Insight Into My Future Cosplays
After attending Baltimore Comic Con, I vowed to myself that I will never use a purchased costume, especially those that come from PartyCity or other locations that sell Halloween costumes. I will say that there are legit online cosplay shops that sell amazing cosplay costumes and accessories. I am not as picky about that as I am the cheaply made $20 costumes.
However, what I dislike is purchased costumes participating in costume contests. I do not blame the cosplayers as much as I do the hosts of the contests. Baltimore Comic Con completely failed to ask questions about the craftsman and fabrication process of most all of the costumes that were displayed. I feel that this is unfair to those that spent hours/days/months/ or even years on making the costume! For me, Comic Con costume contests should be REQUIRED to ask questions about the costume making process or divide into a variety of categories such as a handmade vs. bought costumes.
Showmanship is extremely important, don't get me wrong. The ability to portray a character is almost just as important as the craftsmanship. After all, it is the final touch that brings all the hard work together and provides a more believable and realistic touch! I have seen cosplayers win a costume contest because of showmanship. Their costumes were not nearly as detailed or complicated as some of the others who attended the con and did not even place! But sometimes, it depends on what the judges like and who they are. But in my opinion, craftsmanship and fabrication takes the cake as being the main criteria to judge on! It is the aspect of any cosplay that takes the most time, effort, and patience!
I am just learning to sew and fabricate. The poison Ivy costume was purely handmade with the exception of using a fabric base of purchased items. Therefor, I did cheat, and I will admit that. Both my Mad Hatter and Cat Woman cosplays were pieced together with purchased items and I made and added my own accessories for both. I did not once buy a full, already made costume. Using separate pieces to bring a costume together is way better than purchasing a pre-made costume for sure! I strongly encourage people to go this route if you have not learned the skills necessary to create your own! But always educate yourself and attempt to learn the valuable skills of sewing and fabrication, which could come in handy aside from the cosplay hobby!
I promise you, as a cosplayer, you will be well respected by making your own. I've mentoned before that I am by no means, a professional or expert on the cosplay world. I just know what will get you noticed. Especially after analyzing the amazing, clearly handmade costumes that are debuted at the conventions that I have attended.
My next look (which remains hush hush for now) is going to be completely hand made from head to toe (Minus Shoes). Atleast, I am going to do my best to do so. I am fabricating some foam armor pieces for this one, which is COMPLETELY new for me. I am excited for the challenge. I will keep everyone posted on the process. It will be debuted at Virginia Comic Con held in Richmond on Novemeber 23 and 24th.
Thank you for reading this awfully long post. I appreciate everyone's love and support! You people are AWESOME!!!
Smile on!
-Katie
facebook.com/katieflemingcosplay