how to cosplay anime

1. Choose a character to cosplay. The character does not have to look like you, or even be the same gender as you.
2. Get lots of reference pictures. Chances are, your character will have a few different outfits to choose from.
3. Consider doing a twist on your cosplay instead. You can add a unique spin on your character, such as steampunk, post-apocalyptic, or Renaissance. [1]
4. Consider how much time, money, and effort you are willing to put in. The more complex a costume is, the more time you will need to do it justice.
5. Think about when and where you will be wearing the cosplay. Will you be spending most of your time indoors or outdoors?
Write down everything that you need for your cosplay. This includes the obvious things, such as skirts, shirts, and pants, as well as the less obvious things, such as ...
Decide what you can make, modify, or buy. There is no shame in buying some ready-made pieces, especially if they are simple, such as a belt, dress shirt, or ...

Full Answer

What are some good cosplay ideas?

What are good cosplays for beginners?

• L (Death Note) …
• Kiki (Kiki’s Delivery Service) …
• Mario & Luigi (Super Mario Bros) …
• Misty (Pokemon) …
• Steven (Steven Universe) …
• Velma Dinkley (Scooby-Doo) …
• Monkey D. …
• No Face (Spirited Away)

What are some easy cosplay ideas for beginners?

Simple Cosplay Ideas for Beginners

• Cosplay From Your Own Wardrobe. The goal with cosplay is not always to go for some crazy, intricate costume or to break the bank. ...
• Alter Egos. Everyone wants to be the superhero but what about their plain clothed alter ego? ...
• Thrift Shops Are Where It’s At. ...
• Leotards, Zentai Suits & Morphsuits. ...
• Cosplay a Simple Anime or Cartoon Character. ...

What anime should I cosplay?

What you’ll need to dress up as Evelynn K/DA from League of Legends is as follows:

• Evelynn can be something you and a few buddies could put together by merging your clothing if you’re searching for a closet cosplay. ...
• Necklace – This necklace charm is extremely simple to make. ...
• Earrings – Evelynn’s earrings are simply little hoops that can be found on eBay for around $2. ...
• Belt – A standard black belt is available at any corner store.

More items...

What is the cheapest anime cosplay?

To personalize an item:

• Open the listing page.
• Choose the options you’d like for the order. This will differ depending on what options are available for the item.
• Under “Add your personalization,” the text box will tell you what the seller needs to know. Fill out the requested information.
• Click “Buy it now” or “Add to cart” and proceed to checkout.

How do you start an anime cosplay?

10 Tips for Cosplay BeginnersChoose a Character You Love.Good, Fast, Cheap – Choose Two.Do Your Research.Start Small… and Keep Growing.Just Do It.Don't Go It Alone.Don't Worry About Accuracy (Too Much)Don't Let Others Drag You Down.More items...•

What anime can I cosplay?

25 Anime Cosplay Ideas to Stand out in the Crowd in 2020Ruby Rose, RWBY. xjessekun. ... Hitsugaya, Bleach. yillidan_cosplay. ... Natsu, Fairy Tale. neene_95. ... Izuku aka Deku, My Hero Academia. kshaw_tv. ... Sailor Mercury, Sailor Moon. mkscreativelife. ... Pikachu, Pokemon. Instagram. ... Obito, Naruto. nico_crea_ ... Madoka, Madoka Magica. chibimagicalgirl.More items...•

What is a good cosplay for beginners?

Cosplay for Beginners: 5 Easy Cosplay Costume IdeasScooby-Doo.Harry Potter.Marvel/DC Superheroes.Naruto.Disney.

How do I become a cosplayer?

How to Be a Cosplay ModelChoose a character whose outfit will look good on you. ... Make your costume; don't buy or commission it. ... Attend as many conventions as you can. ... Be as active at the conventions as you can. ... Make and sell cosplay items, such as wigs, accessories, props, clothes, or entire costumes.More items...

Who is the most famous anime cosplayer?

The 10 Most Popular Female Anime Cosplays Of 20198 Zero Two.7 Taiga Aisaka.6 Tomoyo Sakagami.5 Sakura Kinomoto.4 Shirayuki.3 Hanji (Hange Zoe)2 Mikasa Ackerman.1 Rem.More items...•

Who is the hardest anime character to cosplay?

