Thank you for your questions Lee, Vickie and Phil! Join this channel to support Tested and get access to perks, like asking Adam questions! ua-cam.com/channels/iDJtJKMICpb9B1qf7qjEOA.htmljoin
I witnessed this at a Con in Portland years back. A person not even in costume was giving a girl with a larger body in an anime style costume a bad time, and the crowd turned on this person so fast and so harshly I thought they were in actual danger. If you make the effort to make a costume and wear it with pride, 99.99% of the crowd will be with you.
I'd be willing to show up in just a hoodie that said 'Safe Space' and beat the dog piss out of anyone bullying somebody who is just trying to have fun.
One suggestion is to try to size the costume to your actual dimensions, rather than the dimensions you wish you had. It's amazing how good something can look when it fits properly.
Cosplay for yourself, dont cosplay for others. I'm a cosplayer/ cosplay fabricator and I want to make this my living one day. I am considered large and build my costumes to hide what I feel are my own imperfections. I've worn costumes that hide everything, and costumes that reveal almost everything. Wear what makes you feel amazing. No matter what your size, race, gender may be, what always matters is you have fun. Those who have the nerve to make fun of you for your body type won't be at a con, they will be hidden behind a screen where you don't have to deal with it. be yourself and keep being awesome
In my experience not only is the cosplay community very supportive and welcoming of anyone who is willing to put on a costume. But they will also stand up for and go to bat for any fellow cosplayer who experiences any kind of harassment. I was at Dragon Con about decade and half ago, and was across the street walking to the con as a young man who was cosplaying as sailor moon was making a similar trek from one of the hotels. He attracted the attention of what I can only describe as stereotypical group of dude bros unaffiliated with the con who proceeded to tease, follow, and harass them as they walked over to the parade staging area. The look on said dude bro's faces was to die for as they went around a corner following this young man and walked face first smack into a group of about 40 or so guys cosplaying as Spartans from The 300. Said Spartans immediately got in their faces wanting to know why they were harassing their friend and let them know in no uncertain terms that that kind of behavior was not welcome. They beat a hasty retreat and that was the last we saw of said dude bros. I've seen similar interactions from time to time over many decades of attending many types of cons and the reaction of fellow cosplayers is always the same to that kind of behavior Spartans or no.
To Phil, as Adam says, it can take courage just to don the costume and walk out into public with it. I've done it and it really isn't too easy and you're going to constantly draw attention. As a very introverted person, it was hard. So if someone gives you trouble, especially one without costume, know that you're already putting in more effort than them. Do you. IF you want to wear it, do it. What YOU think is more important than what others think, and most will like it more than you might expect.
Just be a fat boba fet who cares as long as you enjoy it. I personally think that seeing a hefty version a girl version a skinny version of a specific character speaks to confidence and creativity on behalf of the cosplayer. Don’t let dweebs bring you down. If you aren’t Thor’s physique being a short regular dude version is super cool cause it’s more accesible to an actual fan.
Being a plus-sized Cosplayer myself, I have struggled with this issue. Here in Argentina the Cosplay scene got toxic for a while and I received a lot of flack for cosplaying Wolverine, my favorite character (I'm also a comic-accurate 5'4, so yeah, it was a must-do), and the truth is, I never cared. I'm chubby/fat/obese, whatever you wanna called it, I'm doing it for fun, and if talking sh*t about someone is how you get your fun, by all means, enjoy it, it doesn't bother me. On the other hand, I've also enjoyed doing some cosplays more appropriate for my body type (I got to troll an official 00: Rise of an Empire Spartan model on the WB Both at a con dressed as Fred Flinstone), and got an amazing response for them, making traffic stop to appreciate and compliment my costumes. I got people shouting "Tally HO" when I was going to a con as Commander Stargazer from the Silverhawks cartoons, and I made people tear up with nostalgia while wearing my Classic Masters of the Universe Ram-MMan costume, with one dude coming and saying "you were my favorite toy when I was a child" (which out of context would be awfully creepy, but I understood as it was mine as well ;) ). Bottom line: Do the costumes you like whether you have the body type or not, as Adam says. Trolls will be trolls and you'll only find them under bridges if you go looking for them. After a bit, You'll learn to block them out, they become white noise. I was crossing the street one time (not in costume just regular clothing) and a sh*thead asked when I was giving birth. I turned around and said to him "At least I f*ck". That's the sunbeam that turns trolls into stone,
That's so mean. Especially given that Wolverine's personality has always been the rhetorical embodiment of a beer gut. It doesn't matter how overly muscular they make the guy, he is, spiritually, a chubby bear.
