How to get started with Cosplay in 2024!

[@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 💗

[@KamuiCosplay]

Yes I agree but Cosplay really is what you make of it. You don't NEED to share everything on the internet if you don't want to. Just do what brings you joy!

[@cristagc3259]

Tú mejor video. Todo energía positiva, muchas gracias ❤

[@MrZenzio]

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

[@LittleHobbit13]

"Held together by safety pins, hot glue, and prayers" is honestly kind of a life mood some days, lol.

[@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!

[@VirgusMaximus]

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! ❤️👍🏼

[@KamuiCosplay]

Same here. Cosplay opened my up my mind to so many other things as well!

[@VirgusMaximus]

My dream cosplay is to make a Bio Booster Guyver 1 suit with led lights and smoke! My skill level is not there yet but your tutorials and books have guided me in the process of designing it. I’m hoping to show it off one day! 👍🏼💪🏼🔨🪚❤

[@starleen1981]

@@VirgusMaximusFingers crossed, good luck! 😄

[@Dave-kw7jq]

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,

[@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.

[@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!

[@Layn75]

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.

[@demether11]

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.

[@nallash905]

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 ❤

[@Justrex01]

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

[@KamuiCosplay]

We're all in this together!

[@deinchapman9343]

You hust helped me work out my mind.

[@abya2630]

you just summarised Cosplay in 2024 perfectly. I have seem the progress of Cosplay over the last 10 year just take of, year by year, being more excepted, and growing. thanks to KZbinr like your self and social media bring people from all around the world together. Cosplay has open up the doors for plenty of people who can now to start a business or a career, like making customers, props, videos, modelling .

[@milkaboom]

I have been cosplaying every now and then for quite a few years now and it has been so much fun. I love dressing up as my favourite characters! And the community is so loving and welcoming. And while I have mostly bought all of my cosplays (sometimes diy-ing them up) I'm planning to actually fully sew an entire cosplay for the first time myself. It's gonna be a big mess but the fanciest and most fun mess you have ever seen! ✨ Wish me luck

[@boodledemic6430]

Starting small is super important! Also revisiting old cosplays - I had made BOTW Zelda and now that TOTK is out I redid her wig and touched up the costume and it was such a fun process and I could see how much I’ve improved over the years ❤ when you work on something yourself it’s really rewarding

[@why9909]

Honestly this vid made me cry a little bit (I'm very emotional) I've been putting off cosplaying bc life keeps happening, and your video reminded me that I just need to do it, and start easy. I may or may not have gotten a cosplay to start with 👀👀 Thank you so much!

[@KamuiCosplay]

Just move at your own pace!

[@Dandhy009]

Ayo Svetlana, im having a rough time with this year and suddenly started to think if i'm good enough for this hobby. And out from nowhere this video pops on my recommendations, what a great moment i told ya! Txks a lot for this, was the motivation i needed! My best wishes on you, thanks again :3

[@JoannaPiancastelli]

Everything I wore for my first cosplay was second hand or recycled materials, and I felt super cool in it. Decades later, I costume more for larp than cosplay, but I'm still using the same skills and still upcycling and adapting second hand items as much as I can.

[@HotaruSama]

How to discover the best, and one of the most expensive hobbies in the world 😂❤ Such a wholesome video, I personally had to take a big break from cosplay for a while, but now I slowly found back the spark for it and it's so amazing once again. It makes you feel so happy inside to share something you love with others :')

[@sarahdurham7558]

Starting my first cosplay! Thanks for the encouragement, I was feeling overwhelmed.

[@hechetonchieres]

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

[@the.vampire.cosplayer]

I been doing cosplay on and of for a decade. I remember getting a Ben nye starter kits for Bruce's cause I wanted to learn to make Hollywood monster. I was cosplaying before I even knowing what it was !!! Even tho I there were times I gave up, I always come back cause there's something so beautiful of this craft. To invent something to create is such a journey and you keep learning everyday and you wanna learn more so it's a great craft to learn if you wanna learn a bunch a skill. Please to anyone who feels like doing it, just try. That's all you need to try! Even if your 29 years old and want to re-dtart cosplaying...DO IT!

[@michaelaupperle2808]

Thanks!

[@CrystalianHearts]

I have been in a slump for the last few months and have had to scale back my plans for cosplays this year. The one I was most excited for has taken so much more effort and time then I anticipated plus got super sick for a while and had no energy. Watching your video has helped remind me why I started and what it is about cosplay I love so much. Thank you! 💛

[@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

[@jahtibacollins9454]

Thank you, Svetlana. I've been procrastinating but I enjoy the hobby so much. Going to get up off the couch and make something.

