Cosplay Do’s & Don’ts

Cosplay Dos and Don’ts
DO…

Plan ahead of time for your costume (this includes dry times, materials needed, etc).
Research, research, RESEARCH!
Find coupons before purchasing items at stores! Make a list and see what you need first, then buy according to coupons and needs.
Take your time (especially with expensive materials and WIGS!).
Varnish or seal your paints when finished (make sure to get matte or gloss finishes to your desired look).
Release your mold. This is very important so as not to ruin the molds or the finished product.
Check your patterns. It’s always a good idea to check and triple check patterns before setting them in stone.
Wear breathable fabric/materials. You will generate a lot of heat and adrenaline, you will need air.
Prep your painting surfaces appropriately. Gesso, sealer, primer, etc, what ever is needed for your exact surface. (PS- Kryolan spray paint did not work on the rubber… It got sticky. Sigh.)

DON’T…

Don’t use Celluclay to make your mold, unless you have a week or two to let it dry.
Rush things that need proper timing.
Put temporary mold in the fridge (beware air bubbles), room temperature OK.
Leave your workspace uncovered before dying wigs or making any cosplay messes (Use trash bags or purchase cheap plastic table clothes at a nearby dollar store to lay down before cosplay actions).
Mix different types of paints or use paints your are unfamiliar with (make sure to be aware of what paints your using and how they will interact with each other and the materials you want to paint).
Cut the wig hair too long on the adangos? (Pocket says, Alice will have a tutorial here later to explain better. -_-; )
Eat or drink while cosplaying. Food damages things, it’s just plain and simple–keep dining and cosplaying separate.
Cosplay expecting to just WIN. Cosplay means to have fun, meet people, be artsy-fartsy, and rock out. Cosplaying to solely win a contest can result in disappointment and missing of fun-ness. Entering a contest is fine and wanting to strive to win is a good challenge, but make sure you enjoy the overall experience too. We want everyone to feel like a winner!
Buy materials or start a project unless 100% certain you will be fully executing it.
Wear shoes you’re not comfortable in. (Alice approves of this comment–Pony boots = fail.)