Lowkey on of my anime husband's rn. I want this banana shirt so badly, but it looks like I will have to create a custom pattren and have custom fabric printed 🥹💸
Since people seemed to have found my Dawn editing tips useful. I wanted to make another post sharing more tips! This was all edited once again on my phone so there is a bit of lack of quality imo, but the results made me happy enough to pos them.
This was all edited using the Meitu application.
Editing Steps
🍀 Remove acne and any bigger blemishes, I also used the "firm" tool to remove my smile lines and under bag lines.
🍀 Next I used the "acne" tool again to remove my ear piecing, and to start to remove the hard line of my nature ear.
🍀 Then I used (very little) the "smooth" tool to blend in my ear colour to the fake one's. Finally I used the "slim" tool to reshape the shadows on the ear. The key is to zoom in super close and used the "restore" any time the lines start to bend.
🍀 I used the "skin" tool on "cream" to even out my skin. I upped the concealer level a tiny bit more, because my skin is very uneven.
🍀 My face looked pale so I added blush, using the "makeup" tool. (I used the "first love" filter)
🍀 I did not like how my jawline looked, just due to the angle of the photo. So I used the "contour" tool; then very faintly using a neutral brown, I added a tiny bit of shadowing to my neck and jawline.
🍀 Finally, I thought the hat on my head looked a bit small, so I used the "slim" tool again to make the edges slightly bigger. This was easier todo because the photos background is blurry. Always keep in mind the edges and straight line details that might be in photos. If they end up getting bent then it could make the image look weird.
I wrote this in my last post, but I'm also going to write it again here... Most cosplayers edit their photos. To me it's part of the hobby and creative process. Cosplay for me is a stress reliver, fun, and a confidence booster. I edit my skin because my 15+ years of skin issues make me fill insecure. So having the opportunity to edit beautiful photos and have my skin look the way I want it to, is just a step in the creative process for me.
Many cosplayers edit their photos to add extra colour, fix imperfections, or even add more fantasy elements. This shouldn't be judged or criticized, in my opinion. The limits are endless!
I post these tips to help beginners cosplays, because when I first started out there was no tips for cosplay edits specifically. Hints to way I really only share my phone only edits. Because most people have access to a phone, and can step up their photos with some simple edits! 💪😊
Sharing some tips for editing cosplay photos on JUST your phone! I really only use 2 apps "magic eraser" and "meitu" honestly meitu is my go to app for any small edits on my phone. If your just starting out I recommend it.
Key Edits
1) Leaf in front of my face, I also erased the tattoo on my arm (magic eraser)
2) Frizzy corner of hairline. This is a pain because of the hat, slow and easy. (magic eraser & meitu - acne tool)
3) Saturation and colour brightening. Adding a bit of colour to photos adds so much. Even with dark photos having some colour can add depth and attract interest to the photo. (meitu)
4) Skin face texture and highlight. For this I focus on the heavy bags under my eyes and acne/scarring on my face and chest. (meitu)
5) Evening leg colour. Using the blur or soften tool. Along with editing out all scratches and bruises I had. (meitu)
This photo was all edited on my phone, which is way some quality is lacking. But honestly I was happy enough with the results to post them.
Photo editing is huge, and you definitely can't escape it in the world of cosplay. These photos we're taken by one of my friends in the UVIC Cosplay Club. Now me being me, I edit all of my photos. 1) because I find joy and creativity in photo editing. 2) it gives me a bit of a confidence boost. Having had horrible skin issues since I was 3, I have always had insecurities about my skin, editing it makes me feel a lot better and gives me the courage and motivation to keep cosplaying.
My edits aren't meant to hurt or body shame anyone, I'm simply making edits to help make my photos look more like the character. I really wish we won't judge people who edit their photos so harshly in the cosplay community. Unless your doing something that could be considered offencive, I think photo editing is a great tool that can push your photos to the next level!
I know its been a while, but looking through the photos on my phone has made me miss FanExpo. I had such an amazing time going around a con sharing my love for cosplay with on of my best friends! (Thank you from coming with me Em)
I made a small blog of my time at FanExpo. I was super excited to test run my Tartaglia cosplay. The scarf was so last minute so it still haunting me in all the photos I have of it lol.
On day 1 I really wanted to go to the Genshin cosplay meet up. there were way more people then, those in this photo. More and more cosplayers showed up as the shoot went on. It was so much fun, but a bit stress full because there wasn't much space.
I got to see my friend FreckleBytes their Vi cosplay had come such a long way, and looks amazing! 100% wig goals. A photographer skywingphoto took some photos of me and did some quick edits. I think they came out super cute. (Check out their Instagram, you might seem them at Vancouver cons)
I ran into the best and most sweet Thoma cosplayer ever! (Mayumeicos) The card they gave me with their @ was just so cute. I just could not get over their Thoma.
