#cosplayblog

[warrenwoodhouse]

Castle Emerald Cosplay Costumes

Check out this Facebook page and Etsy shop to order unofficial cosplay costumes which look very much like the official outfits seen in various video games, films, tv series and the like.

[lissandela]

It’s 3:30 am and I’m awake as per usual because I never sleep, but if anyone reads this, it might be far later. It’s always after midnight where the introspective thoughts strike as well as the depression, but it’s not depression that is motivating anything.

I was thinking about why people get into cosplay and the nature of wanting cosplay fame and what not. There was a twitter thread that I read yesterday and a subsequent conversation that kinda sparked my thoughts a bit. People often wonder why others try to get involved heavily with numbers and guesting and all the trappings of that and try to assign blame.

I don’t really think there’s a person you can *blame*, more like the pandemic. Sure people were monetizing and trying to influence before Covid messed everything up, but it really took off during the lockdown and boy it did it. I say that because I got swept heavily up into it once that initial no con depression hit (which is a whole ‘nother thing for those who know what I’m talking about).

During the pandemic, there were so many new cosplayers which honestly gave me great joy because I love this hobby (but not so much the community (another post for another time)). I also remember how impressionable I was starting out. There wasn’t a lot of people emphasizing important things nearly as much as they do today. Or maybe they did on twitter or other places, I’m not sure.

Anyway, I was heavily influenced by what I saw and what others did and I don’t blame any of the newer cosplayers for feeling like they had to care about numbers or influence others. It was kinda like the one time I had a discussion with a friend about how weird it is for female cosplayers starting out because there’s this underlying pressure to show skin/do more lewd costumes. This was like 4 years ago so I’m sure it’s changed now but it really felt like that’s what you had to do to get big.

Because that’s the dream right? Getting big, getting on the stage, getting paid to travel to cons. It sounds like a ton of fun but I’m sure someone would tell you that it starts out but does not remain that way. Personally I can’t speak to that since I’m as casual it comes these days or always if you ask certain people.

And inevitably when you talk about getting big it’s always going to involve numbers. Whoever tells you that the whole social media cosplay game doesn’t involve numbers in some way is lying. I wish it didn’t come down to that, god I wish. In fact I’m staring into that void as twitter is slowly combusting because thats where my popularity is located. Quite a few cons require you to have a certain amount of followers/social media presence before they even look at you. Others want you to have worked with companies like crunchyroll or viz media or funimation, which that is…an effort in itself because if you don’t have the followers or attract enough attention…well you get it.

This is not the end all to be all, because I have heard that you just have to network (a task daunting enough for us socially awkward people) and build connections, probably teach a few panels etc. So I’m pretty much rambling I guess at this point but I wanted to provide examples of requirements I’ve seen.

God I feel like this has gotten so long already, there’s so much I can say about the subject so maybe there’s gonna be a part 2.

[ivorivet]

Nyx has been on my cosplay list since 2020 and I have been gleefully swatching and buying supplies since then, but dreading actually starting the project. :( Her giant armor and wig are such a cool design, but are otherwise a really big logistical problem. How do I travel with a wig like this, how far will I be able to turn my head, how long will I be able to have this on my body before I hate it? I don't even really feel comfortable talking about it in more than hypotheticals because I'm genuinely not sure if it's gonna get done.

I spent a couple hours tonight roughing out the general shape of her wig and headgear. I'm really really grateful that my friends helped me do a head cast a few years ago, because trying this stuff on my own body would be too much to bother with. I was hoping I could use some old worbla scraps to help rough out her head wings, but in working with it again I'm remembering why I don't really like it that much. I'll probably replace it with more aluminum foil to get the general shape nailed down before I start breaking the wig down into modular pieces.

[ashleyscosplaycache]

Sano Will Inspire You To Follow Your Dream of Cosplaying!!

Sano Will Inspire You To Follow Your Dream of Cosplaying!!

