Things Cosplayers Need to Stop Doing

A lot of us are thinking so I guess I'll just go and say it. These are things Cosplayers need to stop doing. *This video is in no way generalizing the community as a whole. Just pointing out some of the handful of things that I see constantly up for discussion online.*
Most Cosplayers are awesome and I love you guys!
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[@justpids]

If you stab a potato,it dies.

[@cryhog]

Dude c'mon I just had fries Dx

[@AnUnkind7]

Best comment on here.

[@rottenmoth]

omg

[@davestrider3915]

and friends are like potatos if you eat them they die

[@aradiamedigo1996]

Well said dave

[@CassandraD]

Add: cosplayers need to stop claiming costumes they paid for through a commission as their own work. It's fraud and not cool. Also, those costume designers need to be recognized for their blood sweat and tears that went into that costume the made.

[@jessicawardrake8380]

PREACH!!!!!!!!!!

[@ttcalant]

This is exactly what happened to me. Someone commissioned a costume from me then took credit. When others started calling him out on it, he libeled and slandered me. As a Judge I have found people claiming store bought costumes as their own, not even admitting that yes it was bought but this is how it was modified. As Judges in a Masquerade, we know.

[@divinetorch]

It's not really that hard spotting a store bought cosplay since most of those stores/ sellers use really crappy fabrics and the sewing is awful. And i don't really care if somebody claims that they made a cosplay or prop they commissioned from me. Since i always take a huge amount of progress pictures, and they wouldn't be able to retell how it was made since they don't know. And as long as i have the pictures for my portfolio and i get paid then i am happy.

[@ttcalant]

The point is that they try to pass off store bought cosplay for the prize, they miss the whole point of cosplaying. If you don't mind someone saying the commission you did is theirs, then consider this: All the commissions and PR you are losing out on that will affect your income if costume design is your income,

[@divinetorch]

I agree with you that it isn't okay to try to win a prize for people that made their own cosplays with a store bought cosplay. Luckily we don't have that problem in Denmark since we have rather strict rules that requires a lot of progress pictures and a very thorough explanation of the process, so store bought cosplays never makes it to the judges. Furthermore we are allowed almost no help with the cosplay. And i can sympathies with those people where costume design is the main income and therefore also need all the pr they can get , So that i don't mind only applies to myself, and is not something i think everybody should be okay with. I apologize if it seemed like i meant it where okay to take credit for someone else's work without permission from the creator. On a side note, I see it as praise if someone claims my work as theirs. Because that means it's that good^^. but then again i am a little weird so maybe it's just me that sees it that way.

[@like7oranges]

guys need to stop harassing girls at cons, pro tip, you could be the most popular or the most fly looking guy at the con, but if you touch or take inappropriate pictures me or any of my friends I will personally make sure this is your last con. especially if they are minors. Just because someone walking around in a skimpy costume does not mean that their body is free to touch/take sexual pictures of, it does not mean they are single, and it does not mean they want you. but you know what it does mean? Its means they like that character, and they probably put a lot of effort and time into it, thats all. if you do those things its sexual harassment, that you better realize that you can be held accountable for your actions.

[@ShadowOTM]

People need to stop harassing people at cons. I don't get why it only matters when it's a guy to a girl. What about girls harassing girls or girls harassing guys or guys harassing guys?

[@like7oranges]

ShadowOTM surely un wanted attention happens either way, but when you take gender out of the equation deliberately off railing the conversation. women face more verbal and physical sexual harassment than men in everyday life and especially at cons, its a fact.

[@TTglKamina]

HyperAndHappy sorry but i hear a lot of time girls shouting really loud things like "uke" or "gay" to people who they dont know and if i where a guy i wouldnt feel comfortable with that i thing that is like the same kind of unconfortable that we feel. or the tipically "i would tap that" and i even know a girl who touch the butt of an unknow cosplayer just bc he was "hot"

[@zeldakitten9524]

PEOPLE should just stop harassing other people in general. It's not just guys who do it and it's not just cosplayers that experience it either.

[@nolol5263]

"I will personally make sure this is your last con" AYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY LMAO

[@ishingo69]

As for the sexy cosplayer thing, like I've said before, I don't mind it at all, except when it seems like that the ONLY kind of cosplay someone does, or worse, when the "costume" is 5% costume and 95% bare skin. I appreciate that you work out, but unless that's actually what the character looks like, that's not cosplay. A black bakini and a Darth Vader helmet are not cosplay. Oh, and about the negative comments, I've noticed that most people with negative comments ("you did this wrong" or "this should be like this") aren't fellow cosplayer, but fans with too much opinion to keep to themselves. Usually, cosplayers (that I've met) focus on what they like about the costume and what techniques were used. That's just my experience though.

[@parkourfreak114]

About the sexy cosplayers thing. Everyone knows sex sells. I'm not saying it's a good thing to get recognition because they're sexy, but if it's working, then I let it slide. That's just my personal opinion.

[@DeadInkPen41]

I completely agree. The sexy cosplays really get old. I don't mind doing the female version of this character or that character, but don't strip them down to a panties/booty shorts and a bra/pasties. Do the characters normal wear. I am tired of the scantly clad female comicbook character and video game characters. I don't think a female soldier would ever go into battle wearing only a bikini top and shorts in swamp when her male counterparts are head to toe covered and wearing body armor. This is true for fantasy/sci-fi, etc.

[@parkourfreak114]

DeadInkPen41 But it's in the artists vision. If they wanna do it the way they like, then let them. Like I said before sex sells, so if it's working then I can't complain.

[@DeadInkPen41]

***** How about it would be nice for my nieces to grow up in a world with out being taught that they have to be scantily clad to get attention, or be masterbation material for people. Its a sad day when I can say what strippers wear on stage is more covering then what a lot of cosplayers do is a sad thing.

