Cosplay, a term merging “costume” and “play,” has surged from niche hobby to mainstream phenomenon, mirroring the growing dominance of “nerd culture” in popular media. At its core, cosplay is the art of dressing up as characters from beloved fictional worlds – be it television shows, comic books, movies, video games, anime, books, or any facet of pop culture imaginable. While my personal cosplay journey began in 2017, I’ve only recently immersed myself fully in this creative world. Let me introduce you to the fundamentals of cosplay, so you can discover if this engaging hobby might be your next passion.
Why Do People Cosplay? Exploring the Motivations Behind Costume Play
Embracing Fandom and Becoming Part of the Story
For many, including myself, cosplay is a deeply personal way to connect with and celebrate our favorite fictional universes. A significant portion of my costumes originate from the Star Wars galaxy, a fandom close to my heart. While enjoying Star Wars through movies, series, and books is fulfilling, creating and wearing Star Wars cosplay elevates that engagement. It transforms the experience from passive consumption to active participation; you feel less like an observer and more like you’re stepping directly into that beloved universe. This immersive quality is a primary draw for many cosplayers.
Unleashing Creativity and Learning New Skills Through Cosplay
My entry point into cosplay was through Ahsoka Tano, a compelling character from Star Wars who resonated with me deeply. (A word of advice for beginners: learn from my early enthusiasm and perhaps choose a simpler first project!). Starting with limited resources and no prior experience, my initial Ahsoka cosplay was, shall we say, a learning experience. However, it served as an invaluable introduction to the craft and the cosplay community.
Since that first attempt, I’ve iteratively refined my Ahsoka cosplay through four versions, each incorporating improvements and new techniques. Cosplay has become a dynamic platform for learning, skill refinement, and recognizing when to seek expert assistance. Through this process, I’ve cultivated both my creativity and my confidence in crafting. Thanks to cosplay, I’ve gained hands-on experience in shaping Sintra (PVC sheets) using a heat gun, working with miniature LEDs, mastering dry brushing techniques for weathering effects, finishing 3D printed components, and even adding rivets to leatherwork.
Witness the evolution of my Ahsoka Tano cosplay below. And if you happen to be at RippleCon on June 24th at the Main Branch, you can see Ahsoka 5.0, featuring an updated, more flexible headpiece!
My initial Ahsoka cosplay, entirely self-made – a testament to a beginner’s journey! In the second iteration, foam armor and improved makeup skills marked a significant upgrade. Pre-made 3D printed shin guards and a second-hand foam headpiece were incorporated, while lightsaber hilts were a collaborative 3D printing project with a family member. Version 3 saw the introduction of Sintra (PVC sheeting) armor, replacing the foam, alongside LED integration and blue contact lenses. Version 4 brought further refinements with remade chest armor and underbelt, and an upgrade to Galaxy’s Edge lightsabers.
Exploring the Origins of Cosplay: Where Do Cosplays Come From?
The Art of DIY Cosplay: Crafting Your Own Costume
There are primarily two paths to acquiring a cosplay: creation or purchase. Many cosplayers, myself included, dedicate countless hours to designing and constructing their costumes from scratch. Thriving online communities are dedicated to supporting the “build” aspect of cosplay, exemplified by Facebook groups focused on crafting custom Mandalorian armor. Leveraging resources like these online groups, YouTube tutorials, and readily available sewing patterns, I’ve navigated the complexities of costume construction. Sewing patterns, often with minor modifications, can serve as excellent starting points for various costumes, and some creators even design and sell cosplay-specific patterns on platforms like Etsy or share them within the cosplay community. My Alicent Hightower cosplay, which I debuted at my first cosplay competition at GalaxyCon Richmond 2023 (pictured below), began with a thrift store medieval dress pattern, evolving through adjustments, draping techniques, and numerous fitting sessions.
