MO SADEK
Special to The Leader
Halloween is one of the more restricting celebrations in existence. People spend 364 days a year planning the perfect outfit, usually with a group of similarly obsessed people, just to dress up for one day. Dress up any other day and you’re either a theatre major or Jaden Smith. Drama enthusiasts and rich kids aside, the dying need to embody your favorite characters is restricted by society to one day per year. However, if you’ve got courage, mild creativity and time, cosplaying might be your calling.
While Fredonia was mostly deserted and barren over the four day weekend, the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City was packed with graphic novel enthusiasts for the New York Comic Con. Despite its name, the event is a haven for anyone interested in anything from anime to science fiction. However, Comic Con also serves as a hotspot for all people who love cosplaying.
As a hobby, cosplaying has grown vastly in popularity and can be seen all over the internet, but what is it, exactly? For the most part, cosplaying is just about portraying your favorite character in any form of media, most popularly comics, animations and video games.
“It’s a good way to express your interest in what you love, another extension of the things you like and it’s just about having fun,” said Mary Taylor, a cosplay enthusiast who has five years under her belt.
Preparing for a con or making a cosplay in general is never an easy task. For the most part, you’ve got to dedicate massive amounts of time on specific pieces of the costume. The cosplayer must make multiple pieces for each costume, including props. While some pieces can be found online, most of them need to be custom-made and none of them are ever cheap. On top of this, most people make unique costumes for each day of a convention.
For Christopher Snyder, an experienced cosplayer, making two costumes for himself was quite the feat.
“It took me hours … just for my skateboard for Sk8er Link … hours just cutting out the design, spray painting, doing all the coats for it,” Snyder said.
Despite the hours of work, Snyder finds that making and finishing a cosplay is the best part of the entire experience. “It’s a lot of work, but seeing the finished product is really cool,” he said.
Of course, the most nerve wracking part of the entire experience is actually wearing it to a convention — or not! Though it may be intimidating at first, walking around as your character of choice is one of the most enjoyable parts of the experience.
At Comic Con this weekend, Fredonia student Kathryn Haro prepared a cosplay and couldn’t be happier with her experience.
“I think this con was my favorite. I had a lot of people say really nice things about [my costume] and got stopped for pictures a lot,” said Haro. “Even at Artist Alley, I got compliments from many artists that I love.”
On a side note, you don’t need to be wearing cosplay to go to a convention or anything like that. Cosplay is a challenge by choice, so if you’re more comfortable gawking at other people and their awesome handmade armor, do it! However, NEVER touch someone’s cosplay without their permission. Cosplayers are people, not products. They’re generally awesome people and don’t mind taking pictures with you though: just ask!
So, interested in cosplay? Don’t know how to get started? Luckily for you, I’ve asked a bunch of Fredonia’s own cosplay enthusiasts for advice to help you get started on some of your own costumes!
Got any advice for anyone looking to get into cosplaying?
“Yard sales, and places like Home Depot are great places to get your pieces together on a fairly tight budget.”
-Amanda Seaward, student
“Start simple. Learn bits and pieces as you need to. My second costume had me making a corset from scratch. I wouldn’t recommend that.”
-Robin Moore, alumna
“Find something you love and do it. Don’t get wrapped up in trying to make it ‘perfect.’”
-Kathryn Haro, Student
“Most schools’ Anime Clubs usually hold cosplay events. It’s a good opportunity to network and brainstorm ideas for different cosplays.”
-Chris Snyder, Student