing job. I love appreciating people's skills and being in an environment where everyone shares similar interests. Getting photos back from photoshoots is also the biggest present ever x3"

- Shuga Cosplay

"I'll answer this anecdotally since I accidentally answered it earlier: I always swore that I would be Tifa for Halloween if I ever lost the weight. That niggling 20 pounds or so that you really don't want to see on someone exposing their midriff was the bane of my existence. My hesitation for doing a really cool cosplay. Eventually, time and a fortunate trip abroad for a year saw that extra weight out the door, and a con nearby gave me an excuse to finally do it. I'd always loved dressing up"

- Nina

"I just did my first cosplay for PAX 2014. I never really thought I would be a cosplayer, although I never had anything against it. It just seemed kind of weird and I didn't feel like leaving my comfort zone. Then I met a friend who had just started cosplaying and went to PAX 2012 with her, seeing all the cosplayers there really changed my perspective, it didn't seem weird anymore all these people where just having a blast showing off all their hard work and they all seemed so comfortable wit"

- Glen MacDonald

"To me cosplay means getting to become a character you love and express yourself while having fun."

- PyramidHeadGirl

"To me cosplay means 3 things: 1, I can walk around in completely outlandish clothing without fear of judgment. 2, I get to be in the body and mindset of characters that live lives I wish I could live or are people I wish I could be. 3, since childhood I have had a lot of generalized anxiety and always had issues with taking pride in my work. I have always had a fear of coming across as self-centered, egotistical, or vein. I have always had a mentality that my skills and talents aren't particu"

- Toshie534

"Cosplaying to me is a great form of expression. It's not only a simple pass time, but an adventure that takes me fantastic places :)"

- LinkStoleMyChickens

"Cosplay has always been really important to me. I have made and bonded with a lot of my friends over cosplay! Its not just a hobby, it is a chance for you to become a living version of a character you love! Its about learning new things and expressing yourself. Cosplay is about having fun and being proud of yourself. "

- Punderful

"It just means liking a character so much that you want to dress up as them and kind of walk in their shoes. "

- TweeMac

"For me, cosplay is a chance to construct something from scratch and have people recognize my hard work. I love the process of making a cosplay just as much as (if not more than) wearing it. I'm all about working creatively and spending as little money as possible. Cosplay should be for everyone, not just those who can afford it. And I know it can be a taboo subject, but I love competitive cosplay. I enjoy being on stage and showing off my costume, and I like being judged on my craftsmanship. I'"

- StillNotSam

"Cosplay is a freedom of expression for me. Sadly, the usual backstory for a lot of cosplayers is bullying and exclusion, and I'm no exception. The first con I went to all weekend and cosplayed, I met so many new friends and like-minded individuals. I played games and talked about my interests for the FIRST time with strangers - peers - and felt what it might be like to have friends. Then, it was an escape for one or two weekends a year to be with geeks like me. But now that I've grown up (Now"

- NinjaWolfess

"It may sound silly but it means the world. Since I can remember I always felt cheated in a way and like I didn't belong on this planet. To live somewhere with no super heros, magic, elves, etc... is hard for me to understand. These are things that I will never get to experience but cosplay brings me one step closer to feeling like myself. "

- Spacehamster

"Cosplay means fun. It's as simple as that. I have fun learning about the characters, I have fun building the costumes and I have fun wearing the costumes so the whole process is just fun."

- Embelievable Cosplay

"Cosplay has always been creating something and having fun doing it. Then just running around and trying to bring some characters to life. "

- Greenfox Cosplay

"To me, cosplay means being able to bring a character that you love to life, for both you and other fans of the series. I love going to conventions and having people run up to me because they're excited to see their favourite character in real life. I love challenging myself to make bigger and more complex costumes. I love that cosplay brings so many people together for a weekend of fun nerdy dress up. Even though I'm pretty shy in real life around strangers, being in cosplay gives me confidence"

- The Toronto Carley Hayward

"To me, cosplay is creativity, family, friends, pop culture, and art."

- Sonny

"I only go to one convention a year and I spend all year planning and preparing for the cosplay that I choose the year before. I only do it for fun, but knowing all the work I put into the costumes and the fun I have making props with my friends, makes those 3 days of actually wearing the costume the best of the year."

- LeBlanc

"Ohoho, cosplay has taken over my life, for lack of better words. I've loved dressing up since I was little, so when I was introduced to cosplay in 2011, I was ecstatic. I'm very much an introvert, and even though it seems like an attention-oriented hobby, I find that cosplay is a great outlet for myself and others like me. It provides a way for me to escape my own insecurities and become the characters that I've played in games or read about in books. Cosplay is acting, and since it's mostly vi"

- C2 Cosplay

"To be larger than life. To be stunning. To be super. To be extraordinary. To be in a world of imagination. To be with friends having fun. To be someone entirely different. To be myself. To be"

- MichaelSmallwood

"Cosplay to me is a way to express myself; I'm able to become characters from games and shows that I love! It is a mode of learning, every time I make a new cosplay I learn new crafting and sewing skills, and I always love the challenge of figuring difficult parts! Cosplay is also a way for me to meet people with similar interests, I'm able to bond with strangers instantly because they recognize my character and it's something we both love! Above all cosplay is something that I have fun doing. T"

- Anna Lynn

"Cosplay means playing pretend as an adult. I've never considered being an actor, but cosplay lets me be anyone I want to be, and it really is a dream come true. If I could be Elizabeth (Bioshock) every day I would be in Heaven, so becoming her at conventions is exciting every time. It also has helped expand my horizons and take on new skills. This year, for Raava, I learned how to solder, so that I could create my lighting elements. I never would have even thought of soldering if it wasn't for "

- Allyson

"Like ive said before , Cosplay helped me get out of my shell and be a social butterfly ! Cosplaying a cool character like Link really give me confidence :) But cosplay is also a form of art who lets you express your talent and the love of prop making. I know that all my hard work and my sleepless night payed of when I get positive feed back on my costume and when i see people smile when they see me :) "

- Kaypay Cosplay

"Cosplay to me is a means of expression. I get to create this outfit or costume based on a charcter I love... Then I get to BE that character and entertain others with it. It is a self esteem rebuilder, and outlet for my art, and a way to entertain."

- RAD Cosplay

"Cosplay is a way to express yourself for a lot of people, and while that is true for myself as well, I specifically cosplay to pay respect to characters I admire, or think are interesting. It gives me a lot of joy to know that I am honoring those who put a lot of hard work and effort into creating a persona in a game (or story in general). As a creative writer myself, I think there is no greater sense of accomplishment than knowing something you made is appreciated in such a larger way, so a lo"

- Mowseler

"Cosplay means to be yourself but also not yourself! Be anything you want to be! "

- Leigherrr

"Cosplay for me is all about getting the desired reactions from the crowd and people. When I choose to be Tony, nothing makes me happier than people yelling "Hail Hydra!" at the top of their lungs as I walk by!"

- Paul

"It's a creative hobby I can do with my friends, where we all get to contribute something different, and learn something new."

- PDX Totoro

"Cosplay means to me is to show everyone your knowledge(nerdness) of your favorite fictional world/character"

- Hank Venture

"Cosplay is all about expressing your love for your passion. Cosplaying is such a huge oppurtunity. You can cosplay anything! Movies, TV shows, books, video games, comic books. No matter what your wear, someone will recognize you at a convention, and appreciate the character you chose."

- Arya

"its simple. Cosplay is expression of self in its simplest and truest form. It means I get to be a kid again."

- 23rdDayCosplay

"Cosplay is borrowing the celebrity of someone I admire or someone who enriched me for as long as I wear their likeness."

- Christie Taylor

"Having fun! enjoying the characters you love or grew up with and becoming them in every aspect. Simple as that, living the dream of being someone you are not and having no shame maybe going a little crazy with it. But yeah just to have fun "

- Dekamexican

"It means putting yourself out there. Really loving what you're into. Take seriously what you love and don't let anybody tell you it's stupid!"

- Jayme or Elmrada

"Cosplay means family. I can always rely on the community for love and support, regardless of who I am (or what I'm wearing!)."

- Ashkur

"It's a way to relax and be yourself while dressing up as a character you relate to or enjoy."

- TheHeroicCosplayer

"It means celebrating your love of your niche, that little part of the world you love."

- Mr Incredible

"For me, cosplay is a way to express myself while having lots of fun. I can re-create the character as I want, giving it part of my own personality. I love that."

- JDRagones

"Cosplay to me is a way to enjoy the fandoms I like, express them in a fun way, and have halloween all year round! :) I've always loved dressing up and Drama class, so now I get to make it my hobby! :) "

- Manda Cowled

"Cosplay means a lot to me. People are so accepting! You bring your favourite characters to life and you can share that enjoyment with all the other fans. It's brought me a lot of happiness and great friendships."

- Achlime Cosplay

"Cosplay is belonging to a passionate and inclusive group of people. It's about being able to share your love of a character with other fans and the chance to share a great game or anime or comic, etc, with new people. "

- Ellie Christina McNeil

"It is an opportunity to express myself and pay homage to my favorite characters in video games and television shows. I love being able to come out of my shell and be someone else for a day. It's a magical transformation, and it's a lot of fun."

- KittyPurry

"Its a physical emotional and artistic way to show off an art form. It takes so much to go through the costume process, Think like your character, do everything to look, feel and present who you are trying to become."

- Bamfxo

"Cosplay to me means just having a good time at events really being that character you love for a day or 2. It's nice to have that type of escape from normal reality. You get to pretend and act like that character bringing joy to people that attend the event. I enjoy the admiration I receive from strangers as they are blown away that someone could actually make that costume with their hands. A lot of people will honestly be so in awe that they really treat you as if you're really them d"

- Stealth - The Heroes Workshop

"Cosplay means that I can be whatever I want to be! Before I learned what cosplay was, I would feel a bit weird dressing up for events and always thinking "I hope I'm not the only one dressing up..." (not that it would stop me, hehe). However, now I can go to events and cons and know that there will be an amazing community who is all in it with me! I love the freedom of being an "adult" and dressing up as well...costumes aren't just for kids! "

- Thalia

"It is a release from the norm. I get to pretend to be someone else for a while. It's quite liberating."

- Scott

"It's a creative hobby that allows me to embody the characters I love, gaining new skills with each one. "

- Harry Price Cosplay

"Cosplay has been the most amazing hobby! I have feel in love with it! "

- Lucky Conlin Cosplay

"I use cosplay first and foremost to improve my artistic abilities. It's a tool for self-growth. Seeing how accurate I can get a costume is a challenge i absolutely love. It also allows me to learn a ton of different skill sets. I've learned how to sew, cut and style hair, put on make-up, make shoes, draft patterns, electric work, how to work with thermoplastics to create any prop imaginable, etc, etc.... "

- Emileigh

"Cosplay to me comes with a lot of views because I generally have an unpopular opinion when it comes to cosplaying. I think cosplaying is a sport. I try my best to make cosplays that catch a lot of attention because that is the kind of cosplayer I am. Of course there are those who just do it for fun, which I have no problem with. But besides the attention part, cosplay to me also means that you have the guts to put yourself out there with the possibility to get critiqued by people like me, how y"

- River

"Cosplay is a fun and creative hobby that makes me feel like I'm doing something productive in creating things in my spare time. "

- Sonny Joon

"It's a nice change of pace from the stresses of everyday living. The people you meet cosplaying are always so nice and accepting, it's great to feel like a part of something when others appreciate it."

- Jessica Huard/ESKJ shoes & Art

"Cosplay is just a fun hobby that I want to explore more deeply in to. Hopefully it will be a lifestyle for me and my friends."

- Drakyun

"Cosplay, to me, is a way to express your love for various worlds and characters, whether they be from real life, manga and anime, books, video games or TV shows. It's your way of saying "hey, I think this is really cool." For me, it was a way of expressing my excitement for the game's upcoming release and the characters and world it revolves around."

- Cyrus

"It means quite a lot as i am able to feel myself without all the worries of not 'fitting in' "

- Littlejem

"Costume-play? I mean it's much more than that, but without getting into semantics, it's a way to portray the characters I've admired in some way."

- El Rey Cosplay

"To me, cosplay means a few things. For one, it means that I can be who I want to be without anyone having to tell me otherwise. Just the simple act of wearing a costume expresses my interests and what I love to do. Another thing it means to me is getting share my passion for the non-ordain with others who feel the same way. Going to different conventions, there's always someone who's into the same things you might be interested in and oftentimes I've made new connections with people in a way "

- Auzzie L.

"Cosplay means being able to show your appreciation for a franchise and its characters though craft, whether you're a pro or just starting. Because in the end, we're all happy nerds who've been brought together with the love of cosplay."

- Nova

"It means the freedom for me to be my greatest idols. "

- Cathrine Anderberg

"To me, cosplaying is about being your favorite character just for a day and being around people who share your interests."

- Subject Delta

"It's a good way to show your love for a character and meet other people with similar interests. "

- Allonsy Ahhlee

"When I cosplay it becomes something bigger than a costume. It becomes a life lesson that teaches you patience, skills that you would not normally learn on your own and the feeling of camaraderie you receive when you engage with other cosplayers. I have learned to use an assortment of power tools for all sorts of materials because of working with a wide range of costumes. Which first starting out, I didn't even know how to use a drill. I've also learned how to use a sewing machine, sculpt cl"

- Monocle Cosplay

"Cosplay means a lot to me. I can create things, things that I love. I can show my creativity by wearing it and see people's reactions like "OMG! COMMANDER SHEPARD!!" and it makes me smile. Because that shows to me that I've done well on my costume, if you know what I mean? Like you get rewarded for something that you've been working on for so long. "

- Tare

"Cosplay to me means creating something that shows off your passion for a character or characters that you love so much. I have been working on my Batsuit for about 2 months now and it is very stressful because I want it to look perfect. Batman has had such a big impact on my life that I want to do this to so my passion and love for the character. "

- Bat1939

"It's all about having fun!"

- Micro Kitty Cosplay

"Cosplay is about having fun. We wouldn't waste time making costumes and going to conventions if we didn't enjoy the process of creating our costumes and dressing up. We have fun planning, sewing, and placing final touches on our costumes but the most exciting part is getting to dress up and walk around as our character. Not only do we get to play pretend, we also get to meet new people who have similar interests."

- Alyss Says

"To me, cosplay means doing something you enjoy. Whether it be buying something off the rack, altering a pre-made piece, or making something totally your own."

- Jessie - Snowballing Cosplays

"To me, cosplay is a chance to create a bizarre mixed-media project in a huge community of other makers. I love learning from and contributing to tutorials online and experimenting with something as multifaceted and complex as costumes while adjusting established designs to operate in the real world."

- Orvis

"Cosplay means mainly honouring my female heroes. I have been reading comics and watching super hero shows since I was a kid. The female heroes were always my favourite because the exuded such confidence and independence. I was very shy as a kid and teenager, and was bullied a lot. These female heroes showed me that girls can kick ass no matter what, and cosplaying as them is my homage to their strength."

- Talia

"Cosplay means complete freedom of expression. For just a few hours out of a weekend, I can take on the role of multiple heroes, villains, sidekicks, characters, you name it! I can completely revamp my look and personality to be anything I want to be. It's an amazing feeling when you look in the mirror after finishing putting on a cosplay and seeing that you've turned into one of your favorite characters. Cosplay lets you be exactly who you want to be with no restraints. Essentially escaping int"

- AOK Cosplay

"Well, I have not done too many cosplays, but I just started out. Cosplay is basically being a character in real life. Ever since I was young, I've always wanted to be someone extraordinary, like a superhero or a savior. Cosplay helps me get as close to the idea as I want to, because 90% of the time, I can't have swagtastic swordplay skills or unbelievable parkouring ability, or harness magic, or fly. So, cosplay helps me think I can. I still realize I can't fly or be a superhero, but I'm pretty"

- Adam

"Cosplay is self expression and a creative outlet for me. It means I can be a perfectionist about the smallest details and a leader of my own project. Cosplay is just like playing dress up and when I finally put it all on after I put in hours of work it feels like I become the character I love."

- Samantha Rose

"Cosplay is a way to express yourself and make friends with similar interests. I really started with the goal in mind of creating the entire wardrobe of my favorite character."

- Jamie Costello

"It means showing what I am capable of, letting people know that I tried as hard as I could to put a costume together and was really proud of it."

- Victoria

"It means people who dress up as their favorite characters and get the chance to embody that character. I don't care about body types and the like...I just want to see effort in the costume. I'm not a fan of costume shop bagged costumes. I think people have every right to wear it, I'm just not a fan."

- Maise Designs Seamstress

"To me cosplay means you can bring a character that you love and appreciate to life. It's a way to forget about stressful or negative times and just have fun. It also means that you can be as creative as you want and show what you have made to others."

- Taylor

"Cosplay to me is a way to bring your favorite characters to life. It's a great deal of fun to see other cosplayers who have poured their sweat and effort into creating a character, building an outfit from the base up, and the countless curse words thrown out along the way when something messes up. Some of my favorite types of cosplays are crossplays because you're bringing two characters together to create a whole new person and a new personality. It's amazing and is truly an art form."

- Piff The Fairy Muffin

"It's just fun getting to be your favorite character for a day!"

- Ellie

"Cosplay is a way to express yourself in a manner that isn't "normal" on a day to day basis. The world around you is how you perceive it to be so I want to perceive it to be one full of fun, joy, and great memories. Cosplay isn't merely "dress-up" time, it is where self-expression meets art and your inner creativity is fully tested"

- Joseph

"To me cosplay is a way to keep the characters and media that I love alive. For example, once I finished the anime Ao No Exorcist I was left feeling unsatisfied and really sad that there was no more that I could watch, because I had become so attached to the characters. I absolutely loved and missed the main character, Rin Okumura, and so to bring him to life I decided to cosplay him! Working on the cosplay kept the anime alive for me, as if it wasn't really over, and when I finally finished it,"

- YuppyGuppy

"Cosplay means two things to me. It's a representation of myself in the most purely visual way. It lets people know who I am and what I dream of. On the other side it's a much more personal accomplishment to build from my influences and imagination."

