8 tips that judges wish you knew when submitting a portfolio for a cosplay competition/ masquerade

[@lesleyharris525]

Hi, it would be lovely to see an old portfolio and costume of yours as an example, pretty please.💖

[@KirileeCosplay]

Maybe one day I will go through one :)

[@MonaSkovJensen]

I think these tips could be used for other competitionsas well. It definitely made me think! Thank you for doing this!

[@KirileeCosplay]

Pleasure!

[@alaskacosplay]

These tips may really be helpful for me if I ever compete in other cosplay contests around the world. Normally we have a preregistration and we just need to bring our music, reference images (either fanart or the official art from the original source), and ourselves (obviously). We can also register at the convention as a walk-in comtestant since many cosplayers may not have been able to do the preregistration so the convention organizers have set up in the schedule for when cosplayers can register for the contest. The preregistration usually has a confirmation email but even some cosplayers can walk in even though they are preregistered since they have their requirements ready and they hopefully touched up their makeup.

[@KirileeCosplay]

I recommend giving competing a go

[@TheCraftKitten]

*Taking notes in extended lockdown* “I will be ready-!” Prepare a portfolio for every cosplay you make and you’ll always be ready! But it’s also a great way to watch your skills grow 😊

[@KirileeCosplay]

So true!

[@canucknancy4257]

Great tips. I'll definitely pass these along to my friend who is planning out some cosplays for next year. Thanks, Kirilee 😊

[@KirileeCosplay]

Awesome

[@meme-sw1pc]

Hi from Tasmania, I hope you are safe and well. It is a beautiful Spring day here.

[@KirileeCosplay]

Thank you

[@boots1622fan]

it would be a pain to calculate hours, not to mention it feels like when someone puts hours its like 'i spent x amount of time and expect to be awarded' when time does not exactly always equal productivity, skill, etc... i think it would be more helpful to sort of (concisely) word the portfolio like a job application? like saying i hand sewed something might be glossed over i think unless i emphasize how annoying and time consuming it was to do lol. I always handsew bias tape, and yet, i feel as though that isn't valued by people even though it results in a much cleaner finish than stitch in the ditch. I don't know. Right now i'm taking a design class and there is a huge emphasis on prototypes and samples, and i think the best cosplayers do take the time to perfect techniques before applying it on a contest piece.

[@KirileeCosplay]

You do what you are comfortable with- these are just my own findings from being on both sides

[@roxiepoe9586]

Professional editing is never wasted. Most people know that professional photography is very worthwhile, but editing is an art and a science. (If it is cost prohibitive, learn how to do it that well.) If you invested 200 hours in the costume, it is unfair to that investment to use shoddy editing. (Okay. Somebody is going to call me a snob. I can wear that because I KNOW that this is a hill to die on.)

[@KirileeCosplay]

Clear photography is what You need for sure

[@TheCraftKitten]

Anyone know some example cosplay portfolios we might be able to have a look at? It’d be nice to see how some peeps set theirs up.

[@KirileeCosplay]

Maybe one day I will share one of mine :)

[@nmzierler]

Hello. Can you give us newbies ideas where to find competition’s either online or in person. Thanks Nona USA

[@KirileeCosplay]

Easiest way is to start with local conventions. Generally all conventions will have competitions- maybe even a few different ones. Online can be harder, but joining cosplay competition groups on Facebook groups help