How to get started with Cosplay in 2024!

I've been doing cosplay for over 20 years and I think it has never been as easy to start as it is right now! So here are my top 10 tips on how you can get into this amazing hobby, and who knows - maybe it will completely change your life as well! ❤️

- Svetlana

Video edit by Benni & @GeekingJay

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► Socials:

[elfscarlett]

Cosplay has changed so much since social media became a thing. But it’s like you say, the fun of the craft is the most important part 💗

[MrZenzio]

"not a look-alike contest" is probably one of the most important lessons. Love your work.

[AndreiPek]

To be honest, I started making cosplay props last august, and it's the hobby that combines all my hobbies, 3d modeling, 3d printing, photography, painting, making stuff with my hands, power tools, and sniffing plastic chemicals. It's a thing you can make a living out of it, I love it.

[Dave-kwjq]

I'm 63 now and only started 6 years ago.. I've bought most of your books as I was struggling getting my old head around the 3d printing malarky and your books on foam allowed me to bypass printing until I figured it out. But I now cosplay as General Romodi, Commander Cain from og Battlestar as I was able to print the parts etc..Also Ghostbuster but I'm still sorting out the Pack electronics.. oh and V the original series.. and as I type the printer is knocking out some greables for my Vault dweller suit.. yes I'm hooked on it too. So thank you so much for what you do and the confidence you give to others,

[virgilio]

I've been cosplaying in my late 30s and I haven’t turned back since. And your books brought my cosplaying to another level! I’ll be 50yrs old and I'll be cosplaying as long as I’m able to! ❤️👍🏼

[dresdenkink]

It's only sort of a joke that cosplay is a gateway hobby. Through cosplay, I've gotten into 3D printing, sure, but I'm also currently learning embroidery and historical sewing techniques. I love inserting little details and references to historical inspiration that maybe no one else will notice, but I will!

[Layn]

On the "start small", what I noticed for me is that everything that was too simple just didn't motivate me. So when I actually started, I picked something a bit more complex (and expandable), but focused instead on learning a single skill. That way I didn't overwhelm myself with things to learn. Instead I had a gradual learning curve as I learned to sew a whole outfit, where at times, if I felt comfortable enough, I could opt to deviate from the pattern (to add pockets!).
Now that I'm comfortable with sewing, I next want to do something where I can also learn some foamsmithing. Bit by bit adding more skills.

[tiffsewcrafty]

Another skill that is important in cosplay is patience, both for yourself and the cosplay that you're working on. I've been cosplaying off and on for 10 years and this hobby has taught me to be kind to myself in learning new skills. It takes time to get better at something new. I could see myself leveling up with each costume because I build upon the skills I learned in the last costume, as well as improving on what I didn't do well last time. So, have patience with yourself and enjoy the process!

[xXbakacoconutXx]

I think one of the best things about cosplay is how many other crafts it can open a door to, or link from. For instance, maybe someone doesn't know how to use foam for weapons, but they took a woodshop class in highschool - this could be a chance to use those skills they learned! Same thing with makeup, where maybe you have experience with doing stage makeup for drama or a haunted house, but you don't really know how to do irl everyday makeup. Well, stage makeup know-how is important, because a lot of people will be taking photos of you! Tons of skills can be used in really unexpected ways in cosplay, for instance I followed someone who for some reason was incredibly talented with a glue gun and would make really intricate, gilded accessories with just that! If you ever think "I don't have the right skills for cosplay", think about the things you ARE skilled in, because they might come into play in ways you don't expect!

[demether]

You was the first Cosplay Creator I watched and I think will be forever the number one! I identified myself so much with your crafting style and organization! I just got the tools for my first Cosplay. First I will help my son with his armor... Later I will go for my project! Thank you for your positive energy, tutorials and videos! I think I found an excellent first teacher!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[gustonzimasheen]

The best hobby in the world!! Thanks Svetlana, Benni and Corgis.

[nallash]

I started cosplaying 2 years ago and I've never felt happier about any hobby! I feel like this has opened a gateway to so many new skills and a way to express my passion for crafting/diy projects and also for my favorite characters. I've never felt more like my true creative self then when I'm sitting at my crafting table, putting together inspiration and reference boards, browsing stores for (cheap!) resources or showing off my creations at the conventions. Truly, the best thing that has happened to me so far ❤

[Justrex]

Thanks for the motivation, Miss Svetlana. I needed that.

[hechetonchieres]

Commenting for the algorithm! I know that when I eventually get into cosplay I'll be rewatching your videos for tips and tricks!

[henryeowens]

Thank you so much for sharing this. While I haven’t made an entire cosplay before, these same ideas apply to most any other hobby. You made a fun and relatable tutorial for how to enjoy doing things that make you happy. Super helpful. Great video. 😊

[ImCassy]

Just so you know - you did inspire me last year to make my own cosplay. But not from Scratch. I used your Thrift Store ideas and we were able to throw together a fantastic costume with very little alterations.

Thank you for being an inspiration

[Neale]

Thank you very much for all those tips.
I have been improving my skills following other cosplayers, you for example have taught me a lot.
If you are starting it is impossible to get to do that thing (a weapon for example) just like the other person, even if it is a tutorial.
But it’s important to learn HOW. And that’s going to show a lot in the long run. Because knowledge is improving and your ability also over time.
This year I have finally decided to make that cosplay that I have dreamed of all my life. And it’s been this year because I think I can get a result that I can be proud of. Maybe I’m not the best, maybe in a few years I’ll be the best. But this is the first time I’m able to do it.
And I can only thank you, the shoulder pads of my dreams were yours. You made a pattern for shoulder pads and you don’t know how much I appreciate it
Nº7: If it helps someone... I’ve used as eva foam the cheapest yoga mats I found - you make the pattern, you pass it to the yoga mat, you cut it, heat gun (care that shrinks a little), paste and prime. done!

[ChibiStarLyte]

I really appreciate all the work you do and all the positivity and encouragement you bring with videos like this. I've been cosplaying for 18 but only recently started being able to craft some of my own stuff, and it's absolutely a journey! We should all be here to encourage each other in this super fun hobby. 🥰

[LorenzoSquarz]

You are such a sweet and lovely person, thank you for the kindness and passion you spread! ❤️

[Agaures]

Thank you so much for this encouraging and supportive video! I love how excited you are still about this hobby. Your love for cosplay is so clear, and it's contagious!