#CosplayMaking

[beginnercosplaytips]

Beginner Cosplay Tips from the Community (and me!!)

Cosplay can initially seem overwhelming, but the community provides helpful advice for newcomers! Whether you’re crafting a costume from scratch or buying your first wig, there’s always something new to learn. I contacted experienced cosplayers and gathered beginner-friendly tips to help you get started.

Start Simple and Build Your Skills

Many cosplayers recommend choosing a character with a simple design for your first cosplay. This lets you focus on learning key skills like sewing, wig styling, or prop-making without feeling overwhelmed. Gank explains by breaking down the costume into individual pieces, you’ll have an easier time planning how to create the overall look. You can look for inspiration online on Etsy or Pinterest to simulate your character's appearance using materials you can access. https://ganknow.com/blog/cosplay-for-beginners/?srsltid=AfmBOoodEIlGHkfRXmDW3kC4-3j2-hMCqZf1i9CMxwS767bjsceCT4cR From my experience, my first cosplay was very complicated. I had money to buy it from a reputable cosplay website, but it resulted in a lot of time spent on the cosplay.

2. Budget Friendly Cosplay is Possible

Cosplay doesn’t have to be expensive! Anjeez on YouTube shares that thrift stores, clearance sales, and fabric scraps are great resources for affordable costume building. If you’re looking for wigs, checking secondhand marketplaces like Depop or Facebook Marketplace can help save money while still finding high-quality pieces. https://youtu.be/0tbfaWNhSCg?si=MByt-Ay1KXy5Euop I have bought my wigs on a reputable cosplay website, and they are relatively cheap. The expensive part is the shipping since they usually ship out from Asia. Another option is you can always support small businesses selling wigs. They are usually very good quality.

3. Learn From Others

One of the best parts of cosplay is the community! Follow cosplayers on X, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube who share tutorials. Arda Wigs on YouTube has beginner wig-styling guides https://youtube.com/@ardawigs6041?si=7MX2-FSazplh5Bko, while Punished Props Academy on YouTube has a great tutorial on using foam and other materials for props https://www.youtube.com/@punishedprops. Online forums like r/cosplay on Reddit, your local anime convention, and Discord groups are also great places to ask for advice, troubleshoot issues, and find encouragement from other cosplayers. Many conventions also offer cosplay workshops, so if you can attend one, it’s a great way to learn hands-on techniques from experts.

4. Comfort is Key

A well-made costume means nothing if it’s too uncomfortable to wear. I suggest breaking in new shoes ahead of time and bringing emergency supplies like safety pins, double-sided tape, and a mini sewing kit to conventions. Speaking about the double-sided type, my favorite is the one by MoeFlavor. The name is a little weird (Jiggle Defender Waterproof Heavy Duty Body Cosplay Tape https://moeflavor.com/products/jiggle-defender-waterproof-heavy-duty-fashion-tape?srsltid=AfmBOootLWfj1ZFyvUkMoVhbsKYOIeZTw-p4QXKj2macFGvw1k_X9e0Z), but it helps prevent any cosplay mishaps. Layers and breathable fabrics can also significantly affect long wear times. Hydration and snacks are often overlooked, but staying energized lets you enjoy the convention experience without exhaustion. If your cosplay includes heavy props or tight-fitting pieces, taking short breaks throughout the day can help prevent discomfort and fatigue.

5. Have Fun and Be Confident

At the end of the day, cosplay is about having fun and expressing your love for a character. Many beginners worry about being “accurate” or “perfect,” but the most important thing is to enjoy yourself. Every experienced cosplayer starts somewhere. Mistakes are part of the learning process.

What are your favorite beginner cosplay tips? Share your experiences in the comments or tag me in your posts. I’d love to feature more community advice in the future!

[elenasev98]

Hard work pays off! 🙂‍↕️

Ps. It's official: I've got the crown!My boyfriend finished it.

#lilianavess #lilianavesscosplay #mtg #mtgcosplay #magicthegathering #cosplaymaker #femalecosplay #cosplay #cosplayphotoshoot

[boneshifter]

9 & 18?

9. Best month for you this year?

Maybe February or September... pretty stress free months with lots of nice gatherings and things happening :) and in September i was so relieved about not having to stress to death about cosplaymaking anymore (cos Tracon had passed)

18. A memorable meal this year?

Not strictly a single meal, but I went over to my friends' place often and they made food for us to eat together 💞 I treasure that...

