7 Tips for Cosplay Contests

[@FadhiliTheOne]

The work-in-progress (WIP) point is interesting to me. In Canadian competitions, judges usually love seeing WIP pictures because it gives an insight on construction and problem solving for the cosplay. I’ve seen cosplayers arrive with small binders or a document on their phone with the reference images, point form notes and WIP pictures for their judging portion and quickly picked up on the habit myself. It also helps to see how complex cosplays are actually put on the competitior once everything is ready to go.

[@KirileeCosplay]

I would 100% agree to do this if you haven't already had to submit it when you applied. And even then, it doesn't hurt to make your own and bring it!

[@ShiroInu]

Ugh I miss competitions so much. I love the judging part, getting to explain my process and show off something I'm proud of. The only prize I've ever won was a Judge's Choice award, but I keep trying my best.

[@KirileeCosplay]

You know what, as long as you are enjoying yourself, then you are doing it right.

[@AnnieChieDesigns]

This! This this this! Gosh I end up having to cover all this stuff quite often when talking to those newer to cosplay competitions or discussing with outsiders about what's being judged. I am planning a myth busting esque video about misconceptions about what is and isn't being judged in competitions, and talking about why some misconception are there from outsiders. When I do would it be alright if I linked directly to your video for people who want more detail on the actual judging points and such? This video covers all the judging points in such brilliant detail!

[@KirileeCosplay]

Yes of course :)

[@sunnydoom2726]

I often think about entering one of these competitions. This advise was really useful. I will be sure that I have a fully finished garment, linings and all.

[@KirileeCosplay]

Glad it was helpful! Best of luck!

[@MonaSkovJensen]

Having a future costume in my thoughts while watching this, made me feel like I'd be going to an exam!!!!!

[@KirileeCosplay]

I hope you will still have fun :)

[@MonaSkovJensen]

@@KirileeCosplay I will! The idea is ever expanding in my mind :D

[@thistle1204]

Weirdly, I've been a guest cosplay contest judge but I've never entered a cosplay contest! I've always wanted to, but I'm super not confident in my work. 😅 These tips help a lot for things I'll watch out for when I do eventually enter one!

[@KirileeCosplay]

Good luck

[@faitparchristine]

I think it's important for people who want to make original characters to check if it's allowed at their local competitions. Where I live (Canada), we almost always have some OCs in every masquerade, we accept and welcome them (although as you've said, it is harder to judge since they can't be judged on precision of recreation like other costumes), but we once had an international cosplayer guest from europe as a judge for a masquerade and he categorically eliminated them all because apparently OCs aren't accepted where he's from (and btw, he wouldn't budge from that decision despite many telling him that we do accept and judge them here). I honestly don't know if it's the italian cosplay scene or general european cosplay scene that don't accept OCs in competition, or if it was just him being an a-hole (which is very much a possibility tbh), but I can only imagine the heartbreak of not being judged at all on a costume you've put your blood sweat and tears into, and only learning that fact once at the competition or right after..

[@KirileeCosplay]

Absolutely true- always check the rules of the comp

[@bekahk4082]

Number seven sounds like a straight up life rule.

[@KirileeCosplay]

Absoluely mate

[@solenediridollou5550]

I have a little question about the "own design" part I started cosplaying 2 years ago , testing lot of things and I came to find out that my absolute favorite thing to make are ballgown. And since I love pokemon I'm leaning into "specializing" in pokemon themed ballgown Basically the point is that I take a pokemon and create a ballgown that the pokemon would wear if it was human (For exemple the Venusaur gown Elizabeth Rage made) Since the gowns are not a reproduction of the pokemon they are own designs. Would those kinds of cosplay have good chances to be liked by judges ?

[@KirileeCosplay]

I think so if you are after a craftsmanship based award. The only thing to be aware of is check out the scoring. If "Accuracy" is a marking element, be aware that you may not be able to score highly in that area due to no reference image that the judges can compare like to like to. However, they could be very impressed with your craftsmanship, techniques and innovation which are all other areas of scoring.

