Here's a #tbt for all you novice costumers - especially the broke college/high school students! Just a reminder that nobody springs full-grown from the head of Zeus with Master level skills. (Some of you fast learners out there seem like it sometimes, but I know how much work and determination you put into it!) . This is 18-year-old Val about to compete for the very first time in the Masquerade at MediaWest*Con as Star from The Lost Boys, my biggest obsession at the time. I had been going to cons since I was 11, but never stayed in the evening to see the Masquerade, so I had only ever seen hall costumes and had NO idea what kind of elaborate things people built for competition! Everything but the skirt was what we now call closet cosplay (I *loved* that velvet jacket, which went with the dress one of my mom's friends had worn to her prom and given to me), and the skirt was made from thrifted curtains. I was so proud of it, but THE most important thing that happened that night was the encouragement backstage from more experienced costumers. . When more experienced people compliment your costume and ask questions about how you went about it, they're not just pretending to be interested out of politeness. They used to BE you, and they're genuinely excited about how you solved your challenges with the resources you have. There is a VAST range of experience levels and financial security in this wonderful community of ours. Be proud of what you accomplish with yours! 💚 And on the flip side... If anyone tries to tell you you're "not good enough," you send their sorry wrongheaded self my way! . #novicecosplayer #budgetcosplay #thelostboys #cospositive #80scostume (at Lansing, Michigan)