- Mickey

"Cosplay for me is a total escape into the things I'm most passionate about. Honestly, it's been wonderful for my self esteem. I've had some pretty bad views of myself for a while, but cosplay has let me escape from that. When I dress up, I feel like no one is judging me or making ridiculous assumptions about me. Being tattooed and pierced I get a few odd looks from customers now and then, but cosplay has let me see the beauty in everyone. It allows you to be literally anyone you can think of. A"

- Shelby

"Cosplay is something that allows me to lose myself in the fandom. I am not simply attending a con I am part of it. The crafting, getting to show it off, getting to see people react. That is why I cosplay."

- Graves

"Being a nerd in a costume! That's pretty much it, to be honest. It's a really nice way for people to show how much they appreciate a certain show, game, book, comic etc., and hone their skills. One of my favourite moments at a convention is queuing for entry with a bunch of friends and pointing out all the different characters we recognise."

- Morgan

"It means creating your character and becoming that character. I love how you could transform yourself in to anything you can imagine if you invest enough time and effort"

- Stephard

"Cosplay to me Is another way to enjoy the stories that I am still growing up with. You see and relate to characters, you imagine what it would be like to BE them. Cosplaying removes a very large boundary. When you cosplay and you surround yourself with people who appreciate that, it's finally 'allowed' to step up and be someone else for a while. It's extremely fulfilling in a world where we are so harshly judged by the way we look and act."

- Abeltar

"It means getting to dress up as all of my favorite characters! And I get to be creative which I love~"

- Defender Dev

"Having fun and enjoying the experience of making your own outfits."

- Chris

"Cosplay is a chance for me to show my sewing and making skills and show my love for a character or series - It has given me so much more confidence over the years I've been doing it."

- Kingfisher Girl

"Cosplay means putting your passion right on your sleeves... If it involves any! ;) It's a culture that brings people together where you can fanatically freak over a beloved character someone created AND it's socially acceptable.. Encouraged, even! It's showcasing your art and representing to others what you're proud of. It's a hobby, a career, an opportunity, a phenomenon, a fad (but one I can get behind!), and... It also means empty wallets!! But it's 100000% worth it!!!!"

- Crissy's Curious Cosplay

"Cosplay is the ultimate way to express your nerdiness and creativity. Everyone adds their own personal flair to each costume which means that even 10 Batmans will all be unique."

- Mandle

"Cosplaying is a form of self expression and is a really fun and interesting art! To me, it's a way to step into the shoes of my favorite character for a few days and meet all kinds of awesome people i would normally never have spoken with. I can show off a product that I'm proud of making and it's a great icebreaker as a plus! Also, you gain some really useful skills!"

- xemmradio

"Cosplay means hanging out with my closest friends while in costume. As a working professional in New York who works a grown-up job, it's nice to be able to allow my inner child to come out."

- Dhareza Cosplayza

"The process of choosing a cosplay and making it is a lot of fun, and a real creative challenge for me. While I was at school I did mostly math and science subjects, and now I'm in my 2nd year of University studying Medicine; while I'm loving the path I've chosen, it doesn't give me many opportunities to be purely creative, and to make anything artistic. For me, Cosplay fills this need for a creative outlet. It is difficult at times, and I am definitely nowhere near the level of craftsmanship of"

- raiK0

"Cosplay means that I can be whoever I want. Cosplay gives me self esteem and makes me feel awesome."

- Maddycat cosplay

"Cosplay is a bunch of people getting together to have fun as their favorite character. It's not about being perfect, but it doesn't hurt to try your best. I have the most fun in a group of cosplayers in cosplay chess or a masquerade, though I'm sure I'm not the only one who still gets a bit nervous. Everyone is usually having a good time at panels and watching movie screenings that it's hard not to have fun."

- Quite Frankly Builds

"Cosplay is a great challenge for me. With each new project I like to challenge myself with something new- new techniques, new materials, that sort of stuff. I think I may have invented "stretch pin tucks" :P But mostly, cosplay and cons are just a really great time to meet new people and catch up with all of my convention friends. I live in Canada and hit most of the Western Canadian conventions and I've got a group of about 20 people that I expect to see at most conventions. We're all face"

- Badaboom

"To me cosplay means getting to express yourself through something you love. It's a fun way to show off your passion for certain characters or shows."

- Typhlosionwolf

"The play is the most important aspect of "cosplay." From saying lines from the games to perfectly mimic them, to researching the deeper aspects of a character's personality, to learning obscure trivia about a character. To cosplay is to become the character and therefore becoming the life of the "Mario party." It's not about the amount of hours you spent stitching, it's about the amount you put into researching. While having a costume good enough so people can tell who you are is extremely impo"

- Box of Props

"Cosplay is another medium for expression, its a mixture or art and performance. It allows you to go be a character for a day and have a blast doing it. It's also a great way to meet new people and just be in an environment different from the daily 9-5 grind."

- Paragon Cosplay

"Cosplay means work, fun, and acceptance. Sure it's hard work, but it is so much fun and I've never met a group so widely accepting of others."

- Halo Kitty

"Cosplay is a creative hobby for me and a way to bond with others that share my same interests. It's not only a fun, innovative way to create a new identity, but it really takes a lot of pressure off of the social aspect of conventions. It's a lot easier for another, maybe shy, geek fan person to come talk to Jean Grey, whom they recognize from the comics, than to talk to a random stranger. It is a very unique way to meet very cool people and learn new skills."

- Tabitha

"To me, cosplay means being able to take any character you love or admire and portray them yourself. It's a chance to become a living, breathing version of a character, which is an amazing experience for you and others who love the character. It means having fun and always giving yourself new goals, thinking up new ideas, learning to use new materials, and always being proud of your achievements."

- Pyxl

"Cosplay means shedding your own identity to adopt that of another character. It means working hard in order to accurately portray someone else. It means dressing up silly and having fun with people around you. I have only just begun with cosplay and I have much further to go."

- Robot Rock St. Louis

"Cosplay is artistic expression, fun, joy, appreciation of others, a community, a learning experience and just plain excitement, The days leading up to a convention is like looking forward to Christmas as a kid and it happens multiple times a year."

- Skissored

"Cosplay is being able to show how much you love something and how hard you would work for something. Also cosplay is the best way to meet people who are interested in what you like"

- Michael

"Freedom and courage."

- Duckie

"Cosplaying means taking your childhood heroes giving them the greatest form of flattery--imitation. I'm not saying trying to fly off like Superman or firebend like Zuko, but just for a day, you are able to step out of your civilian shoes and into something greater."

- Chuloon

"Cosplay is a hobby, but it's also a way to escape and pretend to be someone else for a while. It's so wonderful to jump into the role of entertainer that I would never normally dream of doing in my everyday life!"

- Amber

"For me, cosplay is a wonderful collage of so many things! It's more than just dressing up, it's research, problem solving, constructing, failing, persevering, succeeding and celebrating! There's nothing more satisfying than putting on your whole costume for the first time after so much hard work, dedication and love. While it's frustrating during the process, I love looking back and seeing how I overcame various obstacles during a costume's construction. I feel that those struggles make the cos"

- OhHeyABear - Sarah

"Cosplaying is a form of art and creativity. When creating your costume, you sit there with a computer and look at what you want to make and the supplies are sitting on the floor. You have your moments and doubts about the costume like "will this piece fit?" or "I wonder how many people will react to this." When people cosplay it's really amazing because you see costumes from videogames, anime, and fan-art. Some cosplayers see these events like a holiday where once in a year you get to dress"

- Diglett

"Cosplay to me, is like being a celebrity for a day. Being asked for pictures is an amazing feeling. I love being able to show off all the hard work I spent on a costume even if it's only for a few hours. I also really like giving advice and helping others out."

- Josh Stark

"To me, cosplay means understanding your favorite characters more deeply and mostly just cutting loose and having fun! I tried really hard to mimic all of Envy's postures and mannerisms, even writing a little from his point of view to attempt to get in character. But really, the best part was going to the convention and having people holler across the room at me, "Hey! Envy!" and getting to wave and smirk back at them. Getting to act out the character is the most fun thing about cosplaying."

- Rachel

"Cosplay to me is about literally living my childhood dreams. It's about bringing nostalgia to myself and others when they see me in costume."

- NatashPoint0

"First: Cosplay allows us to things as a family. We work together in planning, building, and go to cons. Second: Cosplay allows a creative outlet, and a challenge to design and build something, allowing attention to detail. Also nice that finding a con is easier than finding a location to fly high power rockets. Third: Cosplayers are a great group of people, and willing to help and strike up conversations in line. Also finding that local cosplayers are involved in charity work, and we are ex"

- FuzzyRocket

"It was a break from the real world, a chance to step out of reality for a few hours, have some fun with others doing the same."

- Windy City Bluntman

"Dressing up and having fun."

- Polygon Sephiroth

"Cosplay to me means being able to not only create the charcter that you want to be, but get to see the world through that persons eyes and gain a new perspective."

- JaxxParrow

"Cosplaying means embodying a character that I love, and getting to share it with like-minded fans and friends. I means feeling safe to love what you love, and share that love with other people without worry of judgement. Going to an Expo has always been a huge event within my social group, and we make quite the event out of it every year, so it means getting to share a wonderful experience with those closest to me. There are few times I have felt more confident than when I Cosplay, so it al"

- Little Red

"I've already stated, but it means bringing the character to life with dignity and beauty!"

- Ally

"It makes it a lot easier for me to be outgoing and interact with people. Cosplay helps me come out of my shell. Plus, there's something really wonderful about working hard on something and then showing it off! For a little while, you get to be your favorite character."

- Dead Pixels

"Cosplay is a form of expression to let the world know how much you freaking love a character!!!!! It's a way to show off your talents and easily form bonds with strangers through mutual interests."

- fa_mulan

"It's a fun way to get my creative juices out."

- Eryn Roberts

"Cosplay is a way to show the absolute most support and love for a character or series that you possibly can. What better way to show how much you love a character than to literally become the character? It's also an awesome way to think creatively and put multiple talents to use. One costume can include up to a hundred different skill sets, and it's fun to learn skills and put them to action."

- Luke Smith

"It can mean expressing yourself and the thingsyou love our becoming something else entirely. You can share your love of something with complete strangers who have thesane interests and because of that you have an instant connection and it's awesome!"

- Brandon

"Cosplay to me is all about having fun and expressing yourself and your interests. I've also found it's a fantastic way to meet people. Some people take it too seriously but I say if you can recognise who the character is from a glance then they've done a good job and if that person is enjoying themself who are you to try and say otherwise."

- JessDresses

"Cosplay to me is about design and craftsmanship, as well as the strong social aspect that comes with anime and comic conventions. It's a way for me to grow and show off my sewing and modeling skills, and to meet new people. It's also very rewarding to be known for your skills--unlike regular modeling, cosplaying is a lot more than just a pretty face. There are hours and hours of sewing and prop-making involved as well."

- Ari

"The community means most to me, in cosplay, and though we don't see each other everyday or ever really become friends in the traditional sense, at conventions and together we connect instantly. Cosplay is a wonderful culture of fans who are passionate about the stories and characters they aspire to emulate. You have retail workers, scientists, teachers, medical workers and more professions who come together here and in this shared passion we connect whereas we might not ever meet in the mundane"

- Jennivere

"Cosplay means that I have a chance to get together with friends and make something cool, creative, or challenging. It's showing off your hard work at conventions with people of similar interests."

- 9Flame

About

"Cosplay, short for costume play, is a performance art in which participants called cosplayers wear costumes and fashion accessories to represent a specific character or idea that is usually identified with a unique name."

Cosplayers are a great example for others on how to pursuit your dreams. The purpose of this Introduction to Cosplay is to gather advice from experienced cosplayers to share it with people who are just starting out. Drecarus talked to more than 100 Cosplayers.

Tips for new Cosplayers

"Totally make whatever you can for your cosplay, but also please don't let others get you down if you have very poor prop making/sewing skills like I do -- A huge part of cosplaying is making the costumes, sure, but the whole point is the fun of dressing up so do don't be ashamed to buy whatever you need to! "

- Bunny Rose
" Chances are, you'll never be a super e-famous cosplay idol, so if fame is all you've got on your mind, you'll get sick of this hobby really quickly. You can't know what costumes will make the entire internet happy, but you can know which ones will make YOU happy. So do those. Be your happy self and go to conventions and make friends. Good friends will be your biggest fans, and will mean so much more to you than numbers on a Facebook page. "

- Smochi
"Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do it. Do it. Do it for yourself. Do it for me. "

- Sellexie

"Honestly, learning how to sew and make your own costumes is the best thing you can do to really feel accomplished. I am still working on that aspect, and often need help on my costumes, but someday I would like to be able to do everything on my own. (Note: I did not make the Phoenix or Yuna costumes, but I have a very talented friend who is excellent at making costumes!)"

- Katie
"Cosplay who you love, not who someone else wants you to be! You will have more fun doing something you actually enjoy! Also if you plan on hand making your costume, start small and work your way up to complex designs unless you are already an experienced crafter!"

- Kyahri Cosplay
"Don't get caught up in 'cosplay drama'. Cosplay should be a fun, accepting, and stress-free hobby. Beyond that, just have fun and be open to testing materials you might not traditionally work with. Trial and error is the best way to learn and develop your skills"

- Liana Richardson
"Don't look at a cosplayer and say, "I wish I could be as good as her/him." As anything, improvement takes time yet wields amazing results. Don't quit a cosplay all together because it's out of your skill level; try and try again until you can do it. Determination is a valuable virtue. "

- Abbey Eve
"Use others experiences to your advantage. Read other people blogs and tutorials to learn new ways doing things. "

- MkPlay
"Do the characters you love or that you would like to do because they are just so cool. Don't ever listen to anyone who says that your cosplay isn't good or that your body-type is wrong. You are doing this for yourself. You're the one who's going to enjoy it. If something ever seems too hard, take a break, reflect, and come back to it. Have fun with what you do at all times. If it's not fun anymore, maybe it's time to give it a little rest."

- Darkesttears
"Don't be discouraged. Try everything. If you don't know how to do it, Google it. Figure it out. Plan ahead. Give yourself more time than you think you need. When it comes down to it, cosplay is about having fun. Do it how you want to. If that means poring over tons of reference photos to get the clothes screen-accurate, do it. If you prefer to do a closet cosplay, more power to you. Want to cosplay a character as steampunk, post-apocalyptic, an original redesign? Perfect. Find out how you li"

- Ginger Liz
"My advise to upcoming cosplayers would be to take your mistakes and make them a learning experience. You will see improvement with every project you finish. Avoid negative people and keep doing what you love. "

- Thread Witch
"DO IT. Find a character you like, and just start making stuff. Post on forums, find friends who are willing to dress up with you, pose for pictures if you're comfortable - just get out there and have fun. "

- Gabrielle
"Err....really everyone is still an upcoming cosplayer. You're always learning, even outside of cosplay. Remember, with enough time and research you can make even the impossible happen. Seriously it's not worth stressing yourself because you want to make a costume in a week. Plan it out. You'll save money too doing that. Really once you push yourself to make something that will last or to learn something new, you'll improve. Once I started working on a costume over more than just a week my qu"

- Utopian Pigeon
"Honestly, just be yourself and have fun. You don't have to cosplay the characters how they are down to the tiniest details, you can do your own variation of the character. I love seeing the creativity everyone has to offer and part of that is making the characters your own."

- Hanna Lynn
"Don't be discouraged by people who diss your cosplay/character. Cosplay isn't meant to impress others, it's meant to impress yourself! Also, don't be afraid to cosplay a character with a different skin color, body type, or gender! You do you!"

- Chloe Noelle
"If you know which character you want to cosplay, go for it. let no one stop you simply because you don't look right for it, whether its physique or color. Though there may be one person who ruins it, there is a substantial amount people who will thank you, talk to you, and have a conversation about your cosplay. Plus, it's a good confidence booster. "

- Shadowcoll
"Just go for it, you will make shitty cosplays, and that's fine, everyone has to start somewhere! Also DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP! Even if 5 people work on your costume, that's completely fine! As long as you credit people!"

- Alexandra Beloe
"If it's something you are really into and want to do then go for it. Make your dreams come true. You never know what the future has in store so give it a shot."

- KatieKat_92
"Ohhhh yes. 1. Make sure to plan well ahead of time if possible! You can create a costume within a day or two, but starting it well ahead of time is immensely helpful and saves you so much stress! You never know what mistakes may happen while you're making it, so giving yourself proper time allows you to fix things without running around like a headless chicken as I unfortunately did before, haha. :P 2. Wear your costume for a while around the house. It may feel weird, but it's better to t"

- Chelly Lee
"Do what you want to do! Cosplay is meant to be fun and a way to show off your skills and passions, so do what you want and have fun. Don't let anyone bring you down. "

- Princess Pig Muffin
"I am one! But I would say just do it!! It took me so long to work up the courage to make my first cosplay because I wasn't sure if it would work out or what people would think. It's important to not worry about that because wearing it for the first time was such a high."

- Rocket Cosplay
"The best advice I can give new cosplayers is to "just stick with it". Creating costumes can be difficult and will challenge you in ways you didn't expect but, in the end, its all about building your skills and having fun."

- Cnidarium Cosplay
"Don't be afraid to try something new! Play, experiment with different costumes/makeup ideas and have fun!!"

- Nickeil Genesis
"Please do not be fake. Know where you stand and start from there. Play your strengths Be better than yesterday Be yourself It's an artform not a popularity contest. You're amongst artists not celebrities. Don't do it for the glamour or attention. Don't give a damn just do it."

- Silly Little Missy
"Know your limits. Don't choose an intricate ballgown or full suit of armour as your first cosplay. Choose something small, simple cosplays develop your sewing and crafting skills and slowly expand your comfort zone. We all start somewhere, don't be disappointed if you don't look like Yaya Han out of the gate, you'll get there. Allow yourself a lot of time to experiment with techniques and maybe even allow multiple drafts of pieces. Try and find bargains for your materials, but don't go too c"

- Laura
"Don't take it too seriously, you'll forget to have fun! But also, it doesn't have to be expensive to be great or fun. There is absolutely no reason why you should try to start a fundraiser or donation pool when you can barely afford food or rent. I get it, cosplay is addicting but don't let it consume your life if it wasn't funding you to begin with because you'll lose site of what's important."

