For some of us, costume parties are a last-minute idea that results in a hasty stop at Spotlight to grab the most ill-fitted Halloween costume for a night, and then thrown away never to be thought of again. For others, the process of creating a costume is not only a passion, but an enormous sub-culture and industry.
If you are at all familiar with pop culture and anything fandom, then you would definitely know what cosplaying is. Cosplayers themselves are incredibly talented costume designers with an overwhelming passion for their favourite franchises, which has made them the highlight of any convention. Where conventions are highlights of pop culture and fandom, cosplayers help get convention-goers into the spirit of the event.
From diehard competitors in cosplay competitions to hobbyists with a passion for pop culture and costume design, we asked five cosplayers ten questions about why they cosplay, what they love about the cosplay community and their costume design process.
The Australian Crunchyroll Expo is coming up on September 17th-18th and we’re expecting cosplayers to bring out some amazing designs as there will be the very first Australian Crunchyroll-Hime’s Cosplay Cup and a cosplay parade.
There will be countless cosplayers attending Crunchyroll Expo so feel free to say hi and ask for a photo! And while you’re at it, peep the guest panels and attend special screenings.
How did you get your start in cosplay?
I started dancing as a hobby when I was five. What drew me to it initially was going on stage and getting dressed up to perform. I’ve also had a fascination with sewing and fashion from a young age, so it’s a bit of a culmination of those two things, as well a being a way to express my love for certain pop culture characters and franchises. Anime and Japanese culture were my foot in the door, and it all spiralled from there.
Officially I started cosplaying in 2014 – though I did enter my first “costume contest” at a small Stargate convention in the UK a few years earlier (I just didn’t know it was called cosplay). Prior to starting cosplay, I was sewing my own costumes for stock photography purposes. I enjoyed the creativity it gave me whilst also providing artists with free reference images to use in their own creations. My stock was a bit different to others because I liked to create characters rather than just being a model standing in an outfit. A few times people commented things like, “Cool Cosplay!” After a while, I got curious about what that was, so I searched it up… the rest is history!
What Was Your First Con Experience Like?
My first convention was Manifest 2013 and I was cosplaying Grell Sutcliffe from Black Butler. I was only 14, but I remember everyone being so kind to me. Anime wasn’t that cool back in those days, and I basically had no one to talk about it with, but it was so easy to just start talking to random strangers at the con about these niche shows I’ve watched. It was such a euphoric feeling walking around and being immersed by fanart, figures, and other cosplayers when I had always felt so alone about liking anime.
Kirileecosplay
I had no idea that Perth even had conventions! My first was Oz Comic Con and my favourite actress Amanda Tapping of Stargate was going to be there. Cosplay was also a thing being encouraged on the site. I looked around my house and found some blue matte sating and tulle – I figured I had enough to make a Tardis-inspired dress! So I made my first official cosplay then. I had a wonderful response from people, including Amanda Tapping who I got a photo with. She was impressed that I had made it myself and also stated that Doctor Who was her favourite show. I was on cloud nine and instantly I was hooked.
When Deciding On A Specific Cosplay To Empbody, Are There Distinct Characteristics That Draw You To Them?
I tend to go for very handsome/pretty boy aesthetics for my characters. Usually, I take into account their features and personality to fit my style, as I have a somewhat androgynous look to my cosplay. I’m very attracted to darker hair characters as they usually are the edgy and cool ones haha.
Tjanedoe
I generally have to have an emotional connection to the character to want to funnel my time, effort and resources into a cosplay build. I am often drawn to power and sassy female characters, and that’s probably due to growing up in the 90s and not having many strong, non-derivative female influences within my chosen geek spaces at the time. Obviously, how the costume looks is a big factor in my choices too!
How Long does it take you to create your cosplay? Do You Create Them From Scratch?
Costumes usually take up to 30-40 hours of craft work. I’m very eager to portray the characters which results in me handcrafting a lot of the details of the costume.
Xinzeri.cos
The time spent on a project really varies on the complexity of the costume. If there’s a quick turnaround for a con, I like to shop for clothing that already looks quite similar to a costume and alter them till they match. If it’s a really big project, I plan months ahead to ensure I have enough time to alter until I’m satisfied. Of course, I also buy costumes if I don’t have the time or for convenience.
Kirileecosplay
Most of my cosplays I make from scratch, though I have bought a cosplay or two in the past and there is nothing wrong with that. The shortest amount of time I have made a cosplay is 45 minutes and the longest a cosplay has taken me is 400+ hours of labour time. Most of my cosplays take about 100-150 hours to complete on average.
Tjanedoe
I enjoy the creation process a lot, that’s why I cosplay. I like to keep growing as a maker and improving my skills, so I definitely like to make my cosplays myself. As an adult with a full-time job though, that’s not always possible. An average build is probably a couple of weeks to months condensed down, but I tend to work in small chunks over time.
What Are Unexpected Challenges About Cosplaying?
Tjanedoe
The rise of influencer culture and that bleeding into cosplay has been an interesting thing for me to navigate recently. Not many people cosplay as a career choice, but you almost have to treat it like one to get any kind of recognition or audience (if that’s your goal). The objectification and depersonalisation of cosplayers is another challenge most of us face regularly as well, though the ‘cosplay is not consent’ movement has been a great education tool so far.
