Personally, I take months to do rehearsals for choreography and lipsyncs because I like to make sure its perfect and even though I dont win, I aim to make the crowd and myself happy because I want to show my confidence and stunts. I sometimes do it in the shoes of the cosplay, the foundation garments, the wig, or even with the lining layers of the actual costume. I do a lot of dances and stunts like splits or deathdrops, so I have to know what my capabilities are and how I can adjust it to the music, the choreography, and my own actions because it has to look really lively as well as graceful. The music is prepped in advanced, my wig is secured to my head, I have stretched and done warm ups beforehand, the choreography is prepared and I always have a smile on my face. The best tip for cosplay contests is show passion and end with a smile. Its good to show you are thankful for their time to appreciate your work.
I am competing in my first competition in April! Thank you for the tips Do you think having a costume portfolio to give the judges would help show off parts of the costume ? With things like progress pictures of important parts or construction elements that may be covered up in the final costume ? No boring paragraphs obviously, just some key elements Also, with those white hats on you look like a cute little Platelet from Cells At Work!
Hannah Murphy I think a costume portfolio is a great idea to take in with you! As long as it maybe no more than 4 pages with lots of photos highlighting pieces, the judges will love it. Also- thanks about the hat comment lol I need to read cells at work- it looks super cute!
I watched your video a few weeks ago before entering a cosplay performance competition. It was very helpful. I was chosen as a Runner Up by the judges. Thank you so much! 💜💜💜
Im hoping to enter my first major cosplay comp this year so this is helpful! Any advice on skit production? Since it seems to be a standard for most larger comps these days.
I actually have planned to do another video about this very topic in the future. My tips would be: - have a clear conflict (tension is a good for a skit - it doesn’t have to be a physical fight) - have a beginning, middle and end - practise, practise, practise - AND in full costume - clear sound recordings - make sure you capture the emotion within the voice as well. - use the whole stage if you can. - be confident! Walk with purpose (don’t shift from foot to foot because of nerves :)) - use background tracks - even if super soft... it will add a more cinematic vibe to it. They are just some- I hope that helps
Great video! I have one question. Can you still enter a cosplay competition with a costume that was custom made just for you but you didn't make anything but u still know all the details of how they made it?
Great question- absolutely you can still enter a general competition however, I would highly encourage you to be open and honest about that it was custom made for you. It means you will not be eligible for any craftsmanship awards as you are not the person who crafted the cosplay ^_^
I have a few questions, if that's okay! Also thank you for this, I've been binging all the tip videos I can find since I'll be joining my first masquerade contest in a few months! Do Judges take off points if the process is messy, but the outcome is accurate? Like, for example you cut something wrong/measured something wrong and had to layer something over it/etc. what do contests use emergency contact names/numbers for? I'm debating whether to put my number again or someone who will be going with me to the convention but i don't... Know if the emergency contact would be in case they need me/I'm missing when they call me up or for if I break my arm or something aha And... How should you ask the emcee to announce you on stage? Like, what things would you suggest to add- such as your name and screen name, if it's your first time performing, etc.? Should I make it specific or keep it vague?? Gosh sorry, I overthink everything aha!
Doukz awesome questions and congratulations on entering your first competition! In terms of Will judges take points off messy work, yes we will, especially if it is craftsmanship. Loose threads are the worst! Lol I always stand by do mock ups and measure twice/ cut once. However saying that, your skill level will be taken into consideration with the judging too so be honest about it. For emergency numbers, mostly it is just if something goes wrong whilst you are backstage. Say you pass out, we need to know who to contact. In some cases, if you are needed at a location, they will try to call you first but if no answer, might call the emergency number. As for the MC- absolutely tell them all that! Tell them it’s your first time entering a comp, they will maybe make a bit of a deal of it and encourage the audience to give a big round of applause for you because heck- it takes courage to get on stage. Tell them how to say you name and this can be what you go by. Personally I use Kirilee Cosplay because I don’t want my real last name really out there- the “Cosplay” is my persona whilst in this space. But it is all up to you. I hope that answers everything- good luck!