- Chanzlyn
"The greatest advice I can give somebody is don't limit yourself. Pick a character you really love, because sometimes when it gets really rough, or when you're pulling all nighters before a convention it's my love for that character and my desire to really want to do them justice that really helps me see the project through. There's is to color, weight, age, or height limitations to a cosplay. There is no reason you should ever settle for anything other than what you really love because your "

- Bumbilee
"Charlee - DO IT! Don't worry about people will think. Don't worry about how people will judge you. Just do it. If it makes you happy, and if you are really in love with what you are doing then just do it. You are responsible for your own happiness. What everyone else thinks is just white noise. Everyone is the cosplay community is more than welcoming. Also, super glue is your best friend. Miyah - Reasearch and lots and lots and lots of coffee. Don't be afraid of being afraid to do it. It does "

- Blackwater Cosplay
"Always choose something you like because you will be working on your project for quite some time! Better enjoy what you are creating!"

- Akishuna
"I didn't not built many advices for upcoming cosplayers apart my numerous advices about making props! I have a short tutorial about how I made my scissor blade (http://imgur.com/a/FEJmQ#0)."

- Leadpanda
"Plan ahead of time. Make a schedule and have your deadlines. As a seamstress, I absolutely hate when people come to me at the last minute for a cosplay and wonder why I charge an arm and a leg to make it. There are some snobs in cosplay, and I will admit that I am one when it comes to the sewing and construction of a garment, its how I've been trained in my degree. A lot of us are willing to help, you just need to ask."

- Samala
"Don't be afraid! Do the best you can do. Be proud of that work always. And most of all have fun! "

- Lyssaroo
"nothing should be perfect and always give your own flavor to your outfit! Honestly the character is in you and you should never feel like you have to really spend LOTS AND LOTS of money on one outfit. If it was meant to be it'll happen!"

- Kitty Lips
"Definitely do it with passion! If you love the character so much or the design so much, you will give it everything you got to make it as good as you can. And no matter how good it may be to this person or that person's eyes, you will feel so proud about it, and that's the most rewarding part. It is okay to chose simpler stuff because you don't have enough time to practice the techniques involved in a more intricate cosplay. When it comes down to it, just try to focus on one thing at a time "

- Koyo Cosplay
"Never let anyone tell you, you are Bad at anything. Do what you want to do, live your dreams and let them come true. :)"

- JenNyan
"Just have fun with it. Who cares if your eyebrows are brown and your character is blonde? Who cares if your character is a size 2 and you're a size 10? Love what you do, and everything else will just kind of fall into place. "

- Rachel
"Do lots of research on the character you are cosplaying, and find as many reference photos as you can before you start putting together your costume! Also, don't feel discouraged if your first attempt at making a costume doesn't turn out exactly the way that you envisioned it - learn from your mistakes and try again! Just have fun with the experience and be proud of what you have created!"

- 8-bit-daydream
"Don't be afraid to experiment with your costumes and throw yourself out there! Never be afraid to message your cosplay inspirations. They love to hear that you have inspired them in anyway."

- Ashe Rogue
"Have fun! If you're not having fun, you're doing it wrong. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there; haters are going to hate and that's their problem, not yours. There are plenty of people who will love you and appreciate you, so be confident and enjoy the experience!"

- AbbersM2
"Always remember that you are your own worst critic, but it's ok to evaluate yourself. No matter how simple or complex a project, there is always something you can learn and gain from it. And no matter what, do what makes YOU happy. Cosplay as whoever you want. No one can tell you you can't do something except yourself."

- Mayhem Cosplay
"Never hold yourself back. When you're starting out especially, don't listen to the negativity that often comes from the crappy people out there. There will always be people that will rag on every small detail if it's not perfect. As long as you're happy and comfortable in your cosplay, that's what matters. "

- Lexi
"Most people would suggest WORBLA but if you're on a budget like me, go to any craft store and stock up on craft foam! It's like EVA foam but easier to get ahold of. Also, don't ever get defeated. Sometimes it's frustrating, but keep experimenting and eventually you'll get what you were going for."

- IamtheGriffin
"Don't be afraid of not being perfect, especially on the first try. You will learn and get better but it is going to take practice and lots of hard work. All those fabulous people you see on the internet? They didn't start out that way. Just keep trying! You learn more from your failure than you do from your success, so don't be afraid to make mistakes! "

- UsagiNoSenshi
"Keep trying and don't let any negative feedback get you down. the internet is full of trolls and bastards, when you show up to your first convention in a costume you worked hard to create or put together, it is such a wonderful and accomplished feeling! Don't let lack of skill or knowledge hold you back, work with what you've got or learn!"

- Mad Macha
"Find a character you know very well. If you're confident in your knowledge of that character, all should fall in place when planning out your cosplay. When you know your character well, you yourself will know what he or she looks like, what kind of poses they make, what they say, what they do, all of it. "

- Mazaki20
"DO NOT GIVE UP. I don't care if one detail is off on your costume, and neither should you. Everybody makes mistakes so don't ride yourself for them. I can't tell you how many times I miss-hemmed something or whatever else I've done. Including opting for glue instead of sewing straps onto a shield... (not my proudest moment)"

- Sylvanaw Magnus
"My biggest advice to you is RESEARCH!! My cosplays are probably 70% research and 30% actually making stuff. Research tutorials, materials, do sketches, make a list of every single bit of fabric and material you'll need. Look at reference photos, even find other cosplayers and ask them for advice! Usually, they'll be more than willing to offer a few tips or ideas. Also, don't be afraid to fail. Sometimes you've just got to start over, and every mess-up is a learning experience. Lots of cospl"

- Sarahkitty Cosplay
"Don't be afraid to reach out to your fellow cosplayers. I've found that this is the most generous community I've ever been in when it comes to sharing tips and tricks for improving your skills. There are tons of tutorials online for just about anything you can think of. And if contacted directly, most cosplayers themselves are happy to explain how they go about making their costumes (just be sure to ask specific questions!). Secondly, don't ever be deterred by those who say that you can't cospl"

- ParaPara Yukiko
"Just be yourself. Don't try to Impress other people. And most importantly: HAVE FUN! It doesn't matter if you made your costume yourself or not. "

- Kimberley Darko
"Cosplay can be stressful, but with good planning and a good attitude you can really put forth something you can be proud of."

- Catherine
"Suggestions...Just do it. I know you are thinking about a costume you don't think you can do. Just do it. Forget Nike, that should be our slogan. Also ebay and you tube are you best friends. Seriously, I should name my first born Ebay. Learn to search it like a champ."

- Chameleon Cosplay
"Your first costumes are going to be terrible, but do it anyway because that's how you improve. Thrift stores are your best friends. Don't buy cheap wigs. People love props and little details."

- Ari Faye
"It's true. It takes quite a bit of time, money, and effort. Especially money. But even if you don't have any of those things, you can still make a really successful cosplay! Take it slow and do your research (diy tutorials are life savers!) and check out cosplay forums and blogs for where to buy certain un-makeable items, like wigs or contacts. The cosplay community is really friendly and can give you valuable advice."

- Shuga Cosplay
"If I've learned anything during my adventures, it's about how unimportant the clothes part of the cosplay is. Everyone's gone to a con and saw that EXACT replica of a character, only when you went to go talk to them, they either blew you off or didn't have any clue about what they were wearing. To me, that ruins the magic of it. I've seen an Iron Man costume made out of cardboard, and it was amazing! I've seen armor made of paper plates, I've seen a character that had the details entirely wrong"

- Nina
"Look into and try out as many different options or techniques as you can before settling on what you want to use. I changed how many of my pieces where made part way through and even now a few of my pieces could be improved if I had made them differently."

- Glen MacDonald
"You go out there and show everyone what you got! Don't let anyone bring you down because we all start somewhere and grow! Because in the end we are all just people with the same interest and there isn't a right or wrong way to do it as long as you're having fun. All cosplayers are EQUAL!"

- PyramidHeadGirl
"Do not let your skill level and access to materials prevent you from making something you want to. I have seen the most creative cosplayers arise out of situations like that. Also, If you are in college (or possibly high school) and your school has a theater department with a costume shop(or props department), get involved with them. You will not only learn how to sew better, but how to create things within a budget and time restraints."

- Toshie534
"Everybody looks at cosplaying differently, some people think that cosplayers should only make costumes for characters that they can "pull off" meaning characters they can make themselves look like, and others believe that cosplayers can be whomever they want. The bottom line is, cosplay who makes you happy and if others don't like your costume, then that's alright. If it makes you happy and you really put work into it, then be proud and don't let anybody bring you down."

- LinkStoleMyChickens
"Confidence is key! It dosen't matter who or what you are cosplaying, go out there with an amazing attitude and rock it! Choose a character that you love and have an amazing time! Cosplay is most importantly about fun! "

- Punderful

"Cosplay a character you love, not one you look like. It's a much better feeling to cosplay as a character you know and love than to cosplay someone you merely look like. "

- TweeMac
"Don't worry about what you can and can't do! All of us learned by doing. And the internet is your best friend. No matter what you want to cosplay, someone out there as done it. You can find YouTube tutorials, how-to articles, and forums dedicated to exactly what you want to accomplish. And we're an inclusive community, so don't be afraid to ask for advice!"

- StillNotSam
"If you have the means and enthusiasm, sky is the limit. But if you're anything like I was, slow and steady, ok? Nothing like picking a hard project, and at the last minute finally admitting you have no idea or time left to do it. Aah, the dreaded Ouka (.Hack Twilight) cosplay that never came to be T-T. Ask for help, and start simple. I learned all I know from trial and error, googling and asking for advice. "

- NinjaWolfess
"Be yourself and cosplay whatever you want. You will not regret it. "

- Spacehamster
"Don't get discouraged! There will always be someone else "who did it better" in your eyes, but forget that and just do they best that YOU can do. Everyone starts at the bottom so just keep going and expanding your skill set!"

- Embelievable Cosplay
"Do the best you can with what you have. When you start you won't always have the best supplies or the best skills, but if you love the process then keep at it. You'll never know where it could lead you. "

- Greenfox Cosplay
"Here are some of the best tips I know: Look up tutorials online, the internet is a fantastic resource. Don't be afraid to challenge yourself to do new characters. Dress up as characters you love - I know from experience that dressing up as a character you don't like can really suck. If you buy your costumes, NEVER buy from Milanoo!! Don't use satin in your costumes. Don't take it too seriously, there's always going to be someone better than you, so just relax and try to have fun. "

- The Toronto Carley Hayward
"I'm so new that I can't really give advice, but I've always heard, never have limits, be creative, don't do what everyone else is doing!"

- Sonny
"Don't let others, or better yet, YOURSELF, from discouraging you! There have been plenty of times where I thought I was a terrible cosplayer, or that I couldn't do something, but I've proved myself wrong just about every time. Also, failure is part of cosplaying. You will make mistakes, you will mess up, you will waste money on materials, but that's part of the experience, and you'll learn from all those mistakes. On a more practical note, do your research! I can't tell you how many hours I'"

- C2 Cosplay
"Have fun, that's the most important thing. It always seems like there's a fear of not being appreciated in your costume but the second someone takes your picture or says "Nice outfit," it's all over. So just be proud of your work because someone likes it."

- MichaelSmallwood
"Stick with it! Making things is hard, learning new skills is hard, spending hours on something and having it turn out wrong is hard...but it is all worth it! You will grow and learn and gain experience and as you do crafting will become easier. Pay attention to details now and be rewarded by their beauty later! Also, always have fun! Never let it become so serious that you no longer enjoy it!"

- Anna Lynn
"Learn more! Don't be afraid to make your own props. I ruined a headpiece so many times, and even in the end it was still a little floppy, but because I worked so hard on it I was still very proud of it. Also and probably most importantly, cosplay who you love. I see in so many threads people posting pictures of themselves asking who they should cosplay, and I can never understand that. There are an endless amount of characters you love, just pick one, and then another, and then another, and you"

- Allyson
"Well beeing a Cosplay noob myself it hard to give advice. But the one thing i could say is Cosplay is about FUN! Yes it hard work but so worth it in the end. Do it for yourself and not everyone else. Also lurn how to you GOOGLE :D "

- Kaypay Cosplay

"Just do it! Don't feel overwhelmed. Give yourself plenty of time- my first cosplay ended up taking a year to get everything together and make it to a con. Don't worry about if you match a character. Yes, my first cosplay was based on being afraid of my body shape (though I still love the cosplay). But get creative! I am doing Captain Marvel. Me in a zentai suit? Nope. So I redesigned her suit into a dress that would flatter me and will be making it. Also, don't be afraid to ask for help!"

- RAD Cosplay
"Cosplay has become this big thing with a ton of silent rules put in place to create a standard. However, cosplay is really just people who really love their fandom dressing up and showing off their appreciation. That said, I don't think anyone who is looking to get into cosplay should ever worry about their skin color, gender, size, or skill level. Did you buy your costume in a store? Great! Did you have it commissioned? Cool! Did you kill the animal and tan its hide and bleed all over your cos"

- Mowseler
"If you want to do it, then do it! Nothing is stopping you! Youtube/google it. (Always check other places for fabric, don't just look in one store or site, you can always find sales! Also don't be afraid of thrift stores!)"

- Leigherrr
"Pick a character you love and dive in. It doesn't have to be perfect, but put your heart into everything you do. People will love you for the time and energy you put into each costume. "

- Paul
"There are 15 ways to solve a problem. If you ask how to do something and someone says "X", "X" is just one of the ways to do it. Try to solve it using skills you have. On of the most interesting things for me to talk to other cosplayers about is the multitude of ways people approach similar problems."

- PDX Totoro
"Just go out and have fun don't let anyone put you down and don't put anyone else down."

- Hank Venture
"Don't be afraid to start cosplaying! Whether you're starting with a small costume, or a huge design, you can do it! Don't be intimidated by anyone, and remember that no matter what you end up with, people will still love your costume. And at the end of the day, cosplaying is about having fun and showing off your love for a character. As long as you love what you're wearing and you're having a good time, that's all that matters."

- Arya
"Don't give up! Your first costume will not be your best and your latest costume wont be your last! Enjoy what you do and revel in the opportunity that you get to give people immeasurable amounts of joy!"

- 23rdDayCosplay
"Work with what you've got and have fun."

- Christie Taylor
"i would just say.....Prepare Yourself. There fun times, bad times, and pain!! why you make ask? because of all the hot glue burns!! HAHA. But you love to dress up and like to meet new people who like the same thing as you. you'll definitely love culture phenomenon! "

- Dekamexican
"Don't listen to anyones crap and never let them take you alive."

- Jayme or Elmrada
"Don't be afraid of your costume not being "good enough" or super accurate. We're all here just to have fun, so be confident and flaunt your stuff! "

- Ashkur
"Just remember, no one is perefect and we all have to start somewhere! Even experienced cosplayers are still learning new skills. "

- TheHeroicCosplayer
"Do what you want to do, don't listen to the "haters" and have fun."

- Mr Incredible
"Yes, three that are very important for me: 1) Don't give up! The best things come when you put all your effort in it. It won't be easy, but it'll sure be worth it! 2) Remember it's all about having fun. If you forget this somewhere along the way, stop, take a deep breath, and think why are you even bothering if you're not having fun. 3) Don't judge other people! You don't know how much effort did they put on what they're wearing, nor how harmful can it be to be laughed at. Be tolerant."

- JDRagones
"Always pick a character you love! If you don't love them then the time and effort you put into it and then to wear it will be worthless. This is first and foremost a hobby and art. If you don't like it, don't do it! I started with Harley Quinn because she is my favourite character and I love to be cooky and crazy and fully escape the realities of adult life. Cosplay is like my trip to Mexico is relax on the beach. "

- Manda Cowled
"High quality reference material is key! Study them! Never be afraid to take a leap of faith, you'll never know what you might learn :)"

- Achlime Cosplay
"Do your character research for poses and behavior traits. And please, please be confident. It doesn't matter if it's your first cosplay, a store bought cosplay, or something that took you 200+ hours and cost over $1000, what really determines how much fun you have, and how good you look, is your confidence. Also, don't be afraid to ask for advice from cosplayers- in my experience they're more than happy to help you out. "

- Ellie Christina McNeil
"If it is your first time cosplaying, you probably won't get everything to look perfect. But that's okay. Experience is the #1 way to get better at cosplay. Trial and error will do more for you than any online tutorial ever could."

- KittyPurry
"Practice. I know it sounds super cliche but the harder you work, the more frequent you work the more you will learn how to make things you want to effectively and efficiently. Have fun, If youre struggling take a few days to think your problems through and come back to it. The more you rush and stress the harder it will be to be able to enjoy what youre doing. Thats obviously the reasons why you decided to do it in the first place, right? :P"

- Bamfxo
"Use Google. Research as much as you can. There is really a lot of info already out there on anything you need. I get a lot of questions from total strangers. So, it's a bit overwhelming and I don't think they realize I'm just only one person and can't give them a tutorial in a message box when asked. Personally, I rarely ask anyone when I need to know something. it's rare I do and it's usually to my close costumer friends. So their best bet is to experiment through trial and error. T"

- Stealth - The Heroes Workshop
"Sometimes it is easy to see all of the wonderful cosplays at conventions and get discouraged, but I have learned that you must keep making your ideas reality! There is always someone who will appreciate what you have made and that feeling is the best in the world! Also, make a costume that will make you happy, not just because it is something that you think will get attention. When you put your heart into a cosplay that you love, it shows! (and it makes it easier to get motivated to work on it!"

- Thalia
"I like to pick a theme, invite my friends to join and just make a night of it. There is no need to wait for a convention or an "excuse" to cosplay. Just have fun and other's will join in. Haters will always hate and you will inevitably run into people who just don't get it, but they are few and far between (mostly just guys jealous that you are getting all of the attention from the women at the bars). Wear your costume with pride. Don't be embarrassed to be "weird". Own it and have fun with it."

