Cosplay Competitions: 6 Tips to Prepare for Pre-Judging

[@joylox]

I've never seen anyone bring pictures. Out of the 2 workmanship contests I've been in, the first one, the judges already looked up the characters, and the second one I was Blanche from Pokemon Go, and both judges were familar with the game and were on Team Mystic. The best thing I found to do is highlight the things that took the most effort as long as it looks good. So my Blanche outfit took almost over hours of patterning and sewing plus styling the wig, and the wig was a lot harder than I thought. The judges asked me if I did it myself, and I explained a bit of what I did, and what products I used, but don't hesitate to say that it was your first time using a specific fabric. My bodysuit was in 2 parts plus all the details, and made out of bamboo knit. It was my first time working with bamboo and I loved it!

[@KoumoriNoHimeCosplay]

Oooh! I've never seen bamboo knit before!

[@sushiduck10]

Wonderful video I loved this! That last tip you gave was very important and I thought it was great. Don't beat yourself up over the little things and just be happy with what you were able to do in your time slot! I'm hoping to enter a contest next year so this is great prep work for me ^w^

[@KoumoriNoHimeCosplay]

Thank you! I'm happy to hear that! Good luck in your future contest!

[@sabrinah6190]

This is so helpful! Im entering my first contest soon and your whole series has been great!

[@KoumoriNoHimeCosplay]

Thank you! I'm glad to hear that. Good luck in your contest!

[@ms.pirate]

That tip for walking around the convention first before entering a competition is so important. I didn't enter him in a conest yet, but for 2 conventions my raiden costume was falling apart, i need to build up my skills more. My (technically) first cosplay competition will be sephiroth, if all else fails, then next time I'm adding a wing

[@zurushino]

I'll be entering my first cosplay competition in June as princess Hilda. but I'm a little scared since Hilda Is and will Be the very first cosplay that I've made. And I have problems talking to people. Thanks for the tips. c:

[@KoumoriNoHimeCosplay]

You're welcome! I wish you all the best with your competition!

[@zurushino]

Thank you! But there's one thing. I'm very confused on what's going to happen due to the contests being different from con to con.

[@KoumoriNoHimeCosplay]

Which convention is it? If you'are confused about the process there should be a cosplay coordinator for the convention that you can email with questions. The contact info is usually in either a "contact us" tab or listed at the bottom of the cosplay contest rules on the convention website.

[@zurushino]

Koumori No Hime Cosplay Sadly it's not Listed there. It only says the rules and the information for finals and not part one of the contest. The exsact date is not even listed. And yes I can contact them. But the con is in almost 3 months so it's kinda early to ask. I'll be going to desucon 12.

[@ms.pirate]

I'm already planning bringing physical reference photos. Technology can be a pain XD

[@HuskeyNinjacos]

this is super helpful and I'll share it with my friends too and I now know what to do with my work in progress photos now (hugs)

[@KoumoriNoHimeCosplay]

Yay! I'm glad it was helpful!

[@HuskeyNinjacos]

when printing out the work in progress photos with the character reference image should it be printed out on card or paper? also um how do you make cosplay business type cards you can hand out at convenients as me and lots of my friends have tried but we struggle with layout and text to use as we dont have enough to go to a website to get them made?

[@KoumoriNoHimeCosplay]

I usually just print mine out on paper, keeping it to only a couple pieces, since the judges don't have a lot of time to look at it. I have never ordered cosplay cards, but hope to try it in the future.

[@HuskeyNinjacos]

awsome and it'll save me having to ask my friend who looks after my bag at convenients to pass me my phone too >^_^< it'll be cool to see you do cosplay business card

[@Lillia007]

i want to enter my first contest in a cosplay that i literally poured my blood, sweat, tears, and money into. Im super nervous that ill forget something but i really want to try this! thanks for the advice. unfortunately my cosplay is practically finished already so i dont have any progress photos, but i can still get a character reference photo and attempt maybe two or three shots of what the individual pieces look like.