[@ishingo69]

***** Lol, so you're attacking me for having an opinion, and the weapon you wield against me is, ironically, your opinion. And I never said I hate a person, only their behaviors regarding some areas of cosplay. We talk about how people need to be more true to themselves and not be fake, but you're giving a pass to people who may be acting like cosplayers, but don't do the things that make the hobby what it is, like being creative and crafty and putting real effort into a costume instead of just flashing some tit and calling it cosplay. IT'S NO DIFFERENT THAN THAT KID THAT WEARS REGULAR CLOTHES ON HALLOWEEN BUT STILL WANTS CANDY. (The caps were just to make that point stand out, not for yelling.) So please, you have your opinion, I have mine, and if you think I should keep my opinion to myself, you first.

[@odinazo1]

Doooope, just came across this video.and it's rare to agree with someone completely, but ya..100% agree on everything ! Great vid.

[@FanServiceRenji]

odinazo won thanks!

[@DJCandyGirl]

*Pokemon Go Pokecoins* twitter.com/dailyoffers98/status/755371120212205568?v=55SEjVxhMwg?v=55SEjVxhMwg

[@Xistove]

"But isn't black" That's merely one of many reasons why this video needed to happen.

[@aringuishard9234]

Ikr? Like....bish....you're Pretending to be an Asian Two Dimensional Drawing! And for those who bring up Blondes/brunettes in Anime. Oh My Mistake; You're pretending to be an Asian drawing who's pretending to be a Caucasian drawing! Are there seriously people like this?!

[@lalasosu3]

"To truly be a great cosplayer, all you need to be is a good person." I love that

[@maskedfoxx7173]

I couldn't agree with the 'don't go if you can't afford it' more. I have an ex best friend who's still friends with one of my friends and they went to a con together. Once it was over, my friend called me over to her house to complain about just how awful toxic friend was that weekend. A lot went down, but the relevant parts where that my friend put badges and the hotel room on her card and then toxic friend would pay her back for it. Toxic friend never payed her, yet had $300 for MERCHANDISE! And then after the weekend was over my friend kept asking for the money she owed but toxic friend would only complain about how expensive college was and she couldn't afford to pay her back. To this day I believe my friend never got her money back. Oh, that same toxic friend also has accumulated over $500 in debt to me through asking me to pay for her cosplay materials over the years and I never saw a damn dime of that money. She would always promise she'll pay me back later. Complete bullshit.

[@athena8268]

I agree with him for the most part, but I don't like his constant empathize on "being paid." I've been dancing as a hobby and took classes before for 10 up years, I do it on a weekly bases, so I consider myself to be a dancer despite not getting "paid" to do it. Yes, I'm not a professional dancer, but I am a dancer.

[@tiajoseph7309]

But I work at McDonald's, and I act like a badass.

[@sammyvalentine7072]

Hell yeah! 😂😂

[@Snaley]

I know I'll probably get some hate for this... but I have to say it. I'm sure this is how alot of people feel about Jessica Nigri. Jessica Nigri is a funny and a talented cosplayer. She is pretty and in my opinion didn't need that boob job to be sexy. She had an amazing body to begin with. Many girls wish we could be as great looking as her and as great a cosplayer. (which I'm sure is frustrating). She has her pros and cons just like everyone else. On the other hand, there is things I don not like her for. Sure she's funny, but she tries way to hard to be as revealing as possible. You can cosplay a character without having to be almost naked. This is her choice, however I see it as unnecessary... because of this, a lot of her fanbase is men constantly saying I WANT TO TOUCH YOUR BOOBS! etc. (although we all know they're fake...sorry). An amazing cosplay is way more impressive than big boobs being the focal point.

[@hannahrianncosplay7961]

I agree with you totally bro

[@thetetrisdom]

god bless this guy

[@Snaley]

I'm a girl LOL

[@thetetrisdom]

SNAIL WAT god bless this guyette

[@rofldudet]

dmal thetetrisdom Guyette.... I actually like that word. o.o It sounds kind of spanish though lol.

[@TECHXPOSE]

Now .. You go viral man .. jessicanigri 2 500 000 fans will have opportunity to watch this video :) :O

[@MrTimSultan]

_To truly be a great cosplayer, all you need is to be a good person_

[@MickHaggs]

"Don't critique people's cosplays." *Spends the rest of the video critiquing people's lives*

[@imgoodwhenurgood]

Right, I don't get the hypocrisy of this guy. The IRONY is strong with this one!

[@HandlebarOrionX]

Only, he's not criticizing criticism, but unconstructive criticism. Chastising those who make false generalizations about someone's appearance, make fun of you when you don't look exactly like the character you're portraying, (even if I have seen some hilarious cosplay before,) and jealousy towards more popular cosplayers. Critical opinion without oppression or insults however, are more than welcome in any gathering. Of course he too threw around a few insults, but that's reverse psychology.

[@kaeviernes673]

In my opinion, I think all criticism should all be contructive though. I don't consider unconstructive criticism, criticism at all, but more harassment.

[@MickHaggs]

Kae Viernes I'd agree there is a difference between critiquing and being an asshole. And frankly, anyone who would walk up to someone they don't know and inform them of something they did wrong in their cosplay is an asshole. Problem with this video is he says that, then goes on to insult EVERY SINGLE PERSON who is an event worker/volunteer at a convention. Also everyone who works at mcdonald's. Hypocrisy. Pure and simple.

[@AniAddict88]

Love this video! One of my friends shared it on Facebook and I was about to skip over it, because most videos like this are the same, but I decided to watch it! You brought up some outstanding points!

[@cryhog]

I am totally not happy with my body, believe it or not. The one thing that hurts me... the number one thing that hurts me the most besides racist ppl are my mom and relatives calling me "fat". How can I higher my self-esteem when they say something like that, oblivious that it hurt their child's feelings?