- Scott
"As long as you feel cool, do it! Some people cosplay characters that mean a lot to them, some do characters that have outfits they admire, some do it (notoriously) to show of their body. These are all valid reasons. There's no right or wrong reason to cosplay. It's no ones place to tell you that you shouldn't do a cosplay because it's too revealing, or that the character isn't well known. Do what makes you happy! Also, groups are a great way to start. I've had amazing fun in group cosplays, "

- Harry Price Cosplay
"Never give up and try not to be a perfectionist! Also let your imagination run wild! Make the characters your own and never break character!! "

- Lucky Conlin Cosplay
"Figure out why you want to cosplay. Are you looking for attention that it can bring? do you like creating stuff and want the challenge? do you love the character and want to pay homage to them? do you just want to have fun and goof around or do you want to win competitions? They are all valid reasons to cosplay, but they will direct you in different ways to start. if you want to get serious and win competitions focus on building up your craftsmanship by reading tutorials and experimenting. if i"

- Emileigh
"Take something with you from all the critique you get, learn from it. Don't just defend yourself, improve as well. Well if you're doing it for the attention like atleast. Know that when you cosplay, you put yourself out there and are being critiqued, learn to deal with the critique, don't get mad, don't get overly defensive. Just try your best and have fun."

- River
"Be patient. Your first cosplay probably won't be amazing. No one starts off as a pro. Thrift stores are your new best friend. And when thrift stores aren't an option, be prepared to spend some serious money. It's not a cheap hobby."

- Sonny Joon
"Do what you love. Make sure you're doing this for yourself and not others, otherwise it can be stressful. Pardon the language... But go balls deep! The first time going to a convention dressed up can be a little nerve wracking, don't chicken out! Once you're there all of your anxieties will melt away, trust me! It's so much fun, and that's what cosplaying is really about, FUN! Don't forget that part!"

- Jessica Huard/ESKJ shoes & Art
"If people say bad things about your cosplay, ignore them. You cosplay for yourself, not anyone else. "

- Drakyun
"Research, research, research. If you plan on doing a quick, throw-together costume this probably doesn't apply as much, but if you want your costume to be the best it can be, you need to research and plan. Get as many photos of your character as you can, from different angles. Start thinking of how you might be able to make each individual part, and how you plan on attaching them at the end. Research what materials you want to use. There is more than one way to make a costume, and differen"

- Cyrus
"My advice......and im sure almost every cosplayer would say the same, is that dont worry if you attend conventions alone or you dont think your costume will 'be good enough' because people will see the effort you have put in and will want to talk to you about it. If dont want to cosplay outside of your home then why not set up a page? or invite some friends to come along with you. its crazy at first i thought my friends would decline, and judge me but actually, they ended up having just as "

- Littlejem
"Do what you love and cosplay the characters you love. Never let anyone dictate what you do and never feel intimidated when it comes to another cosplayer that's doing the same character. Work it that costume, and own it!"

- El Rey Cosplay
"God, if there's anything I have to say... I'd say that there is no correct way of cosplaying. That being, we all come from different skill levels and no two cosplayers are ever going to have the same take or interpretation of a character. So what if there's minor details missing, you've tried, so at least be proud of the things you've done and not be bogged down by the things you've yet to do. In the end, cosplay is about looking at yourself in a way. Are you happy with your creation? All the h"

- Auzzie L.
"- Plan your costume for the appropriate season/weather. You don't want to be a sweat factory in the middle of the convention; trust me. - For some reason, the conventions I've been to never listed when their group shoots for each franchise was until when I receive the program the day of. Make sure you try to find the photo shoot schedule as soon as possible, so you don't have to miss it. -"

- Nova

"Tell your friends and try to go with them to events, it will give you more confidence. "

- Cathrine Anderberg
"Do not stress out over a costume, do not push your limits, learn to work with what you have, maybe even learn to sew! and practice makeup! It helps a lot. But always have fun."

- Subject Delta
"Be kind. Everyone has to start somewhere. Don't tell people how their costume could be improved upon unless they explicitly ask for the advice. If you are just starting out, don't be afraid to ask for advice. Also, this is an incredibly useful resource: http://cosplaytutorial.com/list.php. I really wish I'd found it sooner. "

- Allonsy Ahhlee
"One of the best pieces of advice I ever received about life in general could also be applied to cosplay: "Fake it ti' you make it." Yes. Fake it til' you make it. I know this may seem like a strange statement or even a simple one but believe me, it's not. 90% of my efforts into cosplay have been about winging it. Of course, do your research on a costume or how to style a wig or do your makeup, but also remember that trial error is an essential part of learning. Many of my modifications "

- Monocle Cosplay
"Take your time on your costume, don't rush it. Try and make something unique, something personal, people will recognize it! If you don't know how to make something, you've always got the internet and cosplay communities to ask questions. There are tons of people who would love to give advice and try to help you till the end. If you get any negative comments or looks, ignore them. They are not worth your time and effort in defending yourself, they don't deserve your attention. Just keep it mind "

- Tare
"Being a first cosplayer, I have learned so much. The main thing is take your time, dont rush it. Think about your plan and see if you can make it better before you even start. Dont be afraid to ask around, everyone has been so nice in answering my questions, so it doesnt hurt to ask. Dont be afraid to mess up and try new things or ideas. Also watch youtube clips... those helped me alot."

- Bat1939
"I always tell people to "be who you love" don't let your race, height, weight, eye color, hair color, gender, or sexual orientation stop you from portraying your favorite character. I'm a blonde hair, blue eyed, 5'8" kida from Atlantis the Lost Empire"

- Micro Kitty Cosplay
"BUDGET!!! Budget, Budget, Budget. Costumes can get expensive so before you even start to buy fabric, thread, or even a wig, price out everything. Wig, make up, shoes, hair pins, wig cap, fabric, sewing needles, thread, etc etc. The list can do nothing but grow. Nothing in the cosplay world is sadder than starting a costume only to figure out part way through that you can't afford to finish. Also, costume before props and make sure you can move comfortably in your costume before heading to a con"

- Alyss Says
"Don't let anyone scare you out of cosplaying your favorite character! Even if you get negative comments or if nobody recognizes you, you put a lot of hard work into your cosplay and you should be proud to wear it. Also, stick to a budget, but don't make it a solid number. Why? Because everytime you do that, you will totally blow it. There are so many last minute purchases you will make. Whether it be more fabric because you ran out or an extra accessory you just thought of to make it pop. Keepi"

- Jessie - Snowballing Cosplays
"Figure out what you want from cosplay and go for it! If you're there mostly to hang out with friends, then join some cosplay groups and work with them. If you want to revel in the fandom or get out of your skin for a day, then buy or make a costume and enjoy it. If you want attention and an audience, commission something great and work on your poses. If you want to dig your hands into the craftsmanship of it, look up some tutorials and/or just dive in!"

- Orvis
"If you're a beginner, keep it basic, and do something you love. Start simple, so you aren't too overwhelmed by taking on a big project for the first time. Also, if your project is a character you absolutely love, you'll have that much more drive to achieve your goal."

- Talia
"Do it for fun! I know it sounds cheesy, but if you over stress, your entire con will be ruined, wearing the cosplay won't be fun, and you'll just look grumpy in all of your pictures! Trust me on that one from experience! Also, don't worry if someone pulls of a cosplay better than you do. It's nigh impossible to look better than someone with a near-identical body type to a character who also put a lot of effort into the costume! And guess what? They're at every con! Hahaha! You just gotta find y"

- AOK Cosplay
"Start out small, take your time, and always be prepared."

- Adam
"Budget, plan, finish your cosplays early, and please wear makeup because you are all beautiful but everyone looks washed out on camera if they don't. Also remember to shower at cons."

- Samantha Rose
"Don't be afraid to make mistakes! I learned everything from making mistakes and fixing them. I made clothes by taking clothes apart and re-assembling them. I've taken apart all sorts of household items for props and inspiration. Yes, it's fun to be authentic, but the most importiant thing is how much fun you have while working on and wearing your project. Just have as much fun as you can."

- Jamie Costello
"Be creative! Of course you can look to other cosplayers who have done the same costume as you for inspiration, but in the end, it's you who's going to be wearing the costume, so make it to your standards!"

- Victoria
"KEEP TRYING! Your first and even fifth attempt might be no good, but keep trying and keep honing your craft. If you CAN'T or don't want to make things yourself, find someone like me who can put the time and effort into making you something that's fit perfectly and constructed for your body. Even online stuff you give your measurements to can fit strangely because every body is different. Two people with the same measurements will have things fit different because their bodies aren't laid ou"

- Maise Designs Seamstress
"Don't be afraid of what others will think. It may seem scary to cosplay if you've never do it before, but just remember that it's all about having fun. Don't let people discourage you. It takes time to learn how to make costumes but the more you work at and the more you cosplay, the better you'll get. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Some parts of a costume or prop may seem intimidating but the cosplay community is great and there are many other cosplayers out there who will give very helpful a"

- Taylor
"Buy things well in advance if you can, and buy more than you think you'll need. Not only can you return what you don't use (uncut craft foam, jewels, etc.), but you can also save yourself a trip back to the store. Use your imagination to make it work. And whatever you do, for the love of all things cosplay, try to make your weapon/prop as light as you can! My Soraka staff was made from expanding foam, paper mache, and pvc pipe for the base. The top was heavier than it should have been, but it w"

- Piff The Fairy Muffin
"Cosplay something that feels comfortable to you. Remember, you are going to be photographed, and nothing sucks more than being photographed in something that you're not 100% cozy in. Trust me."

- Ellie
"Don't let people's opinions deter you from being awesome. I was self conscious for the longest time because people would criticize my lifestyle and say that I am wasting my time. I have raised over $10,000 for charities including: JDRF, Autism Speaks, Breast Cancer Awareness Societies, Superhero Heart Runs, memorials for little superheroes that left the world too early, and many more events. Doing all of this while providing the community with a sense of pride, honor, and dedication to improve "

- Joseph
"Try handmaking as many pieces of your costume as you can! When I first started I'd sometimes buy all the pieces to my costumes, which there's nothing wrong with, but I found that making the costume you wear is so incredibly rewarding and quadruples the fun of wearing it. There's no better feeling than the sense of pride you feel when someone compliments a costume that you put all your blood, sweat and tears into. And get creative with how you make things! If you don't know how to sew you'd be s"

- YuppyGuppy
"Research. I made sure to read up on the processes as much as I could before I even began. Making sure I got the right kinds of products, followed the right procedures and took all necessary precautions. The other tip I would offer is to not be afraid to remake something. Don't settle, always strive for what you consider perfect."

- Mickey
"I say if you have even thought about doing it, just do it! Don't be afraid to go out there and take on the cosplay world. Use some of your characters' will and bravery to drive you to do it! It's such a freeing and magnificent experience, I highly suggest you do it at least once! And don't worry if you can't make your own costume. It's much cheaper and I prefer it, but that's my opinion. You can buy yours or do whatever you like! That's the beauty of it. You do what you want and you don't care "

- Shelby
"Don't let a lack of skill discourage you. Not everyone can be Kamui, cosplay isn't about that. This isn't a competition. Get creative, I was a good 5 cosplays in before I learned out to sew a hem. Just work with what you have, pick costumes that match your skill level. Pick something obscure, some of the coolest cosplays I have seen were made out of cardboard, it's all about being creative. If you make people think or catch them by surprise with your ideas they will love it. Then as you con"

- Graves
"Keep trying! Please keep trying! I think it's an established law of the universe that your very first cosplay will be a bit naff. But you really can't let that discourage you. Every single person has to be a beginner at some point. Take your time, work on it bit by bit [and for the love of God, don't throw it together a day before the convention... I... still haven't mastered that one...], look up as many tutorials as you need; they're there to help you!"

- Morgan
"Do not be extremely critical with you work. Have fun with your costume and make sure that you have fun wearing it too! Make sure it represent the character you want to be and add your own flair and style where possible. That is what will make your costume stand out!"

- Stephard
"Be what you want to be. Nothing is out of line, nothing is 'too much', nothing is worth giving up for. As one of my favorite characters once said: "I thought I had lost my honor, and that somehow my father could return it to me. But I know now that no one can give you your honor. It's something you earn for yourself by choosing to do what's right." And nothing is more right than following your dreams."

- Abeltar
"Another thing, be organized!! I believe everything moves much more smoothly with a list and a calendar. You're less likely to forget things, and can plan out your time so that it's not all last minute or overwhelming!"

- Defender Dev
"Don't be afraid to do your first cosplay, just put some work and dedication into it and make it look respectable!"

- Chris
"Be ambitiois but start with somethkng small so you cna start being rewlly proud of what you create. Each time you make something, try to learn one new skill whilst building on skills you already have - that way you'll be able to create amazing things each time!"

- Kingfisher Girl
"JUST DO IT! The tutorials are online (deviantart is one of the best places imo) and you can do it for a reasonable price! Don't limit yourself and don't compare yourself. Become someone/something you love and give yourself that incredible opportunity to see a lens through the character's eyes. PLUS. You'll look awesome doing it. Never be afraid to ask questions and never care about what others think of you. You're a beast and if you ever need a confidence boost, I'm always here to support you! "

- Crissy's Curious Cosplay
"As an upcoming and new cosplayer myself I have been trying to figure this out. I have learn so far that you should not be too ambitious with your first projects. I beat myself up because my hammer wasn't perfect but then I remembered it is my first try and I will improve as I keep at it. Practice makes perfect."

- Mandle
"Well I'm an upcoming cosplayer myself, haha! But for people just starting out, I would just tell them not to be intimidated by the seemingly high learning curve that comes with sewing and pattern drafting and armor making. Just take it one step at a time and use lots of YouTube videos! Also, don't get discouraged if you make a mistake! Just remember the three foot rule : if it looks good from three feet away, it's done! And here's a big one : DON'T PROCRASTINATE!"

- xemmradio
"You will always fight against time, money and perfection. Enjoy the battle because it makes you stronger. The most important aspect of cosplay is in the name - PLAY. Please have fun. Ask for help from experienced cosplayers. There are so many out there who would gladly lend a helping hand. I would have stopped a long time ago if it had not been for the countless cosplayers who have literally come to my apartment to help out."

- Dhareza Cosplayza
"Don't be intimidated to cosplay for the first time. There are some very talented cosplayers out there, who make some amazing costumes, but no one expects you to be a master craftsman your first time. My first costume (the 10th Doctor) was thrown together from 2nd hand clothes I bought from Charity shops. it was a bit rustic, but people still recognised my costume, and appreciated all the hard work and dedication I put into the costume. Don''t be scared to try new methods of construction. St"

- raiK0
"Don't be afraid to express yourself. If you have fun with what you are doing, you will enjoy it so much more. Never stress about what level you are at, because everyone starts somewhere. The cosplay community is so friendly, you shouldn't be afraid to go out there and express yourself!"

- Maddycat cosplay
"I know it's probably been said quite a lot, but research is a huge step in becoming a great cosplayer. Find in-game models, concept art, sketches, go frame by frame in anime, look at toys (like PlayArts) based on your character. Just getting the right shape and proportion in a prop will improve it, and that starts with templates. For those who use wood for props, hand sanding is your friend, Bondo is your best friend. Don't leave a prop bumpy because I know I regret it on my first props. Don't "

- Quite Frankly Builds
"Cosplay is an expensive hobby, so go for quality over quantity. Really put your energy and money into a single awesomely detailed costume. And don't be competitive with your cosplay friends. If someone else gets more attention than you, or more complements, or their photos go viral online just be happy for them and keep doing your own thing for your own reasons."

- Badaboom
"Basically just have fun. Work hard on your costumes and don't worry what others think if you decide to cosplay a character that doesn't exactly look like you. As long as you enjoy yourself that's all that matters."

- Typhlosionwolf
"Know people: sometimes commissions are the only way to finish your cosplay, know the people you're rooming with, and volunteer at cons to get to know the people behind the scenes. Finally, use social media to your advantage. As for the con itself: Save your best cosplay for Saturday. Bring Mio or other water enhancers. You can cook ramen in hotel coffee pots. Have a handler to help you with your stuff. Set alarms on your phones for photoshoots and events. Try to find a upcoming photographer to "

- Box of Props
"Find as many concept images of the cosplay you want to do as you can. With so many artistic interpretations out there now days you can pick and choose elements that fit your skills and style. Plan to look good and know that fans will stop you. Make sure you plan out when you want to do in advance and be prepared to stop for photos along the way. Before you buy anything for your character, whether it be a prop or garb, make sure you ask yourself "can I build this"? Also, when choosing a cha"

- Paragon Cosplay
"Don't take yourself too seriously. Have fun. Carry gorilla tape."

- Halo Kitty
"You don't need to jump in to the crazy expensive and intricate materials that advanced cosplayers often use. I made a Cyclops costume from Goodwill clothes and duct tape and some people still say that it was my best costume. You can make something from anything with the right mindset."

- Tabitha
"My advice for upcoming cosplayers would be to keep it up, and if anyone tries to tell you otherwise, don't listen. Do what you love!"

- Pyxl
"Don't do a cosplay solely because it's easy. Find out what you really like, and work hard to make that come true. Don't settle."

- Robot Rock St. Louis
"Have fun with it. don't be scared."

- TopSugar
"Surround yourself with people that bring out the best in you, people that encourage you to keep going and don't ever put you down or make you feel less than amazing. Don't feed into other people's drama because it can take the fun out of everything, and cosplay is meant to be fun. Have a positive attitude, confidence and that will shine through in your cosplay. A good corset is always a great investment for the curvy ladies out there. I try to make my cosplays around wearing one so it can help "

- Skissored
"Never stop trying, one thing you will find is nothing will always go how you plan, you need to role with it. Try your best and you will succeed. You will always feel better when you make a costume and see yourself in the mirror then just buying one. Don't be afraid of what people think of you, soon people will be coming in crowds for pictures"

- Michael
"Pick a cosplay you feel comfortable with, not one you feel you have to do."

- Duckie
"It doesn't matter if you don't know how to sew. Just jump right into it! I had never sewn before starting my Zuko costume, and now, while I'm not the best, I'd like to think I'm at least functional with a sewing machine."

- Chuloon
"I would suggest looking up tutorials and talk to people if you encounter problems in your build/tailoring. Also, it helps to go to cons in a group. It'll help you feel more confident, but also you will have someone to help take your picture if you like! (You may want to bring a nice camera, also!)"