[sirowlson]

I put a spell on you And now you're mine. You can't stop the things I do, I ain't lyin'. It's been 300 years Right down to the day, Now the witch is back And there's hell to pay. (C) Признавайтесь, у кого любимым фильмом про Хеллоуин был "Фокус Покус"? Бэт Мидлер для меня - iconic witch, и мне кажется, давно нужно было косплеить Винифред Сандерсон ❤ This is the season of the witch! #cosplay #blog #blogger #cosplayblog #winifred #hocuspocus #winifredsanderson #witch #magic #witchcraft #halloween #seasonofthewitch #mua #makeup https://www.instagram.com/p/CGxWWGAj309/?igshid=y8ngudukxvsi

[disneyprincesslizarista]

Tutorial Time!

As promised here’s a little guide on making your own Black Cat costume. It’s easy! Bear with me through the low-quality pictures I took at the time, they’re just for inspiration. 

You just need the following:

For the suit:

a black catsuit (you can get them for cheap on amazon or in your nearest fancy dress shop!) Make sure it does not have a crotch zip. It looks weird. 

1 meter/yard of white faux fur fabric (make sure it’s not real fur. For the animals. And also because it’s easier to handle)

fabric glue or a hot glue gun

For the gloves and boots:

black gloves from the fancy dress store (alternatively you can get a catsuit with build-in gloves but I always prefer to be able to take mine off)

old boots (or new ones, if you wish)

the same meter/or yard of faux fur you need for the suit

long fake nails (preferably black, but I spray painted red ones because I had them laying around)

more fabric glue

For the mask:

a small sheet of Worbla Black Art (alternatively usual Worbla that you can spray paint, or EVA foam)

some pen and paper

knifes and scissors to cut the worbla

a hairdryer

Accessoiries (optional):

a choker necklace from your friendly neighborhood goth

a whip...but don’t use it, please

a random hip belt

Altering the suit:

Starting off with the fur collar, using a pencil or fabric chalk, draw a round shape on the back of your fabric. Make it as big as you want. Ideally, you draw a sort of C-shape, so that there is space for your head. If you use real fur here, drawing on the backside will be quite difficult. Before cutting the fabric, make sure to comb against the fur first and cut into the same direction. Otherwise you will cut the fur off right at the edges and it will look too clean and not very fluffy. 

As the catsuit is stretchy, it is best to attach the non-stretchy fur fabric when wearing the catsuit. Maybe ask someone to help you, if you feel more comfortable that way. I completely glued my collar on, starting of with little dots of glue on the backside of the fabric, and then I glued it on more stable once I took the suit off. If your catsuit is out of polyester or any material that you sure is not going to rip, you can also handsew your collar on, However, always be careful with vinyl materials. 

Making catty gloves and boots:

For the gloves, it’s easiest to find the right measurements for the furry arms while having a glove on for reference. I decided to make the fur inserts approximately 30cms long and 10cms white at their widest point, but it’s all up to you. Draw on the shape on the back again. Make sure to comb the fur back again and cut the fabric the same direction, as it will look more natural. Make 2 of the same fur ovals/triangles for your gloves.Glue them on with fabric glue or a hot glue gun. Be careful when using the hot glue gun while wearing your gloves.

(as pictured, alternatively use fur ovals as bunny ear accessoiries. Or don’t. That way you’ll never finish)

Do the same for the boots, but you don’t necessarily need to. Remember Felicia has had several Black Cat costumes, and was drawn in so many art styles that there is no wrong or right.

Put your gloves on your arm again and then start glueing on some fake nails, approximately where your nails are hiding under the gloves. If your fake nails are not black, spray paint them before. This will give you some great claws.

Making the Mask:

The first thing I did was draw on some sample masks on a piece of paper and cut them out. Black Cat had different masks and it’s just about finding what you like, or what suits you!

Then copy your favourite shape onto the worbla sheet. In order to cut worbla it needs to be heatened up, so take a hairdryer. Then start cutting the worbla with a suitable knife on a cutting board and be careful. You might need to reheat the worbla a few times. Once this is done, reheat the worbla mask again, and once it is not too hot anymore, place it on your face. That way it will be moulded to your face exactly and naturally get a comfortable mask to wear if you shape in the curve of your nose.Take your hairdryer and reheat again if anything needs a do-over. Make sure to keep it on your face until the worbla is fully hardened, this will usually be within 5 minutes. That way it will not lose shape. Be really careful with this step, you don’t want to place a burning hot piece of worbla on your face. 