[unpredictableaunum]

A custom set of Lord Beerus cosplay ears and posable tail for Rena on etsy!

Thank you for commissioning me again!

These ears ate 9" tall! Probably one of the tallest sets I've made so far! 🤩

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#aunumwolf42 #aunumart #beerus #lordbeerus #cosplayaccessories #cosplayearshop #cosplayears #catears #foxears #fauxfurears #fauxfur #Bigzfabric #cosplay #fursuitparts #furry #cosplaymaker #handmade #tail #ears #lordbeeruscosplay

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[ladycels]

2023 is at an end, so time for a recap! (Borrowing this idea from @lutaviacosplay )

This year was all over the place! It’s been an absolute roller coaster of a year, but I’ll try and put things into words. Please bear with me XD

COSTUMES - This year started with going super hard core. I brought a record number of costumes to my first con of the year Katsucon . We had Mothra, Cruella, and Appa all in the first half of the year, and then Katsu-crunch came early with Toothless, Armored Leafeon, Nowhere King, and Kimono Articuno. The year wrapped up with Wailord, but also a step back to reset and work on my precision sewing with some finely made tailored clothing.

CONVENTIONS - Katsucon started the year with a bang! I was honored to be brought on by @famorecutlery to offer workshops and panels in sewing and dye/paintwork (and I hope people enjoyed them!). Then it was time to gear up for a rapid-fire of amazing guesting/judging opportunities at @animeboston , @awesomecons , and @teamtekko .

EDUCATION + OPPORTUNITIES - I was also able to bring panels and teaching to more cons this year! Professionally, I moved up as well to start working as a college professor teaching digital fabrication classes full time. I continue to work on developing and bringing more and more learning opportunities to anyone who’s willing to learn :) I’ve also started to do more private tutoring online for cosplay and making fields, which have proven super rewarding!

THANK YOU! - I am deeply, deeply thankful to all my friends, both cosplay, guildies, discord, and IRL who’ve helped me over the past year. It’s been a challenging year and I honestly don’t know what I would have done without you. And a big shout out to my followers, y’all are amazing and every time I stop and wonder ‘do people really care about the stuff I do’ you all brighten my life with your support.

2024 Looking ahead. A lot of my plans for 2024 are up in the air at the moment. I’ll be at Katsucon, and helping behind the scenes at AnimeBoston, but otherwise, we’ll see where life takes us <3

#CosplayCrafting #selfmadecosplay #cosplaymaker

[woodworksgeek]

"When the Dragonborn ruler loses his throne, and the White Tower falls - When the Snow Tower lies sundered, kingless, bleeding - The World-Eater wakes, and the Wheel turns upon the Last Dragonborn."

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Some of my Dragon Priest Masks that I crafted by order.

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Available for ordering at my Etsy shop. Link in my bio

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#skyrimquotes

#skyrimcosplay

#elderscrolls

#dragonpriestmask

#dragonborn

#cosplaymask

#propmaker

#cosplaymaker

#dragonpriest

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[davidgodwinartistry]

What's the one cosplay prop or accessory you wish you could 3d print but haven't found the perfect file for yet?🤔

Drop your ideas in the comments - I'd love to hear them 👇

Let's connect! If you're a cosplayer, maker, or 3D printing enthusiast, reblog this and tag me I'd love to see your project 😉 ✨

#3dprinting #cosplayprops #stlfiles #3dprint #cosplaymaker #propmaking #3dartist #cosplay

[swordduels]

Do you have any other hobbies?

I have a bunch of hobbies but I have shorter or longer periods of doing them. I enjoy drawing, writing stories, reading, sewing/cosplaymaking and learning facts about history and folklore. @clown-demon

[elythegardeningbard]

Posada Doublet Tutorial - Part 1 - Pants

Link to Pants : https://t.co/IQqw2cOPKR

Tiktok Showing Pants making : https://t.co/pQYgzkPzBs

[desertdragon666]

Making and teaching @miss_maria_mayhem how to make leg armor for her doctor mercy cosplay, so far not bad for a first attempt Tho it be hella cold outside :'3 #cosplaymaking #cosplayarmor #cosplaywip #mercycosplay #wip #cosplaylife #overwatchmercy https://www.instagram.com/p/B6thKjlh7lf/?igshid=4op463388pb7

[sarembaart]