Alphonse Elric from Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is without a doubt one of the most difficult characters to cosplay. The guy is literally a walking suit of armor, and that's not something that can be built in a day's work.

What age can you cosplay?

As cosplay has become more mainstream and accessible, people have been able to enter the world of costume creation at younger ages. On average, cosplayers wear their first costume to a convention at age 21. However, there is no age limit for cosplay.

How do you tell your parents your a cosplayer?

3:1614:04Telling your PARENTS you want to COSPLAY (MCYT - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMaybe your parents to find out more about what cosplay is that would be the first thing like maybeMoreMaybe your parents to find out more about what cosplay is that would be the first thing like maybe talk to your parents about cosplay like tell them what is cosplay.

What should you not say to a cosplayer?

5 Things You Should Never Say to a CosplayerThe “Compliment”: “You look WAY better than the other [character name] I saw today!” ... The “Compliment”: “Aww, your costume is WAY better than mine!” ... The “Compliment”: “Did you buy your costume?” ... The “Compliment”: “Mmm, you look sooo hot! ... The “Compliment”: “……….”

Is cosplaying a job?

In fact, many cosplayers regularly make between $100,000-200,000 per year. Cosplay, or the practice of dressing as a character from a movie, book, video game, or other form of media, is a growing industry. For some, it's a hobby. For others, dressing up is a year-round profession.

Can you cosplay in public?

Public places are generally safe to stage cosplay photoshoots unless it's someplace like a public art gallery, but you need to get permission to go into and take photos in any non-public place.

Where can I cosplay?

online), then here are 10 online cosplay sites to find your next cosplay project.eBay. If you're looking for props or cheap cosplays, then eBay could be useful. ... MicCostumes. ... Amazon. ... Cosplay Sky. ... ProCosplay. ... HerosTime. ... EZ Cosplay. ... SimCosplay.More items...•

How to cosplay a character?

1. Decide who you want to cosplay. Choose a character you can relate to or that you are similar to. Keep in mind that you don't have to cosplay as your race, body type, or gender; anyone can cosplay. On a similar note, your cosplay does not have to be from anime or anything of Japanese origin.

What do you need to make a cosplay?

It should also include things like wigs (if you are using one), makeup, and any necessary undergarments. If you are going to make the cosplay, write down the materials you'll need for each piece.

What to do if your cosplay doesn't fit?

If something doesn't fit or feel comfortable, take a moment to fix it. Make sure that your cosplay is comfortable and durable. If you are having troubles with contact lenses, leave them out. Don't leave costume contact lenses in your eyes for the entire convention; that is asking for a serious infection.

Do you need props for cosplay?

While not absolutely necessary, they can really take your cosplay to the next level. A prop can help you come up with more creative poses, while accessories can make your cosplay more realistic. As with the rest of your cosplay, you can make, buy, or commission your props and accessories.

Do you need to spend money on cosplay?

You don't need to spend a lot of money in order to have a great-looking cosplay. If you want your cosplay to look great for cheap, however, be prepared to spend lots of time on it. Some cosplays will also require more than just sewing, such as casting parts in resin or making foam armor.

Can you change the shape of a hem on a cosplay shirt?

You may need to change the shape of the hem or sleeves on the pattern. If a pattern is the right shape but the wrong length, you'll need to add/subtract length to/from it. Don't be afraid to change the shape of a collar to suit your cosplay.

Can you do a crossover between two costumes?

Alternatively, you can put a unique spin on it, such as a historically-accurate version of a Disney princess, or a steampunk version of a character. You can even do a crossover between two costumes, such as a Sailor Scout version of a Pokemon. Look at pictures of other people's cosplays or fan art for inspiration.

What is cosplay in anime?

Cosplay is a subculture where people dress up as their favourite character from a book, movie or show. Japanese anime especially gets a lot of representation in cosplay, and for good reason! Anime characters often have very distinctive costumes and personalities, so it can be a lot of fun to imitate one of them at a convention.

What to do if you're cosplaying as an anime girl?

If you're cosplaying as an anime girl, you should be aware of the creeps that sometimes come with the territory. Take the good with the bad, and let someone know if you're being harassed.

How to make your eyes bigger in anime?

Cosplaying as an anime girl, you can get these bigger eyes with makeup. Pencil your eyes with a white eyeliner, and extend the frame of your eyes using a light-shaded eyeshadow. Eyeshadow should be used to create a new, wider shape for the eyes. Lightly smudge it where the eyeshadow ends for a blended look.

