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.
I have done a couple in the last few years. Desmond from Assassins creed was the first and most simple. This year, I went as two face from the batman universe, I've done multiple Tony Stark cosplays, and I did a captain America at Wizard world of Chicago this past August.
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!
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.
I am very fortunate in being able to say that I personally have never had a negative experience while I was cosplaying. Everyone I have met while doing this have been the nicest people, very opened handed with advice and time.