[@TerminatorTheory]

*I made a T-600 Terminator costume and I will be attending Granite State Comic Con's costume contest. The problem is I feel nobody will recognize who I am no matter how I "show without words on character" because I doubt anyone has seen Terminator Salvation nowadays, and I guess judges would give it a pass without consideration.*

[@KirileeCosplay]

Incorrect - no doubt they will love it.

[@adahusten2188]

I enjoyed the voices😛. I have a cosplay in mind but I am still working on basic clothing construction, and the cosplay should be made out of wool and I don't want to waste my money. Kirilee, what are your thoughts on double duty pieces? Like if the main body of the costume could be used for normal day wear or a Renn fair, but the headdress is what really sells the character?

[@KirileeCosplay]

Yes absolutely!

[@canucknancy4257]

I'll have to walk the floor of the convention a few years before getting the confidence to enter a competition. Great tips to keep in mind for the future! Thanks.

[@KirileeCosplay]

You can do the thing Nancy!

[@xianide068]

This is so so helpful‼‼ I Cosplayed in my first Contest just this last April and i placed 3rd and from what I'm aware of it was because I went up and did some audience interaction and styled my own wig!! It was so cool and I really hope to go to even more :))) it was really like a "pro" contest more so a "have fun" content but it was so cool and this is amazing and super helpful

[@KirileeCosplay]

Hey congratulations!

[@catsmeWOWdesigns]

I'm going to be perhaps be entering my first competition this year but the introduction from the Mc has me totally stressed. What kind of things should be included? The directions say no more than 50 words

[@KirileeCosplay]

Great question! If it is a skit based - give a quick idea of the setting of the scene... don't tell them what is going to happen but think of it as if it what has just happened - like a recap of the last episode. :) ie. "Desperate times call for desperate measures. Concerned for the wealthfare of Peach, Mario sets off to find his love who has been captured by the evil Bowser. However, Mario hits a bump in the road..." If it is just costume based, don't forget to introduce yourself and say a little about your cosplay "Catsme has been cosplaying for xx years and enjoys competitions. Their cosplay today is XX character, which has been constructed out of xx fabric and she learnt new skills such as xx." add in some fun facts. I hope that helps!

[@jasminehuston6658]

@@KirileeCosplay This has been a huge help, thank you so much!

[@KirileeCosplay]

I'm glad it could help!

[@roxiepoe9586]

I am surprised that these things needed to be said. Mind blown.

[@KirileeCosplay]

Sometimes it is overlooked.

[@Some_Doggo]

question about “own-design” cosplays and judging, does that include things like MMO player created characters where you do have high quality references you’re actively able to bring with/submit? or are those usually alright lol

[@KirileeCosplay]

It will always depend on the competition. Check the rules and send an email to ask further questions to clarify

[@Solliijudee]

Hello! I recently entered a cosplay contest and I have saved up a bunch of money for this but...what if... I don't get accepted into the competition at all..!? Can that happen?? I'm very scared because I'm going to a super big con so there must be a ton of people who entered. How do I know if this will be a total waste?

[@KirileeCosplay]

Did you buy the cosplay or did you buy the materials and make it yourself? Depending on the comp, if you bought the cosplay, you might not be able to enter

[@Solliijudee]

@@KirileeCosplay Nonono I am making the cosplay but I don't know if ill be able to compete because idk how to know if my application was accepted.

[@ElixirTheBard]

I want to cosplay contest once, my entire costume was made out of an old shirt tape and cardboard I have no idea how I won other than the fact that the rest of the costumes were even worse apparently 😬

[@KirileeCosplay]

They must have liked your idea!

[@Devil-Joe]

So how would a Dante cosplayer would be judged and how would a Spawn Cosplayer would be judged?

