What Is It Like To Be A Cosplayer?

I really like cosplay, I consider myself to still be relatively new. I got introduced to it by a coworker I’d become friends with (Thanks Alice!). I’ve always enjoyed films and writing and generally escaping from the real world but this was a whole new level – and also put my clothes making b-tech to good use.

Challenges Of Being A Cosplayer

I wouldn’t say it was difficult per se but it definitely has it’s challenges! One being money, to buy them or to make your own can cost a pretty penny but I try to look at ways of bringing the costs down. For example, I get most of my pieces from charity shops and the accessories from cheap sites like Wish or Ebay. I have even bought a decent wig from wish but also bought a few bad ones too. Most of it is down to trial and error.

At the same time there are a lot of simple cosplays like Wednesday from the Adams family… all you really need is a white blouse collar and a black dress and maybe a wig if you don’t have long brown/black hair. But if you’re going easy and cheap then you would probably go with one that has your hair colour.

Process Of Choosing A Character To Cosplay

I decide my cosplays depending on my situation. I’m a student so I don’t have the money to go around buying loads of fabric for a Cinderella dress. I would also suggest, if you’re making it from scratch make sure you have some sort of passion for the character! Also reference pictures!! Front, back, side, any accessories and makeup.

Misconceptions About Cosplayers

I often hear that you’re not a good cosplayer if it’s not accurate to the actual character…. This is not true! I’ve seen female versions of male characters and vice versa and they look amazing, or those casual princess ones I’ve heard people say they’re a cop out etc. But I’ve actually got some planned so I don’t care! Do whatever you want to do! (within reason, don’t do blackface… stay classy).

Tips To Know Before Being A Cosplayer

It’s not about likes on Instagram or Facebook! I went to a cosplay day at my work as Ciri from the Witcher (I work in a board game library and it was an event, I’m not that weird) and I was the only one the whole day… did I get embarrassed or self-conscious? A little but ultimately the amount of people who came up to me and complimented me or helped me out when my corset split and even tipped me… It made it all worth it and you walk away beaming!

Cosgemma – I help people make cheap, easy and accurate cosplays – sometimes – other times I’m kinda goofing off and doing photo shoots with my boyfriend. I don’t take myself seriously.

Follow Cosgemma on

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Cosgemma

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gemma_ella_/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cosgemma

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvqwKuWuZMA4Gu7QHjCQARg

Images from Cosgemma

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