[@bryanwoods3373]

The only thing to do is surround yourself with friends that accept you for you. I've told my own mom that I don't like it when she calls me fat since I'm not, and she still continues to act like I'm calling her a bad mother whenever we have the argument. Sure, I could lose some fat, but I am nowhere close to being obese. But the fact that I'm a muscular 230 pounds, I apparently need to weigh what I did before puberty finished off. She won't even listen to doctors that say I'm in perfect health and only give the standard health warnings.

[@xPowerKittyx]

my family does that to me too. the difference is that I don't get overly upset over a statement of a simple fact. Theyre not calling you names or trying to hurt you, theyre stating what they see to make room for improvement. Stop taking it so seriously and youll feel happier.

[@cryhog]

Ina Iko but the thing is... I am not over weight. I am not happy with my body and would like to have my dream tone body. But when they tell me I'm fat when I'm really not it kinda hurts me. So I do take it seriously when a family member say something hurtful. Because... they're my family.

[@unconventionalsenshi]

wow, your family has issues O_o you're georgeous.

[@cryhog]

Unconventionalsenshi :) thank you. Don't get me wrong. I love my family. Heaven knows I do, but I just hate they say things not knowing it hurts someone. I just need to sit down with them and tell them how it makes me feel because. I need to speak up more... Oh! and I love your icon btw. I LOVE pigs!!

[@kznmari]

I agree with all of this. Cosplayers need to stop raising the standards so high for everyone. Not every cosplayer is going to be that perfect girl or boy you see that looks just like the character. Insults need to stop being tossed around in the community, well said Renji

[@LaVeyanistGames]

The only one of these that I didn't like was the one bitching about people going who don't have a lot of money. For all you know they booked their badged well in advance, and as a cosplayer yourself you should know that conventions tend to be a way to escape some of the stress of your day to day life and to have fun. Something someone who's going through a lot of stress from losing a job needs.

[@jenteresaa]

Yeah I agree with you

[@alpaca150]

While they might have booked their badge in advance, if a cosplayer can't afford to make a giant World of Warcraft cosplay they should put that cosplay to the side until they can afford it.

[@lunaspiral6779]

He probably just never went through that. People who don't go through these things think very lightly of it

[@MerylSama]

I agree on everything except for the "share for share is useless" part. Thanks to this method I was able to start following interesting pages and also make friends. And of course the opposite happened as well: many people started following me and they're now active on my page, commenting, liking and even talking to me by PMs. Totally agree on the "sexy cosplay" part.

[@ninjabrickmaster234]

I beg to differ, if you specifically make a post saying "share for share", or something along those lines, then not all the people following you truly follow you for you're content. It would be much more productive to make a post saying something like "Check out my page and if you like my stuff be sure to follow". It's just like the sub4sub stuff on youtube, hell those people aren't your real fans.

[@ashnicole7363]

How do you know that? You literally can't prove it for each individual person. Maybe they found your stuff and planned on following you regardless of whether you shared them or not. Maybe they really loved your stuff once they saw more of it.

[@ninjabrickmaster234]

The keyword being maybe, yes it's plausible however in most cases they follow you because they want you to follow them. You're starting to assume things and that's never good so let us stick to the facts, some people will find your content interesting but some will also follow you just because they want you to follow them. And wouldn't a post saying "Check out my page and if you like my stuff be sure to follow" eliminate the latter audience?

[@MerylSama]

Of course I can't prove that for each individual person and I wouldn't do it even if I could. I just see a lot of people contacting me and/or commenting and saying they're glad to have found my page through other pages they were already following, so of course I'm glad to do "share for share"s when some other cosplayer asks me to. Those who follow me just to be followed back are actually a very small part, most of the "new" people who started following me recently don't even have a page (nor anything like that). I know it may sound strange, I also thought it wasn't going to work, but it worked great, for me at least :)

[@BluLightningCos]

Thanks for the little bit about male cosplayers not needing to be buff/ripped. I'm getting better at not letting it bother me/feeling intimidated by other males who definitely have a better looking body than I do. I'm exercising as much as I can to stay fit but that advice helped lots thanks :D

[@jessicanigri]

PREACH.

[@malflo13]

heyoo Jess

[@iKiwi_34]

[@xMUSICxMASTERx]

senpai noticed

[@xELITExNIKOLAIx]

Yass

[@DigtalTurtle]

Oh, Hola there Jess :j

[@Falney]

"Dancing on stage once a year at a con doesn't make you a dancer" Uh yeah it does. If you do something, that means you are the person that does that thing. If you weren't the person that does that thing then you wouldn't do that thing. Following your rule, People that cosplay once a year at their local convention aren't cosplayers because they don't make it a habit to go to every con in their country and cosplay at each one.

[@divanavitch]

Well spoken dude. I saw this on my fb page from a friend and you hit so many points that I've thought of. And a lot of your points could be used for just regular life choices. I'm going to continue watch you you tube. Your awesome. :-D

[@breezehayate3918]

Thank you thank you for all of this. One thing to add that's always bothered me: cosplayers turned 'cosplay photographers'. Just because you took a decent photo of your friend on their iPhone doesn't make you a cosplay photographer, you don't need a fan page for your cell phone pics. It irks me. On that note, cosplayers begging for free photoshoots or being rude to photographers. I see it all the time and as both a cosplayer and photographer, no one deserves to be treated that way.

[@annabelhanssen7208]

Cosplayers need to stop hogging the bathrooms for their makeup, do it in your hotel room please, people need to actually use the bathroom and sink to wash their hands!! Not to put your endless array of foundation and contact lenses

[@libra7635]

+Annabel Hanssen (Bel) Well some cosplayers need to fix up their makeup during the con, especially if they're wearing body paint. Unless you're referring to cosplayers doing all their makeup in the bathrooms instead of just touch-ups, in which case I totally agree.

