5 Tips and advices on how to improve your cosplay making skills.
My page: www.facebook.com/m.cosplay
I’ve gotten a lot of questions as to how I improved my cosplay making ability so rapidly and how I manage to complete them so quickly - here I will give you some tips on what has worked for my development and hopefully they will help you improve yours with time!
Consider EVERYTHING; tools, materials, how you can utilize them for your cosplay, where you can find them, prices, process, etc. Anything at your disposal or otherwise.
Read up on tutorials as much you can; even if you think it is not going to benefit your cosplay. You’ll be surprised how many techniques are interchangeable and worthwhile just to learn, acquire and understand. It may come in handy with future cosplays.
Actively participate in cosplay communities and social networks. Try to join cosplays or costume making forums like RPF. They post progress, tips, and advice that can extend your knowledge and understanding.
2. ATTEMPT & MAKE MISTAKES
Don’t be afraid to try new things, every mistake is one you can learn from and improve on. Beyond technique, you will also develop your product intelligence— this is an understanding of what material and brand to decide on and crafting technique; as well as more fine tuning measurements such as weight.
Start a new technique small. Using a smaller amount of materials will give you the practice you need without the hit to your wallet if things didn't go according to plan.
Patience is key. You’re not going to become an Ambassador of cosplay overnight. It will take you a few tries before you achieve what you’re after. I understand it can be frustrating, so don’t be afraid to put a project on hold to work on another. Keep that flare alive and burning.
Of course I follow those with work I love, but personally, the most defining factor under my decision criteria are WIP updates. These show aspiring cosplayers many techniques they may not have thought of beforehand without requiring tutorial or mentoring interaction.
Cosplayers who DO interact with their fanbase; taking their time to answer questions from other cosplayers, have a special place in my heart.
Cosplayers who invest their time and resources into developing the skills of others through literature or video mediums. Digital books especially, BUY THEM! I buy every cosplaying book I come across and have found each to provide a unique learning experience.
And of course, follow what inspires you!
Don’t go easy on yourself! Look for challenging cosplays. I try to make every one of my projects more difficult and demanding than the last. But be realistic; remember to act within budget and not go overboard. Don’t tackle a cosplay you can’t afford and try to budget down the required materials and tools; or a cosplay you can’t dream of being capable of just yet— it will leave you frustrated.
5. HOW TO GET IT DONE FAST
Others often comment that my cosplays are completed unreasonably quickly. My longest cosplay took me a month and a half (Rengar) but back then I didn't have a job so I could work every hour every day on it. However, now that I’m employed, I haven’t found it slow down my work all that much. So here’s some advice that works for me:
Focus 100% on the cosplay. I prefer working with music and using my phone or computer only for references— you’ll know what works for you. Avoid procrastinating; texting and wasting time online and that goes for over-frequent progress pics. Update your WIP during dedicated breaks only.
Prepare and organize your references beforehand in some sort of folder system. This will save you time looking it up again.
Amazing and helpful cosplayers!
These are some of the cosplayers I follow and learn from. I won’t list all of them but here are the first few who come to my mind.
Kamui Cosplay (my top inspiration)
Ashari Cosplays and Props
MORE TALENT AND INSPIRATIONS
Jodeci FM - The Cosplay Channel