A four-part series investigating the world of cosplay was released in August 2015 by a source. In this series, the Try Guys discovered how much work goes into preparing a deadpool costume for a convention. They were perplexed as to how one outfit could take 700 hours to construct, prompting others to consider the variables that go into creating a decent cosplay.
- Detail Orientation
It is critical to plan ahead of time and take one’s time with the costume when preparing for a cosplay convention. Although onlookers may not be able to identify the difference between two materials or wigs, they will notice if a costume does not appear to be well-made. Avid fans will also notice if features (such as a bracelet) are missing, thus numerous photographs should be reviewed before creating the outfit. What attracts the eye more than anything else, though, is how the Black Widow costume fits on the wearer. As a result, cosplayers should modify their costumes to fit their body proportions, regardless of whether they share the same body type as the character.
The entire appearance is also important in cosplay. Makeup can serve to enhance a character’s appearance, especially if the character has distinguishing traits such as whiskers, elf ears, and so on. For example, Naruto in Sage mode has orange/red pigmentation around his eyes, which is a detail that a cosplayer should not overlook if they choose to cosplay as Naruto in Sage mode.
- Originality
Fans can be as imaginative as they want with their costumes as long as the character can be identified. Gender swapping is one of the most frequent ways to update a character’s design. A gender swap changes the character’s gender and updates the clothing accordingly. For example, The Try Guys decided to create a male counterpart of the Sailor Scouts.
Another popular option is to change the motif of the costume, such as steampunk, Victorian, lolita, and so on. This not only oozes originality, but it also necessitates imagination, as there may not be a photo to utilise as a reference. However, too many changes risk causing bystanders to misidentify the character, and it can be exhausting to answer the question, “Who are you meant to be?” incessantly.
- Self-assurance
Confidence allows a person to stand out among others wearing the same costume. The way a person postures and interacts has an impact on the experience, albeit it may feel awkward at first for first-time cosplayers. However, confidence can be developed if the individual is ready to put oneself out there in public. Kristen Lanae, a cosplayer, is an example of a shy woman who credits cosplay with boosting her confidence.
Last words
Cosplay has progressed from a method of disguise to an art form. Although it may be called mimicry, some people put their own creative spin on their costumes and general appearance. What was once a hobby has now enabled people to create a career out of cosplaying, demonstrating the popularity of cosplay in society. It has become a part of subculture and can no longer be classified as ‘dressing up for adults.’
