Blogspot #5: Choosing the Right One

Most Cosplayers have long lists of characters on who they want to Cosplay next. And right now, there are a lot of conventions appearing in calendars and sites. Cosplayers look into their lists to see who they want to Cosplay in a certain event. Looks easy enough? Apparently, you're wrong. Choosing a character and preparing the things needed isn't easy at all.

I read this article entitled, "Choosing a Costume", from the site tumblr.com, written by Alice. I got attracted by it and so, I decided to read it.

The article talks about some tips on which character choose for certain event. She shows a list of her future plans and gives tips on how to minimize them. I like her strategies on choosing a character. It could be very helpful to a lot of Cosplayers who tends to have a hard to time choosing a character, just like me.

According to the article, you first think of all the animes you've watched or mangas you've read or even the games you have played. And write the characters you love from each one of those. It's best to choose those who are close to your attitude or even sometimes, you see yourself in that character. Talk to your friends or find groups online and they might be planning on going as a group and one of your characters are there. They could help you choose too. If you don't want to crossdress and you don't want to bring a big weapon for your props, cross out those who fit in this category. Check your characters clothes, and think if you can do the costume and if it fits your budget. If there is a character that needs to have a mascot costume, it's better to cross out the character. Also, if you have a character that has so much details in the costume, its also better to cross them out. Think about the weather too. And most conventions have lots of people so, cross out those who have more than 4 layers of costumes. And finally, if you have narrowed it down to 2 to 3 characters. Ask yourself, who you really want to be. And reserve the other characters you have listed down, you can put them in your future plans.

According to Alice, "There's no right or wrong way to choose a character."

I agree with her statement. Everyone has their own choices and they only have to follow some steps or guide to narrow them down and to make it easier.

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In the other article that I read entitled, "How To Choose Your Cosplay Costume", from the site anime.about.com, written by Katherine Luther. The idea of the article is quite similar from the previous blog that I read,

The article talks about some tips that may help Cosplayers choose a character for a certain event. Consider that choosing a character has no limits but think about the factors. The character you should choose is a character that you really love. Be realistic too. If the character has big weapons and you know that the event will be packed and you know that its also a hot season, better erase that character from your list. Think about the time, budget and the characteristics of the character. Check if you have enough time and budget to do the costume. Observe the character and research more about him or her. You'll need lots of patience in preparing a costume too.

According to Katherine Luther, "Half the fun of Cosplaying is learning some new skills as you craft your own masterpiece."

I totally agree with what she said. We learn and gain a lot from Copslaying too. Probably at first you're not creative and resourceful, but in the end, and because of experience you've learn to twist that brain of yours and release the creativity within you.

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Blogspot #4: Choosing A Character

People think that Cosplaying is easy. They think picking a character is that easy. Well, you're wrong. Choosing a character is one of the hardest aspects of Cosplaying. You don't choose a character just because the costume is easy to do, or because the character looks cute.

I read this article entitled, Cosplay 101: Choosing a Character, from the site wordpress.com, written by spazzerbot. I wasn't that attracted when I saw it at first sight, but as I read through the blog, it captured my interest and continued to read until the end.
The article talks about some tips and steps on how to choose a character to Cosplay. I just don't agree at one part where you need to limit yourself just because you're small and the character you want to Cosplay is like 6 feet or something. If you really, as in really love the character, nothing will stop you to Cosplay him or her.

According to the article, Cosplaying is not limited to only girls Cosplaying as girls and the same with guys. No. Girls can also do guys and guys can also do girl characters. The right make-up and stuff could do the trick. Believe me, I've been there. I was called kuya or sir one time when I cosplayed a guy character. Even some guys can deceive you. Some guy Cosplayers I know who have Cosplayed a girl character, totally looks like a girl. Its probably because of his portrayal of the character, that's why he was mistaken as a real girl. Also, picking a character isn't limited to anime, and manga. You can also choose from games, books and even Disney characters are welcome too! But, choose a character you really love! And, think of your budget too. You probably really love the character, but, does the things needed for the character fit your budget? Think again. Listing some of the characters you love will help make it easier for you.