Every bit of your comment was an inspiration, especially the incendiary clarity of that EPIC burn to the mouth-breathing sh*thead who was so nasty to you on the street. Do what you love with no regrets EVER! 😘🙌❤️
I love seeing different body types as various characters, especially ones that wouldn't be considered "typical" for that character -- if I saw a "portly Indiana Jones", I wouldn't be thinking that it was wrong, I'd be thinking "hey, I could do this, too!" It's inspiring! So I would say to anyone considering it: you'll probably be inspiring more people to give it a try, just by being, and that's a really, really good thing imo. : )
I really appreciate you taking the time and effort to combat gatekeeping in cosplay. - I would advise anyone wanting to cosplay to politely decline if someone pushes you to join a costume contest your first time. Have an entirely positive con experience or two under your belt before you subject yourself to anything like that. In the best case scenario it's stress and comparing yourselves to others instead of enjoying yourself. My first con in costume was nearly my last because I encountered gatekeeping from one of the judges - ironically from someone who is very active in fighting against it when it takes forms he recognizes. - I'd also go your first time with someone you know and who knew you were working on your costume. They don't have to be cosplaying, just someone to stand there and feel like a support until you get comfortable. The cosplay community is incredibly accepting, but it's still a crowd of strangers your first time and having a friend standing next to you when you get approached by someone who wants to take a picture with you is calming. - Walk around outdoors for 15+ minutes in your costume more than a week before the convention. Something is going to break. Something is going to hurt. Something is going to make it hard to walk. Something is going to trap heat in so you're too hot. You'll want a weekend or two to fix those things. You don't want to find out about them at the convention. - Wear something comfortable underneath that you don't mind being seen in. This is for 2 vital reasons. First - nothing is more miserable than having to keep wearing a costume until you get somewhere private when something goes wrong. Being able to step out of traffic at a con and take off parts of your costume that are hurting/overheating/breaking or when you need to go to the restroom is a MASSIVE relief. I've seen some big name cosplayers in giant, intricate suits step into a corner and dismantle it there to reveal shorts and a t-shirt while they go to the restroom. For my second con in costume, I had to be taken home and have my costume cut off of me so I could run to the restroom. Don't make my mistake. Second - things break. You don't want your armor to snap off and leave you standing in a crowd showing off something you don't want seen. If it snaps off and everyone sees you wearing a t-shirt and shorts underneath, no one will judge. Obviously, some costumes it's impossible to wear much underneath, but I really wouldn't wear those your first time. - Along the same lines as that, practice getting out of your costume quickly a few times. You never want to find out when you need to use the restroom that your costume is hard to get out of on your own. I think every cosplayer has a story involving this. Obviously, some people have costumes where that's impossible but they have to have a spotter to help them around the convention and get them out of their costume when they need out. A spotter is a very good friend who supports your cosplay enough to do that for you, so that's hard to have your first time. - If you're still nervous, pick something that lets you carry a giant foam weapon. Even though people are being supportive of you, it can sometimes make you feel nervous if your costume is attracting their eyes to your body and a giant foam weapon draws their eyes towards the weapon instead. You get the excited, friendly conversations from people who love what you've done but at arm's length. - Make extra of whatever you can. If your costume has horns and one breaks off in a doorway, having a spare you can stick on in its place will absolutely save your day. - Don't compare yourself to anyone and don't assume others are comparing you. It doesn't matter if you bought it instead of making it, and it doesn't matter if you made it and don't have the skills of the uber-elite. People will ask things like "did you sew this yourself" and that's intimidating to get that question about something you bought. You have to remind yourself each time - they're asking that because they can't do it either, so just tell them where you got it. Odds are that's a lot more helpful to them than if you had actually made it yourself.
Honestly it kinda even applies to just regular clothes too. Your day to day clothes are a costume in a way, and you should use them to express yourself. But a lot of us use them to blend in and hide ourselves. There's ways to make any body type look good; it's typically all about proportions and which features you highlight by using proportions. Of course, with a cosplay that can be harder, since you're working with a specific outfit/design, but there's still ways to tweak it slightly to work. And at the end of the day the only thing that matters is that it makes YOU happy.
When I get my soccer jersey & scarf (even in the middle of summer) to go to a game I often refer to it as putting on a costume. It's just a different time of costume than con-costuming.
Thanks for this Adam. As an orbital person, I dipped my toe into the water with a home sewn screen accurate ST:TNG uniform. I'd had it made for 5 years before I had the courage to wear it at a con. The positivity I had from other cosplayers and fans was jaw dropping. I was thinking Family Guy Boba Fett Chicken would be next but after listening to you, I think I might try a rotund Spider-man variant.
Thank you Adam. As a very large guy, my confidence was never enough to try cosplay, but I love and understand what everyone loves about it. It’s all about personal strength and confidence. I’ve seen a 300 pound woman be Wonder Woman, and strut like she’s the most beautiful thing on the planet. That’s pure strength of character right there. Cosplay is for positivity, the community helps and supports each other. As it should be. Or, to properly phrase it…. “This is the way”.
Adam is 100% correct with his statement, you can cosplay any character you desire no matter what body type you have. Cosplay boosts confidence and gives challenge for those who create and/or wears the cosplay. Never be afraid to cosplay because on the general public, do it because of your love for the craft. Love the video @tested and thank you again for having my group and I on the channel. Hope to see you and come back on the channel soon! ~Joshua Marchese (cjpropstudio) from paladins of cosplay
As a truly fat bastard I am so appreciative of your positive message in this. Actually joined up as a member. I'll probably never have the chance to meet you as I'm in Australia but have loved your work from the original Mythbusters and a long time since. Just thank you for being you, such positive energy is needed in this world now more than ever.
I've sometimes imagined a cosplay app or website where you can enter your body proportions/measurements and a database would return suggested results based on records of fictional character's sizes
Im going to my first con! a con virgin if you must. ALL because of this channel and this community. It's a passion I didn't even know I had! Thanks, Adam.
I am "non-slim" and it has never stopped me. This past year I did a mash-up of Mermaid Man wearing a Starro mask. In the past I have done several LEGO minifigs and a 1940s noir/Spirit style Green Lantern. Do what you want and let the haters f off...
As a non slim cosplayer, my best advice is just go for it. It's about your enjoyment of it over everything else. One of my first cons I saw a 6'5 bodybuilder dressed as misty from pokemon. You got this.
to the portly indy - while you might not have felt very confident there was probably someone that seen you doing your thing who is also too nervous to cosplay a certain character for whatever reason but seeing you has given them the confidence to do it next time
I clicked immediately after seeing the title because my biggest fear with cosplaying comes from being plus-size. There are dozens of characters I want to cosplay but have put the idea on the backburner because I'm terrified of what people might think of me or say to me. Being Black and plus-size and seeing how some people treat cosplayers that look like me online is traumatizing enough :/
Not in to cosplay, not in to scifi, fantasy or anything about it. Just wanted to express how nice it sounds if it's truly as supportive and inclusive as described. To the person worried about their body and costumes, please, do what makes you feel good. Be kind to yourself and trust that there's way more nice people out there than horrid ones even if it doesn't seem that way all the time, or even often, and trust that you have the courage to do what you want to do. Have fun. Be happy
I'm an introvert by nature. Not one to draw attention to myself, uncomfortable in crowds, etc. However! I love going to cons! I don't dress in costumes but I REALLY enjoy the creativity, imagination and sheer talent put into the costumes...big or small. Great video, Adam and team!
