My second rule of cosplay…
So once you’ve landed yourself a job or two - unfortunately I have yet to get one due to some immigration issues - then the next rule is…
Set a budget!
As I mentioned in my first rule of cosplay post, this can be an expensive hobby even for an seemingly simple costume. You wouldn’t want all you hard earned monies to be spent on creating a costume now would you? Therefore its imperative that you keep track of the cost for materials. If you need to buy a sewing machine to start-up, then note the cost of that as well as any other tools. Don’t let yourself get overly excited (as I sometimes do) and blow all your money on your first costume!
If you can’t afford a brand new sewing machine you can always borrow one from a friend or parent whose willing to lend one to you. Also check out your local craigslist or ebay for sewing machines within your price range. Other online stores you can check out are overstock and amazon both of which have a pretty good selection of new sewing machines if you have the cash to spare.
Now, as far as materials go, I’ve found that Jo-Ann has a wide range of fabrics at good prices. You can purchase fabrics online or in-store if you’re like me a need to see and feel the fabric to ensure its the right one.
Walmart offers a smaller range of fabrics at a low cost. They have a good selection of sewing machines if you’re unable to find one elsewhere.
Just remember; stay on top of your expenses! Document your purchases in a notebook or on your computer. This can also be helpful if you plan to put together tutorials for your followers or even if you enter your cosplay in a competition as you can show the judges the costings plus the progress of creating your cosplay.
I’m not sure how many of these “Rules of Cosplay” segments I’m going to write - I’m honestly writing these as I think of them as well as a way to develop my writing for blogs. If anyone is reading these posts (anyone?) I would love to hear any feedback or suggestions you have. Thanks!
