I entered a semi-annual contest at the smaller convention and it was my first time making a cosplay and it wasnt the best craftsman shio but the judges told me it was a CROWD FAVORITE judge instead if craftsmanship. I won 5th because more popular "characters" were crowd favorites. But my cosplay was really interesting so people loved it! Now im going to enter the annual one at the bigger convention and im gonna work really hard to make it look nice ♡♡♡
Hiya, I’m planning on entering a contest with a friend and I’m super nervous! I have no idea what to expect, I make my costumes but I’ve only been to two cons 🙈
The personality one is soooo important! I went to a convention last year where the contender started yelling at the audience because the crowd was talking. The person didn’t get anything even though their costume was pretty good
This is true. Though sometimes it’s coincidence. I judged a contest where a friend wasn’t quite qualified to place, but did a good job and was a fandom I liked, so I gave her a Judge’s Choice Award. The next time I judged her, she was kinda in the same situation but I had to give my Judge’s Choice Award to someone else so I didn’t seem biased.
Marleen Baars when I competed recently, during pre-judging they really wanted to know more about the costume than the character, so just being yourself is best for that part. Once you’re on stage they wanted to see you be the character in front of an audience. Hope that helps 😊
I know this is late but a lot of cosplay contests are based on craftsmanship and creativity so you should focus on talking about your cosplay versus your character
Honestly, I'd advise against acting in-character during pre-judging - being yourself is totally fine and nothing else is expected. Little things like weaving in a catch-phrase the character says into your explanation, or posing like said character, are fine if you're comfortable doing those things. The stage portion of the contest is where you can really let being in character shine, though!
I've decided on an archer from Fire Emblem (Setsuna) and I decided I wanted this to be for the contest. I made the wig out of yarn, I plan to make a bow, everything is handmade, but she has a fur around her and it's not the right colour, a little darker, but it was free and easier to work with. Do you think that detail will be overlooked? I really don't want to buy more fur, it's a pain to work with!
Should you be in full costume on the day of prejudging? For Sakura-con they have prejudging on friday and the actual contest on Saturday. I dont want to have to do full makeup and wigs for both days
From my experience, most contests that have pre-judging on a different day than the contest itself will give you the option of bringing your costume on a hanger (or in a garment bag) and having it judged while not being worn. The judges will still be able to look at your craftsmanship this way, and you will still be able to explain how you made it. When you are in costume and go on stage during the contest, the judges will be able to see how the costume fits, and the overall presentation. I haven't ever done this personally though (or judged for a contest like this), so I would definitely double-check any rules or instructions for the contest, or reach out to staff/the cosplay department/cosplay contest coordinator if it's unclear. I hope that helps!
For anyone passing by, can someone help me with a problem entering a masquerade? I'm working on my cosplay, I've got the dance almost done- I have four months until the convention. I want to enter before the 25 entree limit is hit but I can't because my audio file isn't mp3. My computer isn't exactly malware proof and since I got scareware when using a converter once I don't trust them, but movie maker only saves in audio files other than mp3 or wma... I don't want to do because that's the only thing preventing me from entering! D:
Hi I’ve never done a cosplay before but I’m doing one now and most of it is going to be hand painted weapons because it’s Tank Girl and I was wondering if you think that could work for a competition
If your costume has a “transformation sequence” do the judges see that during the prejudging? I assume they know about it from reference/progress pictures but do you have to show them during that period.
It doesn't have to be anything too fancy - just a few images of certain parts of the costume/progress pictures that you want to point out, with a bullet point or two of text to accompany it. You can put however many sheets of paper it ends up being into a binder, folder, staple them, or in one of those clear covered binder things they sell at office supply stores.
Is there a specific age you need to be to enter a contest? Im young, but have been making costumes for a little bit now and Im hoping to pull off my first contest ready costume.
I know at smaller cons it doesn't matter. I saw an 8 year old win the entire contest at my last con because of cuteness. But at bigger cons they will make you have parental consent and stuff like that and if youre really young theyll make you have to be accompanied by an adult (but since youre old enough to be commenting i dont think it should be an issue)
Cierra Larson (I know you didn't ask me but I hope I help) It depends on the size of the competition and con, however, usually money, craft store vouchers, merch, and trophies are common. In large scale competitions trips and tickets can be used for the winners.
a lot of places specify I think- I've seen people either get items (one first place winner got a sewing machine once) but at another convention there was a $500 prize to the "best individual performance" and less (but still a lot of) money for the other winners. I saw somewhere that one group got a mystery bag full of convention trinkets like a doctor who beanie, ocarina, etc. It just depends!
I entered a semi-annual contest at the smaller convention and it was my first time making a cosplay and it wasnt the best craftsman shio but the judges told me it was a CROWD FAVORITE judge instead if craftsmanship. I won 5th because more popular "characters" were crowd favorites. But my cosplay was really interesting so people loved it! Now im going to enter the annual one at the bigger convention and im gonna work really hard to make it look nice ♡♡♡
Very well said as well as explained. Totally agree with what you're saying and hope people would keep seeing it this way as well
Thanks so much! I'd really like to make an updated version of this eventually, since contests and conventions are always changing.
Hiya, I’m planning on entering a contest with a friend and I’m super nervous! I have no idea what to expect, I make my costumes but I’ve only been to two cons 🙈
Rhi_cosplays same! Good luck!
Omg im with u in a contest right now hshahsgs
Good luck friend
You sound familiar lol.
The personality one is soooo important! I went to a convention last year where the contender started yelling at the audience because the crowd was talking. The person didn’t get anything even though their costume was pretty good
Ive seen judges pick people they are friends with.
