Cosplay
I have been meaning to write an article on cosplay for some time now and after our adventures at GamerCon in March I have decided now is the time. While GamerCon wasn’t the first convention I attended as a member of the press, it did give me a better insight into the world of cosplay and the people who enjoy it. Whether you’re a comic book fan dressing up as their favourite superhero, an older video gamer cosplaying as their favourite character or even a young woman who enjoys dressing as their favourite Disney princess, there is a place for you in the cosplay community.
I have seen my fair share of talented cosplayers over the years from all ages and in all shapes and sizes, I’ve seen a baby Dr. Who, an elderly man dressed as Old Snake and everything in between, so if you think you’re too old or you’re not the right shape to cosplay as your favourite hero then think again! The most important thing to remember about cosplaying is to have fun and do your best, but you don’t have to take my word for it, I was lucky enough to speak to two of the most talented cosplayers in the country and they share that belief.
Pixie Styxx and Tendai Muzwidzwa were two of the judges at the GamerCon Cosplay Competition, and N For Nerds had the pleasure of interviewing these two badass ladies of Cosplay and they shared their thoughts and experiences about cosplay with us and what exactly draws people to it as a pastime?
They told us what draws people to cosplay can be any number of things, be it the art of creating, the simple fun of dressing as their favourite character or as a form of escapism.It was that last point that struck a chord with me, it made me realise that this hobby was a way for a person to feel strong like Superman, be as fearless as Batman or become powerful like Wonder Woman. For a few hours a day, anyone can be extraordinary and that’s what makes cosplay amazing.
They also gave us some tips on cosplay for beginners, which I have dubbed:
The 10 Commandments of Cosplay
- Passion & Fun above quality: This is sometimes easy to forget, but remember that this is supposed to be fun, if you’re not having fun, you’re doing it wrong.
- Always have a backup costume: Things will go wrong, sometimes you forget to sew something, or maybe you tear your outfit, or maybe the universe just hates you, either way, have a backup.
- It’s all about the research: Go online, look at drawings, pictures and photos of other cosplayers, or freeze-frame movies if you have to.
- Stick to a budget: It’s easy for the cost to get away from you, but thrift stores and charity shops are a God send.
5. Size doesn’t matter: Just because you don’t have big muscles or a small waist doesn’t mean you can’t cosplay as you’re favourite hero, remember the first commandment.
- Don’t be afraid to buy parts of your costume: Just because you can’t sew doesn’t mean you can’t cosplay, you can always buy from other cosplayers or buy online.
- It’s okay to cry: You will fuck things up and you will have to start from scratch and it’s okay to cry.
8.Ask for Help: If you’re new to the scene, don’t be afraid to ask for help, go to Facebook groups or online forums for advice.
- Be sensitive to others: You may think something is funny, but remember that others may not share that sentiment, ask yourself is a joke worth upsetting a fellow cosplayer. Don’t be an ass!
- All the stress is worth it: After all the blood, sweat and tears it’ll all be worth it, when you strut your stuff at the convention.
Keep these 10 Commandments in mind and you won’t go far wrong, isn’t that right Deadpool?
