Cosplay is essentially dressing up as characters from movies, mangas, video games, TV shows, relevant figures and whatnot. It's like Halloween, but for multiple yearly occasions.

To make it simple, cosplay can be seen as a play on words. 'Costume' and 'play.' You dress up and go have fun. The most notable locations for cosplayers to flock to are Cons. Cons are conventions that specially host cosplayers and fans of the shows, mangas, video games, etc. that they're cosplaying as.

Cons have different themes ranging from anime conventions to science fiction and fantasy.

One of the most fun parts of going to Cons can also be the most stressful. The costume creation.

I myself have only been to one con in the past, and that was Otakon, a convention dedicated to anime culture and the arts. I don't watch anime, so that was like being thrown into the deep end of a pool surrounded by really friendly sharks in gloriously self-crafted costumes. I was overwhelmed, but I really enjoyed it-- I enjoyed it to the point of going again! I'm currently in the costume creation process.

Here are my woes.

1. Picking Cosplays

Picking your lineup is incredibly nerve-wracking. You're always torn between picking characters that fit your personality and characters you absolutely love.

Your friends usually have ideas for you. For me, Gumbi is usually their go-to when picking a character out for me.

Another thing to take into consideration is effort. How much effort will it take to put the costume together? As a beginner, you can't get too complex, especially if you don't know how to manage your time with con-work.

My lineup is Little Mac and Kung Fury, simply because they're incredibly buff, hardcore fighters, and it'd be funny to see a twig dressed like them. Apparently, I don't show up to cons to bedazzle. I show up for giggles.

2. Finding The Right Sizes

Costumes need to fit you perfectly. When you're a beginner, your costume is already bound to be imperfect. The least you can do, effort-wise, is to get clothes that fit you. Look like a mess, not a tight or baggy mess.

3. Learning To Sew

Learning to craft your own cosplays can be rough. Remember, as a beginner, it's best to go for comedy. There's an extent to how cruddy your cosplay can look. Look like a mess by all means, but at least make sure you're put together to the point of being identifiable.

4. Refraining From Using Lifelines

You always have that one con friend that introduced you to this lifestyle. They have all the answers but are usually busy with their own schedules. They're pros.

It's very easy to call them up and seek out the truths to cosplay as if they're the fountain of knowledge. Don't waste their time riding them until you yourself are a pro. Discover your talents and abilities the way everyone does these days... use the internet.

5. Limiting How Much You Rely On The Internet

On that note, don't completely rely on the internet to make your costume. It can become tempting to just buy the costume straight off of the internet. The thing is, you need to save your money.

There are going to be plenty of things you will want to buy when going to a con. Make a budget. That budget includes costume creation.

And for the love of all that is holy, be careful when attending a con for the first time. It's overwhelming, and can easily sweep you off your feet. Know what flies out of your pocket when you get swept away like that? Your wallet. Keep a strict budget.

6. Store Hunting

Here is where you learn the difference between Wal-Mart, Target, and Good-Will. Get your shopping done on a day where you can go to an area containing multiple different superstores. You'll bounce between them a lot.

Again, budget.

This is a good time to consult con friends, though. They'll know what kind of stores have the best stuff.

7. Taking Weather Into Consideration

Don't die of a heat stroke. If you know it's gonna be hot, don't go as a gothic character that wears about ten layers of pure black. If you decide to do so anyway, you're gonna have to do what goths actually do and avoid sunlight, because it'll probably hurt.

I'm choosing Little Mac and Kung Fury because they don't wear too many layers of clothes and their clothes aren't too dark, with the exception of a black jacket. Basically, be wary as to how you'll handle the heat.

As a beginner, don't ever feel like you can't be a certain character because of your body type. Nobody should care at conventions whether or not you match a body type. That's not what cosplay is about. Don't feel like you have to be extremely complex. Sometimes people go as very simplistic characters and still manage to bring crowds to them. Someone went as Shia Labeouf last year and absolutely swept attention.

If you're outgoing, it won't matter if your costume isn't the best quality. If you're shy, you're bound to find friends. It's a convention center. The whole event is made to have fun. You won't find a lot of joy kills there, so mingle!