[@KirileeCosplay]

Judged both on their craftsmanship and level of details and cleanliness

[@thatonetsukasakin]

Helloo!! Im gonna cosplay airi momoi from pjsk and i only like one dance/song from her group. Is it okay if i fo a dance from another group?? IM SO SORRY TO BOTHER!!❤❤

[@KirileeCosplay]

I’m not the best with idols- I think that as long as it makes sense for the character it can be done

[@laurel.cosplay234]

How would you go about with ironing French seam? I've tried to press them but they don't lay 100% flat.

[@KirileeCosplay]

I tend to top stitch them down

[@Catnipcosplays]

Hem question. Would a serger finished edge that has been flipped up and hemmed ok? Or would a second flip making it almost a rolled hem be better ?

[@KirileeCosplay]

It really depends on what you are making and if it is going to be flipped up and the underside seen. If there is a chance it can be seen I prefer a rolled hem but that is just my personal preference

[@roderichedelstein5762]

Thank you for sharing these tips from a judge's perspective!

[@KirileeCosplay]

You are so welcome!

[@brieedits]

If I get my clothes for my cosplay at a store (for example if my character wears a sweater and I get a sweater from a store) but customize it and add things myself, does that still count as store-bought? I am horrible at sewing and making the costume part of a cosplay so i usually just get clothes from a store, customize and add things to them, and handmake the props.

[@KirileeCosplay]

It does count as store bought - but you can mention that you altered it.

[@brieedits]

Alright thank you!

[@_xxsimoxz_7310]

Would love to go to one! Here in Italy there aren’t many options tho. Hopefully someday!

[@stevezytveld6585]

There's the on-line Foundations Revealed competition. I made my first dress for it, mostly by hand or by my hand-crank Singer 99K. It was an amazing experience. - Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown

[@KirileeCosplay]

Maybe one day!

[@gachagamerfuntimefoxy6366]

Thank you and love you if i win gameX istanbul cosplay contest its all thanks to you

[@KirileeCosplay]

Good luck

[@peepooandbum]

thank you! im really nervous about a competition im doing in JANUARY! its my first one at my second con and im super scared and i dont want to mess up

[@peepooandbum]

eeeeven though its just showing it off

[@KirileeCosplay]

Oh how exciting! Which one?

[@lavi93]

Hiii! I really want to participate in a cosplay contest but I dont have the talent or time to make a cosplay by myself is it alright if i participate with a bought cosplay from like aliexpress amazon dokidoki ect?

[@KirileeCosplay]

It depends on the rules of the competition. You might be able to enter in a cosplay that is bought into a smaller competition but you would not be eligible for any craftsmanship awards because you didn’t make the cosplay (unless you altered it heavily). You might be able to win a performance award if there is an award like that in that competition. Just read the rules

[@lavi93]

@@KirileeCosplay thank you

[@tinkasze1825]

:3 great, i love competisions xF

[@KirileeCosplay]

Me too

[@autumn7143]

This was great. Thank you.

[@KirileeCosplay]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@XiarraZ]

Hi! You made this video forever ago but I do have a question. I want to do a pretty famous character, but in a more 'original' way like you mentioned. Would a reference picture of the person who created that dress pattern cosplaying the style I want to make be too tacky? Especially if I'm using their pattern to make the dress?

[@KirileeCosplay]

I would say that you need a clear reference image. I would be cautious of using another cosplayers creation as your inspiration.

[@clockworkoregano]

Question: So I imagine intricate types of characters have more impressive features when done right.. what about characters like the women in Dynamite comics that are pretty simple?