[@doggiemaina11]

+Annabel Hanssen (Bel) And if you don't have hotel room, ask a friend who does. Even if you don't have that, just try to be quick. I've seen a lot of people who just use the bathroom as a chat space.

[@ayanami-sama7340]

+Mandy Granger That's totally ok, but I've seen it a lot that people are using like 90% of the place in the bathroom to "fix their makeup", seriously, even if you wear body paint, you don't need every damn sink. Mostly those people are "fixing their makeup" for 2-3 minutes and 10 minutes randomly talking to their friends anyways.

[@marshiethe6th104]

I understand your point but there are some cosplayers(like me) who don't have hotel rooms or any friends staying in hotels who maybe can't do their makeup at home for whatever reason(for example, one time I had a tutor lesson right before the con and i couldn't go to tutor in cosplay). Yes it can be annoying but some people have no choice

[@haustyl12]

I'm offended by your opinions on con staff. I work my ass off for free for most cons, and most of the time I only get an hour of free time for the entire span of the con. And by comparing my work to McDonalds staff is an insult I will not accept. I can afford to goto the cons and yet I will always choose staffing over attending. I do agree that they're alot of bad eggs in the world of volunteering. But its also our job to enforce the rules of the cons. We keep the wheels turning the entire con and we get treated with little to no respect or just insulted for doing our duties. And we don't get paid to do this, we do it because we love making the con greater than great and to be compared to a fast food worker just shows how much you don't care about the people who contribute more to cons than you ever will

[@breezehayate3918]

You have a good point. Con staff get treated worse than dog piss. There are still staffers though that will let that power go to their head. There is always at least one that I see at a con that is being rude for no reason or isn't giving the offender a chance to apologize or comply. There's a point where you can be polite and gently enforce a rule on a cosplayer/attendee and they will comply, before needing to bring the hammer down.

[@kaliberr92]

He's not talking bout u particularly, so stop being another atention seeker. :)

[@MegaBleedman]

Renji is clearly a close-minded big-headed cosplayer just posting random bullshit.

[@FanServiceRenji]

haustyl12 : Im not saying ALL staff members are this way so sorry if you are offended. I understand how hard staff members work because I have worked behind the scenes at many cons. Im just addressing the few bad apples in the bunch that abuse their power/rights as staff during the con. There's no need for these bad apples to make attendees feel beneath them.

[@jonsmith2436]

Whoah whoah whoah. What makes you better than anyone else? Let alone staff at McDonalds? You are saying you are better than everyone working a shitty job they probably hate, so they can pay their bills, meanwhile you are volunteering at essentially what is just a bigass party..and that makes you better than them? WTF. Noone is better than anyone. We all work. We all have jobs. Close minded are going to read this as "O this dude works at fast food restaurant and is upset" Wrong. I actually work in a 9-5 office career, making enough money to go to every convention I want to wherever on the planet it is... but you wont catch me saying "Im insulted for you saying I am not better than a fast food worker". Entitled asshole, you sound EXACTLY like the person he is bashing. Person who feels special and entitled because they work at the convention.

[@hannahthompson3915]

DUDE PREEEACH! I agree with everything you said. And I love how you did comparisons and whatnot to make what you were saying very clear, since some people can find the tiniest things to pick out and go "well not necessarily, blah blah blah"

[@Hazz3r]

Hey Fanservice Renji. Not really a big cosplay guy but I got linked to here by Nigri. I've always thought about it but simply have too many hobbies as it is :P Anyway, I was just thinking, I don't think the comment about "unnecessary criticism" is particularly fair. So what if you already know? If there's a reason why you couldn't or weren't able to do it then tell the criticiser about it. Too many people feel like criticism is simply a way to bring someone down, to make someone think they aren't as good as you. Critical discussion is a learning experience for both parties. Otherwise, I loved your video, especially the part about racial discrimination!

[@LegacyOfFear]

I think the point he was trying to make was more about those who do it out of jealousy or spite. Those pathetic youtube trolls who see a cosplayers video and will say stupid shit for reactions from other commenters. There's a difference between genuine constructive and friend criticism, and the bullshit most internet keyboard warriors throw out on the daily. I don't think Renji has an issue with genuine feedback, it is the only way to learn.

[@J8x7i]

That was really well put, I agree with a lot of your points. Also, good to hear the Samurai Champloo soundtrack in the background :)

[@mamalmi]

I agree with most of what you said. The heart of your video is 100% awesome, Just cosplay your way and enjoy yourself, that is all that is needed.

[@morphman86]

Just a few thoughts: First point is more about marketing than cosplaying specific. Second point: So we're only supposed to do something we really want to do if we're the lucky ones that gets a job (first criteria) that pays well enough (second criteria) and still allows enough free time to do it (final criteria)? About the feedback: That's a very alien concept, to not be able to criticize someone doing an artform you love. In fact, you're breaking this rule yourself, just by making this very video! About stopping being "hipster": So now you're only allowed to cosplay if you follow the right culture? Doesn't that break against your third point, you know, the one about keeping an open mind? Stop giving yourself titles? Again with the anti-"be what you want to be" mentality that this video is full of. A title is a quick way to inform others of what you do and who you are and in a world where everything is created by the users, such as in cosplaying, titles are also created by the users. If someone sees themselves as Tinkerbell, you say nothing, but if the same person sees themselves as a dancer, you flip out? *Sarcastic snark* DJ's... Well, sorry to burst your bubble, but technically they are DJ's. They select the songs, that makes them in all definitions of the word a DJ. You do not need to get paid for something to hold that title. Do you get paid for all your cosplays? If not, how DARE you call yourself a cosplayer? Do you get paid for the videos you make? If not, how DARE you call yourself a producer? Well... because you are both of those, whether you get paid or commissioned or just do it for the fun of it. "If you don't know what [word] means, you're not a [title]" Well, again we come to a very narrow definition that doesn't necessarily fit with reality. You do not need to be educated or paid to be, for example, a model. You do not need to be auditioned to be a model, you only need to *model something*, which is where the title comes from. The rant about the convention staff not being there to serve your every need just made me immediately stop the video. You've got it so wrong right there that this, together with all the previous points, make me entirely certain that you have no clue what you are talking about here. Convention staff is hired by the arrangers of the convention to care for the arranger's needs. They are there to serve the arrangers, *not you*. You do not pay their salary (if they even get paid at all), you do not have any power over them and they owe you nothing. Stop treating them like they were your personal servants! Now go out into the world, have a look around and perhaps, if you get the time, maybe read a book or two and learn how the world outside your bedroom really works.

