One of the biggest aspects of the convention experience is cosplay, where congoers dress up as their favorite characters from pop culture. But how does one go about crafting a good costume? We reached out to the pros at Springfield Cosplay for their tips and tricks of the trade before Missouri Comic Con, Feb. 11-12 at the Springfield Expo Center.
Make it yourself from scratch
Buy and purchase fabrics and other materials to create your costume. Springfield Cosplay recommends JOANN or FM Fabric (2814 S Fremont Ave.).
“They have a wide selection of materials and are always so warm and inviting, with plenty of help in store to ask questions or discuss your process,” said Jaden Rodriguez, Springfield Cosplay council president. “We have many skilled in sewing in the area. Starting out your journey isn't easy, but can be extremely rewarding.”
Additive/editing existing pieces
This method can be much more affordable and dependable, and is fairly common among those on a time crunch or just starting out. Thrift around or go to stores that sell clothes, such as Goodwill, Red Racks, Ross or Marshalls.
“Break down each part of the costume and find the closest thing you can,” Rodriguez said. “From there, add to it, or alter it slightly to be exactly what you need.”
Purchase your cosplay
If you want an exact look, just purchasing a costume can be quick and easy, though Rodriguez warns that quality might suffer. Check reviews beforehand, and talk with other cosplayers who may have worn such a costume before for their thoughts on it. Since costumes are typically made in Asia, where sizes run smaller, you may need to go one or two sizes up.
Order at least a month in advance when purchasing overseas, as they take longer to arrive. Rodriguez recommends AliExpress, as it has the most available to browse from different stores at different prices.
“Remember, if a price looks too good to be true, it probably has something making it so,” he said.
For wigs, Rodriguez recommends Arda Wigs, though the quality comes at a steeper price.
“Learning how to style a wig can do wonders,” he said. “Even an Amazon wig can take on a new life in the hands of a capable stylist. This is the part of cosplay that can be the trickiest, but knowledge comes over time with experience.
“Don't be afraid to try new things, look up tutorials, use Got2b hair spray for the first time, or use those scissors. It's all part of the learning process! It’s the same with makeup techniques; each person may settle into their own style of makeup. It can take experimenting with different products to really begin to feel confident.”
Have fun!
“At the end of the day, this hobby is about feeling good about yourself,” he said. “It's about enjoying the process and the craft. Never lose sight of what cosplay is for. Don't get caught up in the likes or followers. Success is great, but it's not everything, and it's not why we cosplay. Have fun, laugh and make memories, and never forget to ‘be yourself while being someone different.’”