Me and a bunch of my friends, and UVIC Cosplay Club members all went to a bunch of panels and watched the cosplay contest. I tried adding everyone's @'s in my youtube video. All the panels I went to were super fun and very interesting, I hope to go to more next time. Only issue was ALL the panels I went to were in the small theater which was right beside the artist alley so I was super busy and noisy. I hope they plan the layout better next year.
Final thing I'm gonna share are the photos from the Red Carpet. Me and my best friend did magikarp and gyarados on day 3. I did little sister on day 2.
I had a lot of fun at FanExpo. Although the sky was grey, it didn't rain until day 3. which sucked but it was still nice to have good weather for 2 full days of con.
6 month of sewing, dying and 3D printing, I'm glad to say this cosplay is pretty much done! There are still a few things I will add to it, like the shoulder armor. But for now this cosplay is done. 😊
As we all know cosplay can be a VERY expensive hobby, especially if your making your own outfits from scratch. Even if you prefer to buy your cosplays shipping costs can be crazy expensive and quality can be hit or miss. This post will give reads tips to make (or buy pieces) of cosplay for a very affordable price.
Most of my cosplays are relatively cheap. Unless I'm doing a very big project that need specific materials then my budget is almost always under $40.00cad Both my Max and Ellie cosplays cost me around $5.00 to make, so how did I get away with this? The answer is more simple then you may think.
Picking your Character
First I would highly recommend making a list of planned cosplays (mine is on my Instagram highlights) Characters that you wish/ hope to dress up as in the future [This is purely so you can see all your options for outfit you want to create] I find character from comic and video game to be the most simple for me to cosplay. (not always tho, “Genshin I'm looking at you!”) Pick a character that you already have 1 half of already. (with light alterations)
For example, I already had the pants and shoes for Ellie and Max so all I would have to focus on are the tops and wigs (if needed) Sometimes these parts may need light alterations such as my “MC” cosplay from Mystic Messenger. I had everything for the outfit already, but had to add the yellow circles on the shoulders of the jacket. Don’t be afraid to do small alterations because they can really pull a cosplay together!
Main Pieces
Pick out the main pieces that makes the character identifiable, usually this is a wig, shirt, coat or even a prop. These are the items that should have the main part of your budget and attention. You would have no idea who I was cosplaying for my MC cosplay if I didn’t have 707′s coat, same with Max and Ellie and there tshirts. So how can I make these piece well on a budget?
*Thrifting
Thrifting is something I will always recommend not only can you find cheap fabrics but your cosplay becomes more environmentally friendly (especially with fast fashion now a days) You can find props, clothes and fabric all pretty cheap at thrift stores just keep an eye out. My biggest tip for this, is not to only look at big chain thrift store such as Value Village but also smaller locally owned ones. Chances are, they have stuff that can be a lot cheaper and there can be some very interesting finds.
*Dollar Stores
The dollar store is great for finding materials for cheap, for example its cheaper for me to buy a shirt at the dollar store ($1.00) rather then a thrift store ($3.00) Keep prices in mind. My main point for the dollar store is that the crafting supplies are cheaper here then Walmart or Michaels. I needed clay and it was way, way cheaper to get it at the dollar store compared to Michaels or Amazon. They also have just a bunch a weird stuff that you won’t even think to use. Please keep quantity in mind tho, Ribbon is cheaper at the dollar store for 1 meter ($3.00) while amazon is a bit more but you get more then double for a $1 more - 5 meters (4.00) so please keep an eye on the size and prices.
*Online Fabric Shopping
“Idk about yall but fabric is stupid expensive where I live” There are so many great store online that have unique fabrics for amazing prices some can also send you samples before you place your full orders. My favourite website is “Overseas Fabrics” there quality and customer serves is amazing.
Tip - Don’t Stress for Perfection
If your doing a cheaper cosplay don’t be scared to change the outfits design a bit. If your thrifting and you can’t find the prefect shirt don't over stress. Let's say you need a light pink shirt with a vneck line and you find a shirt with an off pink but it's has the prefect neck line; but then you find another shirt without the vneck line but it's the prefect shade of pink. pick which ever you think will work best for the outfit. (I find getting the right colour is better depending on the outfit) The best example I have for this is my Kaori cosplay. The dress cut is off but the colour and flow of the dress was prefect! I usually go by “if I can tell who it is then others will too” Be happy with what you make.
Can’t Sew?
Can't sew, don't have a sewing machine? All good there are so many cosplays you can do without sewing. My Ellie and Max cosplays were all out of my closet except the shirts. The shirts were thrifted and from and dollar store all I had to do was paint the designs on. Don't fret you don't need to be an artist. Simply find an image of the design online, print it out and cut out the design and paint over the cutout parts. Here a very simple tutorial of what I mean. You can use fabric paint but I personally use acrylics because there cheaper. You will have to paint more coats and it may washout but with my past experience, I've never had problems with paint washing out or cracking.