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According to spazzerbot, "That's what's so great about Cosplay, anyone can be anyone!"

I totally agree. That's what Cosplay is all about anyway! To be the character you want to be even for a day!

In the other article I read entitled, Jaroukasama's Tips on Choosing A Character to Cosplay, from the site culturejpn.com, written by Kitty Paws. I was really excited to read this blog to be honest. Since Jaroukasama/Yuu is one of my idols and I really love her blogs where she gives tips to other Cosplayers.

The articles talks about the interview of Kitty Paws with Jaroukasama/Yuu. She asks Yuu some questions and I was surprised that, Yuu actually encountered the same problems as I do. Like choosing a character and putting them in her long, long, long list of plans. And the bad thing is, she doesn't get tend to follow her plans. Just like I do.

According to the article, Yuu states that she Cosplays someone she loves and decides to Cosplay more complicated characters and some characters that have attitudes that are far from hers. She decides to step out of her comfort zone and take the challenge. Yuu also mentioned that she Cosplays 15 characters a year and if her budget permits, she does 20 and more. Kitty Paws asked her the question, "Do you ever repeat your Cosplays? Why/why not?" Yuu answers that when she's already satisfied with a certain character, she moves on with the next one. And, on average, she wears her costumes 3 times in a convention, and to check if she needs fixing or improvement on a certain character. I actually feel the same way as Yuu. When I feel that, I haven't put justice in Cosplaying a certain a character, I would re-watch the series and observe the character more. And if the costumes lack something, I put more details to it or even repair it.

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According to Jaroukasama/Yuu, "People who have passion and enjoy what they do are people who succeed."

People just don't do something for the heck of it. They work hard for it and they don't forget to enjoy it at the same time. If you love and enjoy what you're doing, the results of your hard work are always at its best.

Blogspot #3: The Do's and Don'ts

Most Cosplayers and Con-goers know that a convention is fun and a blast. And of conventions as we know, are packed with fellow Cosplayers, enthusiasts, and other people who don't know what Cosplay is. And, because of that, we have some do's and don'ts that we have to follow too.

While looking around the internet, I found this articled entitled, "Anime Conventions DO/DON'TS", from the site deviantArt.com, written by PuffinBunny. I read it out of curiosity. As I read it, I tend to nod and agree for every time I read something that I totally agree and relate with.

The article talks about the what Cosplayers, and Con-goers should do and not do during a convention. You won't know if what you're doing is alright are just plainly annoying or insulting to other people around you.

According to the article, Be nice to everyone, as in everyone. To the staff, fellow Cosplayers, Con-goers and even the "normal" people we see at the convention. We are all equal. That is the golden rule. Also, bringing a camera is a YES. You'll regret later that you didn't bring your camera. Thinking of at least 3 poses for Cosplayers. Since it'll look bad if you have that only in every single photos of you. Do bring a small sewing kit in case of emergency cases. Never be rude to anyone. If you don't like the costume of a certain Cosplayer, keep it to yourself. You don't need to shout it out to everyone at the convention. Also remember that some people don't like to get hugged or getting glompped. Some of them get mad when some parts of their costume gets destroyed and it is definitely rude to do that to someone you don't even know. Don't ask a Cosplayer the question, "Are you a girl or a boy?". Most Cosplayers take that as an insult. But for me, I'm actually happy when someone asks me that, especially when I Cosplay a guy character.

According to PuffinBunny, "Conventions are meant to be a fun awesome experience."

I totally agree! Conventions are awesome to be honest. Especially when you know the things to do and if you have planned and prepared the night before the convention itself. Don't forget to follow the do's and don'ts, so you can totally enjoy the convention.

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I read another article entitled, "How-to-Guide to Cosplay at Convetions", from the site AnimeCons.com, written by Elizabeth O'Malley. The content is somewhat the same from the previous one that I read.

According to the article, when taking pictures, be polite. Thank the Cosplayer after taking his or her picture. It is rude to ask a picture of them while they are eating. They might want to take a break and/or they may not be in their full costume at that time. Also, do respect if they say no. Since, they might be in a hurry to meet someone. Being in costume isn't really a must in a convention. The main idea of going to a convention is to have fun. You can also wear anything you want. Be it Western or a Japanese original character. Not all of us has the skills to make a costume, so it isn't bad to buy a pre-made one online or at the stores.