So True. It really forces me out of my comfort zone and haveing attention on the crazy costumes really allows me to expend minimal effort and enjoy myself
Maybe try a cosplay where no one can see your face. Especially if it’s one that doesn’t have to talk. Then they can’t tell that you are an introvert. They don’t know how awkward it is for you. It can be the thing that lets you let go and enjoy the con in a whole new light. And if for some reason it doesn’t, no one knows it was you.
For four years, I've been regularly cosplaying a female character in different outfits. I've got the outfit she was introduced in, a Scarlet Witch version, a Victorian/steampunk gown, and in the next five weeks I'll be making an autumn-themed look for her because the con's theme this year is fall festival and her color scheme is red, orange, and yellow. I'm a dude with a goatee. I cosplay her because she's my favorite character, and that's all I need.
Adam, your answer just brought me to tears of happiness!♥ That is EXACTLY how people on the floor generally react nowadays to anyone with a different body type to their chosen character! My daughter - @HenchWench (Aussie Cosplay champion) sees this everywhere also. Every day on stage at Weta Workshop from now on, I'll pass this on to all our budding cosplay visitors!!! Thank you so much! Oh, and do drop back with Norman SOON!♥♥♥
You have to be comfortable in the cosplay you choose. As someone who is also overweight, I struggled for a long time trying to think of a cosplay for a character I liked, and a body type I felt I could pull off. I always loved the idea of cosplay, but my weight and the characters I love never made me feel like I could make a successful cosplay and not be made fun of (even if it was my own brain doing the mocking and not someone else). A few years ago, I decided to bite the bullet and quickly throw together a Super Mario cosplay using a pair of denim overalls, a red shirt, a red hat and a homemade Mario mustache. When I went to Ottawa ComicCon in that cosplay, I got so many compliments and requests for my picture, I ended up having the TIME OF MY LIFE. It 100% depends on what you are comfortable with, but I am so glad that I took that plunge and pushed past my own fears and insecurities of what others might think of my cosplay. I finally realized the negativity was in my own head and not coming from anyone at the con. I hope that your own cosplay and con experiences can be just as entertaining as they were for me.
I love your stance against gatekeeping and most of your advice to Phil. Absolutely, cosplay what you want. However, I have seen and heard people not being accepting of people cosplaying "outside their body type." "She's too fat to cosplay that character." "He's too short to cosplay that character." "She's too busty/not busty enough to cosplay that character." Sadly, the dudebros _do_ show up to cons, and they _do_ make their vile opinions known. I know people who won't cosplay because of it. And that sucks, because their cosplays were awesome. It's up to the rest of us to make their opinions unwelcome at cons.
Yeah, there's gotta be at least one costume everyone has always wanted to wear. Personally, I'd love an ODST trooper armor from the HALO series. One with a silenced SMG prop like the Halo 3 ODST game. Everyone has to have at least one.
Personally I have multiple. I'm a big fan of science fiction armor suits. The armor from Halo is probably low on my list, but Stormtrooper armor, Fallout Power Armor, 40k Space Marine armor, Mandalorian armor, or a Dr. Doom costume are some of the ones I'd love to put on.
I have cosplayed for years at various different sizes, and I would say that there are 2 strategies to approach the problem. 1) lean into it: My size 8 Vampire Willow was practically invisible. No one commented on it. But size 14 "Pigs in Space" Miss Piggy, couldn't walk 3 feet without someone complementing or asking for a pic. 2) details matter more when you don't look like the actor. Bruce Campbel came off the stage to acknowledge a short, south-asian Ash from Evil Dead/Army of Darkness because of the attention to detail
That's awesome! I would love to see someone do Taweret from Moon Knight because her character and her costume are so cool. But I also understand that someone with the physique to really carry it would likely have unpleasant feelings about cosplaying a hippo.
I'm 6'3", got the spare tyre, and cosplayed as Sailor Pluto at a con. Yes I was nervous an terrified and was meeting a group of others who wanted to do Sailor scouts. I lacked the staff and the costume felt super short but I can say it was an amazing feeling being there and I did get compliments. Down side was the boots I wore kind of hurt and my feet ached for two weeks after 😒 Still wouldn't swap that feeling for the comfort zone 😊
Went to my first comicon last year in Liverpool UK, it was amazing to see and be involved in such a welcoming place, it felt free, I didn't go in costume, but tickets for next year are booked, and my costume is underway!
Damn I enjoy your enthusiasm about your interaction with that young fan of McReady! I appreciate your support for the question about non-slim body types. I've struggled with the same issue.
Man just rock it! People's body type is the last thing people are worried about at this things. Its all about creativity and community. You aren't alone in your struggles my friend. Have fun my friend
I went to my first con this year…not in costume, but saw all types of creativity. My daughter is all about going next year in costume, and I will support her fully. The love we got as first timers was amazing…and maybe my broken down, too large body will find my way into a costume too…
I used to build my own spaceships, up in the attic, with actual screens and controllers, when I was around 8 years old. It was basically a pillow-fort with some cardboard boxes, a joystick for gaming and an old television. But because it would be so dark up in the attic, it felt so real to me. I had a very vivid imagination as a kid 😄
I still remember putting on my dress blues for the first time in boot camp as a young man. This was back in 1983. That "costume" had so much inherent "swagger" it was profound. Thank you for the memory.