Die Farbe auf der Kleidung von meinem neuen La Llorona Cosplay ist endlich getrocknet, jetzt kann das Make-up getestet werden. 😁 Nun fehlen nur noch dunklere nasse Haare... 😅 #cosplay #cosplaygirl #horrorcosplay #lallorona #lalloronacosplay #creepy #creepybride #brautkostüm #brautcosplay #bridecosplay #cosplaymaking #cosplaymakingprocess #cosplayfun #cosplaymakingof #horrorlover https://www.instagram.com/p/B2ud5YknPPx/?igshid=hjcuiadzswu3

[5axisjmz]

🔥🔥🔥Long Weekend is here, why not submit a design to us! :) 🔥🔥🔥🔥 Had a few people mentioning that the smaller text was difficult to read on mobile. (UPDATE) :) happy Friday all!! Please like and subscribe to share with all who will be interested. 👾👾 Good luck everyone !! Group images together as PDF. As well as your preferred contact details. Multiple files should be sent using a compressed file format. Addressed to James@5axismaker.com We ask that applicants must be available to remain in contact during the making process and we may need to arrange a visit for fitting. I look forward to seeing all of your designs! Submission deadline 7th October 2019.🕰⌛️ Ask questions in the comments I’ll be happy to get back to you! . . . . #mcmcomiccon #cosplay #cosplayuk #cosplayeurope #mcmcomicconlondon #cosplayers #mangacosplay #cosplayarmor #cosplaymaking #cosplaydesign #propmaker #props #comicbooks #forbiddenplanet #cosplaygirl #cosplays #cosplayphotography #comiccon #comicbooks #manga #anime #gaming #gamers #starsofcosplay #cosplayersofinstagram #instacosplay #cosplayworldreview #cosplaygirls #cosplayfun #cosplays #cosplayprop #cosplaycommunity Instagram deleted this last post.... weird https://www.instagram.com/p/B1je5rbJ-BF/?igshid=1s5zodzmhdyo

[unpredictableaunum]

Finished ears commission for the extremely sweet @takaalive of their otter character Twiggs!

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Commissions will be closed in July!

I'll be out of town for a couple of weeks, so commissions will be open again August 1st! :D

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#aunumwolf #aunumwolf42 #aunumart #handmade #handmadewithlove #catears #foxears #fauxfur #fauxfurears #cosplayears #cosplayearshop #fursuitmaker #cosplaymaker #bigzfabric #costume #customcostume #cosplay #costume #fursuitparts

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[destroyer-props-blog]

Hi everyone if you love God of War 4 and have always wanted kratoes' axe or chaos blades I am now selling these cosplay ready props on my Etsy store. Save yourself the hassle of buying my blueprint and making it yourself, just get me to do all the hard work and you can relax. #godofwar #prop #propmaking #propaxe #kratos #bladesofchaos #chaosblades #chaos #leviathan #leviathanaxe #godofwar4 #gow4 #ps4 #cosplay #cosplaylife #cosplayer #cosplaymaking #proplife #propsword #etsy #foamaxe #foamswords #onlinestore #onlineshoppong #replica #geekitem #geeks #gamers https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/671890710/god-of-war-foam-prop-axe-and-chaos https://www.instagram.com/p/BuSFB5mhTCi/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=t5hc76x5zwa3

[thewildmeowmeow]

So, my computer is going to be out of commission for the next 2-3 weeks. That being said, I want to still try to stream!! I won’t have any of my overlays bc I have to do it off of my phone, but we can still hangout and chat. :) So come join me soon over on Twitch for some cosplay work and good vibes!! It’ll probably be short so don’t miss out! Today I’ll be working on my Denji wig from Chainsaw Man.🖤 Views and chatting with me help me towards my affiliate goal!! I’m so close!! Twitch.tv/TheWildMeowMeow . . . . . #cosplay #cosplayer #cosplaystreamer #chainsawman #denjicosplayer #cosmaker #cosplaywig #cosplaymaking #wigs #twitch #twitchstreamer #twitchgirls (at Camp Crystal Lake) https://www.instagram.com/p/Ck_oR0FyukK/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[choiellycos-blog]

The leather seems blue from the pictute but is actually a gray~ this is not even all the stuff I need but most of them. I'll DIY the fabric for the skirt. SWIPE FOR A TEST FIT OF THE PATTERN would you like the pattern available? I might think to sell it~ #kairicosplay #kingdomhearts3 #kairi #kingdomheartscosplay #khcosplay #kingdomheartskairi #sora #riku #kairikh3 #kh3cosplay #cosplans #cosplaywip #cosplaymaking #kairiwip (presso RIMINICOMIX)