CosCosplayplayThe in and outs on

how to become a cosplayer

What is Cosplay?What is Cosplay?Costume + Play = Cosplay

Dressing up as anime, manga, or video game characters

Costumes can be bought or hand made.

More often then not, in American they are hand made

In Japan, cosplaying is a lot more popular and costumes can be more easily purchased

What character do I What character do I cosplay?cosplay?Choose a character that you like and

you think you would have fun portraying

Choose something that is within your means

Don’t be over ambitious

If it looks a lot of work then it is

If it looks hard then it is

Choose something that is appropriate.

Ok, How do I get Ok, How do I get started?started?Planning is key!

Make a budgetI can have spent upwards to $200 on making a costume, so know your limits

Make a list of what needs to be made

What needs to be sewn, what not?

Get a few good reference picsYou can use these to show store clerks to help you find what you need

Get images of your character from many angles to help you with details

Getting StartedGetting StartedIf you do not know how sew, try second hand stores

Look for stuff that can be used or altered. Think outside the box

don’t let a wrong color discourage you if the item looks right. There is always dye and paint!

Remember to be creative!If you know how to sew, look at patterns

Where do I get supplies?Millend Fabrics Joann’sMichael'sHome Depot

How to find the right How to find the right PatternPattern

Try to find a pattern or two that is as close to what you want to make as possible.

Altering patterns is A LOT more difficult then you think. Try adding patterns together before you alter.

I learned this the hard way a few times. >.<

Most pattern companies have patterns online

McCalls, Butterick, Vogue, Simplicity

Stay away from Vogue if still a novice sewer

Simplicity I have found to be the easiest and best patterns

Things other than Things other than SewingSewing

ShoesAgain, second hand stores are your friendShoes can be painted, stained, or coveredElectrique Boutique

Many characters have props or things that can not be made of cloth.

SculptyCraft FoamWood

Hair!Hair!Hair can make or break a great costume

WigsYou get what you pay for!!!!!

Katie Bair's Petting Zoo Wig Design

Cosplay.com

Using your own hairDyeing

Extensions Dr. Locks

Help!!!Help!!!Don’t be afraid to ask for help

I’m more then willing to help, hoppem@unr.nevada.edu

Online resourcesCosplay.com

Cosplaylab.com

Consplayers.com

Use the forums at these sites, they are very helpful

ConsConsThis is where all the work seems worth itPhoto shoots with other from the same anime, manga, or game

A LOT of funMany cons have contests

Hallway contestsMasquradesOnly for hand made costumes though

Sites on previous pages have con schd.

Talk to me if you want to inquire about cons in

our area.

Questions?