[@CJMoody]

Bumping this shit!

[@ashnicole7363]

This is seriously spot on. Just let people do what they love to do. If they want to model outfits, they don't need to get paid. You shouldn't bring others down like that. "Oh you don't get paid? Well you're not model then. You're not a cosplayer then. " that's just fucking rude and hurtful. Let them live their dreams. If it makes them happy, why does it matter what they call themselves?

[@haustyl12]

I agree with everything you said. Especially the convention staff. We don't get paid to do this. We do it out of love and to be insulted like that ruffles my jimmies

[@Prince_Lancelot]

I couldn't have said it better :)

[@chrisrvachew7462]

I don't I've ever seen someone bitch that much about having to get a job. Welcome to the real world buddy, if you can complain that much about it you may want to grow up a little

[@KuramaBabe]

I love how many topics you hit on this. I think another thing to be touched on is people hating on others that buy/commission their cosplays. Just because they can't/didn't make their outfit/prop from scratch doesn't mean they shouldn't be allowed to cosplay and hated for it.

[@skullkidtiger4851]

I've never heard so many great things in a video to make Mr feel great about myself. I have yet to go to a con with my own money and wanna make a display but just feel so weird on it but now I feel confident in my idea. You rock!

[@xavierjohnson-cheney7334]

"you can't cosplay them, they're not your race" well if I wanna cosplay a troll I will. it's not a different race it's a different fucking species

[@danceingcrayon]

4:07 *blushes deeply*

[@TheGrimPhreaker]

Great video! I sorta kind of disagree about "hating" on the cos-Famous. In my experience, I find that there are just so many very talented yet underrated cosplayers that some people feel deserve more recognition. But other than that once again-- AWESOME VIDEO!

[@victim130]

Yo, loved the video man! Also sorta inspired me to cosplay if I have the time haha. Going to my first con at the end of the month :3

[@bartstockschen1987]

You sir are absolutely right. Ive been to cons all over the world and the things you adress are happening everywhere. I hope a lot of people will follow your advice and make our beloved community even better than it allready is.

[@SAMazonCreations]

As a new cosplayer I really like this video and agree with a lot. The only reason a made a "fan page" is to have a way to connect with people I meet at cons that I want to stay in touch with and get to know better that aren't close enough to be on my regular Facebook. Cosplay is fun and you made some great points to keep in mind as a new or veteran cosplayer.

[@TheRoyalLily]

the only thing in this I was a little taken off guard by was the slut part "those are two different things" I feel people use the term slut in the wrong way, someones personal sex life has nothing to do with cosplay as well as the amount of people someone does the down and dirty with, a "slut" is someone who uses people and generally a horrible person who has sex with a lot of people BUT having sex with a lot of people doesnt make you a bad person (aka "slut")

[@TheRoyalLily]

***** yes it is a sexist term I should have worded my comment better, thank you, but I did switch my wording from "women" to "person" at the end of the comment thus implying women AND men at the same level

[@SakuritaNyu]

I get that, but the fact that you use it in that way is not the way society (worldwide) does, not even in the dictionary. Sadly, slut is a word only for woman, and the fact that this guy tries to make a difference in order to "save" sexy cosplayers from "slutty" ones its really vane and sad.

[@misterjohnwaynegacy]

one thing I think all people need to stop doing, is to stop telling other people what to stop doing.

[@lunaspiral6779]

They're not ready for this. Their perspective isn't ripe

[@nyaruchuuu]

I do agree with the majority but the one thing that kinda russled my jimmies was the titles part. I am a local idol here in Texas. While I don't have my own songs or choreography yet, I still sing and dance to j-pop, and there is a growing community of idols who are getting together and performing at conventions across the US. We are performers, dancers, singers who do get invited to conventions, festivals, and events. We may not get paid, but we sure do have a passion for idols and j-pop. Shout out to all the US idols and idol groups, yall keep doing what your doing ♡♡♡

[@malkavian2]

Honestly if people want to call themselves dancers or models then that is fine by me- I don't care if they are lying to themselves about what they do, this con might be their shining moment for the year after all! Just let folks have their fun (as long as they don't start disappearing up their own ass anyway!)

[@XxTheRealArceexX]

I believe this was something said by Egoraptor (Arin Hanson) or Danny (both from Game Grumps), but it's something I find I agree with: "...A low of people will say, 'I'm an aspiring artist,' or 'I'm an aspiring writer...' No, you're an artist, you're a writer. If you're doing that shit every day, that's what you are... Just own it." If it's something you do every day, regardless of if you're getting paid for it or not, it's what you are.

[@PendragonDaGreat]

I'm working on my first "major" cosplay. I've found myself running into the "con-staff" issue a couple times (I'm staff at a Seattle area convention, that's fact) but I saw how others were doing what you mentioned, then saw myself doing it, and have definitely gotten better. The rest of the list is something I will keep in mind as my next convention draws nearer.

