Cosplay for Beginners: Easy First Steps into the Hobby

Have you ever scrolled through photos from an anime convention or seen incredible cosplays online and thought, "I want to cosplay too!"? You're not alone! Cosplay has become a huge, vibrant part of anime and manga fandom worldwide. It might seem intimidating if you don't know where to start, but getting into cosplay is more accessible than you think.

This guide is for the absolute beginner who wants to start cosplaying. Feeling a bit getting overwhelmed? Don't worry! We'll break down the best way to start, offering simple tips and tricks to help you create your first costume without breaking the bank or needing professional sewing skills. Let's take it one step at a time.

What is Cosplay, Anyway?

At its heart, cosplay is a blend of "costume" and "play." It's about creating (or assembling) a costume to represent a specific character, often from anime, manga, video games, or comics. But it's more than just the outfit; it's also about celebrating and even acting as – trying to embody – a character you love.

Step 1: Choose Your Character (Start Small!)

The first step in any cosplay project is deciding who you want to portray.

• Choose Passion: The absolute best tip? Choose a character you genuinely adore. Your enthusiasm will fuel you through the process of creating or assembling your costume.
• Start Simple: For your first cosplay, it's wise to start small. Look for characters with relatively simple designs. Think characters who wear regular clothes, a school uniform, or outfits without complex armor or details. Popular anime often have main characters with accessible early outfits.
• Gather Reference Images: Once you've picked your favorite character, find as many clear reference images as possible from different angles. This will be crucial whether you choose to make or buy your costume.

Step 2: Get Your Costume - Buy, Modify, or Make?

There are several ways to create your cosplay:

• Buying a Cosplay: There is absolutely no shame in buying your first costume, especially if you don't know how to sew or lack the time to create something from scratch. Many online stores and sometimes even local costume shops offer pre-made cosplays. It's a fantastic way to dip your toes into the hobby quickly.
• Closet Cosplay / Modifying: This is often the most budget-friendly option. A "closet cosplay" involves finding items in your own wardrobe or thrift stores that resemble your character's outfit. You can then modify existing pieces – perhaps shorten a skirt, add trim to a jacket, or create a simple accessory like a cape. This requires some creativity but minimal sewing or crafting skills usually.
• Make Your Cosplay: If you're feeling crafty, you can make the cosplay yourself! This allows for maximum accuracy and customization. You don't need to be an expert seamstress; many made costumes start with basic patterns (some available as a digital download) or modifying existing clothes significantly. Look for tutorials on YouTube for specific techniques. You can find cosplay materials at arts and crafts stores, though avoid overly expensive materials for your first attempt. Remember that making a costume is a way to learn new skills! Well-known cosplayers like Kinpatsu Cosplay and KamuiCosplay often share incredible techniques and tutorials online for inspiration as you grow.

Step 3: Wigs, Props, and Makeup

Often, the details make the cosplay:

• Wigs: Things like wigs are essential for many characters. For a beginner, look for pre-styled wigs close to your character's hair. Basic wig care and styling tutorials can be found online. Sometimes you might need to trim bangs or even dye a wig slightly (use dyes made for synthetics!).
• Props: Does your character carry a specific item, like a sword from Legend of Zelda or a magical wand? Simple props can elevate your cosplay. You can often buy toy versions or make simple ones from craft foam or cardboard. Always check convention rules regarding prop materials and size.
• Makeup: Makeup can help you better embody the character's features or expression. Look for basic tutorials related to your character or general anime-style makeup.

Step 4: Embody the Character & Join the Community!

Cosplaying a character isn't just wearing the outfit:

• Getting Into Character: Think about how your character stands, poses for photos, and talks. Practicing a few key poses can make a big difference! It's your unique interpretation of a character.
• The Cosplay Community: Cosplay is incredibly social! Attending an anime convention or another big event is the perfect place to debut your new cosplay, see amazing work from other cosplayers, and connect with people who share your passion. Don't be shy; the cosplay community is generally very welcoming to newcomers getting started.
• Contests (Optional): Many cons have a cosplay contest or cosplay competition. While fun to watch or eventually participate in, don't feel pressured for your first cosplay. The main goal is to have fun!

You're Ready to Start Cosplaying!

Getting started with cosplay might seem like a huge undertaking, but hopefully, these steps make it feel more manageable. Remember that cosplay is a hobby meant to be enjoyed. Start small, pick a character you love, decide on your approach to the costume, add the details, and celebrate your fandom. You'll learn new skills and meet fantastic people along the way.

Ready to bring your favorite character to life? Want more cosplay tips, tutorials, convention guides, and fandom event news from Yuki? Sign up for the Fantera Online newsletter below!