Cosplayers 101: A Beginner’s Guide

Where Passion Meets Craft at Fan Expo and Beyond

You’ve seen them strut down the convention floor — armor gleaming, wigs on point, posing like they just stepped out of a manga panel or MCU set. But what exactly is cosplay, and how do you get started without going broke or feeling overwhelmed?

Welcome to Cosplayers 101, your beginner-friendly, hype-packed intro into one of the most electrifying communities in pop culture. Whether you’re gearing up for your first con or just cosplay-curious, we've got you covered — no sewing machine required (unless you want to flex).

What is Cosplay?

Cosplay (short for costume play) is the art of dressing up as a character from anime, video games, comics, movies, or original designs. But cosplay is more than just costumes — it's storytelling, performance, community, and above all, fun.

Some cosplayers handcraft everything from scratch. Others commission, thrift, or modify existing pieces. There’s no one way to cosplay — only your way.

Why Do People Cosplay?

Because it’s a vibe.

Cosplayers express love for characters they connect with, flex creative muscles, and make friends who geek out just as hard. For many, cosplay is also empowering — a way to embody strength, style, and self-expression unapologetically.

For others, it’s a launchpad into careers: fashion, prop design, content creation, acting, or con circuit stardom.

Step 1: Pick a Character You Love

The best cosplay choices start with passion. Your first character doesn’t have to be screen-accurate or super complex — they just have to mean something to you.

Tips for choosing:

• Pick a character you’re excited about.

• Consider your budget, timeline, and skill level.

• Don’t worry about looking “exactly like” the character. Cosplay is for everybody, regardless of race, gender, or ability.

Step 2: Planning Your Look

Before you start buying or building, break the costume down into parts:

• Clothing – Jumpsuit? School uniform? Gown? What pieces make up the outfit?

• Wig/Hair – Can your own hair work? Or will you need a wig or styling?

• Props – Sword? Staff? Backpack? What do they carry?

• Makeup – Will you need special effects makeup or just basic enhancement?

Use apps like Pinterest, Milanote, or Cosplanner to organize your ideas and purchases.

Step 3: DIY vs Buy

DIY (Do It Yourself):Pros: Customization, skill-building, the proud moment when it's done. Cons: Time-consuming, sometimes pricey if you're starting from scratch.

Pros: Fast, usually clean, and con-ready. Cons: May not be perfectly accurate or fit right without tailoring.

Hybrid Builds are the sweet spot: mix store-bought basics with custom add-ons.

Places to shop:

• Amazon, Arda Wigs, EZCosplay, AliExpress

• Thrift stores for creative repurposing

• Etsy for handmade elements

Step 4: Cosplay on a Budget

You don’t need $500 or a Hollywood sewing studio.

Budget hacks:

• Thrift + Modify: Turn a suit into Spike Spiegel or a hoodie into Deku.

• Closet Cosplay: Raid your wardrobe for character-inspired fits.

• EVA Foam: Lightweight, cheap, and amazing for armor/props.

• Reuse + Recycle: One wig can transform for multiple characters with a cut or restyle.

Step 5: Posing, Presence, and Confidence

It’s not just the costume — it’s how you rock it.

Practice poses ahead of time — mirror sessions are your friend. Pull reference shots from official art or action scenes. Some fans even choreograph walk-ons or short performances for cosplay contests.

Nervous about confidence? You're not alone. Try going with a group or joining fandom-specific cosplay meetups at cons — people are way more supportive than you’d expect.

Step 6: Cosplay Etiquette (a.k.a. Don’t Be That Person)

Whether you’re wearing a cape or snapping pics, there are rules of respect:

• Cosplay is not consent: Always ask before photographing or touching a cosplayer.

• Give space: Costumes can be delicate. Wings, swords, and giant props need elbow room.

• Stay hydrated & fed: Self-care is part of the look.

• Lift up others: Hype fellow cosplayers up. We all start somewhere.

Step 7: Where to Show It Off

• Conventions: Like Fan Expo, Otakon, and NYCC — perfect for showing off your look, meeting people, and joining cosplay contests or photo shoots.

• Social Media: Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter (X) are cosplay havens. Use hashtags like #CosplayOfTheDay or #FanExpo to be seen.

• Local Meetups: Libraries, parks, themed events — cosplay is everywhere now.

• Online Communities: Reddit, Discord servers, and Facebook groups are goldmines for advice and connection.

Step 8: Keep Growing

Don’t stress perfection. The cosplay you wear now won’t be the cosplay you make a year from now. And that’s a good thing. You’ll grow. Your skills will level up. And your love for the art will deepen.

Celebrate each win — the first time someone asks for your photo, your first prop that doesn’t fall apart, your first wig that slays.

Meet the Community at Fan Expo

Fan Expo is a cosplay paradise. Whether you’re debuting your first fit or just soaking it all in, it’s the perfect place to connect, be inspired, and maybe even get scouted by a photog. Check out the cosplay panels, hang by the “Cosplay Red Carpet,” and don’t be shy — the community thrives on shared passion.

Stop by the Amerime Media booth and say hi! We’ll be capturing cosplay all weekend and hyping up the best fits in the game.

Final Thoughts

Cosplay is for everyone. It’s for the shy kid who found strength in Sailor Moon. For the adult rediscovering creativity through foam and thread. For the squad who built mechs in their mom’s garage. It's about joy. Passion. Expression.

So, whether you're starting with a wig, a cloak, or just an idea — welcome to the world of cosplay.

We can’t wait to see who you become.