[@hannahgarcia9453]

I think the thing with Con staff goes both ways. Cosplayers need to treat the staff with respect, and the staff need to show the same respect to Cosplayers and attendees in general. It's just common courtesy,

[@marianchirino]

This video is the best thing that has happen to the cosplay comunity in a looong time

[@lurkern]

Truth been spat! thank you for this, hopefully some people might change at least some of their perspective from this. Again, thanks for putting this out there, truly needed and inspirational :)

[@seananderson7153]

Not cosplayers ourselves, but we do know a few things about projects: Ryu X Chun-Li Project Video #2 Anyway, saw a link to this video from a cosplayer we've had chats with and we just wanted to say we really enjoyed it. You make some very good points and the video comes off as very positive rant with some good humour too. We've had to deal with our share of trolls in our project, and we just wanted to let you know your video here raised our spirits today. Thanks!!!.

[@Singformefriend]

Oh yeah, the people who complain about money, eeuugh...if you can't afford to pay your rent or other important stuff like that, don't make plans to create an expensive cosplay that will also take up all of your time, considering that a lot of people only use their costumes for one or two cons

[@beeatchfairy28]

DAMN RIGHT!!! glad someone finally did a vid like this (sorry if there are others who have and I have not yet seen it) Cons are meant to be the one place geeks can go and for once not be feeling the pressure to be something else, a place where we can leg go and express ourselves freely! wish more people would remember that

[@ChelseaFace_]

wow, i was really worried this would be the opposite of what it is…thanks for proving me wrong and showing that there are some decent people out there who support not so perfect cosplayers. i am now a subscriber!

[@InnKeepers]

Haha that McDonalds reference, I work at one so I know what you're saying, and half my friends want me to post for their con tickets, good job on the video

[@Jordash626]

FanService Renji Well said and thank you for speaking out on the issues in the cosplay community. At this past acen, I hot glued a badge onto my cosplay upside down, and some random guy came up to me and told me how i messed up on my cosplay and it was wrong. The way he talked to me felt condescending and rude, especially since I didn't ask for his opinion, his comment bummed me out for the rest of the day and looking back i wish I said something to him, because he probably went around the con putting down other cosplayers too.

[@popeadam25000]

LOL You rock dude, I am just starting to get into cosplay, I am cosplaying as Beachhead from G.I.Joe and you dude are a inspiration to us new folks.

[@SeiraAoi]

I love you!!! You just made my day, not only did you add some humor you hit pretty much all of the stupid shit that some people do.

[@6161vincent]

Good video! Love the Nujabes in the background I believe

[@JellieBee]

Can see why you're called fanservice renji wowzers! That photo!! Ahemmm anyway I love this video, it's really great at communicating the stuff that really needs to be said. I know people who are all 'wah i have no money' but get a cosplay a week, or a fortnight, based on welfare payments and then manage to go to every convention going.

[@dmturtle2109]

ok ok there is only one thing that bugs me, and i think you covered it a little bit but i want to get more specific so i see these posts on the internet about what *real cosplay* and whats not *real cosplay* so they will put up a picture of someone in like a cazy diablo 3 guy with this wicked metallic armour that probably took forever to build and then they compare it to the lovely jessica nigri in her teemo outfit which isnt much (cause well teemo is technically naked hah xD) BUUT they're both cosplay, just because one is more simpler than the other ,or your're showing a bit of skin doesnt mean its not cosplay, they point is the cosplay was done right, people need to do their research before slut shamming someone for looking sexy as hell in a cosaplay thats done right

[@arandomperson4547]

lobe this video. it's so true! :DDD And I love the Kamina doll in the background haha

[@50ShadesofFandom]

I love the line about food haha. Great video! :D

[@wolfenzeru]

'BOOM' you just BLOW my mind !!! this is my way of thinking , Thanks for making this video

[@edwardhitt3132]

great point made, I play ice hockey, there's nothing I love to more than that, but the equipment is expensive and so is the ice time. You have to work hard to enjoy the things you love. Nothing is given to you and it is naive to believe that it should. A phrase to live by, "Work Hard, Play Harder!"

[@kingmabb]

This is good stuff. One exception to one rule I do have. Deadpool asshats. I think the Deadpool costumes and twists are pretty cool. I'm jealous so many have the same thing in common. But just because Deadpool is a bit of a chaotic character DOES NOT mean you can group up and disrupt events. CosPLAY doesn't give you the right to play like an asshat and irritate other people.

[@WaifuStealer69VODsClips]

You hit a lot of people on the head with this video man, definitely an eye opener to many who do most of the things like you've stated. The sad truth is, it's a never-ending cycle. And honestly, cosplayers do it to get noticed. I know that's not the entire thing, but why do people cosplay? Because it's fun! They love the character and they would love cosplaying them! But, even so, what if they don't get noticed at a con? No one takes their picture? None of their friends support them and such? Well, they crash. Many people who cosplay will do it proudly, but it also comes with a lot of confidence to be upheld. People WILL point out flaws regardless of that fact that you know it or not. The problem isn't trolls or people who do that (because really, there's always someone out there doing it), but it's making sure that cosplayers take that negativity and turn it into more "advice" than flaws and just being trolled. I've cosplayed a few times myself, and one time I never even got my picture taken once. It sucks, but looking back on it, hell, it was fun. I didn't care, but the thing is, even now when looking back on it, I do wish at least 1 person did. And I'm sure that's the same for other cosplayers as well. Which is why I can see that being "noticed" is probably one of the most key factors when it comes to cosplaying. You have cosplayers out there who do it all the time, and for some, cosplaying is the only thing they have for them. Cosplayers shouldn't feel bad for cosplaying, because cosplaying is universal. There will be good cosplayers, bad cosplayers and many degrees in-between. People just need to work on areas, work on what they can do to make it more fun, and in the end, enjoy it! Oh, and great video. It was awesome.

[@timandshannon03]

Preach on brother! Well said, please make a part two!

[@StevenCole1337]

You just got my Subscribe sir. Also, love your Cloud cosplay.