- Amber
"Don't give up!! Keep going!! Every single cosplayer started as a beginner. Every. Single. One. No one woke up one morning and cranked out a perfectly constructed, professional-level cosplay without prior experience. I can promise that every single cosplayer started where you are now. You'll keep getting better and better the more you work at it! Try to learn something from everything you make, even if that something is "I'm never doing ________ that way again." Pick something you love, have"

- OhHeyABear - Sarah
"Start small, don't think too ahead. Let the adhesive dry properly otherwise it will break apart. You can cut off, but you can't add on."

- Diglett
"Never give up. There are so many resources online that any question can be answered. Don't be afraid to reach out and ask for help. Also, volunteer when you can! I recently took Iron Man to a children's hospital and it was one of my proudest moments. Making someone smile makes all the time and money spent completely worth it."

- Josh Stark
"Well, I myself am an upcoming cosplayer, so from one to another, don't be discouraged. Some of your family or friends might not approve of cosplay or might think it's weird, but don't let it get you down. Be creative and make something awesome to put them all to shame! Be proud of your creations! No matter how few compliments you get at home, you will definitely get recognition for your work at a convention, when you're with others that understand what you do."

- Rachel
"The convention community is so open and inviting. If you're passionate about something then cosplay it. Let your geek flag fly"

- NatashPoint0
"Talk to people, find local cosplayers and a local group if you can. Ask questions, most if not all, are willing to talk about the work they have done."

- FuzzyRocket
"Just jump in. Don't waste your time feeling embarrassed, I found most of the other cosplayers to be extremely welcoming. That's my only advice, jump in."

- Windy City Bluntman
"Think of something no one has probably ever done, or go for something unexpected if possible. I think people like to be surprised. If not that, think about what character you look like the most. Get help from others if you have questions or you're not sure how to do something. Sure it might feel better if you had no help at all, but don't let that feeling get in the way of making it the best way possible. Sometimes others might have a better idea on how to go about getting a part of it to funct"

- Polygon Sephiroth
"No matter how crappy you think your cosplay is, it is amazing. It dosen't matter if it is your first cosplay or your tenth, that is something you poured your heart and soul into and you should wear it proudly!"

- JaxxParrow
"My only suggestion for a future Cosplayer would be to not hold back, despite fear or uncertainty. When you walk in to an Expo or Con, you step into a new world that doesn't follow the same rules as the world outside. This is your chance to be everything you want, and it would be a shame if you let insecurities get in the way of that. No matter what, you are beautiful and awesome and fun, so own it."

- Little Red
"Do whatever your heart desires! Whether you make it yourself or buy from eBay, have no shame. Just be yourself and rock it! Have the confidence your character would :3"

- Ally
"Don't worry about your size or how much you look like the character. Just go out and have fun! Cosplay is a hobby that brings people together. You can cosplay on any budget and no matter what you look like. Go out and have fun!"

- Dead Pixels
"I would say try to work towards your strengths, for example, I know how to sew really well so I have chosen characters where I can sew the majority of the costume and make that look really good. But, don't be afraid to try new techniques. My boyfriend and I taught ourselves how to fiberglass resin a helmet for his Antman cosplay and that has opened the doors to future costumes and prop/armor building. In addition, cosplaying can be expensive! So make sure you're prepared for how much it is actu"

- fa_mulan
"Be thrifty and creative. My mom was an aid at my school during my pre-school to 2nd grade years and came up with lots of arts and crafts projects for us using really simple items. I've spent many weekends with her wandering Michael's craft stores and JoAnn Fabrics going "Hm...what could this be used for". Sometimes I'll see something interesting and just get it even though I don't know what I'll use it for yet. The clear bubbles on my Gozer costume were clear plastic Christmas ornaments I got"

- Eryn Roberts
"Start simple! Don't spend $700 on your first cosplay, only to discover that you don't really like it. Understand that people will criticize you, but the only, ONLY opinion that matters is yours. It is your costume, and you are wearing it. No one else matters. Also, try out photography. You might absolutely love cosplay, but not the tedious creative process. Photography is an awesome way to be a part of the community while not having to drive yourself mental making a costume."

- Luke Smith
"Just have fun! Join the costume contest!"

- Brandon
"Don't be a dick. Have fun. That's it."

- JessDresses
"Do lots of research on each character so that you can represent them accurately, and take the time to learn how to do things right the first time. Also, choose characters that you are passionate about!"

- Ari
"Be intimidated. Be scared. Be humbled. After you've felt that, jump right in and start cosplaying! We all start somewhere and I was very overwhelmed when I first start. I almost didn't pursue it but with the help of my friends and the cosplay community I built up the confidence to keep working on it, to keep improving. If this is something you're seriously passionate about it's worth pursuing. Take it slow and do it YOUR way. "

- Jennivere
"My best advice is to always let your creativity run wild. Leave no option unexplored. Need something light to carve into bones for example? Have you considered pool noodles as a starting point? Anything and everything can be used to make a cosplay."

- 9Flame

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Get to know the Participants

Bunny Rose

Cosplaying has always been such a huge part of my life ever since my best friend at the time introduced me to anime when I was 12 years old, and even before that I always loved attending conventions with my mother who is a huge Sci Fi geek! It's the most exciting feeling dressing up as one of your favorite characters at a convention and having others come up and recognize you excited themselves! I have always loved standing out and expressing my creativity through my appearance, and cosplaying i...

Smochi

Hello! My name is Krystal, and I've been a cosplayer for about 6 years now. At first, I just really loved it for craft. Sewing is awesome, dressing up is fun, combine the two and you're in for a good weekend, right? However, the deeper and deeper I got into the community, the more I realized that cosplaying has really shaped the way I carry myself and conduct relationships in all aspects of my life. It's given me a really good sense of humility, because it's hard to judge ANYONE when you dress u...

Sellexie

Hey, I'm Sellexie of Sellexie Cosplay. Being a cosplayer is a very fun and adventurous side quest in my life that started just a little over a year ago, Inspired by the amazing MLZ studio videos that I came across on YouTube and Britthebadger's amazing Sejuani and Bristle cosplay displayed at Pax that year. Props were my issue so my uncle, (Aracnoi3d cosplay) makes my props for me, as I'm still learning the tricks and trade of EVA foam and worbla. Cosplaying has been something that I wanted to d...

Katie

I have my degree in Theatre Education with an emphasis in acting, and have worked as an actor, teacher, director and model in various cities. For me, cosplaying is like getting to act in a show, except that I don't need a stage, and I can be whatever awesome character I want! ...

Kyahri Cosplay

Hi there! My name is Kyahri and im a cosplayer from Scotland! I LOVE cosplay so much! Its amazing! Everyone loves to dress up, and cosplay gives us a reason to dress up whenever we like, as characters from our favourite shows or games. Being a cosplayer really boosts you confidence wise and you learn a bunch of new skills in sewing techniques and hand crafting. I also have met so many amazing friends through cosplay, my life wouldnt be the same without them. Ive been cosplaying for a few years n...

Liana Richardson

I'm Liana, a cosplayer from Portland, Maine. I've been cosplaying since I was fourteen, and began with small anime conventions. I prefer comics and video games over anime, so I began branching out into bigger, more diverse conventions. Cosplaying is an awesome way to express your dedication to a character that you love, as well as escape the monotony of everyday life for a weekend. My favorite part of being a cosplayer is the reactions I receive from kids when I'm dressed as iconic characters. T...

Abbey Eve

To be a cosplayer is truly entering a world of conflict. As a very self conscious person I often fret the simplest things, such as losing weight for con season or making sure every detail is accurate. But no matter what my weight is or how much my outfit adheres to the original design, I still find myself in a state of bliss at cosplay events. Cosplaying opened a door to a social life, or life in general, that I couldn't imagine without it. A boundary is struck with a ball and chain when you're ...

MkPlay

Salvete! I am MkPlay and I am fairly new to cosplaying. I started cosplaying after accidentally bleaching my hair from red to orange. People told me I looked like "that girl from the fifth element." So even after getting much needed color correction I decided to become Leeloo Dallas for Halloween. It was cheap, it was uncomfortable, but it felt amazing being a character many people around me loved and recognized, especially when my costume was homemade. From there, I have tried to create costume...

Darkesttears

It is very exciting and very fun. I started cosplaying mainly because I like making my own costumes. I didn't know that it was called cosplay until I participated in my first contest back in 09. I've kept on doing it because I enjoy the response I get from people who recognize my character and also I like to compete. To be on stage and give people a good performance is a lot of fun and a possibility for me to showcase all the hard work I put into my cosplay....

Ginger Liz

I'm Ginger! I...

Thread Witch

My cosplay name is Thread Witch and I have been cosplaying since 2009. I started making cosplays on my own around 2013. Being in cosplay is fun because I love having a reason to put on crazy clothes. Cosplay is a good conversation starter too!...

Gabrielle

Hi : ) My name's Gabby and I've been doing cosplay off and on for about 6 years now. I don't do it professionally, but I'd definitely like to get more serious about it. My favorite aspect of cosplay is being able to take something that was previously only animated or drawn, and bring out an interpretation of it into the real world. I think it's really exciting. It's also fun to be able to step into the persona of character you admire for the day. Cosplay can be so many different things...

Utopian Pigeon

It's like being a normal person with a very strange skillset? Hey I'm Courtney. I'm 24, have a full time job, two cats and a lot of video games and manga. Well....a good amount. I like learning how to do random things and RPG's of all types. Strategy games are fun too, as can be FPS. Straight FPS war games aren't my cup of tea though....

Hanna Lynn

Hi! I'm Hanna! Being a cosplayer, at least for me, is all about being able to express yourself through your favorite characters. I was always shy and quiet, and always the one getting made fun of for liking harry potter and lord of the rings. Cosplay has allowed me to come out of my shell and be surrounded by people similar to me who have the same interests and won't judge me. In fact, most people I've met at conventions have welcomed me with open arms and big smiles. I love being able to play d...

Chloe Noelle

My name is Chloe, and I'm a cosplayer. Being a cosplayer is a gigantic confidence boost. In my everyday life, I am extremely shy and I lack self confidence. When I put on a costume, however, I become a completely different person. I can express myself and hold my chin up high. When people stop and ask to take pictures with me, I get a feeling that I can't explain. Cosplaying truly helps to free you and lets you step into the shoes of your character. Creating a cosplay is a bitch though. ...

Shadowcoll

My name is Shadowcoll and I have been cosplaying for about a few months surprisingly. Being a cosplayer is great. People stop you and talk to you about how awesome it looks or even people who are fans of the person or series your cosplaying. It's always nice having a conversation with people who have the same likes and appreciation on the series. ...

Alexandra Beloe

Being a cosplayer is both fun and stressful at the same time. But that's what makes it so great! I'm not the most skilled at sewing and i'm still developing my skills in weapon making, so i'm always concerned about how the audience that see my images are going to respond. I also enjoy putting my own spin on things, i'm in the middle of making a Miss Fortune from LoL, but as I don't feel confident showing my midriff, i'm throwing a vintage corset into the mix!...

KatieKat_92

My name is Kate, being a cosplayer is all about having fun doing something you love to do. Gives you a chance to express yourself....

Chelly Lee

Hi, my cosplay name is Chelly Lee and I'm a cosplay-holic. :P Being a cosplayer is extremely fun, incredibly rewarding and super addicting! I love picking out characters that I'm a huge fan of and then creating these costumes of them. It mixes these two pieces of me, nerdtastic fangirling and costume making! ^_^ Part of my looking forward to Halloween growing up was always the costumes! My family didn't have a ton of money, so I'd end up having to make my own a lot of the time and it became ...

Princess Pig Muffin

Cosplay is a wonderful way to express yourself through your favorite character(s). It helps keep me on a path to continue to learn new things and improve my skills. And persoanlly, it helps me be more comfortable interacting with strangers....

Rocket Cosplay

I'm new to the game, but so far being a cosplayer is amazing! The community is supportive of everyone whether they are just starting or have lots of experience. There are so many groups and pages where you can ask questions and people are always ready to help anyone out! The best part is that that's not even close to the support and all the love at conventions! I've never felt more at home or with family than at a convention!...

Cnidarium Cosplay

Hello! My name is Zoe and I have been cosplaying for about 1 year. I have always embraced the arts and have been creating things since as long as I can remember so making the transition into cosplay was actually quite natural for me. Being a cosplayer allows me to combine a very wide array of artistic techniques and, with them, create something I can then step into and become. The real me has always been rather shy and awkward but, by becoming a certain character, I am given the rare opportunit...

Nickeil Genesis

It's a great opportunity to build confidence and openly express yourself to the max! It's where like-minded people can show their creativity whether it be through makeup, costume design or character choice. ...

Silly Little Missy

Howdy, howdy howdy! It's wonderful to meet you! My name is Missy and I love using my talent in art, craft and sewing to create and reimagine both canon and original characters from all of the series I've learned to love and become a fan of. In short I am a fan artist. When you're a cosplayer, like with any hobby, it finds ways to consume your life (and your wallet)! Everything about cosplay is worth every penny spent. In being a cosplayer I feel that I am using the ultimate form of fan art t...

Laura

Hi there! My name is Laura and I've been cosplaying for about 4 years now, and I've loved (mostly) every second of it. I've found the cosplay community to be an amazingly supportive place. When a large group of like minded people are spending all their disposable income on dressing up like their favourite characters, you're bound to make a few friends or at least some good acquaintances. I've seen so much improvement in myself in just 4 years; being a cosplayer is constant growth, learning and s...

Chanzlyn

Hi! I'm Chanzlyn (Chance-Lyn). I'm an IT girl that does cosplay when I'm not gaming or doing something artful. As a cosplayer, its exciting, stressful, fun, intense, crazy, fulfilling, passionate, wonderful, awesome, and just too many words describe such am incredible hobby. To me it is a hobby that I just enjoy and absolutely love and something I know I could do forever....

Bumbilee

Hello, I'm Bee from Bumbilee Cosplay. I am a part time uni student, licensed cosmetologist, and cosplayer. I have always been interested in costume design from a young age, my mother taught me to sew as soon as I was old enough to start asking questions. I went to my first convention in 2012 after hearing stories from friends for years, and in 2013 I made my first cosplay. I never really intended for it but since I knew I was capable I made my first costume without so much as a pattern and h...

Blackwater Cosplay

Charlee- Well, I will start off by saying my name is Charlee! I'm a cosplayer(new) located in Montreal, Canada. To me, cosplay is a bit of a whirlwind experience! A lot of time and devotion goes into making the pieces that we wear. It is an amazing creative outlet that has almost limitless possibilities. Not too mention it is an amazing community where even the most experienced person can stand to learn something and be inspired by a first timer. Miyah- My name is Miyah Blackwater of Blackwater...

Akishuna

I've always been fascinated by costumes, I made a lot of them for LARP. The first time I went to a con I decided to cosplay a character I liked. It was so awesome to see other people who recognized the character and decided to talk to me. I felt connected to something special and really positive. Something others and I shared without knowing each other, but that connection built an easy way to communicate. I shared my love of anime and video games with complete strangers and it was fun! Also, ...

Leadpanda

My name's Jade, I usually go with Leadpanda when it's art related. I love crafting props and one of the greatest feelings is when someone recognize the character you're cosplaying and likes it!...

Samala

Hello there! My name is Samantha, (Sam for short) I'm a currently a college student studying in fashion design. I'm not really a big cosplayer other than for PAX Prime. I'm with the Cookie Brigade and we hand out cookies through out all of PAXs in the land for Child's Play Charity. While I only cosplay at PAX, I'm more of a seamstress when it comes to the cosplay realm. I make patterns from scratch and the measurements that I get from my clients....

Lyssaroo

First of all, thanks for choosing me to be apart of the interview. I'm a fairly new cosplayer, however I love it! My favorite part is being able to be apart of the community. I only have attended DragonCon and Anime Weekend Atlanta. There's just something amazing about being able to dress up as your favorite characters and express yourself along with hundreds or thousands of others. It's a really great feeling to have people compliment your cosplay as well. Cosplaying takes a lot of effort fo...

Kitty Lips

Everyone always wants to be something or someone powerful whether they actually exist or are made up. Life as we know is boring (or ATLEAST not as magical as we'd like it to be!) and I like to be connected with another world to get away from your average, you know, life. Growing up I always played dress up and loved being someone I wasn't or could never in a real world be. But as you grow up dressing up everyday is kind of not something people don't look past. Being a cosplayer I am able to re-c...

Koyo Cosplay

Hi~ I am a Canadian Cosplayer from Montreal, Quebec. I am currently completing a bachelor in computer sciences and working as a Software developer, so time management is quite a challenge when it comes to Cosplay. I have to pace myself in terms of time and budget, but that doesn't stop me to constantly try to improve my techniques. I spend almost 90% of the time that I spend online to read about new techniques, help out people and share tips. I mostly do this, along with props commissions, ...

JenNyan

I am JenNyan, and I am still at the very beginning. I'm not calling myself a cosplayer yet, because I didn't cosplay any characters yet. All my life I was addicted to animestuff, I wanted to start cosplaying when I was about 10 years old: Sailor Moon. Now I am 19, I didn't have money for it and still don't have, but I builded a facebookpage and a fashionblog to gain followers - and to get sponsored by various shops.. Including cosplayshops. I never made any cosplays because I wasn't able to - mi...

Rachel

Hi! I am very new to cosplay, but I do love it. I call it "adult dress up" It's so much fun to go to conventions and be with other people of varying talent levels. No one is "judgmental" -- People just seem to enjoy the hobby and appreciate the hell out of everyone's hard work. Being a cosplayer is fun and I am always looking forward to my next con ;)...

8-bit-daydream

Being a cosplayer is lots of fun! It's a great way to express yourself and explore your creative side. I'm very passionate about creating art, so when I discovered cosplay I was so excited to get started! Cosplay is also a great way to get out of your comfort zone and meet new people. I'm normally really shy and quiet, but when I'm in cosplay surrounded by other cosplayers, I start to come out of my shell! ...

Ashe Rogue

Cosplay is an amazing hobby/job and a great creative outlet. I get to use and develop a variety of skills and talents to try and make a character I love come to life. I'm a total geek at heart. I grew up loving all the classics from TV, games, toys, and fashion. I love Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Horror genres in TV and movies and of course anime. I'm not one of those that remembers every little movie trivia fact and believes that nerd knowledge is a superpower, like having to know "how many parsecs ...