@@KirileeCosplay thank you so much for the quick reply! I'm making sure the outcome of my costume is as crisp as can be- although the process has been a bit... Muddled aha (thankfully the stuff I'm doing can be gone over/removed) And that's wonderful- this is a ton of great advice thank you! I'll be sure to let them know it's my first time then (and make the emergency contact for an accompanying friend) :D
@@KirileeCosplay aha thanks! Hope you don't mind me coming back to ask another, albeit much smaller question? :'D I'm worried about signing up before I finish my costume because it asks about details I want to share about the construction of it (and the skit)- since all I can really talk about is some things I've done to the dress (which is debate-ably about 70% done) Would you recommend I wait until I've gotten farther with my costume until I apply and risk possibly missing (35 applicants total, but I'm not sure how many people are signing up, the con is in the middle of summer) or should I dive in, put what I have, and then go over the rest at pre-judging? Somehow my,,, question managed to span 2 paragraphs oof sorry! //Also wanted to say I love your cosplay planning videos, and my, you're lack of subscribers should be a crime!
What do judges usually think of own modifications to the character design? (e. g. the character wears a full armor suit but u wanna make the bottom half a dress bc it would look awesome) would i still stand a chance or loose a lot of points because one part looks like the reference but another is modified
It depends on the competition and the scoring rating the judges have to comply to. You may get marks for the craftsmanship of making that skirt but you may lose points of accuracy to the reference image. You would need to balance that. Overall, I would recommend that you stick to the reference image as much as possible unless you have a very good reason for changing it (ie. To better fit in with a persons body shape)
That's interesting to know tho! I have another (male) character i'm currently making a female version of. I was not sure whether the judges would value the creativity of modifying the design to make it more female / changing it up or if they want you to stay as close to the original character as possible. Or would a concept art of the new character design help in that case?
For me as a judges, it will always come back to what the reference image shows. If it isn’t accurate to the image, how can I give you marks for that? But I can give you marks for craftsmanship. Have a look at the scoring breakdown if that is available to you.
I really want to enter I cosplay comp but 1. I live in the UK and we don't really have any close by cons that do it 2. I'm a minor I don't know if I would be able to 3.im pretty sure most cosplay comps are for the people who make there costumes witch I can't do 4.igot stage fright 😂
So if I may, I have some answers: 1. UK certainly has conventions (after Covid) and competition (even some online!) 2. Minors can enter most competitions! 3. Some competitions do allow store bought costumes BUT this is also a great opportunity for you to learn to make your own! 4. Only way to get over stage fright is to do it- even if it is with a group of friends.
I’m entering a cosplay contest soon and I have a question, can the judges/organizers reject my application? I’m spending so much time and money on this project and I’m cared there will be so many entries I won’t be able to compete
Depending on the competition, they can. Depending on mostly how many spots they have open, how many people enter and what sort of competition it is. If it is a general competition, it will be first in. If it is more elite competition with prejudging and craftsmanship based, it will be who is deemed to have crafted (based on their portfolio) the best top 40/how ever many spots they have. Also - if you are buying your cosplay as a whole, there are competitions which will not allow you to enter.
@@KirileeCosplay thank you so much! I’m trying to make my costume asap so I can be one of the first to enter and I check the website 3 times a day to see if it’s up 😭
*Great advice! Especially sharing details about what you learned during your creation process. As a cake decorating competition judge i looooove getting as much info from entrants as possible and your point about judges not always seeing what details you are most proud of without you mentioning them is super important! Don't know if I'm entering any cosplay contests anytime soon... just getting back into it after *over 20 years* and everything i cosplay as now is a version of Character + 30 years + 2 kids = *, as in **#StarButterfly* or #RubyRoseRWBY* hahaha #xLaurieClarkex for pics *FIRST! Haha
That is SO cool about cake decorating. I love watching videos of cakes being decorated. That is some serious skill. As for cosplay and getting back into it - age doesn't play a factor as long as you enjoy yourself ^_^ I encourage you to give a competition a go if you feel like a fun experience with a little bit of challenge ;)
@@KirileeCosplay wayyyy back when it wasn't anywhere near as fun and friendly as cosplay seems to be today -- costuming was regarded as "dressing up" and was considered an odd hobby by most people. There were very few places to do it, mostly just sci-fi cons, renaissance faires and the SCA medieval reenactments where people felt free to criticize, saying "that's not right for that character" and "that's not 'period'". Now I've been to a few anime cons in the last year or so and things seem to be the exact opposite! I'll consider an entry, thanks for your positive feedback! Btw, as a judge, how would you suggest i place myself: i entered one contest, in like 1995, where i was placed in the Journeyman category (just above ameteur) because i had a couple of years of experience. I won "best workmanship and technical skill" (so proud!). Then i didn't do much except my wedding dress and Halloween for the next 2 decades. Given the new materials and technology i feel pretty far behind the times... but maybe "intermediate" category seems fair...?