[@spieagentl]

I've learned about you and your cosplay work back in 2015, and I ended up making my first costume in 2016 (XCOM 2 Advent officer) using some EVA foam! It's been years since that project, and I finally got back into costume/prop making this year starting with a Helldivers 2 costume! I have many plans for future projects in the future, and I appreciate all the advice and inspiration you've provided over the years

[@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!

[@LorenzoSquarz]

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

[@suzyplays729]

I love seeing so many different designs for a single character, it's always amazing to see the character how someone else interpreted it

[@Drakoryon]

I'll always remember your first tutorials. I had to watch them over and over because I couldn't get my head around HOW to attach these armors (ADHD brain) 🤣🤣 "Redundanz! Wir befestigen alles nicht nur einmal, sondern immer ZWEI MAL!" 😁😁 Danke. Ohne dich hätte ich mich niemals an Worbla, Bauschaum, Foam und co. getraut.

[@ryc03]

I did my first cosplay last year for a franchise barely anyone in the West knew about. And to my surprise, several people noticed who I was cosplaying as, and more who don't but was intrigued by it. I am going to the convention this summer again with a new costume, hopefully better and easier to move in.

[@AlisterMorgan160]

Love our work, bought some of your books and started my very first prop project at the beginning of summer. I reconnected to a self I have forgotten since childhood before my studies in computer graphics. My result is far from "prefect" but im super proud of it and gonna show it to my friends very soon! thank you for being such an inspiration

[@germm8428]

I’m doing my first cosplay, so far so good

[@lisakoolmees1698]

I love this video. You hit so many valuable points. I am someone who wants to create cosplay but don't know where to start. Thank you so much. 💓

[@KamuiCosplay]

Thanks so much! Hope I was able to help and inspire you! Wish you a lot of fun on your cosplay journey! 😊

[@whitestarr]

This is so perfect! I'm teaching a cosplay class to kids this summerand this is just right for the intro on our first day.

[@nallash905]

Cosplay class sounds amazing! I hope the kids will like it 😁

[@ellastiki]

Thank you for those tips 🙏 I've been cosplaying for more than 10 years and haven't learned to sew with a machine, form a wig, or do complicated stuff with eva. You can fully cosplay without being a professional!

[@clotildebesson1991]

These are all excellent advice! If I may add mine, learned from experience: Keep the context of your cosplay in mind. If you plan to wear it in a situation where people might not recognise it, or even be confused by it, be aware of that in advance and set your expectations to match, so you are less disappointed when no one recognises you or you don't meet anyone cosplaying from the same universe. It's so tempting to hope that your cool project will attract attention, when in fact you are simply not in the right environment for it! Your experience can change drastically based on where you wear it.

[@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. 🥰

[@AngelaSmith2030]

I started cosplaying in 2014 and ive been writing since 2008 and to be able to combine the two (make the uniforms and weapons from my series) has been my biggest inspiration to hang onto cosplay through a dwindling interest with a hoard of all the supplies i need for it 😅

[@simony5807]

Es ist so gut, kleine Requisiten zu machen, um mir zu helfen, zu wachsen und mich motivierter zu fühlen, etwas Größeres zu machen. Ich liebe das aktualisierte Video, und deine Videos inspirieren mich so sehr, Cosplay zu machen. Ich werde dies mit so vielen Menschen teilen. So good, I love making small props to help me grow and feel more motivated to make something biger. I love the updated video and your videos inspire me so much to make cosplay. I will share this with so many people. (not good german, I only speak English but wanted you to read this :)

[@juunibug]

I don't get to cosplay as much as I'd like to due to IRL stuff, but I love it so much and I've followed your videos since I found your Symmetra videos. It's so nice to have a high-level cosplayer promote so much positivity and not forgetting your roots as a newbie cosplayer. A lot of people say that they can't cosplay because they don't look like the character but I'm a firm believer that cosplay is just about having fun, being silly and nerdy, and sharing your love for characters and series with other nerds

[@phoenix6312]

Really needed to hear some of this tbh. I sometimes get horribly demotivated by my own mind (comparing myself, giving myself impossible deadlines and pushing myself to do impossible stuff sometimes). This helped me feel a bit more positive again. ❤️

[@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. 😊

[@chazjohannsen]

I’ve always loved Halloween, so I go hard each year on relevant and spooky costumes (Casual Saitama/Aang, Zombie Lifeguard, Ska Skeleton, Eddy from Stranger Things, and Bully Maguire). It was only this year that I started proper cosplay. I kept it simple starting with second hand clothes from Goodwill to be Kento Nanami from JuJutsu Kaisen, which was very well received at multiple conventions. Now I’ve built my own foam armor set for a group combat party, which I think I will repurpose for Mandalorian armor in the future. Thanks for the tips, Svetlana, as well as for the templates! They were very helpful in preparing my armor.