So true
This is true. Though sometimes it’s coincidence. I judged a contest where a friend wasn’t quite qualified to place, but did a good job and was a fandom I liked, so I gave her a Judge’s Choice Award. The next time I judged her, she was kinda in the same situation but I had to give my Judge’s Choice Award to someone else so I didn’t seem biased.
In Indonesia, kids win easily in cosplay competition, even though they most time only run and spinning
Oh the alpaca moves
Im entering my first contest next august and this has been a lot of help :3
Do you have any examples of how the cosplay portfolio should look like?
I don't. I will keep that in mind if I decide to re-visit this topic, though, so thank you for asking.
Melfina DeLyon my first cosplay contest is this Thursday at my school!
Awesome, good luck!
Mostly portfolios have pics of your progress (i have to make lots for school) or things you tried also your refferences are part of your portfolio
@@Kurgen I lost and almost broke my ankle
Would a long sword and long silver hair stand out? :D or should i add the one wing? 🤔
Maybe a weird question.. but should you be in character when pre-judging? or does it not matter? :)
Marleen Baars when I competed recently, during pre-judging they really wanted to know more about the costume than the character, so just being yourself is best for that part. Once you’re on stage they wanted to see you be the character in front of an audience. Hope that helps 😊
I know this is late but a lot of cosplay contests are based on craftsmanship and creativity so you should focus on talking about your cosplay versus your character
Honestly, I'd advise against acting in-character during pre-judging - being yourself is totally fine and nothing else is expected. Little things like weaving in a catch-phrase the character says into your explanation, or posing like said character, are fine if you're comfortable doing those things. The stage portion of the contest is where you can really let being in character shine, though!
I've decided on an archer from Fire Emblem (Setsuna) and I decided I wanted this to be for the contest. I made the wig out of yarn, I plan to make a bow, everything is handmade, but she has a fur around her and it's not the right colour, a little darker, but it was free and easier to work with. Do you think that detail will be overlooked? I really don't want to buy more fur, it's a pain to work with!
Should you be in full costume on the day of prejudging? For Sakura-con they have prejudging on friday and the actual contest on Saturday. I dont want to have to do full makeup and wigs for both days
From my experience, most contests that have pre-judging on a different day than the contest itself will give you the option of bringing your costume on a hanger (or in a garment bag) and having it judged while not being worn. The judges will still be able to look at your craftsmanship this way, and you will still be able to explain how you made it. When you are in costume and go on stage during the contest, the judges will be able to see how the costume fits, and the overall presentation. I haven't ever done this personally though (or judged for a contest like this), so I would definitely double-check any rules or instructions for the contest, or reach out to staff/the cosplay department/cosplay contest coordinator if it's unclear. I hope that helps!
For anyone passing by, can someone help me with a problem entering a masquerade?
I'm working on my cosplay, I've got the dance almost done- I have four months until the convention. I want to enter before the 25 entree limit is hit but I can't because my audio file isn't mp3. My computer isn't exactly malware proof and since I got scareware when using a converter once I don't trust them, but movie maker only saves in audio files other than mp3 or wma...
I don't want to do because that's the only thing preventing me from entering! D:
Download Audacity and edit it there. It’s free and safe!
Hi I’ve never done a cosplay before but I’m doing one now and most of it is going to be hand painted weapons because it’s Tank Girl and I was wondering if you think that could work for a competition
If your costume has a “transformation sequence” do the judges see that during the prejudging? I assume they know about it from reference/progress pictures but do you have to show them during that period.
Tori Yamaoka you should try and do the transformation both in prejudging and onstage!
Lol I think you’ve judged me in a past contest 😁 Went looking for contest tip videos to get motivated to finish my current contest project.
Oh really?? What a small world! Do you remember what you were cosplaying at the time?
But what does a Portfolio look like for a costume?
It doesn't have to be anything too fancy - just a few images of certain parts of the costume/progress pictures that you want to point out, with a bullet point or two of text to accompany it. You can put however many sheets of paper it ends up being into a binder, folder, staple them, or in one of those clear covered binder things they sell at office supply stores.
ah thank you
Is there a specific age you need to be to enter a contest? Im young, but have been making costumes for a little bit now and Im hoping to pull off my first contest ready costume.
I know at smaller cons it doesn't matter. I saw an 8 year old win the entire contest at my last con because of cuteness. But at bigger cons they will make you have parental consent and stuff like that and if youre really young theyll make you have to be accompanied by an adult (but since youre old enough to be commenting i dont think it should be an issue)
What if you cannot at the moment are so you use thrift store clothes and stuff in your closet will that count will they still take you??
I dont know too much about this stuff, but the con I am going to said that premade stuff like clothes need to be "heavily altered" to count.
@@alucidmirage5602 thank you so much for answering!! I guess I am screwed then cause I cannot see but thank you anyways and have a great day😊😊
@@alucidmirage5602 this is a big oof bc i have pre-made clothes as a big part of my cosplay YIKES
What exactly do you win? I'm curious
Cierra Larson (I know you didn't ask me but I hope I help) It depends on the size of the competition and con, however, usually money, craft store vouchers, merch, and trophies are common. In large scale competitions trips and tickets can be used for the winners.
a lot of places specify I think- I've seen people either get items (one first place winner got a sewing machine once) but at another convention there was a $500 prize to the "best individual performance" and less (but still a lot of) money for the other winners.
I saw somewhere that one group got a mystery bag full of convention trinkets like a doctor who beanie, ocarina, etc.
It just depends!