[@nicaisenicaise2158]

I agree. I agree completely. But I do sometimes act like the hipster cosplayer. Don't get me wrong, not because I dislike seeing a lot of people cosplaying the same thing, but because as a show gets more and more famous, the people who don't try appear more. For example I like SnK/AoT. I enjoy seeing a lot of cosplays from it. But 4 out of 5 people will be one of those who just put an unstyled wig on their head and come just like that. That is what annoys me about popular fandoms.

[@ThatOneRina]

N. Hopkins Maybe they don't know how to style a wig.

[@nicaisenicaise2158]

RoseyPosey I think looking up for a tutorial is very easy. Unsuccessfully styled wigs are not a rare thing, and it's a normal thing to not be succesful while styling a wig. It's not very easy for some people. However the difference between that and an untouched wig is very obvious. You could also ask a friend? Also, other than that their general carelessness towards their cosplay is mostly what annoys me.

[@nicaisenicaise2158]

We have it easier, and I found it very convenient that we have so much videos.

[@hasminamae382]

I've never really cosplayed as a specific character because the ones I want to cosplay as, I know will get the most bullshit harassment for. Example of who I want to cosplay: -Eru Chitanda, Hyouka: "Please, you're skin is too dark to be kawaii as her! And you don't have big sparkly purple eyes like she does!" -Saeko Busujima, HOTD: "You're too short and flat chested" -Alphard, Canaan: "You're too small and innocent looking to be a badass character." I always get told to just be some stupid loli character because I have the body type. But honestly, I don't like a lot of loli characters in anime, and I want to cosplay as characters I really love, and that should be what really matters.

[@100CherryJuice]

Eh, I say go for it, I fully support ya mate! And I'm sure I won't be the only one. I mean, it's all in fun no? ;v At the end of the day the peeps who block all that stuff out, and aren't busy judging others over petty stuff, will get the most out of the event, and will have the most fun! They are also the ones whom you wish to associate yourself with! :) So yeah, I say go for it yo!

[@XxTheGrandMasterxX]

Damn, I hate the sexy cosplays. If you show off too much of your body in public, don't cry if some random guy comes up to you and hits on you.

[@XeroTenjin93]

+Ciel Phantomhive This. I mean, really. Not to knock on the idea of sexy cosplaying, but if you show x amount of skin, don't be surprised when someone with far less self control approaches you and makes you feel uncomfortable. Every action has a consequence, even if unintended. Does this make what those people do not okay? Not at all. Does it mean sexy cosplayers should just stop? Nope. All I'm saying is don't act surprise when you attract unwanted attention. Not everyone is quite so socially adept as you.

[@Samookely]

Ciel Phantomhive I dont mind sexy cosplays, i do mind it when they get offended when people make comments on how sexy they are tho. Like what would u expect? But I totally understand not wanting to be touched without consent, IMO doing sexy cosplay should be "you can look but you cant touch" thing, unless if they give u permission.

[@NewChord]

Only thing I have to say is that sometimes mainstream cosplays all over the place gets a bit tiring. I mean I'm not going to pay money to watch the same movie at the cinema over and over again. I see cosplayers as people who are creative and are out there to express their creativity and imagination so I expect more not less from such great people. I'm not gonna ask them to cosplay something else, I just wish there was more variety out there. Glad I found this video! Expresses so much of what I feel about my own cosplay community.

[@Sherpa_King]

The first con I went to was Fanimecon in 2007. I went as Edward Elric with my cosplay being made from some internet shop in china. My measurements apparently mean slightly different things over there. The pants were a bit tight and had no pockets! First thing I did at the con was buy a bag to hold my stuff lol. Anyway, I didn't have a wig (just my short brown hair) and the gloves they sent were Roy Mustang's gloves not just white ones. But all of that doesn't matter because I was dressed as one of my favorite characters and people LOVED it. I got Edward fan girls asking for hugs. There was a gender bender Edward who was wearing the "real world" clothes from the end of FMA and we would pass each other and say "hello other me." It was a great experience and I haven't felt more included in a sub culture than I did that weekend.

[@Matcha_Lily]

Dude bro why do you always make so many good vids ♡ I have to agree with a lot of what you said from what ive seen at so many cons and from personal experiences. I even have to agree with the modeling granted its a pain in the ass getting gigs if your not well known. Btw we miss you guys and im super glad you and Shana are doing great in L.A.

[@SantiagoCabezasNQN]

I like when people say what we are all thinking, without worrying if someone gets offended (if someone gets offended, they're guilty). I liked the "we would work" part.

[@YuffieRocks1]

OMG thank you! Someone that finally stated it! This shit gets me! People are so egotistical and stereotypical! I can't tell you how much I'm happy you got this out there. I'm a cosplayer myself but it's about having fun not being the best cosplayer at the convention.

[@DrKrazy]

Great Video!! Hit a lot of key notes. Keep up the good work.

[@spookywaffledio5227]

My first time cosplaying I made a costume for Levi from Attack on Titan but I couldn't afford to go to the convention so I just wore my costume for Halloween. =3

[@anime4ever689]

omg!! I love you!! you're so funny and you speak the truth! I would love for you to make a video about any con stories you have, funny, good, creepy, best con you went to and why and worst one and why! :)

[@abbicrow2495]

Thank you for this! It frustrates me when cosplayers complain about not having a job/ money when they can always go to cons and buy new cosplays every month, where I get up in the morning at 5, slave at work and maybe buy 2 or 3 a year, and still have to cancel con plans because I still can't afford it!

[@luvdidddi9]

Some people may also volunteer for cons, I've done it before and its super fun plus you get in for free. Its really good for people are going to there first con too :3

[@ZiletaiLinkSakura]

This guy deserves an award, nobody likes to express what you really live in the middle, someone needed to tell them.