There's a lot of positivity and encouragement here in the comments for the portly Indy, and I love that and I think it's great, BUT I think it also speaks to a deeper anxiety: how do I make myself feel good about a costume that doesn't necessarily fit my body type? I think Adam gave some great advice about "striking the hero pose" and asking yourself how the costume makes you feel, but within that there is "am I doing the costume justice?". Don't feel obligated to wear a perfectly screen accurate version of a costume. Buy pants that fit, get a jacket that isn't too big for your frame, wear. comfortable. shoes. Nobody who is worth listening to will tell you that you are too short/fat/skinny/tall for a costume, but you also won't FEEL that way if you make the costume fit your body. A portly Indy who's gut is hanging out of his shirt is going to probably be more self conscious and draw more attention than a well dressed portly Indy who is more comfortable in their costume. (although a deliberately fat Indy costume could be a fun aesthetic as well, if that's what you're going for)
I follow a bunch of cosplayers on Twitter and Instagram, and although I love and adore everyone doing any effort, my absolute favorite cosplays are when it's the non "traditional" ones. The men going as women, and vice versa, the chunky proudly going skintight, the black doing white characters, et cetera. Knightmage does a gorgeous He-Man, for example, blond hair and all. 😁 If you're confident in yourself, and are willing to put yourself out there like that, I will adore and admire you, regardless of how your body may "fit the character". I've always been chunky and for the longest time I struggled with my self image, but with age has come understanding, then acceptance, and finally pride. And I wholeheartedly wish the same upon all y'all!
Man, Adam, what a great response. I totally agree with your response. The one thing I would add to Phil, or anyone who grapples with body image issues, is you are loved and you are not alone. Buttheads will always want to judge you for something. No one's perfect in any way shape or form. Do your best to be happy and surround yourself with people who will build you up rather than tear you down. I love you Phil and I love you Adam. Thank you for being positive influences in my life!
I have an unfounded hunch that anyone at a convention who points out a cosplayer's rotund shape is bound to get more attention than the person they "call out". Like, if I saw a 3XL stormtrooper in a 3XL cosplay, I'd think the person went the extra mile to have it suit themselves.
When I was in undergrad and intent on studying theatre, my professor said that he never felt like he could get into character before he put on their shoes and literally felt what walking as them was like.
I've been near death at 140 The Big C, and now near death at 260 heart stuff. That being said Kenneth McMillians Baron V Harkonnen would be a wonderful costume, for any body type.
Comic Cons People! I have worked security for over 10 years and have worked concerts, events and various locations with many different results. Yesterday I worked my very first Comic Con (I have never before attended one) and it was the happiest day of work I have ever had in security. I have never met a group of more accepting, inclusive and happy people in my life When I expressed my appreciation for a costume the result was the most enthusiastic "THANK YOU!" and a smile that stretched from ear to ear. In addition I had a number say to me "We appreciate what you're doing.: not a statement we hear often in this job. In discussion with merchants, artists and attendees I discovered a common thought, that these people have retained or re-learned the ability to play. I will return again to next years "Capital City Comic Con" whether to work, volunteer, attend or all of these and maybe even play a bit. Thank you to all of you who organize and attend events so that many more of us can remember to play.
That was a very insightful and wholesome answer. I'll keep it in mind in my everyday life as well. I don't think its right to make fun of people and I wouldn't want friends who make fun of people so I should be less worried about somehow interacting with someone who may or may not make fun of me because they are likely not valuable to me in my life nor would they become valuable if I feel that they are antagonizing me. Thank you Adam :)
What Adam says is so true. Ninety five percent of cosplayers don't care about the body the costume is on, they are more interested in the costume itself, and then more about the effort you've put into it rather than the execution. If they can tell you've tried on your costume they will appreciate it, they might offer the odd bit of advice for improving but not in a way that is meant to put you down. But also, trust in yourself. Appreciate any compliments you might get but as for criticisms, both in everyday life and at conventions, who cares? If you don't know the criticisers and more importantly, they don't know you, why do you care about their opinions? Whatever you're wearing as a costume, there is probably someone getting around in civvies who looked at your costume and thought 'I wish I'd done that.'
I went to a convention last November and since it was after Loki, we had a gathering of Variant Loki. Since I am nowhere near a Hiddleston physique, I am closer to Endgame Thor, I went as a “Lumberjack Loki” (currently my profile pic). There were a lot of compliments. I had a great time
In my opinion these would be simplest of terms for cosplay. -you can put ANY costume you want on yourself and go do whatever, But there are things to know when people look at you: -first they look at your costume and evaluate the effort put into the costume -second they look at how you are impersonating the character -bonus points if you worked to fit the weight category of the character. The weight category is least important to onlookers but it tends to be a goal for cosplayers. For me, its a personal thing. It helps me mentally and physically if i lose weight to play the character. But it's not important for anyone else who looks at me.
yes! this, not just body type, I wore my crappy homemade mr. torgue cosplay to an event once, i felt awful about how shitty it was but other people were stoked to see me. I had developers who designed the character shouting across the hall at me with enthusiasm. pro cosplayers with pro level costumes made me feel so welcomed. took pics with me. it was amazing. i got to stand on stage and hear people cheer for my shitty costume. thats not to say there are no assholes but you won't notice them. and as mr. savage said if someone does give you shit, tell literally anyone else about it and they will be happy to stomp down the hate.
