♡ A Guide to Cosplay | Part 1: Introduction and Getting Started ♡

Two years ago I started to Cosplay properly and get more involved in the Cosplaying Community. Ever since, it's played a big role in my life. Quite often I get asks from others asking about different aspects of Cosplaying, whether it's advice or just general questions about the hobby. 

One of my New Year's resolutions, along with many others, was to bring more variety into my blog and to get more involved with it. To do more Fashion/ Beauty related and Advice/ Chatty posts instead of just reviews. So that's why I've decided to do this series, which focuses on various aspects of Cosplaying. I'm not entirely sure how many of these blog posts I'm going to have, I'm thinking of three minimum. Not only am I going to answer some of the questions which some of you have asked but take you through each step of Cosplaying; from Preparation to going to Conventions! 

So today I bring you the first instalment of this series, in which I'll mainly be introducing you to Cosplaying.

Before I start this though, in no way, shape or form do I think I'm some *fantastic* Cosplayer nor do I think I'm an expert. But as I'm approaching my third year in the community, I feel like I've gained knowledge and have had a good reception from others. Although, whilst giving you guys tips, I'm still learning as well so am open to your advice!

So what exactly is Cosplay? To put it in it's most simple form 'Cosplaying' (which stands for Costume play) is kind of like an extreme version of fancy dress. I know people will get angry for me comparing it to that, but that's why I say 'extreme', it's more serious in that people will take time and put more effort into it, as well as that they're trying to (most of the time) recreate a character whether it be from anime, games, TV shows, anything! You can pretty much Cosplay anything, I mean people are even Cosplaying celebrities like Kyary Pamyu Pamyu and Lady Gaga!

  


-None of the above photos belong to me, all credit to the photographers and Cosplayers. Cosplayers shown:-
Jessica Nigri | Liui Aquino | Mari-Chan
Luna-Lovely | MangaFreak150

Of course this particular question is for those who are still living with their parents/carers and therefore don't have so much control over money or what they do! A lot of people ask me 'How did I convince my parents to let me Cosplay?' -  I always find this question hard to answer in all honesty, as I didn't really have to convince anyone. My parents have always been open with my decisions and style and when me and Robyn decided to Cosplay it just seemed like a normal thing. It mainly depends on your parents/guardians, how strict they are! When discussing this with them, try to talk about the good aspects of Cosplaying, but don't sugar-coat it! People are going to stare, possibly make fun of you, judge you for it and you may come across creeps, but honestly, these things are tiny in comparison to the Positives. For example, I know many who, including myself, have made friends, had a confidence boost and gained a fan-base - I mean even people have created jobs out of it! I can't guarantee that you will be able to fully convince parents/guardians, like I said, it depends on their personality and views, some may come around to it over time, some may full on hate it and as sad as it is you may have to wait until you move out or have you own money to properly start investing into Cosplay. If you really want to start Cosplaying whilst at home, if you're old enough, then you could try and get a job. That way you'll most likely have full control over it. I wish you good luck with it! If any of you have tips or experience on this particular aspect, then don't hesitate to comment your tips!

So once you've finally got around to making the decision of Cosplaying, then of course you have to decide what to Cosplay! In this I'm going to show you some of my plans to give you a rough idea!

Like I mentioned, you can Cosplay pretty much anyone, Celebrities, OC's (Original Characters, whether it be your own or someone elses, but get permission of course), Anime Characters, Game Characters, Characters from TV Shows and Films, even Meme's, pretty much anything. Just make sure it's not offensive!

Out of all the characters it can be difficult what to choose! I find that I'm constantly adding to my list! When deciding what to Cosplay, it's best to look at your budget first. If you don't have loads of money then something simple may be your best option! Although that's not always the case, however I'm going to speak about putting together/making Cosplays in my next post! Personally when I choose what to Cosplay I look at my budget and plans for the rest of the year and the weather. I feel that the weather plays an important part as it can affect your time at conventions. Of course it depends which country you live in. This year particularly, I've had to determine my Cosplays on the weather. For example, I'm leaving my Jane Porter Cosplay for later this year in the Winter, whilst during the Summer I'm hoping to have Cosplays like Melty De Granite!

 


Of course it also depend how much attention you want to bring to yourself. If you feel like you want  a subtle Cosplay at first, then there is many options which are quite discrete. I find that Cosplays with school uniforms are quite subtle or just characters who wear relatively normal clothing. Good examples of this are:

  

Gogo Tomago and Honey Lemon from Disney's Big Hero 6.
Both of these I want to Cosplay. Not only are they quite subtle (well not so much Honey Lemon in the sense she's bright yellow) but they're relatively cheap as well. My Gogo Tomago Cosplay cost me less than £30!

 

Other simple examples are Bee from the web series Bee & Puppycat and Sailor Venus from Sailor Moon, who is still a recognisable character in her school uniform! You'll find that characters from anime will have a distinct uniform at times (or hairstyle) so the combination will still be recognisable whilst still simple!

Of course, if you're not too bothered how obvious you are then of course, there is many options. My main advice for choosing a Cosplay is to Cosplay something you really like/love! Cosplaying isn't cheap (on the odd occasion it is, but a lot of the time definitely not!) so you want to make sure what you're Cosplaying is worth it! 

As well as that, you have got to make sure that you're comfortable in what you're wearing, when I first started off Cosplaying, I didn't feel comfortable in revealing Cosplays, but this year I am now feeling confident enough to take on body suits! If you feel like a Cosplay you want to do is too revealing, then no one is stopping you from changing it into a more comfortable alternative!

Also if you're not keen on a characters outfit/design or it's too hard or not weather appropriate or you just want to take on a bigger and better design then there's loads of redesigns on the internet. Here are good examples:

 

These are really cool re-designs which I've looked at and there is so many more around the internet! On the left is Mookie000's Adventure time Bunny Girl designs and on the right is Clairetonic's Bee design! I found lately that Armour designs are becoming more and more popular, in particular Sailor Moon and Disney Princesses, pretty much any outfit you can turn into armour! Other options when Cosplaying is doing Genderbent versions of characters or Gijinka's! 

The most important thing you have to remember when deciding who to Cosplay is that you can Cosplay ANYONE! (just don't offend people okay?) No matter your skin colour, weight, gender, height, whatever, you are free to Cosplay who you want. Yes, there will be people in the community who will want certain factors in a character, but you don't have to Cosplay to impress anyone. Cosplaying is about fun and you are free to be who you want to be! 

I really hope this post has helped you in some form and I hope you liked it!

I wish you all good look and see you in my next Cosplay Series Post.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me on any of my Social Media, if you want any questions addressing in this series, then once again just contact me on any Social media!

xoxo