I have been active in the cosplay community for about a year now, I am what many people here consider to be a newbie. Most people I’ve met through cosplay, started when they were in their mid-teens, but I have always been a ‘late bloomer’ so it is no surprise to me that I came to the hobby in my twenties. This is a reflection on what I have come to understand about the cosplay community and why we should keep coming back. It is no secret that “Cosplay” has an undertone of negativity; in my experience there has always been people ready to criticize your material choices, craftsmanship and most popularly, your body. This is something that I think people should be aware of when getting into this hobby; not to scare them off or intimidate them but just so that everyone is aware that, when you’re walking in grass you’re bound to see a snake. These individuals, whether they’re from within the community or from the slimy darker regions of the web, will always be there, like some underlying illness. Many of us have had our share of internal battles; trying to deal with criticism received online. The negativity that our online aliases get over ‘costume A’ or ‘photo shoot B’ does not end when we close our laptops. “Should I just give up? Why continue cosplaying?” Have heart! For every unkind anon remark, there will be four others who are inspired by your work and ready to tell you so. There are those bad apples, but overwhelmingly the community is full of people looking to make friends, share ideas and have fun. In my experience cosplay has given me a reason to come out of my shell, it has given me a creative outlet and it’s given me a reason to look in the mirror and be proud of something I’ve made. No matter your skill level, there is great satisfaction and value in this hobby. Keep cosplaying. It IS good for you and you might not know it, but we love what you're doing. So, Rules of Cosplay: 1. Do it for you. 2. Love yourself. 3. Don’t forget, we’re all in this together. I’m here for ya, Bandit Spurs
