Cosplaying is a hobby you just so happen to fall into. Either you find it on your own or someone gets you into it. No matter how you got here, you can't seem to stop want to be characters from the media you watch. Here are some characteristics of cosplayers.
1. You're a geek.
Geek and nerds are way different despite contrary belief. Geeks are people who watch shows, play video games, write fanfiction, and are just educated in pop culture in general. Whereas nerds are people who like and are obsessed with school related things.
1. Whenever you watch a show, you try to find a character you would cosplay.
Most of my friends from high school have this mentally. I still do, but its fading slightly. Cosplayers are always on the look out for new characters they want to become.
2. You're creative.
Someone who isn't creative couldn't or wouldn't make a cosplay. Most people buy cosplays online, but that doesn't mean they're not creative! They still have to act, learn makeup tricks, etc. Most cosplayers are problem solvers ready for any challenge.
3. You think outside the box.
When the answer isn't obvious when making a cosplay, it's the time where the cosplayer has to think outside the box. For example, this weekend i'm going to a convention called Colossalcon. I've been going to this con for about 7 years now and its fantastic. This year I'm cosplaying a female version of Hades. Hades' skin is gray, so I had to think outside the box so I didn't have to paint most of my body gray. Therefore, I made arm socks which are modified tights for arms, making my life 500% easier.
4. You read a lot of DIY articles.
DIY articles are vital to any cosplayer. Not everyone learns everything on their own. Looking at some DIY articles can make any cosplay process easier. Experimenting with DIY articles can always broaden a cosplayer's creative horizon.
5. You know your own skills.
Cosplayers have all the tools in the world. However, sometimes we have to admit to ourselves that we cannot make everything from scratch. Or when working on particular part of a cosplay you're inexperienced with, make sure you have room for error so you don't ruin your materials. Finally, if a friend knows how to do something you don't ask for help! The cosplay community is made up of the friendliest people!
6. You never throw fabric away.
I have a create piled with fabric. I even have fabric left over from a cosplay I made in middle school. You never know when you may need it again.
7. You know how to thrift shop like a boss.
A thrift shop is a cosplayer's paradise. Instead of making a costume from scratch, find something similar and simply modify it! Also, instead of buying expensive fabric, buy it at the thrift store for 10 times cheaper!
8. You try to get your friends to do a group cosplay with you.
My friends and I have done many, many group cosplays over the years. They're a lot of fun and people love group cosplays. This weekend at Colossalcon, my friends and I are going to cosplay the character's from Bob's Burgers.
9. You go to conventions.
I have been going to conventions for about 7 years now and they're super fun. You can still be a cosplayer and not go to conventions; however, most cosplayers just do to show off their costume and their skills.
10. You have other cosplay friends in various parts of your area.
Over the years, my friends and I have accumulated some life long friends by going into this hobby. They're some of the most down to earth people!
11. You ask your other cosplay friends for tips.
Never be afraid to ask for cosplay help from a friend, online, or anyone at a craft store. The cosplay and the creative company are some of the nicest people.
12. You love being someone else, if only for a little while.
This is me cosplaying Toph Beifong from Avatar the Last Airbender a couple of years ago. Toph is just one of the many cosplays I made all on my own and love just the same. It's fun to get into cosplay and get away from the normal you, if just for a little while.