AbbersM2

I'm a casual cosplayer in the sense that I'd rather have fun running around in a costume rather than compete. Cosplay is liberating and beautiful. It feels amazing to be whoever you want to be and have others recognize your work. I'm a firm believer in cosplay for all. Rock what you've got and make no apologies!...

Mayhem Cosplay

I'm May and I am known as Mayhem Cosplay. I am a 20 year old who loves anime, video games, cartoons, and fashion. I am currently going to school for my degree in costume design. My first cosplay was in 2009, but I started cosplaying seriously in 2012. Even though it can be stressful at times, cosplay is what fulfills me. I am able to be confident with who I am and share my passions to the world in this amazing art form....

Lexi

It's incredible and so much fun. It's like playing dress up when you were little and never really growing up! Haha, but seriously. You get to just engulf yourself in this character of your choosing, and bring it to life, as well as put your own spin on things. Whether you pick a character because you resemble them naturally, or because you love the character, it's just really cool. There's not much better of a feeling when you're in cosplay than to see people's eyes light up when you're dressed ...

IamtheGriffin

Being a cosplayer is a ton of fun in multiple ways. Personally, I love the act of actually creating something with a goal in mind. Then, of course, there's actually getting to wear and show off what you've made. It's a great feeling when people want to stop and take a picture with something you made yourself....

UsagiNoSenshi

I go by the name 'UsagiNoSenshi' on the interwebs and in the cosplay community. I've been cosplaying since 2001 and I attended my first convention (Otakon) in 2003. I've been hitting up cons and churning out a ridiculous number of costumes ever since. Being a cosplayer is a magical thing, but it's also a lot of work (for me at least). I take a lot of pride in making my own costumes. I came into this hobby with no sewing experience. I worked hard and learned as much as I could, taking the better ...

Mad Macha

My name is Stephanie AKA Mad Macha and I've been cosplaying since I was little but over the last few years have started crafting on my own. Cosplaying is my favorite creative outlet and I love sharing the experience with others!...

Mazaki20

It's a lot of fun! You get to go walk around and be a character you like for a few days....

Sylvanaw Magnus

Being a cosplayer is a lot of work with a lot of reward. A lot of dedication and time goes into each and every costume. And the reward is how people light up when you've brought their favourite character to life....

Sarahkitty Cosplay

Hi, I'm Sarah, or Sarahkitty. I've been making costumes since I was about 13 years old, but I only recently got serious about cosplay in February!...

ParaPara Yukiko

Hello! I'm ParaPara Yukiko. I've been cosplaying for about 8 years now, and it brings me joy unlike anything else. I discovered a love of sewing after taking a class in high school, and soon after I discovered the amazing world of costumes. Cosplay is a very time-consuming, expensive and sometimes nerve-wracking hobby, but the experience of wearing a costume you've made yourself to a convention with a ton of other like-minded people makes it all worthwhile....

Kimberley Darko

I'm Kimberley! A 23 years old Canadian artist and cosplayer, who actually started cosplaying more seriously just one year ago! Being a cosplayer for me is just simply transforming myself for a moment into a character that I truly love (in a movie, tvserie, comic or videogame). I do it simply for fun and that's what everybody should actually do! Being a cosplayer is simply showing your love for a character! :)...

Catherine

My name is Catherine. I really like being a cosplayer, especially when I get asked for pictures or how I built my costumes....

Chameleon Cosplay

Cosplay is the best thing I have ever done for myself. It's by far the most expensive thing, but also the best. I fell into it by accident, one Halloween costume that I took too seriously then spread into a career and a way of life. I found out about cons about three years ago and realized what I had been missing. Here is a place where everyone cares as much as you do about things you love, and literally wears their interest on the outside looking for someone to come talk to them about it. Cospl...

Ari Faye

Hi my name is Ari and I've been cosplaying for about 10 years. I've been cosplaying more seriously for the last 2 years. I've loved dressing up ever since I was a kid, but have only recently gotten the funds, time, and support to work on cosplaying. It can be frustrating at times, working on the costume the week before the con while realizing that you don't actually know how to do anything and you hate sewing and oh god why am I doing this again? But it's always worth it when you put it all ...

Shuga Cosplay

It's lots of fun. I'd definitely say it's an emotional roller coaster, though; you go from the giddiness of all the costumes you want to make, to the grim realization of how much you've spent on material, to the stress of finishing your costumes on time, so the excitement of actually wearing the costume, and the sheer amazement when you look back on the photos and see yourself as others saw you....

Nina

Hello there! Being a cosplayer is a little difficult to describe, honestly. When I first started, it was just like Halloween (but every day), which was awesome! Then, as I got more into it, I realized that it's actually more about finding out a bit about who I am and what I want to be in an ideal world. It started off as looking cute in an outfit, but now it's become an obsession to be at my personal best physically so I could become as close to the character as I could possibly get. It's ab...

Glen MacDonald

Hi, I'm Glen, also know as Brakilla while online. I'm new to being a cosplayer but it takes a lot of time and work making a good cosplay, but in the end its all worth it when you get to go and show your creation to the world. At PAX 2014 I felt like a celebrity with everyone taking pictures and complementing I have never experienced anything like it, it was truly amazing....

PyramidHeadGirl

Hello my name is Jessica and I'm 24 years old. I have been cosplaying since 2002. It's fun being a cosplayer! I love getting to dress up as different characters that I like and getting to become them. I like to meet others who like the same characters and all in all I enjoy the fun in it!...

Toshie534

Hello I am Charlotte, since I am not a professional or anything, to me being a cosplayer is like dressing up for Halloween multiple times during the year. Then spending the rest of the year working on and coming up with different cosplay ideas. I'm concurrently in college studying for a degree in theater and costuming. so obviously there is a lot of bleed over between my major and cosplay....

LinkStoleMyChickens

Being a cosplayer has it's ups and downs. Not many cosplayers will admit that there are in fact downs, but I like to be completely honest. The work is grueling and sometimes near impossible, especially if you are working with foreign materials. These costumes take time, and I don't have much left for friends and family especially when I'm trying for a deadline. Not that I'm complaining, because guess what? Every single second of it is absolutely amazing. Every creative molecule in my body goes t...

Punderful

My name is Punderful! I am a Canadian cosplayer based in both the Toronto (GTA) and Durham Region. I have been cosplaying for a little while but just recently started posting my stuff online. I adore to cosplay since It allows me to become the characters I've fallen in love with. I've learned so many wonderful things through cosplay and I've met so many wonderful people! Making costumes is extremely fun and is always trail and error! Sometimes it takes a couple of tries to get things right, but ...

TweeMac

My name is Twee, and it's pretty fun to cosplay. To be able to bring your favorite characters to life is awesome, but when people ask you for pictures? Oh, boy. That's the best part. You know your cosplay is good when people ask to take pictures of you. It's so exhilarating. I love working on costumes and making something out of my own two hands. The feeling I get when I'm finished is the best. ...

StillNotSam

I'm Samantha, and I'm what I like to call a "casual competitive" cosplayer. I work very hard to make competition-worthy costumes, but I don't really have any interest in getting fans or becoming famous. I've only been cosplaying for about a year, but I've been into costuming and theater all my life. Being a cosplayer is amazing--it's a great way to meet people who love the same things you do, and join a supportive and fun community....

NinjaWolfess

Hi guys! My name is Shelby. I'm a cosplayer in Edmonton, Alberta. I'm a receptionist during working hours, but in my leisure I'm a gamer, anime geek, and music addict. What its like to be a cosplayer.. one part clothing-freedom, one part McGuyver'esque "challenge accepted", a generous dash of "They really like my outfit! So many pictures!!", and garnish with playful escapism. ...

Spacehamster

Hello! I'm Carly AKA Spacehamster! I am brand new to cosplaying but have been following it for a very long time. I can't describe the feeling I get when I'm a character from one of my favorite games/shows etc... It's wonderful to just have fun and take a break from my very normal life....

Embelievable Cosplay

Hi my name is Emily and I have been cosplaying for 3 years. Cosplaying is a really fun hobby because it consists of so many different skills, and each time I choose a character I learn a new skill or build on what I already know. The other thing I like about cosplay is that their is a definite feeling of accomplishment with cosplay which I haven't found with any other hobby I've tried....

Greenfox Cosplay

Hi there! My name is KitKat, I've been cosplaying since 2004 when I was a freshman in high school. My love for making costumes inspired me to pursue a degree in fashion design, but after my first two years of college I decided sewing was a hobby love, not a career love. Though after college, besides making my own cosplay costumes, I've done some work as a costumer for local children's theaters. For me being a cosplayer is taking on a challenge, i find character's I love or outfits that call ...

The Toronto Carley Hayward

Hey! My name is Carley, I'm a cosplayer/lolita located in Toronto, Canada. I've been cosplaying for 4 years now, it's one of my biggest hobbies. Cosplaying is a great way to show off your sewing/creative skills, and it's definitely a good use for you money (;_;). Cosplaying has really helped me to get out of my shell - especially taking the metro in full costume! I love being part of such a great community, and I've met many of my good friends through conventions and cosplay. ...

Sonny

I'm very new at cosplaying and have only been to one con so far... But I've always loved to dress up and do makeup... Everyone I met at the con was so creative and nice, it was unbelievable. Cosplay is an awesome opportunity to meet new people and be yourself (or not yourself) for a few days a year. Follow me on Instagram @cosplaybunny...

LeBlanc

Being a cosplayer is one of the greatest things you can call yourself. It gives you a sense of belonging to a group that is fun and creative and imaginative. ...

C2 Cosplay

Hi! I'm C2, and I've been cosplaying since 2011. Cosplay is a fantastic hobby that I recommend to anybody that has ever wanted to be a character that they admired from a book, comic, game, movie, cartoon, whatever. It's allowed me to be creative and cultivate so many different skills, like sewing, propmaking (which I actually want to do for a living), makeup, armor patterning, foamsmithing, just SO much stuff, and I still just consider myself a beginner....

MichaelSmallwood

I'm a professional actor and writer, so cosplay has always been a natural extension of my love of performing and my love of fandom. But cosplay is a lot more freeing, in terms of being able to assume any character you want and interacting with people in a completely spontaneous, freeform way. I also like finding characters that have magnificent costumes to put on and live in, but are also a little more infrequently portrayed at conventions....

Anna Lynn

Being a cosplayer is an absolutely amazing experience! I've never done anything like it before, it is completely unique. I'm able to connect and bond with an insane amount of people because of our shared interests at conventions and gatherings that I never would have been able to meet otherwise! The cosplay and convention community is the most open and accepting group of people I have ever had the pleasure to be a part of, and is definitely one of the reasons that I keep cosplaying and going bac...

Allyson

Entering the cosplay world has probably been one of the most exciting things I have ever done. I love becoming characters that I grew up with or that I'm passionate about now that I'm older. The first glimpse of a completed costume is so worth all the anxiety I feel putting things together. Thankfully, the cosplay community has been so welcoming, and I love debuting a new costume at conventions or improving on a previous cosplay. I've always dealt with social anxiety, but while in costume it is ...

Kaypay Cosplay

Hi , i'm Kaypay ! This is my first year cosplaying and I also attended my first ComicCon as a cosplayer this year. I'm really new to the cosplaying world but i enjoy every bit of it :) Having people come up to you with a big smile and ask for a picture is always the best part. Being a shy person cosplaying is helping me open up to the world and meeting new people ! I think the community is really amazing and it fun to share ideas /questions and actual victory with each other. I'm all ready ...

RAD Cosplay

Hi there! I'm Rachel, I'm 27, and I just got in to cosplay recently after telling myself for years I couldn't do it. Being a cosplayer has been one of the most positive experiences in my life. I get to use my theater background, my love of making people laugh, my artistic eye, and my joy for all things nerdy. You meet so many amazing people, it's fantastic! ...

Mowseler

Hello, I am Mowseler, a mega nerd from Central Florida with a mild obsession with Star Wars and video games. Cosplaying is like a breath of fresh air - it allows you to unearth something within you that you might be afraid of bringing to the surface. Ever since I started cosplaying in the public eye a little over a year ago, my confidence has grown immensely, and I have been able to streamline my need to be creative into something that everyone can enjoy....

Leigherrr

OHai, my name is Leigha. I don't fully call myself a cosplayer. I feel that most cosplayers continue their work and do more often than I seem to. I'm mother of a 7 year old daughter and I dropped out of high school to raise her. A lot of ups and downs but I have always loved cosplay, so I've made about 3 different outfits but money/time/attentionspan I haven't worked on anything else. I haven't been to many cons for that reason. So I do cosplay, I just don't do it as much as I would like to. Wit...

Paul

Hi! I'm Paul, and just got into cosplaying in the last couple of years. Picking out the right character to be, and getting the costume together is fun, but my favorite part will always be the way I see peoples faces light up when the notice my cosplay, especially that of children. Once I see that, I know all my hard work has paid off. ...

PDX Totoro

Being a cosplayed is a little like being a celebrity, for an hour or two. It's also like a giant costume party, where you get to put your creativity into overdrive, and then hang out with a bunch of other people that do the same....

Hank Venture

Well truly this was my first year doing it. I love dressing up for Halloween, when my boyfriend and I decided to go to Texas comicon in San Antonio I knew we need to dress up. We talked about different ideas we wanted to do a duo cosplay. We went from Batman and Robin to Finn and Jake but those are cosplays that very popular and done often so we looked to the more obscure duo characters. My first idea was Chromedome and Rewind from Transformers: More than meets the eye, but we didn't have the ti...

Arya

Cosplaying has become a huge part of my life. It is so amazing to be able to put on a costume and become my favorite character. Once I put on a costume, I'm not me anymore. I am 100 percent in character. When I cosplay, people will come up to me, just to tell me that they are so happy that I am cosplaying their favorite character. Cosplaying is so rewarding. I cosplay to represent my love and passion for the characters that I cosplay, and my simple act of cosplaying a character makes another per...

23rdDayCosplay

Hi there, We started cosplaying as a second thought to attending cons in our local area (colorado DCC). We found out about Denver Comic Con 23 days prior to attending and in that time period decided that we would attend dressed up! We threw together our first costumes in a flurry of excitement and got such rave reviews that we have been costuming ever since!...

Christie Taylor

I like making costumes. That's the short story. I've always been artistic and costume creation on a budget presents challenges that I have to use my brain to overcome. I'm unquestionably a nerd. I've got an advanced science degree and spend every Saturday night playing a pen and paper RPG with friends I first met at a SciFi convention. I'm an avid gamer and devour manga. Cosplaying allows me to show reverence for characters who enriched my life while stimulating my brain....

Dekamexican

Hola,My name is Ivan AKA Dekamexican. For me being a Cosplayer is leaving your normal life for maybe a couple hours or even a whole weekend and becoming someone you never thought you could be. Its being a Superhero, a Villain, a Creature or even a pikachu. its costume play, bringing a character to life!...

Jayme or Elmrada

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Ashkur

If you had told me a few years ago that I would be going to "nerd conventions" and dressing up as anime/fictional characters, I would have called you insane: I tried to hide my geeky side at all costs. Yet, here I am! Cosplaying has opened so many doors for me and led me to some of the best friends I've ever had. It's the perfect hobby for those of us that are passionate about our fandoms, craftsmanship, and overall geekery - not to mention it's a way to escape reality for awhile. My first time...

TheHeroicCosplayer

It's the most wonderful thing in the world I'm so happy I got into it! It gives you the courage to express yourself as flaunt your masterpiece(s)! I mainly Crossplay (Dressing as the opposite gender), but I do cosplay some characters that are my gender. ...

Mr Incredible

It's fun. Making people smile when they see me, when I pose with them and when I put reality to their expectations....

JDRagones

Hi! I'm Juli, the crazy dragon lady (?). I've started cosplaying not so long ago, around november 2013. For me cosplaying is an awesome hobby, because I feel creative while making the costumes and super happy when I'm characterizing my most beloved characters! You also get to know lots of people with the same interest, and most of them are very kind and supportive. It's a very nice community <3...

Manda Cowled

I'm still pretty new to cosplay, I started cosplaying last August at Fan Expo in Toronto. I normally cosplay with my Cosplay Group The Geekettes. My best friend Ashe Rogue got me into it and helped me with many of my first cosplays, I'm trying to do more on my own and commission a few. I'm first and foremost a comic book nerd who is getting into anime and video games. I'm NOT good at video games but I love them, and I'm slowly becoming deeply obsessed with anime! :) Being a cosplayer is ...

Achlime Cosplay

Hey, I'm Ben, better known as Achlime Cosplay. I'm a Brisbane (Australia) based Cosplayer. Game of Thrones, Anime, Video Games and Pop Culture enthusiast and Graphic Designer by 'trade'. What's it like being a cosplayer? gosh... I find it exciting! I've made a lot of great friends through cosplay....

Ellie Christina McNeil

Being a cosplayer is belonging to an inclusive and fun group of people, willing to share their passion for a character by bringing them to life. ...

KittyPurry

Hello! My name is Katie. Being a cosplayer is unlike any other hobby. Not only do I have the opportunity to express myself and pay homage to my favorite games and fandoms, but I can also wear these works of art at conventions for others to appreciate. It is a hobby that not everyone understands, but the cosplay community is tight-knit and accepting. I love meeting others who cosplay and discussing our methods for creating our costumes, as well as working together for photoshoots. I have had plen...

Bamfxo

My names Sheri Lewis. I am a new cosplayer from Vancouver Canada. Cosplay was something I decided to do because I have always been a huge fan of dressing up. Ever since I was a kid. Ive also got a lot of time on my hands so I am always doing crafts and artwork. I figured why not create something I have never imagined of being able to do? Cosplay. I tried doing it a few years back and for the most part I enjoyed the whole creative and mathematical side of figuring out how the heck Im going to mak...

Stealth - The Heroes Workshop

Hi, My name is Stefano (STEALTH). I started making costumes in 2009. I used to be a B-boy (Break Dancer). I suffered a knee injury and needed to recover. I ended up started to learn about costuming and that sort of took over once I knew this was something would allow me to recreate costumes of my favorite characters. I've been doing it ever since. I wouldn't classify myself a cosplayer. I'm mainly just a costumer maker. I try to cosplay when I can when I'm not too busy. My costume ch...