Cosplay isn't an audition. You don't need someone to tell you that you're right for the part to cosplay. The fact that you want to try on the costume makes you right for the part, because you're the casting director. You're showing your love for the character or object that you're playing. You're announcing to others that you relate to that character or object in some way, and you're shouting out to the Con community for others who might feel the same way. You're hoping to meet others who share your love, or inspire to see the character as you do. No one will match that person or thing, except for the actor / actress / CGI / animation that created it. Your interpretation is always going to be a facsimile of the original, with any imperfections or improvements that you've added. Glory in that. IMHO, the very reason why Adam cosplays is because of his deep love for the characters, and the costumes that inspired them. Some folks are artisans who show off their extreme detail and craftsmanship. There are tailors, makers, formers, and engineers creating on every scale... hoping for that one person who will admire their work. Then there are folks who found a cape and a t-shirt at the last moment to pay homage to a favorite movie or moment. Never let anyone else take away your joy in pretending to be someone else for a day.
I would just like to say, I watched mythbusters since I was around 8 or 9. You are one of the biggest inspiration in my life that led me to do robotics in highschool and study engineering in college. I'm now an intern for Mercedes Benz and it is thanks to you! ❤️
Since it is your costume, always make sure it is tailored to you. The silhouette of the costume is the important part not the body in it. So if you need to add some padding to your shoulders or cut the lines of the pieces a little wider so that it is both flattering and proportional to you, that is just you making a good costume for you. This is true for all body shapes that you need to make alterations for. Whether you are tall, short, busty, thiccc or just drastically different from the shape of the character you are cosplaying as. It doesn’t matter if the original costume has all the dimensions known down to the size of the rivets, you need to make the proportions work on your body. So yeah, make the best version of the costume that looks good on you. And practice your swagger. Because you are there to have fun and show off this beautiful thing you have made!
Wearing cosplay is also amazing because it gives you a conversation starter with so many people at a con? I spent an entire ECCC collecting selfies with my "daughter" cosplayers and it was one of the best cons I've ever done
In regards to cosplaying as a character who may not be the same size as you, I say go for it. I have walked the floor in and out of costume and I have seen many cosplayers who don't fit the physique of their favorite characters. But in every case they embraced the cosplay %100. You shouldn't let others opinion shape who you are and what makes you happy. I'm nearly 50 and I try to choose characters who fit my aesthetic, but not because of others opinions, but for my own happiness and, I'm lazy so I rarely go over and above, lol.
Your story ofnthe kids in the cardboard armor reminds me of childhood playtime. I was around 5 or 6 when the TV Captain America movies were on in the early 80s, I cannibalized card board boxes to make little Captain America shields to run around outside with my friends, throwing those things at each other.
The last time I wore my d3 barbarian to a contest I thought I was 'too big' for the character. After contest and actually placing in a category above what I had entered the super buff guest judge said that I was actually built for the character and brought it to life. I had completely forgotten that the 6ish months of weightlifting prior had actually brought more realness than I had thought!
He’s not just saying it… I read a thread on the rpf where a member went after another for being too scrawny to cosplay as “Star Lord” - and Adam jumped in on the thread, going after him. And my love for Savage grew.
I used to reenact with a civil war group, at first I was very self conscious to walk into a store or such away from the event, but after a few times I started to embrace it, and not worry about it... So embrace your fear and jump in! You will never regret it !
I am an older (52) generously robust gentleman myself and I like to cosplay. I will amplify what others have said about wearing whatever you want - you will be appreciated. I will also like to add that I totally get it. It's not all about confidence - there's a TECHNICAL challenge for plus-sized cosplay. As a plus-sized cos-player, I have to make a lot more of my costume from scratch because I will never find a helmet or coat that will fit me. This also affects my choice in costumes. Thirdly, as a plus-sized cosplayer, I do try to choose characters/costumes that at least will look plausibly good on me. For me it's not about shame or embarrassment - my Aqua-Bats costume was pretty skin-tight and my Master-Blaster costume had me going shirtless - it was more about what I felt I could pull off. What type of character "fits" my body type - not LOOKS LIKE, but FITS! I choose characters that will fill out my body shape, not characters my body shape will fit into. But yeah, basically, the technical aspect of getting clothes, coats, helmets, etc. that will fit you is a HUGE hurdle!
Us slim guys have trouble as well, I've been shamed when shirtless and I didn't receive the same support non-slim people get. Being skinny isn't any easier than being large, we need to get rid of that misconception. It's okay to call people 'skin and bones' but it's rude to say 'fat'
On costuming cheap, I was at a con last week, and there was a person in a homemade ghostbuster outfit. Cardboard and hot glue, top to bottom. Technically "sloppy," but there was no mistaking any part of it, it absolutely hit my memory of the details of the movie, and I could tell they poured love into making it. And that's what I try to go for when I suit up. My Rocketeer has a 90% helmet, a 70% jacket, and a 50% rocket pack. It's "thematically" accurate, but would never pass a side-by-side. But my self-conscious concerns are ALWAYS cut off by "OMG, it's the Rocketeer! Holy crap, you have the gum (10cents worth of sculpy) that stops the leak!" You can find fellow makers who will talk about the exact year of Alice frame and shade of sequel jumpsuit if you want, and that's fun too, but the people on the floor aren't pulling up screens to judge your work, they're going "hey, I loved that too!"
This was very timely! I am in end stage liver failure, waiting for a transplant, and I am putting together an Indiana Jones costume and display for Trunk or Treat at my Church next month. I decided that I was not going to care about my weight ballooning up 250+ pounds, it is going to make me happy and I need that right now. Life is too short and precious to avoid what you like because you are afraid of other people's ignorance or intolerance. That is a shame they must bear, not me!!!!
