Vapor95's Guide To Getting Started With Cosplay

Vapor95 has always existed hand-in-hand with creative expression, escapism, and nostalgic aesthetics. Cosplay shares these themes among others. In this blog article, we bridge the gap for fans of vaporwave and aesthetic apparel and educate them on the cosplay phenomena. Want to know how to find the right character for you, the inspiration to play the character perfectly, how to build the character, and more? Cosplay, much like retro and aesthetic designs, is here to stay and will continue to become part of our modern culture. We can't wait to see what you become.

The Perfect Cosplay Character

You might have a specific character that you’ve been dying to cosplay for years! But the majority of first time cosplayers tend to feel overwhelmed by the amount of character options there are. Choosing a character that you bear a resemblance to can certainly be an excellent place to start, but don’t feel pressured to pick a character simply because you share some of their physical characteristics. While this might make the decision easier, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable embodying this character and will genuinely enjoy transforming every aspect of yourself into this person. 

Cosplay can feel intimidating at first and the comfort and confidence you feel as your character can make all the difference. Though your wardrobe, makeup, and props are essential aspects of Cosplay, the most important factor is the connection you feel to the character and the ease in which you can take on this new identity. 

Get Inspired For Dress Up

As a new cosplayer, one of the best resources at your disposal is the internet. Immerse yourself in every detail you can find about your character. Watch the original anime, film, TV show, etc. and pay attention to even the smallest details that you can pick up about your character. How do they interact with the world around them? What does their voice sound like? What are their movements like? The more specific details you can gather about your character, the more comfortable you’ll feel embodying them in public.

You should also collect plenty of reference photos that will aid in creating your final look. This could be character photos, fan artwork, pictures of other Cosplayer’s take on the character, original sketches, and anything else that gets you feeling inspired and will help you craft your own unique look.

Let’s Get Costume Crafty

It’s finally time to put your creative talents to use! Only you know the limits of your artistic skills and your personal strengths when it comes to crafting and creating. Are you fantastic at sewing and feel confident whipping up a costume by hand? If so, definitely take advantage of those skills and get ready to bask in the glow of your handmade masterpiece. Are you less confident creating things by hand but a master at thrifting and scoring some great secondhand pieces? Go for it! Draft up a list of possible items you could use to create your costume and hit up some local thrift stores. In this case, Amazon is also your best friend and offers a huge variety of character-specific pieces.

Many Cosplay looks will likely include a mix of store-bought pieces, handmade props or costumes, and items you already had lying around the house that made for the perfect finishing touch on your look. Don't forget to check out our store for apparel pieces that might help your look.

Choosing Your Cosplay Convention

You’ve chosen the perfect character, crafted your costume, spent hours in character in the comfort of your own home, and it’s finally time to choose a convention and introduce your character to the world. Every Cosplay convention is different, and it’s important to take some time to figure out which one works best for your needs. Keep certain things in mind when doing this research, such as your budget, the distance you’re willing to travel, and the size of your ideal convention.

Some conventions have themes (anime, Disney, retro gaming, sci-fi, comics, etc.) and you can pick and choose accordingly based on your interests and character. Larger conventions can feel overwhelming at times, and it might be a good idea to start with a smaller one where socialization and forming connections with other attendees might feel less intimidating.

The Big Cosplay Day

The day of the convention has at long last arrived! The most important thing to do is immerse yourself in your character and have fun with it. Don’t be discouraged or intimidated by the more elaborate or “professional” costumes. Be proud of your work and confident in your place in this community.  Cosplay truly is a community founded upon creativity, inclusivity, and bonding over a shared love of an art form, series, video game, etc. It's an extremely welcoming and encouraging environment. Connect with other cosplayers and feel free to ask them for advice or tips. They are an excellent resource as you embark on this journey.

Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and push yourself out of your comfort zone. Have fun and be proud of the work you’ve put into your Cosplay! We hope this article will inspire some of you to take the leap and attend your first Cosplay event. Even better, if you find a way to combine Cosplay and the retro, nostalgic, or vaporwave aesthetic, we'd love to see.

Check out the interview with Diegator for more on our blog DARKNET

Who is your favorite retro, nostalgic, or aesthetic Cosplay character? Let us know in the comments below!