Even when committed to a predominantly DIY approach, certain elements often fall outside personal skillsets or time constraints. Helmets and intricate headpieces are prime examples where purchasing pre-made components becomes a practical choice. For my custom Mandalorian cosplay, I meticulously crafted every piece of armor from the neck down. However, opting for a professionally made fiberglass helmet allowed me to concentrate my efforts on detailed customization of the remaining armor and accessories, rather than grappling with the intricacies of gluing and sanding a 3D-printed helmet.
Purchasing Cosplay: The Convenience of Ready-Made Costumes
Alternatively, purchasing a complete cosplay is a viable option. However, buyer beware, especially when opting for budget-friendly online vendors. My experience ordering an Imperial Officer uniform from a discount website resulted in a comically oversized garment, as seen below! Fortunately, basic sewing skills offer a solution for alterations. Generally, unless opting for custom-made pieces, purchasing a costume can be more economical than embarking on a complex DIY project. For popular anime or Marvel characters, the market offers a wide array of readily available costumes and even pre-styled wigs, making this route particularly convenient.
Closet Cosplay: Effortless Costumes from Your Wardrobe
The most accessible and budget-friendly cosplay approach is undoubtedly “closet cosplay.” This involves creatively assembling a costume using items already in your wardrobe. An orange sweater and red skirt? Instant Velma from Scooby-Doo! A yellow sweater and blue jeans? Arthur the Aardvark brought to life! For my Ravenclaw student cosplay, I borrowed a gray sweater vest and tie from my husband, paired with an old graduation robe, a black skirt, and a white shirt from my closet. While I already owned a wand and a Ravenclaw patch, the core costume was easily assembled from existing clothing.
Cosplay in Action: What Do You Do With Your Cosplays?
Building Community and Connecting with Fellow Fans Through Cosplay
One of the most rewarding aspects of cosplay is the vibrant community it fosters. I’ve forged friendships through cosplay, both face-to-face and through platforms like my Instagram account. For those who are naturally introverted, cosplay can be a fantastic icebreaker and a foundation for social connection. For more outgoing individuals, cosplay can attract a like-minded following. Star Wars cosplayers, like myself, can even aspire to join prestigious worldwide organizations like the 501st Legion and Rebel Legion. These groups participate in community events, often supporting charitable causes and making a positive impact while showcasing impressive costumes.
My family has also become integrated into my cosplay hobby. My husband joined in after witnessing my first parade march with the 501st in the Dominion Christmas Parade. He now cosplays as both a Jawa from Star Wars and a Starfleet commander from Star Trek. I’ve also extended my cosplay creations to my nephews, with a recent highlight being a British WWI officer uniform for my history-enthusiast nephew, solidifying my “cool aunt” status.
Capturing the Moment: Cosplay Photoshoots and Content Creation
The culmination of a new costume build is a significant achievement, and many cosplayers document their creations through photoshoots and video content for social media. Location-based photoshoots can also be incredibly enjoyable. This photo, for instance, was taken in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, where my husband and I spontaneously decided to photograph his Jawa cosplay. The camera angles and perspective in the photo created the illusion of authentic Jawa proportions.
I am still developing my cosplay photography skills and aim to enhance this aspect of the hobby further. There’s always a new skill to learn and refine within the realm of cosplay.
Attending Conventions and Events: Showcasing Cosplay in its Natural Habitat
The most common and exciting venue for showcasing cosplays is at conventions and events. Beyond charity events with groups like the 501st, conventions, or “cons,” are the quintessential cosplay gathering. Richmond boasts a vibrant convention scene, including GalaxyCon, VA Comiccon, Heroes Assemble, and more. Cons are ideal for displaying your hard work, admiring the creations of others, people-watching, capturing photos, and exploring vendor halls. In 2023, I even participated in my first cosplay competition. While I didn’t place, the experience was invaluable and highlighted the immense talent within the cosplay community.
So, are you ready to delve into the world of cosplay? Richmond Public Library’s inaugural comic con, RippleCon, is just around the corner. It’s the perfect opportunity to debut your first cosplay – whether store-bought, homemade, or a clever closet creation. Join us at the Main Library from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm on Saturday, June 24th. RippleCon will feature a cosplay competition, vendors, activities, and much more. I hope to see you there, in costume!
