Living in a Fictional Universe for a Second

By Seito

Have you ever sat down to think what cosplaying is? I mean, yes. Cosplaying is literally the combination of “costume play”, which is a community of people who dress up and use props or items with the intention of representing a character or idea. Cosplaying is usually complimented with “role-playing” or playing the role of the character, bringing it to life. But is cosplaying really that simple or is it a whole new culture? There’s something really special about dressing up and acting how you want, while spending your precious time with friends who share the same hobby. Sometimes it might seem odd, but cosplaying brings out your true self from the perspective of another character.

In order to get satisfying results and an overwhelming feeling of accomplishment, these projects require discipline, dedication, and passion. Some steps should be taken before actually working on a cosplay such as: noting down everything you need, buying many items, and organizing a friendly budget for your wallet. As a cosplayer, I advise keeping it simple for your first cosplays designs and broadening your techniques by searching tutorials online. You shouldn’t blame yourself if the results are not what you expected, there will be more opportunities. I’m sure you’ll develop better skills over time. Also, if your character has a prop or a simple outfit, it’s favorable to risk and create it yourself. In the end you’ll be rewarded with the achievement of a completely different experience.

Now, from an experienced cosplayer’s point of view, we can agree that staying up late night-after-night waiting for the paint to dry, enduring those back pains from sewing, and spending hours perfecting the wig’s style are situations that make your result priceless. The convention day finally arrives, you’re anxious to see your friends, and meet new people. Upon seeing the doors to the convention you’ve been insisting to attend, those butterflies in your stomach become a raging dragon. Your dreams shatter once you see that three-hour-long line, but don’t worry because most of us relate.

Overall, what makes cosplaying an amazing experience are the smiles in your fan’s faces, their compliments, and the gratifying sensation when they recognize your character. Also spending time with a bunch of proud geeks, just like us, and saving those memories in pictures— mostly in our hearts. I guess you could say cosplaying makes you feel like you’re living in a fictional universe for a second.

Picture by: https://www.facebook.com/think.nu.official

A Plus Sized Cosplayer’s Story

 

By. Marjorie Morningstar of Cosplay +Sz

  This is the story of Kawaii Princess, a plus sized girl who loves manga, anime and video games.  She has been a loyal attendee to the local comic book and anime convention for a few years now, but this is the first time she will be attending in cosplay.  She has spent so many hours re-watching that anime, and re-playing that game, researching online for references to make the costume as close to the original as possible.  She selected that character because of the clumsy and shy traits they have in common.  She is so proud of her costume and she is satisfied with all the practice she has done to resemble that character.

  At last the day has come.  As soon as she enters the convention hall she feels like that character, without even noticing it she is walking and talking like that character.  She is so excited when people start noticing her.  As she walks around, people look at her and start to whisper and point. Suddenly one girl ask for a picture and after taking it says: “Your fat version of that character is real cute”.  Then she realizes that the people weren’t praising her; they were mocking her, saying mean things about her weight.  She realizes that the whispers and remarks were not positive. People were not smiling at her, but rather they were laughing and making fun of her.

  Feeling terrible Princess ended up crying in the bathroom.  Suddenly she heard a sweet voice asking if she was ok.  The sweet voice introduces herself as Night Kitty and she had witnessed the whole situation.  Night Kitty was a cosplayer with some experience and awards under her belt.  They talked for a while and Night Kitty gave her the best advice anyone can give: “Be yourself, respect yourself, and embrace yourself.  Once you have accepted you for who you are, you will be free from the chains of discrimination.”

  The cosplay world is precious, but at the same time it’s real tough.  Most of the people in our community have being victims of bullying and discrimination, just for our hobbies or interests.  I, as a full grown woman, have being criticized for this hobby at work many times, but I do it because I love it and they have learned to accept me as I am.  I believe in myself and only I can set my limits on what I can or cannot do.

  I know that all of us put so much effort and tears into every costume we make.  The cosplay world is filled with wonderful things and many unique, creative and talented people.  We cosplay because we love the process, the characters and we are honored to portray that character in real life.  Let’s work together to break free from unrealistic beauty standards and enjoy what truly matters: YOU!

Good manners when it comes to photographing favorite cosplayers at conventions

 By. Samurai Millo

  There has been growing awareness about harassment problems at conventions, with the Internet spearheading campaigns such as Cosplay Is Not Consent. I figured that I would do my part by writing a series of guidelines. That way, the average convention attendee can stay out of trouble when it comes to interacting and taking photos of cosplayers.

  The following is a series of tips I’ve adapted from several websites that contain articles with codes of conduct that people attending conventions should follow. This is my way of offering advice for the best way to behave at conventions, especially when it comes to interacting with a cosplayer. The thousands of people who annually attend conventions and similar events in Puerto Rico can avoid bad or awkward moments with these suggestions.

     •  Always ask for permission from the cosplayer before taking a photo in a courteous and respectful manner.

    • Avoid blocking hallways and corridors (both inside the building and outside) with makeshift photo sessions. Move to the sides so you don’t hinder or bother anyone.

   • If a cosplayer is eating, talking on the phone, or occupied in any way, don’t disturb him/her. Leave the person alone and try again when they’re not this busy.

   • If another photographer is already taking a shot of a cosplayer, don’t get in the middle to steal their shot. Wait for your turn.

   • The cosplayers are also people. Do not be offended if they don’t want you to take a photo. He/she might not be feeling well, or he/she can be in a hurry because of a personal situation.

  • Respect personal space. There are cosplayers who don't like to be touched or to have their cosplay touched.

  • Do not "glomp", hug, or push to the floor a cosplayer without his/her previous permission. Doing so could damage the cosplay, or seriously injure the cosplayer and yourself. Unwarranted physical contact is never acceptable.

  • Keep in mind that any kind of harassment in any convention isn’t tolerated, either to a cosplayer or to the attendees. If they catch you doing that, they’ll kick you out.

  • Rude or lascivious comments are never acceptable.

  • If you want to take a picture of a cosplayer outside of the convention area, ask politely. If the cosplayer says no, respect his/her wishes.

  • Nonconstructive remarks about the quality of someone's cosplay should be avoided. Express yourself in a positive and respectful manner.

  • And finally, no means NO. Always respect the wishes of others.