1. Cos play The in and outs on how to become a cosplayer

2. What is Cosplay? Costume + Play = Cosplay Dressing up as anime, manga, or video game characters Costumes can be bought or hand made. More often then not, in American they are hand made In Japan, cosplaying is a lot more popular and costumes can be more easily purchased

3. What character do I cosplay? Choose a character that you like and you think you would have fun portraying Choose something that is within your means Don’t be over ambitious If it looks a lot of work then it is If it looks hard then it is Choose something that is appropriate.

4. Ok, How do I get started? Planning is key! Make a budget I can have spent upwards to $200 on making a costume, so know your limits Make a list of what needs to be made What needs to be sewn, what not? Get a few good reference pics You can use these to show store clerks to help you find what you need Get images of your character from many angles to help you with details

5. Getting Started If you do not know how sew, try second hand stores Look for stuff that can be used or altered. Think outside the box don’t let a wrong color discourage you if the item looks right. There is always dye and paint! Remember to be creative! If you know how to sew, look at patterns Where do I get supplies? Millend Fabrics Joann’s Michael's Home Depot

6. How to find the right Pattern Try to find a pattern or two that is as close to what you want to make as possible. Altering patterns is A LOT more difficult then you think. Try adding patterns together before you alter. I learned this the hard way a few times. >.< Most pattern companies have patterns online McCallsMcCalls, Butterick, Vogue, SimplicityButterickVogueSimplicity Stay away from Vogue if still a novice sewer Simplicity I have found to be the easiest and best patterns

7. Things other than Sewing Shoes Again, second hand stores are your friend Shoes can be painted, stained, or covered Electrique Boutique Many characters have props or things that can not be made of cloth. Sculpty Craft Foam Wood

8. Hair! Hair can make or break a great costume Wigs You get what you pay for!!!!! Katie Bair's Petting Zoo Wig Design Cosplay.com Using your own hair Dyeing Extensions Dr. Locks

9. Help!!! Don’t be afraid to ask for help I’m more then willing to help, hoppem@unr.nevada.edu hoppem@unr.nevada.edu Online resources Cosplay.com Cosplaylab.com Consplayers.com Use the forums at these sites, they are very helpful

10. Cons This is where all the work seems worth it Photo shoots with other from the same anime, manga, or game A LOT of fun Many cons have contests Hallway contests Masqurades Only for hand made costumes though Sites on previous pages have con schd. Talk to me if you want to inquire about cons in our area.

11. Questions?