Thalia

My name is Arianna a.k.a Thalia and I have been cosplaying for about 2 years now! However, I have been creating and wearing costumes since I was a child. My Mom, Grandma, and Great-Grandma are the ones who began creating epic Halloween costumes for me and I have now taken that costume tradition from Halloween to a year-round venture. When I went to my first con in the Portland Convention center, I instantly fell in love with cosplaying! The community is what really inspired me to take my costume...

Scott

I only recently got into cosplay a few years ago when a friend of mine invited me to go to an Irish pub wearing a kilt. I decided to go full Braveheart with the facepaint (technically Scottish, I know). We had a blast and I instantly feel in love with the gimmick. Shortly after that I did a zombie pub crawl and had another great time. I've only cosplayed a few times a year since, but it is something I can see myself doing for years to come. I tend to enjoy doing cosplay the most when it isn't ex...

Harry Price Cosplay

Hello! My name's Harry and I've been cosplaying for just over a year. It's been an incredible journey. I used to be very embarrassed about it because a lot of my friends didn't really understand it, but as time went on and my Facebook started to fill with cosplay friends, it became habbit to post cosplay-related happenings. Eventually my friends from university started asking about it and they really encouraged me to go for it and be more open. That created my Facebook cosplay page and it's bee...

Lucky Conlin Cosplay

As a girl who spent an entire planning and prepping for halloween night, Cosplay was a natural hobby for me. I have always been the type of person who got overly attached to fictional characters in books and movies and the to dress up and become that character for one night was always such a thrill for me. I live in a city that hosts a very large convention every summer and my first time witnessesing the Cosplayers downtown I started my pursuit of becoming one of them. I started out small playin...

Emileigh

I'm Emi. I'm a 22 year old cosplayer and college student. Being a cosplayer isn't much different than being a "normal" person. I just have a fun and creative hobby. I love creating stuff and the act of cosplaying at conventions and so forth allows me to meet new people and gain friends....

River

Hey, my name is River, Cosplaying for me is sort of like a sport, everyone is competing for attention, this is what makes cosplay fun for me. I love the challenge of making something that will get people excited and happy. When I see some of the faces of people who get excited that their favorite character was there really cheers me up. ...

Sonny Joon

I've been a cosplayer for two years now. My friend got me into cosplay and conventions back when I was still in high school and the subject was completely foreign. Now, it's my favorite hobby. To be a cosplayer is to be a creative person that really loves whatever it is they're blowing their bank account trying to recreate. It's an enjoyable hobby that shouldn't be taken too seriously. In the end, it really is all for fun....

Jessica Huard/ESKJ shoes & Art

It's great! You get to be as creative as you want and pretend to be someone else for a little while.... You can still be a kid at heart <3...

Drakyun

My name is Drakyun, I am 18 years old and just got in to cosplaying. Cosplaying is alot of fun, many people (like myself) love escaping reality to be someone other than themselves....

Cyrus

Hi, my name is Cyrus. I'm currently a university student at the University of Toronto and, as is with most cosplayers, I'm a bit of a nerd. I love movies, video games, anime/manga, books - pretty much anything that can immerse you in another world. I actually just started cosplaying, with my Destiny Hunter costume as my first ever. Being a cosplayer is fun, it's especially rewarding when people tell you they love your costume, or want to take a photo of you, after you put in hours and hours ...

Littlejem

Hey my name is Littlejem or Jem, and ive been cosplaying for almost a year now :) i first got into cosplaying by being a little more out-casted by other girls because i liked playing games and watching anime, When i went to uni i joined the anime and games society which then lead me into cosplaying. Being a cosplayer really makes it easy to surround myself with the kind of people i enjoy talking to. The community cosplaying builds is like nothing else for me. Not only that, it gives me someth...

El Rey Cosplay

My name is Eric, I'm based out of Ventura County, California. I started cosplaying in 2008 and I love it! For me, it's about the people. I enjoy dressing up and getting to act out my characters personality, but the joy I see from other people is what makes it the most rewarding. It's what makes hecklers tolerable....

Auzzie L.

I'm Auzzie, and it's been a real adventure being a cosplayer since I started a year ago! Being a cosplayer isn't a cheap hobby; my wallet's tried to off itself from the costs of materials to the costs of travelling to new places. It's not an easy hobby by any means, making a costume requires you to test your patience as well as extend them to limits you never knew existed. But is the pain and sacrifice worth it? Definitely. Getting to wear something your own hands have spent hours into making...

Nova

Brand new cosplayer here! I only started cosplaying this May at Anime North, but so far it's been quite the adventure, making costumes, figuring out how to put it together (last minute), and ultimately showing your appreciation for the various characters that you love. Since I'm new, I'm not too invested just yet... I still have a lot of other hobbies too, and there are days where you really don't want to work on your cosplay. It's okay, though, when you're finished and satisfied with your costu...

Cathrine Anderberg

Well my name is Charlotte, im called Cathrine and thats what y name shall be within half a year. I been cosplaying for about 1 year now. And I have always wanted to be a actor, so cosplaying is a moment where I can act out my favorite characters and its the best feeling! ...

Subject Delta

I'm Subject Delta. I am striving to be an expert cosplayer and I have been cosplaying for a while now. And for me, being a cosplayer is not always about having the better costume or props or whatever. For me, cosplaying is mostly for fun. But Getting to be your favorite character even just for a day, is amazing. you don't HAVE to look perfect. Really. If you wanna be iron man made completely out of duct tape and cardboard, who can say no? And the best part is, there will ALWAYS be somebody who ...

Allonsy Ahhlee

It's a lot of fun! I'm really extroverted but also really shy, so it's a nice way to meet people and make friends. Since there are so many people at conventions there's a good chance you won't run into someone again if things get awkward, and I find this really liberating. It's also amazing to cosplay an obscure character that you love and find someone else who knows who you are and also loves them. I have found that a lot of friends that I've made this way have several mutual interests and are ...

Monocle Cosplay

Hello! My name is Kim and I am part of Monocle Cosplay: a duet cosplay group composed of myself and my boyfriend. I've been cosplaying for close to four years now I think and it has been one of the most educational hobbies I've done in my life. Cosplaying is very much a rewarding experience for me. To be a cosplayer you expand your horizons and meet new people. A lot of the time it's less about the costume and more about the community surrounding it. What's it like? It's stressful, it's pain...

Tare

Hi! I'm Tare, that's how people normally know me online and in the cosplay world. I'm 23 years old and I'm from The Netherlands. I discovered cosplay when I was about 14 years old. I started visiting convention around the same age as well, attending 2/3 conventions per year. At the moment I live in the UK and I'm attending less conventions than I used to, because I live quite far away from i.e. London where most of the biggest conventions are. I love to make armour cosplay, because I really suck...

Bat1939

Hey my name is Kevin or Bat1939. I am very new at cosplaying. So I don't really know what it's like being a cosplayer. What I can tell you from working on my suit for about 2 months it's pretty stressful and it take time, you can't rush it....

Micro Kitty Cosplay

Well, it's all fun of course. I have been doing this for 9 years and have completed over 50 costumes. I'm just like any other person in their twenties, I go to college, I work and I have a dog..... who likes to eat my cosplays. Some people like sports, some like drinking; I like dressing up and meeting other people who do the same on my weekends.... and also a little bit of drinking ...

Alyss Says

Hi, I'm Denise and my best friend's name is Krista. Together we are Alyss Says, cosplaying duo and boutique. Ever since we were younger we would always play dress up. We would play dress up pretty much every day and we would get so excited for Halloween that we would count down the days leading up to it. Eventually when middle school began and our dress up clothes were put away, we got into fashion styles like Gothic, Punk, Lolita, and Steam Punk. A few years later when we started high school, w...

Jessie - Snowballing Cosplays

Hi! I'm Jessie, from Montgomery County, Maryland. I suppose I have been "cosplaying" every year on Halloween with my mother's help since I was born (I mean, it IS the best holiday). But I didn't start cosplaying and making cosplays myself until last year. As a female, being a cosplayer can be difficult at times because we face a time where many people assume someone does a cosplay because they are attention hungry. Generally, these cosplayers are one's who tend to oversexualize characters. But i...

Orvis

I love to experiment with making things I never have before. My process has a lot of research, prototyping, problem solving, and failures along the way. Cosplay is a different experience to everyone who participates, but I'd say that the most important aspect of it to me is the craftsmanship. Actually walking around a con is a wonderful experience--being part of the culture and hopefully making con-goers day with what I've made--but it's the sheer creation of cosplay that really does it for me...

Talia

Hey, I'm Talia, and I guess this is the first time I've really considered myself to be a cosplayer. I have only been really cosplaying for a year now, and I've only been to one convention so far, my second one is coming up in a week. Before, I would just make very elaborate Halloween costumes based on my favorite video game characters, until someone asked me to cosplay as Sonya Blade with their group of friends dressed up as the Mortal Kombat crew. Since then I've been hooked. Being a cosplay...

AOK Cosplay

Cosplay is so hard to define. It's fun, stressful, amazing, terrifying, competitive, inspiring, motivating, the list honestly goes on. Being a cosplayer is definitely one of the most enjoyable things I've ever done though! It eats my wallet alive, but it's almost like my wallet is a sadist or something because it loves every second of it. I really do enjoy it though. You meet so many amazing people with similar interests to you and there's so many talented people! I honestly can't get enough of ...

Adam

Well, I have not done too many cosplays, but I just started out. Cosplay is basically being a character in real life. Ever since I was young, I've always wanted to be someone extraordinary, like a superhero or a savior. Cosplay helps me get as close to the idea as I want to, because 90% of the time, I can't have swagtastic swordplay skills or unbelievable parkouring ability, or harness magic, or fly. So, cosplay helps me think I can. I still realize I can't fly or be a superhero, but I'm pretty ...

Samantha Rose

I have been a cosplayer for 2 years now, and it has grown to be my passion. I started watching anime and playing games when I was very young so cosplay is like a dream come true to me. I consider my cosplays to be a sort of Fan Art since I put my body and my designs into a character....

Jamie Costello

For me cosplay is about showing your love for a particular character. It is fun, creative, and meaningful as a hobby....

Victoria

So far I haven't gotten too deep into cosplay because I'm just starting out. Last year, I went to a con in Montreal called Otakuthon, and from then on I was inspired to create something myself. It took me forever to figure out what I wanted to cosplay, but when I did figure it out, I was set. It took me a while to actually create the costumes from scratch but I think I did an okay job! At the con this year, I was super happy whenever someone would ask to take a picture of or with me. It's all ne...

Maise Designs Seamstress

I'm not technically a cosplayer, but a seamstress who makes creations for cosplayers to wear. I've made dozens of costumes that have won awards and been internationally appreciated. I've have Kotaku features and the like. I've worked with cosplayers great and small and love them all the same. Working with Jessica Nigri has definitely been the most exposure I've gotten and some of the best costumes I've made! I like working with everyone though. The cosplay world has given me a creative out...

Taylor

It's so much fun! Cosplay allows me to express myself. I'm usually a shy and quiet person but I think cosplay has helped me break away from that. It also requires a lot of hard work and time, but it's totally worth it. It's an awesome feeling when you see the final product come together....

Piff The Fairy Muffin

My name is Piff. I'm 21 and I've been making an assortment of different types of costumes since I can remember that span throughout my elementary to high school years. My first anime convention was Youmacon in Detroit, MI which was a lot of fun, though I work both Youmacon in Detroit and Anime Central in Chicago, and I attended my first Chicago Comic Con this year as a con-goer rather than staffer. I do dance hoop and I'm about to graduate with my associates in graphic design in the Spring of 20...

Ellie

Pretty cool! I wish I had more time to be more dedicated and had more money to go to more cons!...

Joseph

Hi! Growing up I didn't have any role models or heroes. Both my parents were out of my life and I had to raise myself. My grandparents bought a house for my brother and myself to live in and occasionally we got food but we didn't have any parents. My mom was out of the picture and my dad was either at the bar or in jail. When I was old enough I decided that working at a daycare would be a good way to help children grow into responsible young adults and it was the time of my life. I was immed...

YuppyGuppy

I'm YuppyGuppy and I don't actually have a cosplay fanpage on Facebook like some of my cosplay friends because I'm still very inexperienced and the quality of my cosplays aren't quite ready for that step yet! I've been cosplaying since I was in seventh grade (which would be 2007) but I didn't go to my first convention until I went with a friend to Megacon 2011. For some cosplayers, cosplay is all about the process of creation, the challenge of making a costume that was never meant to exist in re...

Mickey

Cosplaying is a great display of ambition. I've known a lot of people that initially got into cosplaying because they wanted to feel like they were someone else and really get lost in the idea of leaving themselves behind as they embodied whoever or whatever they wanted. I initially got into it as a challenge of craft. When I first put on my suit, I understood the desire to be someone else. It was fun, it was new, it was a chance to be completely different. My imagination runs wild constantly an...

Shelby

Hey guys! My name is Shelby and I just recently stepped into the cosplay world! This year for my local con, I made my own Shiro cosplay and it was more simple and fun that anything I could imagine! Cosplaying is such a freeing experience, I recommend it to anyone who has considered it. For a while, you get to be someone totally different. You can even be someone's role model if they hold that character high enough. But the greatest thing about cosplay is you can be ANYONE you want regardless of ...

Graves

My name is Chris. I am a 29 years old and I live in NYC. I love attending conventions of all types and I love cosplay. I have been cosplaying on and off since I was in high school. At first it was mostly just as halloween costumes so I didn't really think of it as cosplay, but it certainly was. 6 years ago I started dating a girl who shared a similar passion for dressing up at cons and we have done it since. I have gone from cosplaying simple stuff like, The Great Saiyaman to Alphonse Elric. ...

Morgan

Hi! My name is Morgan, but a lot of people call me Tor. Being a cosplayer is just a whole lot of fun. I first got into it because it really makes a difference going to a convention in a costume, instead of plain clothes. After that, I got into more of the photography scene, and even things like fashion and lolita culture. Cosplay's really helped to develop me in terms of confidence, motor skills (prop-making, sewing, painting), photo editing, and speaking to people. I have been diagnosed with ...

Stephard

I definitely find it to be a lot of fun. I do it more for Halloween more than anything but would love to have the opportunity to attend a convention as it always look jam packed with talented and passionate cosplayers! It is an incredible feeling to build you own costume from scratch and be someone completely different for a night. The comments you receive from creating the costume all buy yourself are totally worth the time and effort too! I would always choose creating my own costumes over buy...

Abeltar

Hi! My name is Abel. I'm not as much a cosplayer as someone who, from a very young age, had loved the idea of living in a world like the ones I found in my books. It all began when I started reading english. I picked up Winnie the Pooh when I was about 8 years old. From then on, there was no stopping me. I was 9 years old when I first read Eragon, I re-read the Harry Potter series when I was 11. The unintentional trap had sprung and I was caught. As many children my age, I used top play RuneScap...

Defender Dev

IT'S WAY PAST COOL! I there is nothing more soothing than fun than the feel of fabric going through a machine, waiting patiently as you craft it into something spectacular.... Unless you're doing it last minute, then it's very stressful and probably time to call a friend for help! @_@ I love that I get to be creative, and my limits are as far as I'm willing to take myself to achieve my goals!...

Chris

Being a cosplay for me is about being able to pay homage to the games/movies/anime you love, enjoying the process of making the cosplay, and sharing it with other fans!...

Kingfisher Girl

Even though my facebook page is new, this year makes my 10th anniversary of cosplay! I make all of my costumes myself and love seeing outfits come together from the raw materials :) I love cosplaying - it gives me more confidence and nothing beats the looks on someone's face when they recognise you - I'm always looking for more opportunities to cosplay!...

Crissy's Curious Cosplay

Hello you lovely, lovely people. My name is Crissy! I am 23 years old, currently enrolled for my Master's in Social Work and a certificate program in costume design, Korean-American, and 4'11". I am Kamala Khan in the Arizona Avengers and I LOVE IT! Being a cosplayer is exciting, stimulating, busy, stressful, therapy, art, a race against time, fabulous, challenging, SO BADASS, making friends, inspiring yourself/others, and makes-you-want-to-hulk-out-in-all-the-good-and-bad ways. Mostly, it's F...

Mandle

I have only very recently started getting into Cosplay. I have followed a few prominent cosplayers for a couple years but never made anything really until now. For me, building the costume and it's parts is kinda like a puzzle. You can make each piece and then slowly the whole picture comes into view....

xemmradio

Hi, my name is Emmeline and I've just started making my own cosplays. It's been incredibly fun and rewarding and I've met a lot of amazing people! I'm 22 years old and go to UCSD for general biology....

Dhareza Cosplayza

Hi, I'm Dhare and I'm proud to say that I'm a cosplayer. For the last 2 years, I have proudly donned everything from tights to armor in public. It is incredibly gratifying to be a super hero or villain, even if it's just pretend. It may take months to finish one costume, but seeing someone smile for a second makes all the blood, sweat and tears worth it. Being a cosplayer is all about being a part of a community of heroes or villains - whom constantly battle with time, money and perfection....

raiK0

Hi my name is Phil, I'm 19 years old, I'm from Sydney, Australia, and I'm a Cosplayer. Being a cosplayer is honestly, a whole lot of fun, and that's the main reason that I continue to do it. I feel like Cosplaying is one of the most fun ways to express your love for anything Pop Culture related, and to share that love with other fans. Being a cosplayer at a convention is one of the best feelings in the world. You feel like you're an important member and part of a community you love, and tha...

Maddycat cosplay

Hi, I'm maddy! I'm a sixteen year old cosplayer. I've been cosp laying for about 2 years now. Cosplay an amazing experience. I love making costumes so much. Cosplay has not only helped me find something I love doing, but I have met so many amazing people and have been able to have so many awesome opportunities because of cosplay. It's such an amazing feeling putting on a completed costume and seeing the final result. It makes me so happy....

