Saturday, May 4, 2013

D.I.Y Cosplay? Let's get started!

I'm sure many of you are eager to get started on actually hand making a cosplay, so today I will talk about how to get started!

  1. Ok, so first thing you will need is a character to cosplay!
    The possibilities are endless so take your time with this (or not! Because you want to cosplay all the things and you just need one to get started!). But once you have picked a character it is best to find a reference photo at this time and either print it out or save it to your computer where you can find it later.
  2. Figure out what method you will need to create this cosplay.
    Ask yourself if the cosplay will involve mostly sewing or will it also involve some prop making. Or are you making a robot cosplay? Do you intend for it be made of plastic?
  3. Once you figure out what method you plan on using then you should make a supply list.
    Usually you will require a sewing machine so make sure that you have that available to use. However, don't forget to be specific. If you require fabric you should state what color and material you need the fabric to be. Not all fabrics are the same.
  4. Estimate your costs.
    You don't want to run low on funds before you can finish your cosplay. Try to figure out how much money you will spend. This may be hard because you can never be sure how much things will try but never round down, always round up. You should expect to spend more than you may actually spend. That way you won't be underbudget.
  5. Measure yourself.
    Your measurements are very important because if you don't know your measurements then your cosplay won't fit. You need measurements for everything so make sure you write them down. Also don't forget to update your measurements if you go through major physical change (weight loss, weight gain, etc).
  6. Buy your supplies.
    You don't have to buy everything at once. (I definitely don't.) Buy only supplies for the part you intend to work on. You can buy more supplies as you progress with your cosplay. However, you can buy everything at once. You may save yourself a couple trips to the store but it will be expensive.
  7. Don't forget patterns!
    Patterns are important. They are like blueprints to an architect. Mostly if this is your first cosplay, you will definitely need them. If your character's outfit is not too crazy then you probably will find useful patterns at your local fabric store. Sometimes you may need to modify them. If your cosplay has a more difficult outfit then you might have to look online to see if you can find a pattern. If you can't find a pattern online you might have to make one yourself. (I will touch on pattern making in another post)
  8. Set up a working area.If you're anything like me, working on cosplays can get a little "messy". So make sure you have a nice spacious area where you can work. You don't want to be working in cramped conditions or else you will struggle. Also, as tedious as it may seem, make sure you clean up your working space when you are done with it.
  9. Ask for help.
    Sometimes you get stuck. Actually, you WILL get stuck. And when that happens you should not be afraid to ask for help. 50% of the time there is someone that has been where you are and has found a solution. Look online; but if you aren't too sure how to search for the solution online then consider attending a sewing party. To find a sewing party it is best to be involved with the cosplay community in your area. That way you can get notified when there will be one. At a sewing party, many cosplayers get together to work on their cosplays and get help. There is some shenanigans as well. Usually you can find someone there that knows what they are doing.
  10.  Finish your cosplay!
    Test it out before you declare it finished. Make sure it fits right and that you can move around in it. Check that none of the seams have ripped or that anything is falling apart. Once you've gone through your own quality control then you may raise your hot glue gun in victory and declare yourself a cosplayer!




1 comment:

  1. I haven't made cosplayed for a convention, but I did make my own Ash Ketchum costume from Pokemon for Halloween and it took forever to make!

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