So, unfortunately, most of us don’t have $300 dollars to spend on cosplay. Here are some tips to making cosplay a bit more affordable, and sometimes even a bit higher quality.
~First, DO NOT BUT COSPLAYS ONLINE. They’re often overpriced, low quality, and made for people who could fit into an infants clothing.
~Places like Home Depot and Good Will are your best friends, never forget that.
~Cosplays that involve jackets (Free! and AOT being good examples) are easier than you think to make at home. An old jean jacket or windbreaker, some fabric markers or dye, and a little effort can do a long way into making such things.
~Wigs can be reused for many different cosplays. Cosplay wigs can range from $10 to $50 apiece, which is actually not badly priced, but still puts a hurt on your budget. Reuse wigs and style them differently for each character, most of the time you can get away with it.
~Fabrics can be expensive af, but look out for sales at your local stores. Places like Joanne’s often have rewards programs for you. I’m often sent 50% off total purchase texts from my local Joanne’s, and that’s the time I go out and buy any of the fabrics I need. Go bulk on those rare occasions.
~Makeup if also expensive, but for most cosplays mandatory. (Please don’t try to cosplay Stein without a little eyeliner and body paint!) Party City and other festive, costume selling stores often have cheap body paint and such that are fantabulous for those things. They also have things like masks that, with some spray paint, can make a great base.
~If you don’t already own one, It’s smart to invest in a sewing machine and some lessons for projects that sewing is necessary. Seriously, in the long run, it’ll save you a lot and will be very helpful.
~HOT GLUE IS ALSO YOUR FRIEND. USE IT. LIKE SERIOUSLY.
~If you’re doing a cosplay that involved suits or casual clothing (Levi from AOT and Tsukiyama from Tokyo Ghoul) Good Will or Salvation Army are great ideas. You can buy suits and such for low prices. Dress shirts and a pair of white pants can be used for SNK cosplay, and a vest and a tie are easily found for Kaneki cosplay. Places like these will be your safe haven because cheap Jewelry, shoes, and clothing that can be used as a base and are easily found.
~Shoes are often a problem. Some cosplays need boots and such that are unavailable. But, with some creativity, you can easily make your own. Ross, Payless Shoes, and all kinds of other places are great for finding cheap shoes. Once you find a pair with the right style, you can use paint, accessorize, and other things to turn them into the perfect cosplay shoe.
~DUCT TAPE IS GREAT TOO. Paper, brown Duct Tape, and some effort can make you cheap AOT straps. Need an eye patch? Duct Tape. A hilt for that sweet ass sword? Duct Tape. I also recommend you bring some to conventions, you never quite know when you’re going to need Duct Tape.
~Props are a pain in the ass, we all know. But foam, Wonder Flex, Fossshape, Polystyrol, and Kobracast are cheap and easy to work with. Don’t forget that even good ole’ paper mache can do wonders for your cosplay, and your wallet.
~Okay, so now you have this sick, cheap cosplay. How and where do you show it off? First of all, anywhere. Just walk down the streets of the closest city, attract attention, show off your sick skills. Conventions are fun but expensive. Groupon can make fee’s cheaper at conventions. I mostly suggest ordering a badge early. Like half a year early. You can often get up to half off on your badge and save the stress of lines by buying your badge online.
Okay, I hope this helped you on your cosplay adventures. Good luck, and have fun cosplaying!
@catcatcosy & @coconutmilk315
