This is honestly the hardest part of being a cosplayer. Or some may say this is the easiest. Some people stick with a specific character, others choose a fandom while others just choose whoever they like! I've always found this difficult. Not for the sake of I don't know who to pick, but because I have a list that seems to never end of the costumes I would like to create. Everyone has a different way of solidifying their next project, but I wanted to share with you my creative process.
I spend time looking up concept art, other people's cosplays and select a list of characters I like. For me it is very important that I know the character and can relate. I've never been really on top of seeing a trailer or an announcement and choosing a character from a product that has yet to be released. Once I have found a character I'm interested in I go through the following list: - Is this at my skill level? How hard would it be to make? - What materials would I need? - Does this require a wig? - How much sewing/crafting would I need to do? - How long would this take me? - Could I wear this for a long period of time? Will it be comfortable? - Am I happy with this choice? These questions are the driving force behind making my final choice. It's very important to know you'll be comfortable in a costume, you have the skills to make the character or you can easily learn the skills. Another big factor is time. There never seems to be enough time. For myself, I usually aim to do one cosplay per year. I like to start early and aim for the fall when the local Fan Expo usually happens (this coming year is going to be a whole new challenge...but more on that later). Another big factor is will I complete this costume? I've had many a time where I pick a character I love and want to make, buy all the materials and notions for it, then it sits in a bag or a drawer waiting to get started. It gets pushed aside because I find another character that I just "can't live without" or "it's easier" etc etc. So many excuses. I've also planned costumes that have intimidated me so much that I just can't bring myself to start them. I need to hold off and pick simpler costumes to make in between to build up my skill and confidence before I tackle the big one. To summarize, if this is your first time cosplaying, pick a character that you really love, that you would want to embody, but make a costume that is at your skill level. You don't want to overwhelm yourself with something that is beyond your knowledge, skill or patience level. Take your time with it, find tutorials or ask other cosplayers for advice to make it easier, but most of all HAVE FUN!!
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