As much as I hate say "hot glue it" hot glue is a great tool. It's cheap (you can get the glue gun and glue sticks at the dollar store) and its time efficient. The only thing I would recommend tho is try and hand sew some parts of it before gluing just to reinforce it. (even if your hand sewing is trash, like mine is) Hot glue has almost always failed me when it wasn't reinforced.
Props and Cost?
If you are interested in prop making or do it as a hobby you may know it can be super expensive. There are so many creative ways to make props cheaply. First it may sound nuts but try cardboard and card stock. There is an AMAZING YouTube channel called "Jette Crafts" he make so many props- weapons, helmet, armor all out of cardboard. Better yet ALL his patterns are free! (only thing I suggest is to use primer and spray paint for when painting. It just looks better[he uses acrylics]this is just a preference tho) If you are new to prop making and are looking for practice or don't know where to start, this is a great spot. Many (not all) of his patterns also work with foam.
Cardboard not your thing or something seems to detailed to make? Try thrifting or used sites (used victoria, kajiji, facebook market, ect) to look for toy sword or guns (I can't make guns out of foam to save my life lol) There are parents all the time giving away nerf guns for free or for super cheap online ($5-$10) . You can sand these done, use clay, glue and other tools to make them look more like the actual prop. The thing that always sells it for me is the paint job. If the colours look similar to the original then you've done a good job. I'm linking a super amazing video here, as an example.
So you don't want to put in the time for cardboard or can't find any bases online, or you just have your heart set on 3D printing your prop. As many know 3D printing can be very expensive, if your buying online. Chances are there is a community printer in your area. There's usually a community printer at high schools, colleges, university's or even libraries! As long as you have the STL files (pretty good site for stl files) you can usually pay a fee and have your item printed. I personally am a part of a cosplay club so I know people who work with printers, but my collage and public library both have 3D printer that people can book. Prices will depend of course so keep it in mind!
Take away
Be creative, cosplay can be expensive but it doesn't have to be. Look in your communities because people give away free stuff all the time. You may not find the "perfect" item but if it brings you joy or spark the creative process, looks similar to the photo or reference, go for it! There are always amazing ideas on YouTube and online for making something cheaper. This post is meant to give people ideas even tho a lot of it seems generic go to as many places as possible to find material. "That's part of the fun"
This is a super easy cosplay to make, if you are new to using a sewing machine this is the perfect costume to test it out on.
Dress
Anya's Dress is crazy easy to make. I found a free pattern for a tunic dress online.
The pattern is super easy to follow. My choice in fabric was a cotton, nylon blend the sleeves are made of left over cotton though, they keep there shape a bit better. Also don't forget her little bow 🎀 I would highly recommend hot gluing the middle of the bow so it stays tied. Mine is sewn to the dress as well.
My shoes are thrifted, and I use these for so many cosplays. The socks are just white, I had plans to add ruffles but sadly ran out of time.
Wig
I got the wig from Aliexpress 「In my opinion aliexpress is a great place for buying wigs」 I teased the back of the wig to make sure the wig cap was covered (It had good coverage anyways, I just do this with most of my wigs) I cut about 3-4 inches properly more off. I them used my secret weapon which is "fabric spray adhesive" This will stick the wig hair down. There will be less fly aways and the wig will keep its shape. I only spayed the top and ends to keep the hair that I styled folded and fresh.
(I did cut the hair bit at the top shorter)
Hair Pieces
The hair pins are 3D printed, I used free files I found online. Once they where done being printed I sanded them and filled them with "Kwik Seal" bathroom caulking, you can get this from Canadian Tire or other hardware store for around $4.00cad I did about 2 coat of this. Once dry I spray painted the gold and hand painted the black.
Now, I personally wanted the horns to lay flat. Having looked at a few other cosplayer outfits I noticed that the horns with clips had a small gap between the wig and the hair pieces. I want a more flat and "natural" look for my horns so I used a wire and 2 bobby pins. The wire goes between the wig cap while the bobby pins are to add extra support and close and gap between the wig and horns. 「They look a bit messy but work super well」
Final Results
I'm so happy with this cosplay and super relieved with how easy this was. If you don't have access to a 3D printer you could totally use foam, or you can look in you community to see if there's public access to one, for example I have access to one at my public library (with a small fee of course) Please don't let 1 step through you off.
Super fun memories from the UVIC Cosplay clubs first "Con" outing. It was super small but so, so fun! Very good memories✨
I cosplayed Lumain from Genshin Impact, this was the first time I've worn this costume out. It's also one of the only cosplays I bought and.... Never again I really wish I used the money to buy this for material to just make it😅
Another good memory was our club leader winning first place in the Entry Level cosplay competition. She's the Elastigirl. We were all shock when we're heard the host say her name😂☺️💕
I'm hoping to participate in the Capital City Comic Con, cosplay competition this year. This will be my first cosplay competition entry and I'm super excited and nervous for it. 😝
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