Gif Essay: The Homemade Cosplay Journey
When it comes to making a cosplay for a convention, most cosplayers I know spend the last few days leading up to the convention cutting, sewing and finishing an entire cosplay (sometimes props and all) while simultaneously pulling their hair out in frustration (good thing you have that spare Daenerys Targaryen wig, right?).
This is the painful process they go through all in the name of art and con fame:
Finding a character to cosplay
Choosing a character to emulate can be love at first sight for many cosplayers, and usually involves casting caution to the wind in terms of having your cosplay done. Oh, you need a six foot scythe to go with your Maka Albarn ensemble? No problem, just a few sleepless nights and your weight in energy drinks!
Deciding on a cosplay
Even though you may have countless cosplays to wear, chances are you will insist on making a new one. You’ll someday get to the stage where you should just dedicate a whole room to cosplay; which will no doubt feature lots of mutilated worbla, pieces of wig hair and a sad, forgotten pair of denim jeans to remind you of that first time you ‘cosplayed’ L from Death Note.
Finding a good image
Finding an image that will give you a complete view of an outfit can be half of the trouble. Is the colour right? What about that ankle seam?!
Picking which outfit to cosplay
If you are unfortunate enough to pick a cosplay with multiple choices, prepare to weep. If in doubt, make them all; to hell with realistic expectations!
Time until Con
Can you really sew for 16 hours straight? You may risk a needle through your thumb, but it’s all worth it. Plus, you’ll be too tired to notice anyway!
Battle wounds
The following are guaranteed to happen in some shape or form, so be battle-ready: Sitting on a pin, getting hot glue in places nobody ever wants hot glue and accidentally cutting yourself.
Forgetting to person
Who am I? What day is it? When did I last eat??
Nearing completion
You have about 90% of it done; you’re dehydrated, you can’t feel your fingers and you don’t remember the last time you showered, but you’re in the home stretch!
Finishing touches
Sewing in the car on the way to the convention because you were weak and slept. This is a rite of passage all cosplayers must endure.
Completing your cosplay
You’ve added the final touch and it feels like the planets have aligned! Now, all you have to do is walk into that convention and pray nothing falls off.
At the Con
The colour is off! The wig isn’t perfect! Yay for judgemental fans!
Who cares though because…
Your blood, sweat, tears and more blood are in this costume! You look awesome!
Wait the next Con is when?
And the circle is complete… now where is that sewing machine…