[@MysticViperclaw]

thanks for this video! this got me a lot more engaged since i've been quite nervous of people judging me for not making a perfect cosplay.

[@Gina_bps-cs2289]

Currently working on my first cosplay, your content really really really helps a lot. Thank you so much!

[@wijann]

This is so motivating! I’m currently working on my first self made cosplay after making two weapons of EVA foam and having the time of my life it’s now time for armor!

[@VixCat-q7p]

I love ur spark, u are really cheerful, u inspired me

[@xxBadwolfxx]

I'm gonna be attending my first convention in cosplay this year after wanting to start cosplay since like...... 2008 haha. This video was really good, you made some great points and hit the nail on the head with the reminders I needed to hear (especially: it doesn't have to be perfect xD). Thanks for being such a positive, inspiring, creative force! :)

[@Neale13]

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!

[@aprilblackregentart6647]

Great video. I was astounded to discover I could make costume accessories with my own hands. I got started watching you and several other makers here on KZbin and it’s been so much fun!

[@Kaito.S.Natsumi]

Wow- thank you. I’ve watched probably like five of your cosplay tip videos just today and I’ve learned lots. I just stumbled upon you while researching as I planned to make my first cosplay and I thoroughly enjoyed the videos you’ve provided. I definitely subscribed and I look forward to more of your content

[@CallaySimpson-b4r]

Thank you for doing this video because I really want to get into cosplay so that I can make the many characters that are in my mind. I think I am gonna start with a medieval sorcerer

[@DeepEndDiving]

Love your energy and enthusiasm.

[@rlea]

Thank you so much for the time and effort put into these motivation and tutorial videos for beginners, I'm about to start my very first eva foam build, a cybernetic armoured arm, chestplate, greaves, and modified boots after getting a cyberpunk led helmet and it looks silly on its own, and your videos have inspired me to build "accessories" to go with it😁

[@Yosemite25]

You guys are the best! I really enjoy your shorts/videos! I look forward to seeing what you have planned for the future! Cheers!

[@paecmaker]

I have started doing my first cosplay now at 31, gotten a few basic tools and some EVA foam and I'm really looking forward to the journey :D

[@themantheycalle8234]

Ive never done cosplay before but i'm going to try making my character from monster hunter! Your videos have been an amazing help learning about the craft!

[@sherrihill1098]

Thank you for your great tutorials and your wonderful positive attitude ! You are adorable!

[@GalacticKrystal]

thank you for the advice in this video, I'm completely new to this and want to make a cosplay for Gabriel from Ultrakill, but am not sure of what to do material wise, so far I only have cardboard and currently working on the shoulder pads, this motivated me very much, thank you.

[@Birulets]

One of the easiest cosplays if you are a begginner who wants to make every part of it (costume/props/even wig!) is Team Rocket. The pattern of Jessie's outfit is very easy to sew, the boots can be made with fabric very easily, the prop you will need is literally a ball (you can make a pokeball from a styrofoam ball, or other materials, and if you have a pokemon plushie, you can add that to your cosplay too). Even the wig is possible to make from scratch, though it may need a little more patience and skill. I made my from acrylic yarn, aluminum foil and craft tape) you have to create the shape of her hair underneath the wig to give it volume and structure) and a wig cap! Have fun!

[@Markus-yx2zf]

Thank you.

[@KankriV]

I've been fascinated with cosplay making and outfit designs ever since I was little, I'm happy to announce I've started my very first cosplay and I'm currently waiting for things to arrive. But I struggle because I'm a picky perfectionist who always compares myself to others, and I'm a major show off so I have to be happy with my outfit and still blow the socks off of people.. So.. Maybe you could go into more depth in a later video about self acceptance on cosplay making? It's something I really struggle with and I want to learn to be happy with the things I make and not be so terrified of failure and not looking 100% accurate to my references or my inspiration pictures of other cosplays

[@smithgroove945]

You are fabulous and amazing Svetlana. ❤

[@Ariel_530]

So sorry you were bullied but I'm so glad you found people who share your interests ❤. This video is amazing! Thank you for this and you're amazing too!

[@angelvash]

Thank you for being inspirational 🧡

[@createwithpete494]

Awesome and excellent video. 😊 As an artist we all feel the sting of burn out. The best way I deal with this is working out, gaming, and going to the movies.😊 But most of all just getting out of the house.