Btw i have a highlight reel of some of my cakes and clips from my competition on #FoodNetwork #SugarDome #ADragonsTale here and I'll be adding cake tutorials to my channel soon :-) ua-cam.com/video/Ztgzixu-NnU/v-deo.html
Laurie Clarke I think you should enter the category you feel most comfortable with. In Australia, it’s a bit different - if there is any sort of split it might be beginner and advance, sometimes intermediate as well. I would say put yourself in the middle tier as you aren’t just starting making items, but you haven’t fine tuned everything yet. I think that is fair :) Good luck!!!
Kotori light you can - if the contest allows for it. Most comps that I’ve seen which is the more general ones allow for it- however, just be aware you probably won’t place unless it is for performance ^_^ so if you just want to do it for the experience, go for it!
Thank u soooo much it helps!!! What "group" would I be in, if I did what u said. Or would thAt not mater?? Sorry if that sounds like a stupid question!!!! And a So, also would I have to go for pre-judging?? Sorry if this is A LOT to ask!!!!!
![[Tutorial] Making a Progress Book for Cosplay Contests](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/-GD1zv0JztE/mqdefault.jpg)
Personally, I take months to do rehearsals for choreography and lipsyncs because I like to make sure its perfect and even though I dont win, I aim to make the crowd and myself happy because I want to show my confidence and stunts. I sometimes do it in the shoes of the cosplay, the foundation garments, the wig, or even with the lining layers of the actual costume. I do a lot of dances and stunts like splits or deathdrops, so I have to know what my capabilities are and how I can adjust it to the music, the choreography, and my own actions because it has to look really lively as well as graceful. The music is prepped in advanced, my wig is secured to my head, I have stretched and done warm ups beforehand, the choreography is prepared and I always have a smile on my face.
The best tip for cosplay contests is show passion and end with a smile. Its good to show you are thankful for their time to appreciate your work.
Very good tips!
Every time I watch your videos I'm partly focused on the fabric collection behind you. The layout is so satisfying!
Hollow Flame Cosplay hahaha thank you- unfortunately I might need to do a cull soon. Or more blocks needing to be added... too much fabric
@@KirileeCosplay I know the feeling well. Mine's just not so pleasingly stored, or varied in colour.
Hollow Flame Cosplay you can change that... FABRIC SHOPPING TRIP!!!
Super helpful as a cosplay newbie!
Alicia Estelle good luck in your first competition then! :)
I am competing in my first competition in April! Thank you for the tips
Do you think having a costume portfolio to give the judges would help show off parts of the costume ?
With things like progress pictures of important parts or construction elements that may be covered up in the final costume ?
No boring paragraphs obviously, just some key elements
Also, with those white hats on you look like a cute little Platelet from Cells At Work!
Hannah Murphy I think a costume portfolio is a great idea to take in with you! As long as it maybe no more than 4 pages with lots of photos highlighting pieces, the judges will love it.
Also- thanks about the hat comment lol I need to read cells at work- it looks super cute!
I did my first contest on Sunday and I was nervous. I didn't place but I had fun. Next year I plan to go advanced.
Good work! It is all about having fun
I watched your video a few weeks ago before entering a cosplay performance competition. It was very helpful. I was chosen as a Runner Up by the judges. Thank you so much! 💜💜💜
OMG!!! Well done!!!
Im hoping to enter my first major cosplay comp this year so this is helpful! Any advice on skit production? Since it seems to be a standard for most larger comps these days.
I actually have planned to do another video about this very topic in the future.
My tips would be:
- have a clear conflict (tension is a good for a skit - it doesn’t have to be a physical fight)
- have a beginning, middle and end
- practise, practise, practise - AND in full costume
- clear sound recordings - make sure you capture the emotion within the voice as well.
- use the whole stage if you can.
- be confident! Walk with purpose (don’t shift from foot to foot because of nerves :))
- use background tracks - even if super soft... it will add a more cinematic vibe to it.
They are just some- I hope that helps
Great video! I have one question. Can you still enter a cosplay competition with a costume that was custom made just for you but you didn't make anything but u still know all the details of how they made it?