As an overweight cosplayer myself, I can say that the kind of people that go to cons generally don't care how big you are. In fact, it's more about your acting or....rather, your actions. Your ability to be in character is more important. I also don't have a lot of money or time. All of my cosplays are found object cosplays and edited cheap wigs. My costumes are never exactly the character. What I usually do is draw the character wearing the costume I'm making or close to it so as to make sure the costume suits the character. Makes sense for how they are, generally. I can't get exact in most cases. But as long as it's recognizably the character and you can put on the show of the character, that's really all that matters.
Kinda/sorta related: went to a variety show at my nephew's high school. The young lady was dressed as Dorothy Gale, with ruby red glittered shoes, singing "Over the Rainbow". She was opposite of Judy Garland's figure. But did anyone care? Of course not! From the applause, she stole the whole show with her solo. *imo, she was one of the few highlights of the show.
Adam's right. I've been to loads of cons. People go there for an escape from the reality of day to day life. In my experience, I've only ever seen massive encouragement for anyone who wears a costume. No matter what body type anyone has, it's about having fun and being a different person or character for the day. In a way, cons are one big costume party! :-D
And this is also something that every con organizer needs to make sure that they keep up on. Cons have gotten much better at anti-harassment policies, but it's the kind of thing that they need to maintain. Look over the policies, workshop how to be more responsive and make sure that everybody is focused on inclusion.
When we put on clothes it changes the way we think about ourselves. This is true whether it's a suit and tie or a spiderman costume. If that cardboard armour makes you happy, go for it.
Some folks with less than ideal body type for a particular character can really play that character to the maximum. While others have found themselves “self conscious”. I suggest finding people who love CosPlay an go as a group.
I totally agree with what Adam said about don't worry about your body type just where the costume that makes you feel something if it makes you feel good makes you feel strong confident whatever just wear it I'm 6'5 and 300 lb and I don't care if I'm cosplaying is a little kid I don't care if I can cosplaying as someone that's supposed to be skinny I just make the character my own but still the character that I'm supposed to be if that makes any sense and yeah if anyone gives you any crap they're in the wrong space they're definitely in the wrong spot because everyone that likes to cosplay just like to see other people cosplay they don't care if you're exactly how you're supposed to look or if you have every minor detail complete there's just those people that would prefer to have everything right but just have fun and if anyone gives you crap that just means they're not having fun and coming from someone that was bullied throughout School and I actually quit because of it don't listen to him if you are having fun if you were with friends if you go by yourself you will find people around you that are like-minded and that will encourage you to do anything
From experience, make the consume yours. You only get grief when you get closer and closer to being 100% screen accurate or trying to be identical to the source. The more you make it your own but within the character you want, the more accepting the community is. The reason for that is similar to Adam and his prop making. When you have a reference material and can compare, you see the imperfections. The more you deviate the more accepting others are to "this is their creative choice" and allow it. But when you try to get identical to the original, someone will notice that something is just a little wrong... wrong texture, wrong color, missing a little do-dad... whatever. So if you want to be a double for someone or impersonate them in costume, it is highly likely someone will be a little more critical of the differences, but if you take it on and make it your own, they will accept that you are making it your own version of that thing. Yes, there will always be "that guy" who wants to argue and point out that your design is not the same, but that is a very small minority in the cosplay community.
As a former fat guy, I didn't like how my body was so I ended up just eating healthier food instead of my daily treats. I lost 30 lbs in a few months by literally not eating as much junk. Replaced it with meat and vegetables. That's it.. No cardio, no extra weight lifting etc... Hope you achieve your goals buddy!
I've never done cosplay, but I have sometimes thought about putting together a Darth Vader outfit but where the cape has "Vader!" in sequins all over it, probably some rhinestones all over the body, and call it "Darth Vader during his fat Vegas years."
Re: 3:54 , My two daughters, early primary school, brought over the kids from next door, You've got to see this film!" On goes the DVD, John Carpenter's The Thing. The next day, a knock on the door. The parents, wanting to speak to us about their kids' nightmares. It was like the preschool creche vampire incident, all over again...
Everyone should be able to cosplay any character no matter their body type! And anyone who isn’t okay with that should be shunned from the community! Not saying an individuals reaction to getting negative feedback on their cosplay + body isn’t valid, it totally is! I’m just saying the assholes that bully others for their body are 1000000% not welcome in the cosplay community. I hope I’m speaking for a majority of people when I say that.
I do it for the love I have for a character, I'm larger in the stomach and cannot help that and not easy when life isn't keeping you on the right path in many different ways... if you love the character you want to do the best you can and to avoid thinking that it has to be exactly as drawn/portrayed by other people... I love the characters I've cosplayed and will do as much as I can do them despite not always being the same shape as that
As Adam said in his book, chase down your secret thrills. Do the cosplays or make the props that YOU want and damn anyone's opinions. Does it make you happy? does it feeling meaningful or important to you? follow that
Have fun with it, one of the best cosplays I have ever seen was the beer belly Thor, it was great. Guy walked around with a thor hammer and empty beer bottle. If you want to be portly capt america with a pizza shield, do it. Actually that sounds like an awesome cosplay.
When Bernard Hill saw the inside of his armor that he wore as King Theoden and saw that it had the seal of Rohan stamped on the inside where the camera would never see it he said, "That makes me feel like a King not an actor."
Even the actors who play the roles in real life aren't the shape they appear to be in costume. They are frequently in muscle suits to make them look 'super' despite being in great physical shape already.
I really want to get into an Assassin's creed cosplay but I'm 37 and not slim but I love the game! At the same time I feel like I'm too old and not fit so I'll just set back, watch and enjoy others who can
About the costume on the cheap. I went to a halloween costume party from a university. They were a group as the ninja turtles on the cheap. They used big aluminium foil pans as their shell and colored headband. Cheap AF, but yet effective. A loved that so much.
