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Tips to Cosplay on a Budget
Oct. 1, 2020, 10:05 a.m.
The beauty of cosplay has always been individual creativity and ingenuity when building the perfect costume for a convention.
You might think a good costume requires a lot of money. You’d be wrong!
We’ve got several tips to create cheap cosplay that looks great.
# 1 - Set a Budget
If you know how much you are willing to spend, it helps you stay focused.
Staying on a budget doesn’t always mean cutting corners.
Cosplay is a labor of love. The more work you are willing to put in, the less budget you need to finish your look.
#2 - Make It Your Own
Your costume doesn’t have to be an exact replica.
A lot of cosplayers interpret their own design or do a mashup between 2 costumes.
Keep in mind, cosplay is about being creative and having fun.
Play to your strengths. Don’t be afraid of mistakes. Sometimes “happy accidents” can lead to great cosplay.
#3 - Materials are Everywhere
Do you need some material to make your costume? Look no further than your own house!
Some things around the house that might be useful:
- old clothes
- sheets
- towels
- cardboard boxes
- aluminum foil
- trash bags
#4 - Alter It
Find a lot of materials but none look like a costume? No problem. A little ingenuity will take you a long way.
Cardboard and construction paper can be cut and formed into various shapes. Add a little paint, and you'd never know that you started with an Amazon box.
Check out your local craft store to find a multitude of ways to alter cloth. Some items you'll find:
- Fabric dyes
- Pens made specifically for cloth
- Spray paint for cloth
And don't forget about your trusty bleach.
If you are still hurting for material or need something you just don’t think you can make on your own, like a dress coat, look for local garage sales and thrift stores.
#5 - You Don’t Need Expensive Machinery
Many avid cosplayers use sewing machines, Cricut machines, 3D Printers, or even laser cutters, which can cost a pretty penny.
True, these are typically one-time purchases, but if you don’t think you will get your money’s worth, hot glue and safety pins go a long way and are only a fraction of the cost.
#6 - Cheap Costume Options
As a last resort, or maybe after just a lot of frustration, there is no shame in buying cheap costumes to complete a look.
There are some cheap online costume shops like Costume Pub that offer discounted prices on costumes year-round.
Hopefully, you found these tips helpful in cosplaying on a budget, and remember to use MyCosBuilder.com to help you plan and budget your next costume!