I’ve always loved Halloween. What’s not to like? I get a chance to dress up as anything I please and show off my mad skillz with a sewing machine. People gasp in amazement and appreciation of my handsomely made costume (I hope). I get to see other people giving it their all as well and discuss with them how cool Halloween is and how great the invention of the Singer sewing machine was for all.
Now, with the advent of conventions, we have cosplaying – a chance to dress up all year round and possibly win cash and some sort of recognition. While I love to dress up, I cannot help but have some very mixed emotions concerning cosplay.
I personally don’t have the need or the desire to dress up and flaunt myself in front of thousands of strangers. Maybe I would if I had a stellar physique, had a lot of free time on my hands, and resembled some character I felt attached to enough to want to be, which I don’t. Most of the time, I just don’t care about cosplaying. I never give it that much thought. I still have a gag reflex, though, when flipping through web pages laden with cosplayers. Most times it’s just *shudder* disturbing. It’s like watching a train-wreck, you just can’t look away…
That said, I do enjoy watching other people cosplay – when they do it right. I’ve seen some awesome cosplayers online, mostly from cons in Japan. Some of the players have outstanding costumes and makeup; even going as far as dyeing their hair or cutting it to have it look more natural to the character. That’s the secret to good cosplaying – looking natural. How good do you think a costume will be if you have a shitty wig that keeps sliding to the side and the material you used for the costume looks like you dug it out of the bargain bin at JoAnn Fabrics? Here’s where I get annoyed with cosplaying. If you cosplay half-ass you should either stay home or not even try! 
I would consider cosplaying a hobby, and like most other hobbies it’s an investment of time and money. We all know someone who collects comics or who renovates cars, sometimes spending thousands of dollars on either. More conservative hobbyists, like myself, still spend maybe $20 a month. Your hobby should always be fun (it’s a hobby for crying out loud) but spend a little cash and invest some time and you’ll get a bigger return.
If you spent $5 on material, it will look like you spent $5 on material. If you rushed through sewing and didn’t pin your fabric or follow a pattern, then honey – it’ll look it. Bottom line – it will look baaaaaad. Invest in a good wig or temporarily dye your hair. Spend some time researching your character. Interestingly, if you try to be 100% accurate with colors it doesn’t always work out. Vincent’s bright red cloak may look cool on the screen, but a maroon would look better in real life and less fruity.
You can make some really detailed props with common materials that are very inexpensive. David can make anything out of corrugated plastic, duct tape, cardboard and Durham’s Rock Hard Putty. It’s all about attention to details!
Oh, and do not, DO NOT play a size 6 when you’re a size 22. If you look like a sausage trying to escape it’s casing, please reconsider your costume. It’s just not fair to other people. For you guys out there who have never lifted anything heavier than a remote, don’t wear something that you need actual muscles to fill out. Also not fair. Feast or famine; don’t do it either way.
If you don’t look/feel right dressing up, consider sewing or making props. Helping out a friend or even a fellow fan can be a rewarding experience for everyone involved.
Here are some good costumes…I didn’t wanna embarrass anyone by posting the bad:
- A pink Cammy from Street Fighter
- A most excellent Inuyasha
- Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children Tifa
- A really nice Witch Hunter Robin
- Jinx from Teen Titans
- An amazingly detailed Lulu
You have no idea what I had to look at to find these !
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