According to Elizabeth O'Malley, "You can wear whatever you want in an anime convention."

I agree. Of course anyone could Cosplay anyone they want. Especially, when you really love the character and you could see yourself in him or her, that's way better. So, people would see that the character has really escaped from the virtual world to our world.

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Blogpost #2: Skills we learn, Skills we use

Cosplaying doesn't end in wearing a costume and portraying a character. Some people just and think that Cosplay is just for show and us Cosplayers got nothing to do better with our lives. Wrong. Cosplayers like us learn some skills from this passion that we can use in our daily lives. We usually don't earn anything, material wise. But, there are more things that we learn from Cosplaying. Things that we use to mold ourselves as a better cosplayer and a human being.

While looking around the internet, I found this article entitled, "10 Life Skills We Learn Through Cosplay", from the site nerdymindsmagazine.com, written by, Undies Of Wondy. The title itself caught my attention and so I read her article. Just by reading the intro and the first few skills she mentioned, I can only say, I can totally relate.

The article talks about 10 skills that we can learn from Cosplaying. Patience, Budgeting, Time Management, Self-Confidence, Networking, Courtesy, Preparedness, Attentiveness (to details), Practicality and Friendship are the skills that are enumerated. I can probably tell an experience or a part of my life associated with skills. That is how I can totally related with what she said.

According to the article, the skills we learn in Cosplaying can be associated and used in our real and daily lives. As stated in Time Management, she relates it to applying for business and making costumes. Cosplayers also gain more self-confidence as years pass by because of experience. Being friendly and courteous are needed since we get to interact with different people. Most conventions are mostly packed with huge crowds. Expecting that things may go wrong, being prepared with a repair kit is advised. Also, most Cosplayers are perfectionists and patient in making props. Lastly, we learn Friendship. I could say, this is the best thing I learned and gained from Cosplaying. As experienced, most of my long lasting friendships began from this wonderful hobby.

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According to Undies of Wondy, "Cosplay is frequently viewed as a purely recreational hobby. True, ultimately we're just a bunch of derp-faces in capes and tights, but cosplaying can provide you with skills you may, in fact, use in everyday life."

I totally agree with her. Some people say that Cosplay will give us nothing good in return and will just ruin our lives. What they don't know is that, we learn a lot from Cosplaying. Skills, virtues, and values that we can use in our lives and help us continue reach our goals.

I got to read this article entitled, "Learning From First Year Of Cosplay", from the site heedmag.com, written by Marjie Southerland. Again, another article that caught my eye and so, I had to read it. I have to say, I was moved from what she wrote. It reminded me of my first few months in the Cosplay world last 2009. Again, I could totally relate with what she shared. Probably, most Cosplayers under go this kind of situation and feeling when they just started.

The article talks about what happened in Marjie's first year of experience in the Cosplay Community. How overwhelmed she was when she first stepped in her very first convention, her realization that these people are also humans, and the ups and downs of the Cosplay World.

According to the article, Marjie learned more about Cosplay and its members. And how she forgets that these Cosplayers are also human beings who has lives, loves and problems just like her. But like life, Cosplaying is not all peaches, roses and sunshine, as Marjie stated in the article. People say bad and negative things about another person. And spreads this throughout the community. Amidst all the negative things, Marjie still learned to find time to do the things she loves to do. Even when things go wrong while making her costume, and had to start over. She didn't give up and still felt accomplished and productive. And Cosplay has given her a positive outlet in whatever she does.

According to Marjie Southerland, "When I look in the mirror or look at the photos that have been taken and think about all the hard work and the time that went into putting my costume together, it doesn't equate to a dollar amount. I love cosplay and I love how it make me feel."

I totally agree with Marjie. Whatever effort and hard work you put to something, and if you enjoy and love what you're doing, not a single diamond or any amount of money could ever compare to the happiness you're feeling every time you do something you love.