Great question- absolutely you can still enter a general competition however, I would highly encourage you to be open and honest about that it was custom made for you. It means you will not be eligible for any craftsmanship awards as you are not the person who crafted the cosplay ^_^
I have a few questions, if that's okay! Also thank you for this, I've been binging all the tip videos I can find since I'll be joining my first masquerade contest in a few months!
Do Judges take off points if the process is messy, but the outcome is accurate? Like, for example you cut something wrong/measured something wrong and had to layer something over it/etc.
what do contests use emergency contact names/numbers for?
I'm debating whether to put my number again or someone who will be going with me to the convention but i don't... Know if the emergency contact would be in case they need me/I'm missing when they call me up or for if I break my arm or something aha
And... How should you ask the emcee to announce you on stage? Like, what things would you suggest to add- such as your name and screen name, if it's your first time performing, etc.? Should I make it specific or keep it vague??
Gosh sorry, I overthink everything aha!
Doukz awesome questions and congratulations on entering your first competition!
In terms of Will judges take points off messy work, yes we will, especially if it is craftsmanship. Loose threads are the worst! Lol I always stand by do mock ups and measure twice/ cut once.
However saying that, your skill level will be taken into consideration with the judging too so be honest about it.
For emergency numbers, mostly it is just if something goes wrong whilst you are backstage. Say you pass out, we need to know who to contact.
In some cases, if you are needed at a location, they will try to call you first but if no answer, might call the emergency number.
As for the MC- absolutely tell them all that! Tell them it’s your first time entering a comp, they will maybe make a bit of a deal of it and encourage the audience to give a big round of applause for you because heck- it takes courage to get on stage. Tell them how to say you name and this can be what you go by. Personally I use Kirilee Cosplay because I don’t want my real last name really out there- the “Cosplay” is my persona whilst in this space. But it is all up to you.
I hope that answers everything- good luck!
@@KirileeCosplay thank you so much for the quick reply! I'm making sure the outcome of my costume is as crisp as can be- although the process has been a bit... Muddled aha (thankfully the stuff I'm doing can be gone over/removed)
And that's wonderful- this is a ton of great advice thank you! I'll be sure to let them know it's my first time then (and make the emergency contact for an accompanying friend) :D
Doukz good luck or as we say in show business, break a leg!
@@KirileeCosplay aha thanks!
Hope you don't mind me coming back to ask another, albeit much smaller question? :'D
I'm worried about signing up before I finish my costume because it asks about details I want to share about the construction of it (and the skit)- since all I can really talk about is some things I've done to the dress (which is debate-ably about 70% done)
Would you recommend I wait until I've gotten farther with my costume until I apply and risk possibly missing (35 applicants total, but I'm not sure how many people are signing up, the con is in the middle of summer) or should I dive in, put what I have, and then go over the rest at pre-judging?
Somehow my,,, question managed to span 2 paragraphs oof sorry!
//Also wanted to say I love your cosplay planning videos, and my, you're lack of subscribers should be a crime!
What do judges usually think of own modifications to the character design? (e. g. the character wears a full armor suit but u wanna make the bottom half a dress bc it would look awesome) would i still stand a chance or loose a lot of points because one part looks like the reference but another is modified
It depends on the competition and the scoring rating the judges have to comply to. You may get marks for the craftsmanship of making that skirt but you may lose points of accuracy to the reference image. You would need to balance that.
Overall, I would recommend that you stick to the reference image as much as possible unless you have a very good reason for changing it (ie. To better fit in with a persons body shape)
@@KirileeCosplay i see, thanks for the reply!
That's interesting to know tho! I have another (male) character i'm currently making a female version of. I was not sure whether the judges would value the creativity of modifying the design to make it more female / changing it up or if they want you to stay as close to the original character as possible. Or would a concept art of the new character design help in that case?
For me as a judges, it will always come back to what the reference image shows. If it isn’t accurate to the image, how can I give you marks for that? But I can give you marks for craftsmanship.
Have a look at the scoring breakdown if that is available to you.
Thank you for existing
Thanks?
I’m gonna try next year at hyper japan
Awesome! Good luck!
I really want to enter I cosplay comp but 1. I live in the UK and we don't really have any close by cons that do it 2. I'm a minor I don't know if I would be able to 3.im pretty sure most cosplay comps are for the people who make there costumes witch I can't do 4.igot stage fright 😂
So if I may, I have some answers: 1. UK certainly has conventions (after Covid) and competition (even some online!) 2. Minors can enter most competitions! 3. Some competitions do allow store bought costumes BUT this is also a great opportunity for you to learn to make your own! 4. Only way to get over stage fright is to do it- even if it is with a group of friends.