Why do anime characters wear boots?

Because anime is usually so stylized, characters' shoes tend to be bright and bold. Boots are a bold type of clothing, and will make your costume more attention-grabbing. Boots already fit into a lot of anime costume designs, but you should choose your footwear to suit the character you've chosen.

What do Japanese girls wear?

Wear a skirt. While it's still recommended you base your costume choices around a certain character, wearing a skirt is a standard look for the Japanese schoolgirl. Many anime girls match this look. Luckily, skirts of this sort can be purchased from a department store, or ordered online.

How to be a good cosplayer?

To be a great cosplayer, you should be able to capture the essence of your character in a single pose. Without movement or talking, frame your body in such a way that expresses something of the character's personality. Practice some poses in front of the mirror and see if something sticks.

Is cosplay a good idea?

Cosplay has a very passionate and inclusive community. If you don't already have friends that are into it, it's a good idea to meet some fellow fans. Because it's such a popular subculture, cosplay groups are quite easy to hook up with online. Look for public groups on social media sites like Facebook.

What is the best anime costume?

Bonus points if you have a bat handbag. Death Note is probably the best known and the best anime in the world.

What is a good example of a character with multiple costumes?

Deku is an excellent example of a character that has multiple costumes. The costume we’ve chosen to highlight for Deku is his Beta costume, which is less intricate than his student uniform. It’s also easier to put together (see his classmate #12 Uranka for an example!).

What does Sebastian wear in the anime?

As he helps Cie, Sebastian takes on the form of a human butler. He wears a full double-breasted tuxedo and tails, making this one of the easiest anime cosplay ideas for guys. 19.

What color is Ruby's outfit?

Ruby’s stunning red and black outfits with rose embellishments make for great female anime cosplay. The full costume is available to buy, and the wig does not need much additional styling making this an easy cosplay. 2.

Is it easier to cosplay?

Cosplay is a fantastic activity that lets you step away from the humdrum of everyday life and draws you into a magical world where anything is possible. It’s never been easier to cosplay with so many authentic costumes and props available to buy online.

Is anime rich?

The world of anime is so incredibly rich, that you have only your imagination (and maybe budget) to stop you from cosplaying one of the greatest characters in romance anime shows, a famous anime villain, or any character from the most loved anime movies of all times. In this guide, we’ve included a full costume with each cosplay, ...

How to make your lips smaller in cosplay?

Using a lip-liner, draw outward from the corner creases of the mouth to extend your lips, or finish the outline of the lips closer to the middle to make them appear smaller.

How to keep wigs for future cosplays?

To maintain those wigs for future cosplays, get out the tangles with a wig brush and a clothing steamer. Instead of throwing them in a corner after a convention, taking the time to hang them up will preserve them for future use.

Is cosplay intimidating?

The world of cosplay is vast and even intimidating for those planning out their first debut. There are those who strive to look like the spitting image of their favored character, those who attempt a near likeness, and those who put their own unique spin on these classic character looks.

Do cosplayers drop a penny?

Cosplayers may drop a pretty penny on a costume, thrift for select pieces, or create on a budget in order to gather the necessary materials to complete their intended outfit. However, no matter how much is spent, the only thing that matters, in the end, is how satisfied you are with the end product. For those new to the art, a few simple hacks can go a long way when creating the perfect cosplay.

Can props make a cosplay pop?

Props don't have to be difficult to make, and they can make a cosplay pop. It's the perfect opportunity for craftier types to clean up the closet or upcycle leftover materials.

How long does it take to ship cosplay?

A lot of cosplay is made in China, so shipping can be anywhere from two to six weeks! Ordering with plenty of time is important so you don't need to spend an arm, a leg, and a piece of your soul on shipping alone.

What is the Golden Rule of Cosplay?

Now that your cosplay is complete, have fun showing it off at the next convention you attend! Have fun, make new friends, and be safe! Remember! The Golden Rule of Cosplay is as follows: Cosplay is NOT consent! That means even if someone is wearing something revealing or they are cosplaying a character with a proclivity for certain behaviors, do not touch them without asking, do not verbally or sexually harass them. This may be a convention, but that is still a crime. Do not ruin the fun for anyone by being the creepy person at a convention who thinks it's ok to follow or chase, hug, or otherwise touch cosplayers without their permission. We are all real people, we are not the characters that you see us as. Please respect us as such. If you are the person who is being harassed by someone, please tell convention staff about it as soon as you possibly can. That being said, have fun parading around and showing off your hard work all weekend at the con!