[@katesoto88]

YES! exactly the video I wanted to get into the rabbit hole in my (currently) best year!

[@goatelope7539]

Corgi!! Learning to look at your quality as inspected at 1foot, 5 foot or 10foot , it gave a lot of perspective on how perfect it does t have to be

[@liv2003]

I bought one of your books today! Your tutorials have helped me so much!❤

[@linkmariopikmin2]

A huge breakthrough I had was that you're allowed to cosplay for your own abilities and not what people care about. Like You can alter a costume to make you feel better in your body. Accuracy != quality. (you can't make me wear leggings! I won't do it!) Another huge thing was not cosplaying whatever is the newest show. I felt so obligated to do something recent and popular and then I felt like I had to make something new for every con because it would be too old or not recognizable (and that was BEFORE social media moved as fast as it does now lol). It took me a long time to realize that I was allowed to be a character from a niche game and take a whole year to make it or to wear an original design and only make one piece a year. Recognition != quality. I'm having MUCH more fun now with those realizations.

[@timmarshall849]

Svetlana! Always so positive and energizing. I don’t cosplay, but I always watch your videos. Your passion is soooo infectious! Benni! Another amazing video edit and soundscape! Do you use Premier/After Effects!

[@SeasideWitcher]

You are amazing , so upbeat , so fun. l love your posts , thank you

[@TheSlideSho]

Foam Fabrication is where I started 5 years ago. Since then, I've accumulated the tools and materials to be able to create whatever my brain throws at me. Recently got a 3d printer but will still go to foam since I have zero graphic design experience. My kids are my biggest motivators, they get so excited to dress up for cons.

[@KamuiCosplay]

That's the best part! Being able to solve problems no matter what they are!

[@EFergDindrane]

I confess, I do really worry about being a fat middle-aged woman, just getting into cosplay. I've seen how mean some people can be at DragonCon, for example. I'm super intimidated! But I'm also old enough not to care? And the people ACTUALLY IN the hobby are always super nice. So I appreciate the help!

[@nordicson2835]

So beautiful , so talented , thank you .

[@ViltzkuH]

As a beginner (at least) making things with cheap materials can be so fun. Spending money is so stressful but i had a big cardboard box, a hot glue gun and a desire so i made a sword from my favorite game! It absolutely isn't the greatest but making it was so much fun and i felt so relaxed doing it!

[@ViltzkuH]

Oh yeah and i made gloves too! I didn't have access to a sewing machine yet and i reeally wanted to do the gloves so i bought a little needle pack and fabric. It took multiple hours to make them, but i wanted to do it enough so i did

[@Akutagawa6969]

Thank you so much!! :)

[@london19657]

I always enjoy your videos. Best wishes

[@bzoll1453]

Very cool and inspirational video! Following since you started cosplay and still a big fan!!! … and of the corgi of course too 😊

[@armellebts1297]

The thing i really like about cosplay is the acting ! Be my favorite character and act just like him :D

[@christianvanderstap6257]

The moogle girl was rather well done already :)

[@jcarno64]

Incredible inspiration!!!!!!!!!!

[@nairuna7436]

thanks for this motivational speak, now im feeling ready to continue my rampart cosplay

[@HenryDorset]

Danke für das wieder sehr inspirierende Video

[@DasNamiLP]

This reminded me of how much I wanted to Cosplay Heros Shade from Twilight Princess. Maybe I should just start with his shield and see how it goes x3

[@winxworlldofficial]

Tysm!! These tips are really helpful! Also you corgis are SO cute!!

[@randalbuhler9042]

Love the info, Love your work 🥰👍💥💯‼️

[@ElicitVisions]

Im so happy I found your channel. I've been doing cosplay for two years now, and I've got a very ambitious project in mind. I appreciate your tutorials and encouragement!! What is the link for the discord if you dont mind? Id love to get involved with the community ❣️

[@triplea25]

Fun fo all... and all for fun...❤

[@Shizo_san]

I've knitted a scarf from a mobile game years ago and it was fun

[@jameswittak3483]

Corgi!! Your vids are so fun!

[@kenikapriest]

Corgi!

[@kay_123]

Money wise, i can't start yet, but as soon as i get a job, im going to buy my first cosplay (im 15)

[@jessie4021]

Like you said I think one of the easiest ways to do cosplay is in a casual outfit! You can thrift an outfit if you're on a budget and just style a wig.

[@KyosVerehrerin]

Corgi! And thanks for this video

[@elival8267]

Corgi ! ty for your motivation ^^