The only people I've ever seen make nasty comments about an out of the ordinary cosplayer were watching film of a con. I've never seen anyone at a con be mean about any costume. If you put in the effort and have the same dream, you are a member of the family.
Reasons why I am mildly terrified to do other non armor costumes because I can't hide behind belts and such like I do in my Mando. I would love to be brave and wear a twilek even though I am a little round. But I have friends who make it work for them so why not me? Also I met one of my best con friends when she first made cardboard and duct tape boba Fett armor back in 2012 I think when Jeremy Bulloch may he rest in the force, was at phxcc, and I took her to go meet him!
Thank you for your questions Lee, Vickie and Phil! Join this channel to support Tested and get access to perks, like asking Adam questions!
ua-cam.com/channels/iDJtJKMICpb9B1qf7qjEOA.htmljoin
Where do I submit my question to Adam? I’m a tested patron and still can’t figure out when or where to ask him
Thanks Adam for your kind words and encouraging answer!
Throughout this whole video I was imagining The Rock in a Spiderman suit on the floor of a con.
Phil question, of the experience Cosplay CosMake , thats no rule ... feeling well ... Tested should do am series with that
I witnessed this at a Con in Portland years back. A person not even in costume was giving a girl with a larger body in an anime style costume a bad time, and the crowd turned on this person so fast and so harshly I thought they were in actual danger. If you make the effort to make a costume and wear it with pride, 99.99% of the crowd will be with you.
Just say she was fat, don't pussyfoot around it.
Facts. Well put.
I'd be willing to show up in just a hoodie that said 'Safe Space' and beat the dog piss out of anyone bullying somebody who is just trying to have fun.
Abso-freaking-lutely!
Portland con-goers will drag the offending bigot to the moon & back!
One suggestion is to try to size the costume to your actual dimensions, rather than the dimensions you wish you had. It's amazing how good something can look when it fits properly.
That goes for all clothes, good fit is the most important factor in looking good.
Cosplay for yourself, dont cosplay for others.
I'm a cosplayer/ cosplay fabricator and I want to make this my living one day. I am considered large and build my costumes to hide what I feel are my own imperfections. I've worn costumes that hide everything, and costumes that reveal almost everything. Wear what makes you feel amazing. No matter what your size, race, gender may be, what always matters is you have fun. Those who have the nerve to make fun of you for your body type won't be at a con, they will be hidden behind a screen where you don't have to deal with it. be yourself and keep being awesome
Well said!
Thank you
In my experience not only is the cosplay community very supportive and welcoming of anyone who is willing to put on a costume. But they will also stand up for and go to bat for any fellow cosplayer who experiences any kind of harassment. I was at Dragon Con about decade and half ago, and was across the street walking to the con as a young man who was cosplaying as sailor moon was making a similar trek from one of the hotels. He attracted the attention of what I can only describe as stereotypical group of dude bros unaffiliated with the con who proceeded to tease, follow, and harass them as they walked over to the parade staging area. The look on said dude bro's faces was to die for as they went around a corner following this young man and walked face first smack into a group of about 40 or so guys cosplaying as Spartans from The 300. Said Spartans immediately got in their faces wanting to know why they were harassing their friend and let them know in no uncertain terms that that kind of behavior was not welcome. They beat a hasty retreat and that was the last we saw of said dude bros. I've seen similar interactions from time to time over many decades of attending many types of cons and the reaction of fellow cosplayers is always the same to that kind of behavior Spartans or no.
To Phil, as Adam says, it can take courage just to don the costume and walk out into public with it. I've done it and it really isn't too easy and you're going to constantly draw attention. As a very introverted person, it was hard. So if someone gives you trouble, especially one without costume, know that you're already putting in more effort than them. Do you. IF you want to wear it, do it. What YOU think is more important than what others think, and most will like it more than you might expect.
Just be a fat boba fet who cares as long as you enjoy it.
I personally think that seeing a hefty version a girl version a skinny version of a specific character speaks to confidence and creativity on behalf of the cosplayer.
Don’t let dweebs bring you down. If you aren’t Thor’s physique being a short regular dude version is super cool cause it’s more accesible to an actual fan.
This is just an amazing philosophy! Thank you for this dose of therapeutic advice!
@@cavemanvi Boba Fat
@@RowdyBrian17 Boba Fatt
Being a plus-sized Cosplayer myself, I have struggled with this issue. Here in Argentina the Cosplay scene got toxic for a while and I received a lot of flack for cosplaying Wolverine, my favorite character (I'm also a comic-accurate 5'4, so yeah, it was a must-do), and the truth is, I never cared. I'm chubby/fat/obese, whatever you wanna called it, I'm doing it for fun, and if talking sh*t about someone is how you get your fun, by all means, enjoy it, it doesn't bother me.
On the other hand, I've also enjoyed doing some cosplays more appropriate for my body type (I got to troll an official 00: Rise of an Empire Spartan model on the WB Both at a con dressed as Fred Flinstone), and got an amazing response for them, making traffic stop to appreciate and compliment my costumes. I got people shouting "Tally HO" when I was going to a con as Commander Stargazer from the Silverhawks cartoons, and I made people tear up with nostalgia while wearing my Classic Masters of the Universe Ram-MMan costume, with one dude coming and saying "you were my favorite toy when I was a child" (which out of context would be awfully creepy, but I understood as it was mine as well ;) ).
Bottom line: Do the costumes you like whether you have the body type or not, as Adam says. Trolls will be trolls and you'll only find them under bridges if you go looking for them. After a bit, You'll learn to block them out, they become white noise. I was crossing the street one time (not in costume just regular clothing) and a sh*thead asked when I was giving birth. I turned around and said to him "At least I f*ck". That's the sunbeam that turns trolls into stone,
Love your comment! From a skinny guy in Sweden who have never cosplayed!