Quite Frankly Builds

Hi, I'm Quite Frankly Builds and I run a propmaking business! Because of that, the part I love the most about cosplays are the awesome props I see that others have made, and love to help bring other's cosplay to life. I got into cosplay because I wanted to make some weapons from a video game when I found out there are people who do this at huge conventions! I wanted to be a part of it, and afterwards I started getting requests to make other people's props. It's been almost 3 years since I starte...

Badaboom

Cosplay is great! I've been sewing for 15 years and always gravitated towards creating costumes instead of other clothes. Around 3 years ago I realized there was a place for me to dress up and hang out with other costumers OUTSIDE of Halloween and I was hooked! I really love cosplaying with my boyfriend as a couple. We've been Wonder Woman and Superman as well as Colossus and Kitty Pryde, and we always have a great time. Cosplay has helped me make lots of new friends and I've made some professio...

Typhlosionwolf

Being a cosplayer is quite fun indeed! It's a great way to express yourself and to have fun. My personal favorite part of cosplaying is getting to chance to act as some of my favorite characters. Making people smile and laugh by acting as characters definitely makes me happy....

Box of Props

Hello, it'sa me, Box of Props Mario! But seriously, I'm Ross, a Texan cosplayer. I'm studying marine biology and marine fisheries. Despite the science side of me, I had a passion for theater. As a hobby, I was a thespian, play writer, and actor. I'm normally shy, quiet, and introverted, but when I cosplay Mario I come out of my "koopa shell." I am way more extroverted cosplaying than I ever am in college. I really try to get in character when I cosplay. I'll even sneeze in character....

Paragon Cosplay

We are Paragon Cosplay (Nick, Krista, Josh, and Cristi) a Cosplay group based out of Madison, Wi and the Chicago land area. New to the convention circuit we have varied backgrounds from theatre performers to haunted house designing. The general consensus is that it is amazing to be a cosplayer. We love the interaction with fans and especially the genuine happiness people have when they see their favorite character. So far we have had nothing but good experiences with the cosplay and fan comm...

Halo Kitty

Being a cosplayer is first and foremost fun! I love that in general, the cosplay community is so welcoming and creative. It is very different than any other group I've been around. I'm especially lucky to be part of the 405th! I've made so many new friends over the past few years, both far and near, and it is really wonderful to have a group of friends who share a hobby with you. Also, not going to lie, the attention is pretty fun. It is like being a temporary celebrity without the privacy is...

Tabitha

My name is Tabitha, I am from Bellingham, Washington. I got started cosplaying when I was about 14 years old and was very into Sailor Moon. As I became more and more into the geek scene, I got heavy into Marvel and continued cosplaying and going to conventions. Being a cosplayer is a neat way to show off both your hobby and your interest in a very unique way. It's an icebreaker to other geeks and always a conversation starter. I love being able to see my work transform....

Pyxl

I am Pyxl, a Scottish cosplayer based in Spain. I am relatively new to cosplay, I do still have a lot to learn but I'm definitely going to keep cosplaying. I love cosplay because it combines my love for games/anime/films with my love for art and design. I love the costume making process, it's really fun and I feel like I'm really achieving something. Sometimes you will make mistakes, but each mistake teaches you something new that will help you improve in your crafting. It makes me really proud ...

Robot Rock St. Louis

Being a cosplayer is like stepping into another world. You erase your own identity to adopt that of someone else. In my case, I wear a full mask when I cosplay. This protects my identity and allows me to be anonymous. When you mix anonymity along with cosplay, a new sensation is created. I can walk the streets and gain attention from hundred, but as soon as the mask is removed, I am no one. This makes being in normal clothes, wearing no costume, feel like I am incognito. That's what I love. I...

TopSugar

I don't use the term cosplay. I use costumer. I'm more in it for the sewing and creativity of it. then of course i must wear it. I tend to do more disney characters. Seeing kids faces light up makes my day....

Skissored

Being a cosplayer is unlike anything else. Cosplayers like me are the kind of people that never grew out of Halloween. When other girls wanted to be a princess, I wanted to be a mummy or a zombie. For me, the convention experience is what makes cosplay unlike anything else. To become a character and to be recognized as that character makes all the hard work worth it. Having random people ask to take a picture of you/with you makes me feel a little like a celebrity, even if it's just for a day....

Michael

I'm just starting out cosplaying, but I have been into special effects for awhile. I mostly make my costumes at night since I do have school. My costumes so far are Ash from Pokemon, skull kid for the legend of Zelda, and mechagodzilla...

Duckie

Well I honestly am not sure, I mostly cosplay for cons. I really enjoy dressing up in a costume for several reasons, the first being the feeling like it's okay to be free to be more eccentric than is accepted normally. For me cosplay in is about getting to dress as a character you love and feeling empowered through it. I love when people stop me to ask for pictures because it makes me feel like I really do look like the character and 9 times out of 10 I feel more beautiful than I could be in my ...

Chuloon

Hey! I'm Chuloon, and I'm *extremely* new to the cosplay scene. Don't get me wrong, I've known cosplay has existed for a very long time, but was only at Otakon 2014 that I finally made a cosplay myself! I've been conventions before without a costume, and found them pretty underwhelming, to be honest. I don't know, it just didn't seem all that great. Sure, the cosplays were fun to look at, but with the multitude of panels that simply weren't worth my time, I just felt like I was missing out on...

Amber

I'm a university student who enjoys attending conventions with my friends. I've always been enamored with cosplay and cosplayers, and I recently made my first complete costume to wear at a con. I was worried because I am a terribly shy person, but I had blast and definitely plan on doing it again soon! I really enjoyed the sense of accomplishment and the community is just wonderful....

OhHeyABear - Sarah

Hi! I'm Sarah of OhHeyABear Cosplay! I've been interested in cosplay for a long time, from the first time I ever heard about it when I was twelve. Who doesn't want to be their favorite character? My grandmother would humor me, and make me simple costumes when I was little, and inspired me to learn how to sew. I've only been cosplaying for about a year, and I've already learned so much. Being a cosplayer is freeing! You get to take a moment to be who or whatever you want to be!...

Diglett

Cosplaying is fun. Recently started, as Dugtrio with friends. It's fun to experience and also see other cosplayers and just enjoy the photos being taken...

Josh Stark

I am Josh Stark and I love being a cosplayer! I'm fairly new to the scene but I am hooked! For me, the entire process is a lot of fun. Thinking of new costumes to make is exciting. Diving in and starting at square one is fun as well. I like to work on costumes a little bit at a time. It takes me longer than most to complete a costume, but I think that is part of the fun of it. I enjoy working on costumes almost as much as wearing them. The absolute best part about being a cosplayer is se...

Rachel

My name is Rachel and I'm a 20 year old college student. I've only cosplayed once so far, as Envy from Fullmetal Alchemist, but I'm wanting to turn it into a hobby that I can keep up for a long time. It was so much fun to put together my Envy cosplay, going through the puzzle of how to make certain pieces, especially the hair. I wasted a $50 wig in the process, but I kept on pushing for the right look! Going to my first convention was an eye opener for me. My boyfriend and I were stopped constan...

NatashPoint0

I'm a software engineer by day but love that with cosplay I can be transformed into whomever I want. I love learning new crafting skills to make each costume better than the last. I'm a very shy person IRL but when I'm in costume I become a different person. It's truly satisfying when others want pictures of my costumes that I worked so hard to create. I prefer to cosplay as Pokemon characters because of all the fond childhood memories I have of the anime, video games, and card game. I literally...

FuzzyRocket

My kids introduced my wife and I back into Anime and Manga a few years ago. I had grown up with Speed Racer, and we became hooked hooked quickly. The kids talked us into attending A-Kon 24 in Dallas as a vacation trip. My daughter did a costume for the trip and went as Medusa from Soul Eater. We were so impressed with how friendly and polite everyone was. On the way back from A-Kon we ordered the manga set of FullMetal Alchemist. We enjoyed the story so much we joked about who we could cos...

Windy City Bluntman

Howdy! I felt a little silly during the drive in costume but once I saw a few more people dressed up that feeling vanished. When the first person stopped me and asked if they could take a picture with me, I knew I found something great. Throughout the weekend I kept getting stopped for photos and posing with other cosplayers and it was unreal. I don't even know how to explain the feeling of person after person coming up and asking to take a selfie or random people just yelling at me to say "dude...

Polygon Sephiroth

It's like a test of skill and determination.... and depending on the weight and scale of it when you're walking around, it's a test of endurance....

JaxxParrow

My name is Connor and I have been cosplaying since I first went trick or treating. I say this because my mother would never allow me to wear a store bought costume. She taught me that if you make it yourself it always looks better and is far more creative. When I was 12 she stopped making costumes for me and told me I would have to make them if i wanted to continue to trick or treat, so i decided to make a Captain Jack Sparrow costume. This was the first costume i had ever made for myself and i ...

Little Red

Hello! My name is Rhianna and I have been Cosplaying for just over 3 years now. It has been such an enlightening experience to indulge in the Cosplay world. I have learned so much and met so many beautiful people through this culture and I have completely fallen in love in the process. Cosplaying really teaches you a lot about yourself. Looking at yourself through a different light, embodying a character you adore or admire, really helps you gain a better perspective of your self image. Your b...

Ally

My name is Ally! Being a cosplayer is so much more than just wearing a costume, it's bringing your favorite characters to life!...

Dead Pixels

Hello! My name is Brittany, aka Dead Pixels and/or P1nk13 P13! I started cosplaying about 2 years ago. I've worn costumes to PAX East the past two years! Cosplay is a really big part of my life even though I'm a newbie. I'm usually a pretty awkward person who isn't too good at talking to new people. When I have a costume on, however, I feel like I can just be the character. I tend to pick crazy, outgoing characters to help me come out of my shell more! Plus, they match my true personality when I...

fa_mulan

Hi! I'm practically brand new to cosplay, I've only made 2 costumes so far (but plan to make a bunch more!). It's pretty fun being a cosplayer so far. I love connecting with people through our favorite characters and seeing little kids excited to see the characters on tv and games brought to life. It's a really fun community to be apart of and I'm glad to have joined it....

Eryn Roberts

In the past year or so, it's become surprisingly stressful. I don't like this new competitive edge that's getting put to it and the flame wars that start between cosplayers. I just want to express my love for a character or whatever and meet other like minded people. I don't do it to show off or pick up guys (since I'm married). I'm also an actor and have always loved making costumes. Cosplay lets me do that year round and whatever I'm in the mood for....

Luke Smith

Hello! My name is Luke, and I'm currently twenty years old. I'm a cosplayer in Oklahoma, and I've been cosplaying for about 3 years now. Being a cosplayer is one of the most rewarding experiences I can think of. Not only do I get to make something with my own two hands, but I get to showcase it the world and get the feedback of people who love the character as much as I do. I get to share my hobbies with others at conventions, and it also helps me greatly with my social anxieties. Stepping into ...

Brandon

Well at this time I have only done it one time but I had so much fun. I am hooked and can't wait to do it again! My favorite thing is when people asked to take pictures with me. It's really awesome way to socialize and interact with people who share your interests....

JessDresses

Hello, I'm Jess! I got into cosplaying by accident. My friend was having a superhero themed birthday party and I really wanted to be Dovahkiin. I spent a couple of weeks making a helmet, axe and shield and it felt great. I thought it was really fun and decided that it would be a cool hobby to get into. I really enjoy getting to look and feel like my favourite characters. I love going to cons but I can be quite a shy person so it can be difficult to make friends, however when cosplaying, I gain ...

Ari

Cosplay is a lot of work, but it's very rewarding work. It's really rewarding to meet people at conventions that say they admire your work and have seen you on the internet! Aside from cosplay, I'm into Japanese street fashion, anime, tabletop role-playing games, and fantasy novels. I'm married and have two very spoiled cats....

Jennivere

My name is Jennivere and I'm a cosplayer of 2 years. I was introduced to it by various friends who, over the years, became increasing engrossed in the world of cosplay. As a photographer, I've worked closely with costume designers and stylists to create visually appealing photo sets, but I didn't utilize these costumes or skills in any cosplay action. It wasn't until I joined the SCA (Society of Creative Anachronism) and attended Dragon Con (a huge science fiction and fantasy convention that I b...

Miss Womanda

My name is Amanda, also called Womanda, I have been cosplaying for just a while but it's really something I want to do in the future as well. Cosplaying is amazing, it makes you feel limitless and that you can make your favorite character come to life!...

Kialna Cosplay

Hi! I'm Sharon from The Netherlands. Being a cosplayer is fun but hard work as well. For me, it's basically a way to boost my creativity and learn new skills. Experience new characters and their behaviour as well. ...

LinkStoleMyChickens

Being a cosplayer has it's ups and downs. Not many cosplayers will admit that there are in fact downs, but I like to be completely honest. The work is grueling and sometimes near impossible, especially if you are working with foreign materials. These costumes take time, and I don't have much left for friends and family especially when I'm trying for a deadline. Not that I'm complaining, because guess what? Every single second of it is absolutely amazing. Every creative molecule in my body goes t...

Sithodah

Its a lot of fun! Its essentially being famous for a day. People identify you as THEIR character that they are so attached to, they put that upon you, and they get excited! Want your pictures! Its a rush! And its acting too, being someone in front of people, at ALL times. No matter what. Its exhausting! and when I do Sherlock, I have to keep up an accent, its ludicrous but such a good time. I love it....

Ginger Liz

Hello! I'm Ginger and I've been cosplaying for about a year. Cosplay is... incredible. I love being able to emulate my favorite characters, not only in costume, but acting like them and interacting with other cosplayers. It's also incredibly satisfying to wear something you've created, especially when other people notice your handiwork. Cosplay has helped me meet many amazing people and hopefully I will get to meet many more!...

KatieKat

Being a cosplayer is about making your fav characters come to life. A chance to get out of you element. It's about having fun doing what you love....

Aaron

I have been doing cosplay for about five years, though I have dressed up all my life. As a kid, we would go to the Renaissance Festival dressed in period costumes. In High School, I started playing LARPs, beginning with dressing up as characters from Vampire: the Masquerade, a game which I greatly enjoyed, then onto fantasy LARPs. I still LARP, because I love the ability to take on another persona, and fully transform into that character. In recent years, myself, and my family, have been cos...

Veronica

It's fun. I just do this as a hobby and try not to take it too seriously. I see way too many people who go overboard and make it less fun and more work...

Jayme

Being a cosplayer is like being a motivation in your life. You get to dress up as something or someone that has captivated you and it's just an amazing thought....

Nico Trujillo

It's a exciting and nervous experience more or less because I feel I have to represent the fandom I'm a part of(Power Rangers/Super Sentai) you have to be on top of you're game when you suit up. I love every second of it and meeting new people is always a joy expecially the kids I'll always take time to take pictures and talk to kids if they ask I'll even let them try on my helmet so they can get that feeling I get when I wear it....

Mr.Coffee

While not an established cosplayer, I've really enjoyed the experiences I've had with the few costumes I've done. The cosplay community is one of the friendliest groups of people you'll ever meet, and I love seeing peoples' reactions to seeing their favorite characters come to life....

Maru

More or less, it's like having any other hobby....

9Flame

Hihi, I'm Kayla I started cosplaying because sewing is a hobby of mine. When I discovered conventions and found out that people dress up like characters they like, I just had to do it. Figuring out how to make the costume and then crafting it is a lot of fun for me. I love wearing them just as much. It's the best feeling ever when someone recognizes your character and compliments you on your hard work. Sometimes I choose characters with easy outfits, and sometimes I pick something complicated fo...

Nathaniel Bashford

So here I am! Nathaniel Bashford, or at least that's the name I used to use a lot when I was an active cosplayer! Although I haven't cosplayed in a while now I really like it, I always loved creating a character, even for games it's so awesome to create a character and being able to do that in real live is just unreal. When you create something from scratch or start with something as a basis, it doesn't matter. The fact that you created your vision of a character and are able to show it to peop...

Sweet Ginger Princess

Hello, my name is Leah. I've been cospaying now for about 2years but dressing up since I was about 3. To me it is an escape, the idea to be a character that has inspired you from childhood ( or adulthood) i, to be able to feel like you are that inspirational figure is truely a great feeling to experience especially when others compliment the effort you've gone into on the costume itself. I feel that through cosplay the comics and books can be made to feel that bit more real than the films we see...

Ariel

I've only started cosplaying in the last 2 years or so. Cosplay is very challenging, both because of how its perceived publicly and because of politics within the cosplay community. I'm not as skilled with sewing as many others in the community are, so I still purchase and alter a lot of items rather than making everything I wear from scratch. Cosplay takes a lot of confidence, both in saying "I made this" and then in walking around in it in public....

Taylor Toxic

I'm Taylor Toxic and I'm very new to the cosplay world but I jumped headlong into it. Cosplay means being someone else when you may not be happy with your own life. Its meeting new friends and reconnecting with old ones through a mutual love of costumes and general geekiness. Its getting to meet your favorite characters and maybe even BEING some of your favorite characters. Its expressing yourself, its getting to take on a whole new persona and best of all...its freedom....

Brooke

My name is Brooke and I've always had an interest for cosplaying! I've gone to multiple conventions and I plan to attend many more. Everything about Cosplay is both entertaining and extremely fun. From creating your own costume, meeting other cosplayers, getting pictures with people, but most importantly expressing yourself.. It's such an amazing experience!...

Meg

This summer I went to Tampa Bay Comiccon with my husband and our friends. Our two friends are big Adventure Time fans, and we're pretty fond of it too, so we went as Finn, Jake, Lumpy Space Princess and Fionna. It was so much fun to walk around the convention in costume, but ESPECIALLY those costumes. Kids knew who Spiderman and Batman were, but we were Adventure Time, and we were the only Adventure Time group there that day. The kicker was LSP. She was 7 months pregnant (so, extra lumpy), and a...

Andrew

I've been interested in cosplay for about 4 years, and I've constantly been refining the characters every year. I'm never satisfied with a cosplay - I feel there is always a way to change it, upgrade it, or make it better. The community is a lot of fun and generally supportive, but I often just happen to come across the random components that make up my outfits!...

Bonewrench

Hey! While cosplaying in itself is fantastic, I'm a sucker of the atmosphere at cons. Being amongst other people who've spent days, weeks, maybe months on a costume is really cool. Everyone is equal and It's so easy to talk to everyone! ...