[@KirileeCosplay]

I’m not sure what that is so I don’t feel I can comment

[@jazzichan4738]

This is very useful advice ❤ I do wish there were more videos discussing disability in contests, as someone who has judged and participated in past contests it is very easy to forgot how some people can take character accuracy for granted while others have to fight around something that is out of their control. Not only is it simply a challenge for accuracy, but it is a challenge in itself, whatever the disability. It is much harder to gain confidence in knowing you had to work around your disability, and we as judges need to take that into account and make sure the contestants can feel 100% in their craft being acknowledged. If any part of a competitive costume has to be altered for a disability then it should be completely accepted and not affect their running at all, we need more cosplayers to be competing because it’s meant to be a fun way to enhance your skills and have fun at the same time ❤

[@KirileeCosplay]

Agreed :)

[@stevezytveld6585]

Thanks. This was all great advice. I tried to follow all of these when I entered the Foundations Revealed competition for the first time this year. The comments were amazing... By-the-by... I got the idea for my first Cos-Play outfit. Because for the Handmaid's Tail I'm closer to Aunt Lydia's age. And I have this brown fabric that will (eventually) be my version of a Sato Watanabe sleeveless jumper dress (please, oh Sewing Gods, in time for Summer...). I think I'm starting to figure out how to hack it into an alternate Aunt costume. I have my first order of grommets coming in the mail to me. - Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown

[@KirileeCosplay]

Sounds AMAZING

[@alaskacosplay]

I would love to join a skit competition and perform opera since I'm making Christine Daae's Think Of Me dress and I'm not sure if there are a prejudging segment. I've never had a prejudging in a competition and I would try to explain my gowns and I always lose the competition since I'm guessing my performance or costume isn't like crazy armor that is huge and mine is just a simple, ethereal white gown with golden rhinestones and tulle ruffles along the hem. I wish there were 2 categories of contests that have prejudging where one is for armor and the other is for sewing or costumes made of fabric so that it could be fair in the sense as the judges could see the details of a costume made of fabric compared to the costume made of armor and everyone get equal opportunity to win in their own category.

[@KirileeCosplay]

Just focus on your own work and make it as fabulous as possible. A good cosplay judge can assess an armour piece next to a well constructed sewing piece

[@cortalina8617]

I don't think competitions are for me my cosplays just aren't good enough and I'm not very confident

[@KirileeCosplay]

Only time and practise can help you with that :)

[@NicoleCake12]

I'm midway through my cosplay for OZ Comic Con and this was very helpful! Thankyou! 😊

[@KirileeCosplay]

Good work

[@SeSeMittens]

I am so glad you made this video :D I only entered three competitions and they still scare the hell of me but I feel like I have more of an anchor on what I should look for. I am honestly super happy that my first cosplay competition was super spontaneous. I only wanted to to accompany my friend signing up for the competition and they and the main judge talked me into joining too. It was nerve wrecking but such a cool experience. The other contestants were so lovely and we helped and encouraged each other. I especially felt proud that even though I did not make it to the top three the judge emphasized how many layers were in my glaceon belly dancer outfit and the liked how well they were finished. I absolutely did not expect that I would be noticed and showed me that even a rather revealing costume would be technically valued :) (Which should be the case with any costume but I feel like as soon as you show skin as a cosplayer you are disregarded as cheap and crappy)

[@KirileeCosplay]

Oh I disagree! Have you seen some of the sakizou designs? Lots of skin showing but SO much detail. But I absolutely hear where you are coming from

[@nix_cosplay]

Watching as I sweat over WCS! See you next week :D

[@KirileeCosplay]

Indeed! See you then!

[@TamiUwU420]

A few weeks ago I took part in my first cosplay contest and when I was on stage I literally didn't know what to do I was just really confused about what I should do like I just went like- uh- 😀✌️

[@KirileeCosplay]

I think that is the majority of us! Hehehe I’m sure you did great

[@TamiUwU420]

@@KirileeCosplay haha thank you! But I mean- atleast I gained some experience from it- have a nice day!

[@msrubydoll26]

I loved how well u explain ur point of view love it .learning as we go❤

[@KirileeCosplay]

Thank you!

[@andreasanchez3557]

Can I hire you to help me place ?

[@KirileeCosplay]

There is no secret to placing :) it is a subjective decision but hone your craft to be the best it can be

[@jenniferandrews3986]

💫❤

[@KirileeCosplay]

:)