Most importantly when making this costume: Have fun. Trial and error are the best ways to figure things out. Of course you can make a suit from scratch using vinyl material, but if you have limited time like I had, this is the quickest way! There is no right and wrong, so if you have any suggestions, please submit them!

[winddrift87]

Poison Ivy : So many people to kill... so little time.⁣ .⁣ .⁣ Need The Cosplayer⁣ .⁣ .⁣ #queencityanimecon #cosplay #AnimeGirls #animeedits #cosplayblog #cosplayblogger #cosplaying #cosplayphoto #cosplayphotoshoot #cosplayphotography #AnimeGirls #animememe #costest #animefreak #manga #animecentral #costumeplay #animefan #propmaking #cosplaylife #cosplayworld #poisonivy #poisonivycosplay #gotham #gothamcity https://www.instagram.com/p/B4D744qli4V/?igshid=1dl4y388albrj

[miyumiyuchancosplay]

Did I really just get to 999 followers? Thank you everyone for supporting my silly little hobby ~ 😊⁣ ⁣ One more aaaannnddd...maybe I'll break even from the followers I'll probably lose from this post 😂⁣ ⁣ I've made so many costumes over the years. Complicated stuff that leaves me frustrated, crying, questioning my skills. Comparing myself to "real" cosplayers. Spending money on materials I can't afford. Saving up for that *perfect* fabric. I have glue gun scars. I've stitched a needle through my fingertips so many times I barely feel it anymore. I've stressed myself out over convention deadlines. ⁣ ⁣ Then it gets worth it. Putting on a cosplay for the first time and *SEEING* the character in the mirror. Getting meaningful compliments from strangers. People asking to take my picture. Meeting people who love the things I love, people whose skills I aspire to. Winning cosplay contests. Being asked to judge cosplay contests.⁣ ⁣ My most popular cosplay on Instagram? Rachel Gardner from Satsuriku no Tenshi. Made from random pieces from Amazon I threw together. 😂 I think all together (including hair and contacts) I spend about $70 total. The only effort it requires is wearing it.⁣ ⁣ I'm not disappointed in any way though! Satsuten is life. I love being Ray. I wasn't sure what kind of response I would get. I was a bit insecure about my looks. I'm so happy so many people liked my cosplay.⁣ ⁣ Sorry for the rambling! Just felt like doing a little writing while I'm stuck sitting around recovering from my surgery ~ Gonna see if there's some cosplay I can work on while not moving too much ~ or maybe just play some more pixel horror games ~ 💙⁣ ⁣ ---⁣ ⁣ #cosplay #cosplayer #cosplaygirl #cosplaygirls⁣ #cosplayblog #finalfantasy #satsuten #satsurikunotenshicosplay #zackfoster #Rachelgardner #animecosplay #cosplayersofflorida #cowboybebop #cosplayersofinstagram #cosplaygirlsofinstagram #cosplayandgamergirls #gamergirl #rinoaheartilly #danganronpa #danganronpacosplay #junkoenoshima #swordartonlinecosplay #yuukiasunacosplay #fayevalentine #devilmaycrylady #legendofzelda #princessagitha #legendofzeldacosplay #aerithgainsborough #angelsofdeath https://www.instagram.com/p/BztaVKWjRTM/?igshid=5troav53hcj

[their-vi]

Asuna will always be my woman crush Wednesday besides 002. I can’t wait until you guys get to see my new cosplay I ordered the last of what I need the other day. 40 likes and I’ll give you guys a sneak peak. —————————————— #002 #influencer #savvivor #cosplay #cosplayer #cosplayblog #asunayuuki #asuna #asunacosplay #bestisyettocome #ocalacon #momocon #megacon https://www.instagram.com/p/BnWYstgjq_a/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=8opw4qwgp2kp

[cosplay-in-a-teacup]

Let‘s talk about Cosplay Motivation! :]

Lack of motivation and the search for new inspiration - Every artist is quickly unsettled by the incredible flood of online content. The constant pressure to produce content. Especially as an artist with a larger online presence and fan base. It's easy to forget why we're doing all this in the first place! And it´s totally valid to feel intimidated and overwhelmed. Been there- You´re not alone.  

One thing that makes cosplay so special is gathering and sharing at conventions. After little to no conventions in the past 1 1/2, no group cosplays, no last minute crunching (!) and almost exclusively online interaction it is difficult to keep one's motivation.