[@Rumballe]

Perfection! Keep up the great work

[@MatthiasAI]

Didnt know who you where till this video. . . But agree with everything u said and now subbed and cant wait for more content :D

[@jokerhellvice3459]

Speak out the truth man! Cosplaying shouldn't be made into a competition but like everything else, it does. I love the points you brought up especially the ones regarding about what cosplay you should be based on your race, color and/or body type. You made excellent examples and analogies; how someone sees a trend of a cosplay and complain about it yet we all see people eat food right but that person wouldn't complain when it's time to eat. Body type shouldn't limit a person to cosplay the character they like, or the color or hell even gender for that matter. Slut shaming is stupid because ironically I know some people who are "religious" or believe in some terms of religion and preach about dressing like a slut is wrong and shows the girls doesn't have any self-respect yet it's just an outfit or a day where they can dress how they want. It's not their fault you happen to be looking or getting a boner right? I know some excellent cosplayers who use the personality of the character or role play very well where I don't think of the way that person looks, just the way they portray the character excellently.

[@Wintermelin]

For someone who has been a dancer for 11 years of her life (ballet), I got a little offended during his dancer comment until I saw where he was coming from. This man has good points, you just have to see where he is coming from on some of them!

[@thralleternal]

So true, heard it at my last con "oh another Kirito"(just imagine the bored depressing tone of voice). I'm sorry that he's a popular character!

[@lindsirt9]

I'm new to cosplaying so i came to watch some videos and i found this and i'm going on to my third cosplay and the weight and body type thing you said really helped Arigatou ^-^ i feel a lot better now!

[@GoodGuyPyro]

I subbed because of this video, this was amazing, and makes me want to cosplay!

[@jacintaliddell4718]

Is that a Samurai Champloo background music in your video? GG man. Also great video

[@Nvrhadviews]

I once made a Jax cosplay from LoL. It was first (and as of right now only) cosplay I have ever made, and to be honest, it wasn't the best, but I wore it with pride! And even though some people thought I was from Ninja Turtles, I didn't care, because they still came up to me with nice smiles and asked if they can get a picture; to which I happily said, "of course!". In it for the smiles and the fun. :)

[@OhHeyItsShellz]

Always speaking the real Renji!

[@PaulinaStrange]

I feel better now that I watched your video. I'm not a huge cosplayer, but sometimes I like to make one. I know my cosplays are not great because I don't have a lot of time for it (as you say so well, to have great job and life is way more important) but they are well enough for me, and I'm just happy to be someone else for a few hours. But some days ago, I saw the picture of a cosplay, the same character I am doing right now. It was a great cosplay, but the comments were harsh "that's not a girl cosplay, you dumb!" Or "yuk, she is fat and she wears a sexy cosplay. That's gross" People, mind your own business, and let people enjoy their passions ! It's just a game, don't be so serious and mean about it! Thanks again for this video!

[@Mojje42]

Wow you took the words right out of my mouth =) been wanting to say something like this for a long time now =) Thanks for making a good video

[@GzimTahiraj]

I agree with most of it and I do agree with cosplayers should not ask for money to go to cons however if they do ask how does that affect you? Also if the fans agree to help them get to that con so that they will be able to see that cosplayer isn't that a good thing? It shows that the community does care about each other. I understand there is asking for help and then just taking advantage of your fan base. A cosplayer who is always asking is definitely taking advantage, however a cosplayer who does it once in a while I feel like should be allowed to do so and if the community wants to help then more power to them. It's always nice seeing people help each other.

[@NorthernBelleRogue]

BRILLIANT! Seriously. All of this!!

[@ChemLabPyro]

The one retort I have to your video is that sometimes, there is a good reason I'm wary of certain groups of cosplayers. Homestuck cosplayers, for example, can be as fun and awesome as anyone else... but a large percentage of them (at least at the cons I attend) are teenagers that paint themselves grey and DON'T SEAL IT. When they get too close and ruin a white dress or pair of gloves you worked hard on, you'll start avoiding the lot of them like the plague except the ones you know, too.

[@nolikeshomestuck1304]

I'm just sayin' but the money part really depends on the person and why they wanna go like I go because my sis is in a dance group that's small and if you're like me then you have a hard time making money to go places since finding a job that gets you food, water, pays rent, finance/bills, and everyday natural needs isn't always the easiest thing and the body part is iffy cause sometimes you won't wanna go cause if your looks n style but I guess everyone is different so these are just some of my opinions you don't need to agree on them if you don't want to and if you do disagree tell me why I'd be entertained to read them.

[@MarkNarukami]

I agree with every single thing you said my man, you hit the head on every one of these topics.

[@BlufireTheifprince]

about the whole "Hating on your body type" subject. true all cosplayers are beautiful in their own way but that doesn't stop people from criticizing a person. and mind you not all people who criticize cosplays are trolls... some do it to encourage self improvement. but it's the person taking the criticism who can choose to be content with themselves or improve themselves for their own self esteem... so don't think that it's always to troll other people into low self esteem it can be a catalyst leading to feeling better about yourself....

[@djtbs1]

+FanService Renji - True about the DJ thing. 25th HS reunion this last weekend. Guy using Virtual DJ on the laptop, no decks, didn't mix anything (even in the computer didn't use the SYNC), and didn't even know what Serato was.... He may be contracted to the bar through some third party, but I can't qualify someone who presses play as a DJ. If the person can't beat mix (or at least perform transitions well), doesn't know a bar (music term) from a bar (watering hole), doesn't know BPMs, etc.... they aren't a DJ So I have to say just cuz a person got paid, doesn't necessarily make them a DJ either. And don't get me started on all the "pre-recorded set list" people, or the SuperModels doing DJ gigs... Spinning 1200's since '91. Peace!!

[@MrEmileMiller]

I was at oz comicon 2014. My friend and I went as UNSC marines from halo and we found a bloke that made his own custom spartan IV armour from scratch. While we were casually talking to him a bloke walked up to him wearing a superman onesie and straight out said "do you even have a life?"