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Blogpost #1: Cosplay: Why do people do it.

People Cosplay not for fame, money, or because its the 'in' and many people do it. Most Cosplayers, as I know, Cosplay for fun and to express how much they love this passion. For us, Cosplaying is an Art, and a way to express and show our inner creativity.

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I read this certain article entitled, "What IS Cosplay and Why Do People Do It", from the site ifanboy.com, written by Molly McIsaac. I was curious and read it. I wonder what are the other reasons on why other people Cosplay too. I was surprised that my answers from their answers are not that different.

The article talks about how people got into Cosplay and why they're continuing to do it. And it states that Cosplaying is not just about costuming, it is a very unique form of performance art. True that. Some people only look at how good the costume is done or made. What they don't know is that there is more than just having a complex costume. They don't know the art and the reason why people Cosplay.

According to the article, People Cosplay for different reasons, be it for the love of the character, being the center of attention, or seeing our friends or fellow Cosplayers work their time out in making their costumes. The author asked some Cosplayers, "Why do YOU Cosplay?", and someone stated that, Cosplay is about two things, to express the things you love and the community itself. I know the feeling of being with fellow Cosplayers and fans. You feel relieved that you're not the only one who loves this certain series you currently love. Let's face it, everyone had felt containing such "feels" towards something. You want to release and express this to someone. Some said that Cosplaying has helped them gain more self-confidence due to experience and exposure to the said passion. A lot even gained friends because of this hobby. I, myself could relate to that matter. I'm usually quiet and prefer to be alone in doing everything. But, Cosplay changed my life. It helped me gain much more self-confidence and met people who I can call "true friends." To sum it up, most people Cosplay because they want to be the character they love or they look up to even for a day. Adding to that, usually, the Cosplayers I know, and as the stories stated above, some Cosplayers had a sad and lonely life when they were young. And as they grew up, Cosplay helped them to fight problems, gain something that they didn't have.

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According to Mac Beauvais, he stated in the article, "What IS Cosplay and Why Do People Do It", that "There are lots of great reasons to cosplay, and while I have several I can point to, the real driving force for me has been self-confidence." 

Mac stated that he had a low self-esteem during his younger days and just like the others, because of Cosplay, he gained more confidence because of the experience and exposure he got through this passion. I, myself can relate a lot with him. There are lots and lots and of reasons why people cosplay and should cosplay. As for me, people shouldn't judge Cosplay and Cosplayers when they haven't even tried it. I do challenge them to try it, so you'll know the reason why WE Cosplay.

In the other article I read entitled, "Hyper Mode: Why We Cosplay", written by Maddy Myers. She stated that, in the forms of role-playing, that "school play" was a much more socially acceptable to talk about. When you think about it, Cosplay is similar to a school play. Which makes us think, why do people find Cosplaying weird?

The article talks about what she experience through the years of cosplaying and what she has done. How her friends emphasize the word "play" more than the "costume" part. It stated in the article that she had to prepare and finish her costume in a hotel room with nine different cosplayers she hasn't even met in her life. 

(c)Maddy Myers

According to the article, Cosplay is not a complete paradise. It has its positive and negatives notations too. Some Cosplayers have issues when it comes to their body form or shape. And they tend to get insecure because people might criticize them. That's the truth. Criticizing is normal in the Cosplay world. Instead of seeing it as a negative thing, no matter how much it did hurt you, think of it as an advice. So you'll know what you need to be better with. Be it with make-up, portrayal or the how the costume was made. You might not know, because of these criticisms, you'll be a better Cosplayer. And yes, this world is not perfect. Us, ourselves are not perfect. But, in a different situation, like in a convention, when you hear people saying bad stuff about you or about your costume, "Why bother?" as said by Maddy. She also stated that what the non-cosplayers don't know is that, cosplayers don't cosplay for anyone. They do it for themselves. They have their own personal reasons on why they cosplay.

According to Maddy Myers, "I cosplay for fun and for myself."

I agree with her statement. I Cosplay because I want people to know that I love this certain character. I want to meet more people who loves the same fandoms as I do. and because, I want to learn more, experience more from this passion I have.

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