3:08 I understood that reference! :D
Anyway thank you for this video, it's really helpful! ^^
Thank You for watching!
Thank you soo much i wish there was a video like this when i first entered a competition i was a nervous wreck😅😂
We all live and learn don't we lol! Still, it gets a bit easier the more you do.
@@KirileeCosplay i hope so!! and thank you for helping me at evolve i never got to properly thank you for that!
Kibo Cosplay no problem mate! We’ve got to help each other out :)
@@KirileeCosplay Thank you!
I’m entering a cosplay contest soon and I have a question, can the judges/organizers reject my application? I’m spending so much time and money on this project and I’m cared there will be so many entries I won’t be able to compete
Depending on the competition, they can.
Depending on mostly how many spots they have open, how many people enter and what sort of competition it is.
If it is a general competition, it will be first in.
If it is more elite competition with prejudging and craftsmanship based, it will be who is deemed to have crafted (based on their portfolio) the best top 40/how ever many spots they have.
Also - if you are buying your cosplay as a whole, there are competitions which will not allow you to enter.
@@KirileeCosplay thank you so much! I’m trying to make my costume asap so I can be one of the first to enter and I check the website 3 times a day to see if it’s up 😭
Me internally screaming at hearing "an 8 minute skit", just to rewind and hear EIGHTEEN?? 💀💀💀
I kid you not
*Great advice! Especially sharing details about what you learned during your creation process. As a cake decorating competition judge i looooove getting as much info from entrants as possible and your point about judges not always seeing what details you are most proud of without you mentioning them is super important! Don't know if I'm entering any cosplay contests anytime soon... just getting back into it after *over 20 years* and everything i cosplay as now is a version of Character + 30 years + 2 kids = *, as in **#StarButterfly* or #RubyRoseRWBY* hahaha #xLaurieClarkex for pics
*FIRST! Haha
That is SO cool about cake decorating. I love watching videos of cakes being decorated. That is some serious skill. As for cosplay and getting back into it - age doesn't play a factor as long as you enjoy yourself ^_^ I encourage you to give a competition a go if you feel like a fun experience with a little bit of challenge ;)
@@KirileeCosplay wayyyy back when it wasn't anywhere near as fun and friendly as cosplay seems to be today -- costuming was regarded as "dressing up" and was considered an odd hobby by most people. There were very few places to do it, mostly just sci-fi cons, renaissance faires and the SCA medieval reenactments where people felt free to criticize, saying "that's not right for that character" and "that's not 'period'". Now I've been to a few anime cons in the last year or so and things seem to be the exact opposite! I'll consider an entry, thanks for your positive feedback! Btw, as a judge, how would you suggest i place myself: i entered one contest, in like 1995, where i was placed in the Journeyman category (just above ameteur) because i had a couple of years of experience. I won "best workmanship and technical skill" (so proud!). Then i didn't do much except my wedding dress and Halloween for the next 2 decades. Given the new materials and technology i feel pretty far behind the times... but maybe "intermediate" category seems fair...?
Btw i have a highlight reel of some of my cakes and clips from my competition on #FoodNetwork #SugarDome #ADragonsTale here and I'll be adding cake tutorials to my channel soon :-) ua-cam.com/video/Ztgzixu-NnU/v-deo.html
Laurie Clarke I think you should enter the category you feel most comfortable with. In Australia, it’s a bit different - if there is any sort of split it might be beginner and advance, sometimes intermediate as well.
I would say put yourself in the middle tier as you aren’t just starting making items, but you haven’t fine tuned everything yet. I think that is fair :)
Good luck!!!
I was wondering...can I enter a contest IF your cosplay consist of thrift and old clothes in your closet cause I cannot sew for ya life?????
Kotori light you can - if the contest allows for it. Most comps that I’ve seen which is the more general ones allow for it- however, just be aware you probably won’t place unless it is for performance ^_^ so if you just want to do it for the experience, go for it!
Thank u soooo much it helps!!! What "group" would I be in, if I did what u said. Or would thAt not mater?? Sorry if that sounds like a stupid question!!!! And a
So, also would I have to go for pre-judging?? Sorry if this is A LOT to ask!!!!!