Cosplay: Become the Story
We believe…
Cosplay is for everyone.
You do not have to be 100% canon accurate, have the body shape, physique, gender, or proper hair color to be a great cosplayer.
Cosplay your way. You are valid.
Cosplay does not have to be expensive.
You can find a lot of accessories or base pieces at your local thrift store, or consignment places such as Poshmark or Mercari.
Design/Handmade vs. Bought
Cosplay challenges your design mind, and that’s an exciting skill to learn and grow.
However, buying everything and putting it together doesn't make you less of a cosplayer than someone who hand crafted everything.
Credit: Diana the Great
Black Cosplay Spotlight
We’ve worked with several cosplayers to highlight the BLACK LIVES MATTER movement and the hashtag #blackcosplay. These cosplayers have shared the organizations that mean the most to them as well as ways you can support them individually.
Black lives matter today and every day.
Meet the Cosplayers
FAQs
+ What paint should I use?
Mehron Paradise, Snazzaroo and Ben Nye are the prominent face paint brands.
If you’re allergic, try eyeshadow mixed with a fair colored foundation (or even a white colored foundation) to get the effect.
+ Where to Get and How to Style Wigs
Affordable lacefront brands: K'ryssma, Luwigs, and Lucywigs
If not heat resistant, use hair rollers or hairspray for volume and texture. Try low heat steam with rollers or flexi rods.
If your wig IS heat resistant, use heat resistant glove with your hot tools (synthetic fibers hold a lot of heat)
If you can’t find an affordable wig in the right color, buy platinum blond wig and dye it yourself
A Wet (brand) brush or something similar, and fabric softener, will go a long way.
For finger waves, use mousse instead of hairspray to begin with. Youtube is your friend!
A synthetic wig shampoo and conditioner kit is good, but if you can’t afford it, Dawn dish soap (unscented) is great.
+ How to pose & get in character
Be sure to have a few reference photos of your character in question.
Try to imitate their poses.
Think about what your character would do? Be pouty, be strong, be demure, be alluring?
Practice your faces in a mirror too.
Play a music playlist to get in the right mood and attitude Take lots of selfies (you don’t have to use them all)
Try out filters if it makes you feel confident and in character
+ How to gain skills in crafting and sewing
Get creative with items around your house
Go thrift shopping!
Recommended sewing machines: Brother Project Runway series is great, and Singer is also a great brand.
+ Colored Contacts - How do I even?
+ I just need some encouragement!!
As long as you're happy with it, that's all that matter. Even if you’re wearing a t-shirt and a hat. Sell it!
Never sell yourself short. Everyone gets their start somewhere, and no matter where you're starting, be proud of the progress you make. Cosplay isn't a competition, and it isn’t about comparison.
Never be afraid to ask for help. Just because someone is a well known cosplayer or has a huge social media following, doesn't mean they aren't approachable. Drop a comment! Crack a joke!
Support the community, and lift each other up!
“Cosplay allows me to also immerse myself in the fantasy realms these characters are a part of, which I think is so magical.” -ElunaBee