What is cos testing?

Cos-testing is when you wear your entire cosplay somewhere for awhile-accessories, props and all-before the convention so that you can find anything that needs to be fixed, things that are not working as well as you had thought they would, and spot anything that has the potential to go wrong at the convention. This is the time to adjust anything, because it will be much harder or maybe impossible to do so while at the convention. Cos-testing is not necessary, but it is recommended and can give you added peace of mind while at the convention or getting ready to go in the morning when you know you've worn it altogether once and you know how it looks already.

Why do you need wigs for cosplay?

Using your actual hair can be an option, but because hair grows and dye fades, when you want to do a specific cosplay again, it can be very difficult to use your own hair.

Is cosplay an art?

Because cosplay is an art, there is a great deal of artistic license involved and the physical manifestation of these characters through you are an interpretation. Everyone's interpretation can be different depending on their individual physical appearance, and that is truly part of the beauty of cosplay.

Can you wear a wig for cosplay?

Not only can frequently re-dying your hair damage it, but that also gets expensive and time consuming. It is so much easier to buy a good quality wig and some gel or other hair product that you can use not only for that one cosplay, but maybe for others, and of course you can wear it if you just feel like it too.

Is there anything wrong with store bought cosplay?

There is nothing wrong with store bought cosplay. Let me say it again. There is nothing wrong with store bought cosplay. There are some people in the cosplay communities that seem to think that homemade cosplay is the only real form of cosplay, but that simply isn't true. Not having certain skills or the amount of time it takes to make a cosplay from scratch should not be determining factors in whether you can cosplay or not. Plenty of people partake in store bought cosplay because they simply don't have the time in their lives to sit down and try to make their entire outfit from scratch. Store bought cosplay can be very convenient, but it can be expensive and it can take awhile. A lot of cosplay is made in China, so shipping can be anywhere from two to six weeks! Ordering with plenty of time is important so you don't need to spend an arm, a leg, and a piece of your soul on shipping alone. Researching, comparing, and reading reviews is extremely important to this method. If you're not careful, you could spend a decent amount of money and get something that looks worse than something you could have done yourself. For this method, I would recommend that you get the cosplay customized for your specific measurements, if it's offered with the company you're purchasing from. However, if you decide you don't want to, it's too expensive, or they simply don't offer that, then getting the size closest to your measurements should be fine. If this is the case, be prepared to have to make some slight alterations like for pant leg length or busts on dresses, and plan your time accordingly. One thing I have learned is that while most parts of a cosplay can be bought and found at good quality, comfortable and well fitting shoes are the hardest thing to come by. I would suggest looking into other methods aside from buying the shoes that the character wears exactly. My method for shoes fits better into the next method. Googling " [your character's name] cosplay" can turn up numerous results and websites that are dedicated to cosplay, but if you aren't sure where to start, eBay and Amazon often have plenty to offer.

1. How do I get started with cosplay?

Picking a character to cosplay is probably the most fun and exciting part! Cosplayer: gaby_cosplay. Photo taken by edgarddaherphoto.

2. Do I HAVE to make my own cosplay?

Matching outfits is very important for cosplay dance groups. So it’s easier and more practical to buy cosplays in this case. Cosplay group: Mahou Dreamers. Photo by Shaded Lenz Photography.

3. Where can I buy cosplay?

I made an entire guide on the best cosplay websites, so if you haven’t already, do check that out. But in general, I consider cosplay stores to be in 3 categories in terms of price:

4. What should my first cosplay be?

Deku is the poster child for MHA, and a popular choice for a first cosplay! Cosplayer: Emma Patricia Roberts. Photo taken by Connor Heinzmann. CC BY 2.0.

5. What is the easiest cosplay?

Pokemon cosplays are great because most of them are easy to do, like this Clara cosplay from Sword and Shield! Cosplayer: phantomiris.

7. How do I look as good as professional cosplayers?

You don’t need to be a professional to cosplay! Photo by mireadcartoons.

8. How do I make my cosplay look good?

Things like cosplay makeup and buying quality costume materials will make you look amazing! Photo by Mooshu.