Kirileecosplay
How little time you really have. Your list of all the characters and cosplays you want to do will be a never-ending scroll. It is hard to stay motivated for that long period of time and be looking at cosplay continuously. Especially when more pretty and alluring designs are always out there beckoning you to start working on them too!
What Are Your Favourite Projects?
Kirileecosplay
Xinzeri.cos
Komi from Komi Can’t Communicate
Tjanedoe
Vicious (Darth Maul inspired Zabrak original character) from Star Wars
Keitalaw
Knitecoser
Howl from Howl’s Moving Castle.
How Do You Feel About Photoshop In Cosplay?
Kietalaw
Photoshop is a tool, depending on your intent with cosplay it’s a very helpful tool in capturing character aspects that are too difficult or impossible to translate as something physical. I personally see cosplay as an art form, so I prefer photoshopped cosplay images to heighten the personification.
Knitecoser
I love photoshop! Whether it’s to smooth out your skin, add effects to the photo or even fix a few mishaps of the costume. I use photoshop and lightroom for all of my cosplay photos, as it really helps bring a professional touch to the images. One thing I love to do is draw small strands of hair for my wigs, like a flowy effect. It gives the illusion of wind and motion, which can make the image look more dynamic!
Tjanedoe
I don’t have a preference. There’s definitely a time and space for both, and it can depend on the costumes as to which is more appropriate. I like to do touch-ups, but I never use it to change the photo filters or my body/face. Only parts of the costume that need cleaning up like makeup issues, stray hairs or weird folds in the fabric. Really good editing can take a costume up a couple of notches when it comes to storytelling and image dynamics as well.
I do think there needs to be more transparency when it comes to photo editing, especially when it comes to body image, however.
Do You Get Into Character When You Cosplay?
Kirileecosplay
I certainly try! Especially if there is a stage performance! Additionally, I think that it is important for cosplayers to be in character when portraying a child’s beloved character (ie. a Disney princess). Small children can get very excited to see their favourite characters so it is important that you do not shatter their perception of that character. Always be kind to children!
Knitecoser
Definitely! Before photoshoots, I always revisit the source content and study the way the character acts and poses. I think portraying the personality of the character as it really ties the whole project together. Plus, it’s super fun!
Do You Copy A Character’s Costume Exactly? Or Do You Enjoy Adding Your Own Interpretations To It?
Kirileecosplay
It really does depend. If I am entering a competition, I try to replicate the character’s cosplay as best as I can, with only minor changes to best suit my body shape or to elevate the cosplay within the spirit of the character. However, I have found that my real passion is interpretations of a character’s costumes. This is where creativity can run wild and though harder to mark for accuracy within a competition setting, it is so exciting to see what people create.
Xinzeri.cos
I think embellishing costumes after completing the base is my favourite part of making a cosplay. I can get really carried away and over-the-top if I’m not careful. It makes my cosplay unique but still recognisable to the character.
Knitecoser
It depends on the context whether it be a personal project for myself or a paid collaboration with a company. For myself, I tend to embellish the costume a lot with textured/patterned fabrics or beautiful trimmings. I like the idea of making a costume suited to your taste, and I always have a lot of fun decorating the outfit! When it comes to working for companies, sometimes they request the cosplay to be made exactly as the image, so a lot of the time the fabric style can be very plain. I definitely prefer to make my own cosplay for myself as it brings a creative and unique element to the final product.
What Do You Love About Cosplay?
Kirileecosplay
As cliche as it sounds, I love the craft and I love the people. We come from all different backgrounds, with different experiences and skills – and there is always a place for you – whoever you are! Cosplay may not be for everyone, but it is for anyone. Nothing makes me happier to be a part of it.
Tjanedoe
A really surprising part of cosplay is how much it has given me in my personal life. It was the main factor in a lot of new close friendships I’ve started. I love how it fosters connection through a shared love of characters or franchises. It’s taught me all sorts of skills and techniques that I have gotten better at and encouraged my own personal growth in general.
Xinzeri.cos:
I love the process of scavenging for materials, making the costume, wig styling and the makeup for the cosplay. Most important I love meeting other people that recognise and love the same show/characters as I do!
I originally took a long break from cosplaying because I think I felt like I should have ‘grown up’ and pursued more ‘adult’ responsibilities. But after a long break, I realised that I could never out-grow my love for anime and cosplay. It’s incredibly cathartic for me to spend hours getting ready, sewing, and styling wigs. I think cosplay is something I will continue to return to, and I hope others who share the same feelings as me will realise that cosplaying isn’t limited to just younger people.
i got this dress for this one cosplay n im never wearing it again #mahito #jujutsukaisen #jjk #anime #manga #cosplay #呪術廻戦 #真人 pic.twitter.com/L5CrsE7ogp
— fei (@bibimbrrrap) August 7, 2021
Crunchyroll Expo will be happening on September 17-18th. There will also be special screenings, guest panels and special merch available as well. Come get your tickets here!
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