How to get started with Cosplay in 2024!

Learn how to make costumes: www.kamuicosplay.com/books
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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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[@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.

[@virgilio0616]

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!

[@virgilio0616]

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]

@@virgilio0616Fingers crossed, good luck! 😄

[@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.

[@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!

[@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,

[@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!

[@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!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@hechetonchieres]

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

[@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

[@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 .

[@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 :')

[@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!

[@LorenzoSquarz]

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

[@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 😅

[@sarahdurham7558]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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 :)

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@Mc-fw4bg]

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

[@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. 🥰

[@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. 😊

[@zion8466]

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

[@meiming7799]

❤Learning through mistakes and growing in craft with cosplaying is really a good developmental process. Seeing the growth of our creations really makes us happy, from simple detailings to complicated ones. Cosplay really helped me be much more confident, and humble at the same time. 🤗🪽 You are one of my inspirations Kamui, and hearing this from you is truly inspiring. ❣️

[@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!

[@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

[@sherrihill1098]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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

[@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!

[@liv2003]

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

[@smithgroove945]

You are fabulous and amazing Svetlana. ❤

[@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!

[@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

[@stevenblakeakahashburns]

Great list for novice and advanced cosplayers. I use Eva and upholstery foam, knives, glue and imagination. Most ambitious build was my 2nd build Somewhere in time cyborg Eddie. Without Kamui and others tutorials I would still be scratching my head

[@nordicson2835]

So beautiful , so talented , thank you .

[@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. ❤️

[@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 😁

[@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! :)

[@SeasideWitcher]

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

[@germm8428]

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

[@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.

[@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! 😊

[@dhatroit]

Love this!!

[@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

[@jcarno64]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@christianvanderstap6257]

The moogle girl was rather well done already :)

[@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!

[@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.

[@randalbuhler9042]

Love the info, Love your work 🥰👍💥💯‼️

[@Markus-yx2zf]

Thank you.

[@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

[@jameswittak3483]

Corgi!! Your vids are so fun!

[@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

[@katesoto1188]

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

[@triplea25]

Fun fo all... and all for fun...❤

[@elival8267]

Corgi ! ty for your motivation ^^

[@HenryDorset]

Danke für das wieder sehr inspirierende Video

[@kenikapriest]

Corgi!

[@nairuna7436]

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

[@samuelklibisch6763]

It was such an nice video 😊

[@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.

[@NARAIDEN-ck5kk]

I love your cosplays

[@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.

[@Shizo_san]

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

[@marikakandler6899]

Es wäre crasy, wenn man eine Ausbildung zum/zur Kostümbilnder/in bei Leuten wie dir machen könnte. Musste ich grad drüber nachdenken.....auf jedenfall cooles Video :)

[@KyosVerehrerin]

Corgi! And thanks for this video

[@armellebts1297]

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

[@randomnumbersequence]

Cosplay always seemed so intimidating when you look at folks who have done such professional-looking costumes, hair, makeup, etc. Everyone has to start somewhere. I like the advice about letting projects go; if it's no longer a passion project or enjoyable, it's okay to move on to something else. I think that's a lesson that applies to every hobby and is a good one to keep in mind. I'd like to get into cosplay much more; there's no time like the present!

[@WeareCreative360]

very kool vid!

[@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!

[@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)

[@Kirschhh_]

I kind of fell out of cosplay during that interruptionn 4 years ago 🙈 Before that I did a lot of cosplay and visited many conventions. Now I'm struggling to find my way back into it.

[@robertotrylus1960]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@astaroththegreatduke9697]

Hi and good afternoon or good evening or just depends where you are i had a question about how would i go about attaching a full arm eva foam amor from hand to shoulder do i break it into pieces or atrach it a a arm sleeve

[@gabrielaantunes6590]

Hot glues and prayers haha Need that on a shirt!

[@VictoriaSoileau]

I just bought a 3d printer so i can start working on my dark deku costume. I may work on a sabine costume too from the ashoka series 😊

[@BeeLog7]

One thing I think about is I'm already 22 and just recently I've been too much invested into cosplaying i got into this community too late is what i feel because every coplayer i know seem to have started since very young age that makes me feel like I'm too late? But i still want to do though because i love it so much to back off..

[@yeahmakeyeah6463]

İ always liked doing things like this but dont know how to finish them. How to paint them or cover with other material do you have any suggestions or tutorial

[@maxiemaxlenonlukas]

Like what you just said...to craft any props.. Actually no need an expensive tools.. It all about creativity... Me build my own ghostbusters proton pack only use household items and recycle items.. 😅😅😅

[@Soraldor]

The most important thing is to start your cosplay journey and have fun!

[@tiger-ym7ln]

Cosplay I just fun

[@AlcieMitsui]

I once made Birkin's hand (Resident Evil 2) out of foil and paper 😎

[@mikkeltimmermann5355]

I have just make my first costume (a business stormtrooper) and try it on to a convention

[@brunalnono2920]

Good recapitulative video All corgies are good girls and good boys

[@JanetAsuka02]

I don't really agree with that part when you say we don't need expensive tools and materials to get somewhere. For example, I was cosplaying when I still lived in Hungary, and I was creative... I used all the junk at home to create nice-looking armour/staff, anything. And when i was at the front of the judges, they gave me negative comments about the materials I used!!! They don't look anymore for creativity!!! They want just the most recent and newest materials and techniques...I was deeply disappointed and eventually stopped making costumes also. Oh not to mention social media!!! They picked up my Eternal Sailor Moon cosplay and put it on a website called: worse sailor moon cosplays ever! Like whaddehell??!! I won a competition with that costume. It was not perfect, but good on its own way...

[@lilbit3730]

what can i use if i dont have pvc pipes for props?

[@SoulKageSN3]

Step one to amazing cosplay: Get in fantastic shape so you look good.

[@ezysummerscosplay]

CORGI!