Soo... How to stay focused and motivated for future projects? 

There are alot of cosplayers out there writing about this specific topic and I wanted to share my personal experience and tips ;-)

1. A fresh new start

A thing that helps me is to clean and organise my workspace new - after I finish a small cosplay or even between worksteps of a bigger project. Create a place where you feel comfortable and inspired to work! Sometimes, something as simple as rearranging your work table, changing your work setup or pack away all your sewing supplies in a neat way, can help you find some inspiration to create something new!

 ///// OR finally setting up the new shelf you wanted to put on the wall for so long ..ops

2. Start simple

Sometimes a big project feels incredible intimidating and you cannot bring yourself to start. Reletable? 

I personally always like to start with a costest, testing out some makeup for the character I want to portray and make due with things I already find at home. Scribble cosplay ideas on a paper. What is a cosplay you always dreamed of making? Make a small closet cosplay of your favorite character!

Make your life a little easier! I´m a person who likes making my entire cosplay from scratch, starting from the patterns which is unbelievable time consuming, especially if it´s a bigger cosplay or much detailed armor pieces etc...  Sometimes it´s just nice to order a premade pattern online or commission a prop from your favorite small cosplay business.

3. Find your inspiration

Found a person, who is working on the same cosplay as you? Perfect! Maybe they can give you some useful tips or advice for the crafting progress and you can start exchange some positivity and love for the character you both love. 

Remind yourself of the reason you started a specific cosplay. A character /costume you immediately fell in love with the moment you started watching a new show? Or a badass dream cosplay you wanted to do for years? Rewatch the movie/show or replay the game your cosplaying from. That always does the trick for me :]

My instagram for some more cosplay pics ~

- PART 2 COMING IN A FEW DAYS -

[teawerewolf]

Кендер даже в Хогсмиде вас найдёт🍭 Kender even finds you in Hogsmeade🍭 #performance #cosplay #hogsmeade #dragonlance #scene #fantasy #cosplayersofinstagram #cosplayer #love #harrypotter #geek #geekcosplay #russiancosplay #russia #tomsk #geekblogger #cosplayblog #instagramer #popular #amazing #instablogger #instablog #subscribe #followme #hype #like4like #comment #top (at London, United Kingdom)

[ivorivet]

I've been trying really hard to get these wings symmetrical. They're not quite there but I think it's close enough I'm probably going to move on to the next step soon.

[ashleyscosplaycache]

Hellspawned

Check out this awesome cosplayer and his amazing cosplay costumes that are out of this world.

[ultraqueenofpassion-jb]

Early 2000’s goth outfit and looki love you all and stay strong everyone <3 (:~jbpassionstudio* #goth #ecogoth #ecogothic #blackcosplayers #mixedcosplayer #mixed #blackcosplayer #mixedcosplayer #fashionblogger #fashionista #cosplayblog #cosplayblogger #vintage #vintagestyle #vintagefashion #gothaesthetic #gothtic #thicc #gothclothes #scorpio #blerd #blerdlife #blerds #blerdsunite #jbpassionstudio #vintageenthusiast #austium #disorders #queer #socialanxietydisorder #peace&love ! (at Despair) https://www.instagram.com/p/CJB1lfvDa1p/?igshid=q6crkuximd8o

[sirowlson]

Такая погода классная, а мы все дома сидим... Сначала мне казалось, что вся паника вокруг новой заразы раздута и до нас не доберётся, но вот вчера узнали, что железка в зоне риска. И я даже не знаю, бояться или нет, все равно на улицу не хожу 🤷‍♀️ Не перестаю радоваться тому, как классно вышла Мина, give her some love, guys❤️ #girl #blog #blogger #cosplayblog #cosplay #cosplayer #russiancosplay #russiancosplayer #selfie #beautiful #mua #minaashido #minaashidocosplay #bnha #mha #BokuNoHeroAcademia #MyHeroAcademia #BokuNoHeroAcademiacosplay #pinky https://www.instagram.com/p/B-EskcODqyy/?igshid=xx2e5ol60s2x

[disneyprincesslizarista]

May the 4th be with you!

Flashback to being Siri Tachi.