Monday, May 11, 2009

Helpful Tips and Facts: The 5 Most Important Keys of Cosplaying: The Cosplay Costume is Either Close or Exactly Like the Character Being Cosplayed

Okay, the different fabrics and the color palette is now done. It's finally time to start creating the cosplay costume. You always want to be accurate as possible in terms of looking like the character.

Tip & Fact:

Creating cosplays can be the most difficult and unpleasent thing that anyone can do. The key to sewing anything, whether cosplay related or not, is to have time and patience with it. It's an art form. Like all art forms, it must be dealt with in a proper manner by not getting too frustraded real quickly. Yes, it can be frustrating at times, trust me, I've been there, but don't give up just because one little section is driving you crazy.


I strongly suggest that you practice on something simple first before you go into more advance sewing. You know the term, practice makes perfect? Use that term in sewing as well along with creating cosplays.

Tip & Fact:
It's always best to start your first cosplay as a very simple one. Sometimes the most common anime cosplays are the most simplest ones. The character Naruto from the anime series, Naruto is a great example. This is the most common character ever cosplayed in the history of cosplay because of it's popularity.
Let's use Naruto as a beginner example:
Just from looking at his clothes, it's basically simple lightweight jacket with pants.
Tip & Fact:
Before you get carried away on the cosplay and before running to your nearest sewing store and start buying fabric and what not, study the character from the front, sides, and back. This reference will help you when it's time to actually create the cosplay.
When you have studied enough of the character on all sides, take the picture with you and then go to your nearest sewing store.
Tip & Fact:
In order to look like the character (in this case Naruto), go to the nearest sewing store, like Hancock Fabrics, and search in the books for patterns that match Naruto's jacket and pants. Sometimes, patterns have similar or exact look-a-likes of the cosplay you're trying to create. All you need to do is search.
When you see the pictures with the exact same jacket and pants as Naruto, then write it down, look for it in the pattern isle, and purchase it; however, if it's more advance pattern pieces, then try looking for the exact same thing, only in the simpler sewing patterns. The simplest clothing pattern is Simplicity. This is highly recommended for beginner cosplayers.
Tip & Fact:
Remember the color palette? This is an excellent time to use it when you're shopping for your fabric and thread.
Tip & Fact:
The absolute minute that you pick your patterns, ALWAYS follow the instructions on the back!!!!!! That is your guide to know what type fabric is required, how many yards to get for what size, and there are times where they have a notation at the bottom to follow for particular patterns.
Now, in the case of creating a Naruto cosplay, from looking at the jacket, you'll have to get some blue fabric and will have to improvise a little. DON'T PANIC!!!!!! It's okay, you can do this! Once everything is purchased, then you can open up the patterns.
Tip & Fact:
There will be times that you might have to improvise on your cosplays. It all depends on what cosplay you're doing.
Tip & Fact:
(This Part is if you're creating a Naruto cosplay)
If your jacket and pants are exactly like Naruto's, then follow the instructions that is provided with the pattern pieces.
Tip & Fact
(For any cosplay)
What ever you do, when you see extra paper with pictures and writing, NEVER EVER throw that away!!!!! Those are the instructions to help you put your jacket, pants, or any cosplay together.
Tip & Fact:
After you create your costume part of the cosplay, then it's time to create the props, if any, and the wig and accessories. Looking at Naruto's hair, it's very bright yellow with spikes. Now, if by any chance that you wish not to create your wig, that's perfectly fine. I don't create my wigs.
When buying a wig, make sure that you're going to get a good deal and make sure that there's a lot of possitive comments or feedback about the wig commisioner or seller. If there's even one negative comment or feedback, DO NOT PURCHASE FROM THAT PERSON!
Make sure that the wig commisioner or seller provides accurate pictures for you to look at before you buy. In my strong opinion, it's best not to spend over $15-$20 for a wig. When and if you find a great quality wig for that price, take it now before someone else does.
Tip & Fact:
If you can, try to create your own shoes before resorting to buying a pair. Now, if creating your own shoes is too difficult for you, then that's fine. Just make sure that you spend wisely on a good pair of shoes. In other words, treat your shoe and accessory hunting like Ebay. If you wish to, create your own prop(s), if any, before resorting to prop hunting or prop comissioning as well.
Anyway, treat all cosplays this way and you'll be off and ready for more. Try experimenting with other cosplays than just Naruto.

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