That's so mean. Especially given that Wolverine's personality has always been the rhetorical embodiment of a beer gut. It doesn't matter how overly muscular they make the guy, he is, spiritually, a chubby bear.
Every bit of your comment was an inspiration, especially the incendiary clarity of that EPIC burn to the mouth-breathing sh*thead who was so nasty to you on the street. Do what you love with no regrets EVER! 😘🙌❤️
I love seeing different body types as various characters, especially ones that wouldn't be considered "typical" for that character -- if I saw a "portly Indiana Jones", I wouldn't be thinking that it was wrong, I'd be thinking "hey, I could do this, too!" It's inspiring! So I would say to anyone considering it: you'll probably be inspiring more people to give it a try, just by being, and that's a really, really good thing imo. : )
I really appreciate you taking the time and effort to combat gatekeeping in cosplay.
- I would advise anyone wanting to cosplay to politely decline if someone pushes you to join a costume contest your first time. Have an entirely positive con experience or two under your belt before you subject yourself to anything like that. In the best case scenario it's stress and comparing yourselves to others instead of enjoying yourself. My first con in costume was nearly my last because I encountered gatekeeping from one of the judges - ironically from someone who is very active in fighting against it when it takes forms he recognizes.
- I'd also go your first time with someone you know and who knew you were working on your costume. They don't have to be cosplaying, just someone to stand there and feel like a support until you get comfortable. The cosplay community is incredibly accepting, but it's still a crowd of strangers your first time and having a friend standing next to you when you get approached by someone who wants to take a picture with you is calming.
- Walk around outdoors for 15+ minutes in your costume more than a week before the convention. Something is going to break. Something is going to hurt. Something is going to make it hard to walk. Something is going to trap heat in so you're too hot. You'll want a weekend or two to fix those things. You don't want to find out about them at the convention.
- Wear something comfortable underneath that you don't mind being seen in. This is for 2 vital reasons.
First - nothing is more miserable than having to keep wearing a costume until you get somewhere private when something goes wrong. Being able to step out of traffic at a con and take off parts of your costume that are hurting/overheating/breaking or when you need to go to the restroom is a MASSIVE relief. I've seen some big name cosplayers in giant, intricate suits step into a corner and dismantle it there to reveal shorts and a t-shirt while they go to the restroom. For my second con in costume, I had to be taken home and have my costume cut off of me so I could run to the restroom. Don't make my mistake.
Second - things break. You don't want your armor to snap off and leave you standing in a crowd showing off something you don't want seen. If it snaps off and everyone sees you wearing a t-shirt and shorts underneath, no one will judge. Obviously, some costumes it's impossible to wear much underneath, but I really wouldn't wear those your first time.
- Along the same lines as that, practice getting out of your costume quickly a few times. You never want to find out when you need to use the restroom that your costume is hard to get out of on your own. I think every cosplayer has a story involving this. Obviously, some people have costumes where that's impossible but they have to have a spotter to help them around the convention and get them out of their costume when they need out. A spotter is a very good friend who supports your cosplay enough to do that for you, so that's hard to have your first time.
- If you're still nervous, pick something that lets you carry a giant foam weapon. Even though people are being supportive of you, it can sometimes make you feel nervous if your costume is attracting their eyes to your body and a giant foam weapon draws their eyes towards the weapon instead. You get the excited, friendly conversations from people who love what you've done but at arm's length.
- Make extra of whatever you can. If your costume has horns and one breaks off in a doorway, having a spare you can stick on in its place will absolutely save your day.
- Don't compare yourself to anyone and don't assume others are comparing you. It doesn't matter if you bought it instead of making it, and it doesn't matter if you made it and don't have the skills of the uber-elite. People will ask things like "did you sew this yourself" and that's intimidating to get that question about something you bought. You have to remind yourself each time - they're asking that because they can't do it either, so just tell them where you got it. Odds are that's a lot more helpful to them than if you had actually made it yourself.
Honestly it kinda even applies to just regular clothes too. Your day to day clothes are a costume in a way, and you should use them to express yourself. But a lot of us use them to blend in and hide ourselves. There's ways to make any body type look good; it's typically all about proportions and which features you highlight by using proportions. Of course, with a cosplay that can be harder, since you're working with a specific outfit/design, but there's still ways to tweak it slightly to work. And at the end of the day the only thing that matters is that it makes YOU happy.
When I get my soccer jersey & scarf (even in the middle of summer) to go to a game I often refer to it as putting on a costume. It's just a different time of costume than con-costuming.
Thanks for this Adam. As an orbital person, I dipped my toe into the water with a home sewn screen accurate ST:TNG uniform. I'd had it made for 5 years before I had the courage to wear it at a con. The positivity I had from other cosplayers and fans was jaw dropping. I was thinking Family Guy Boba Fett Chicken would be next but after listening to you, I think I might try a rotund Spider-man variant.
Thank you Adam. As a very large guy, my confidence was never enough to try cosplay, but I love and understand what everyone loves about it. It’s all about personal strength and confidence. I’ve seen a 300 pound woman be Wonder Woman, and strut like she’s the most beautiful thing on the planet. That’s pure strength of character right there. Cosplay is for positivity, the community helps and supports each other. As it should be. Or, to properly phrase it…. “This is the way”.
Adam is 100% correct with his statement, you can cosplay any character you desire no matter what body type you have. Cosplay boosts confidence and gives challenge for those who create and/or wears the cosplay. Never be afraid to cosplay because on the general public, do it because of your love for the craft. Love the video @tested and thank you again for having my group and I on the channel. Hope to see you and come back on the channel soon!
~Joshua Marchese (cjpropstudio) from paladins of cosplay
As a truly fat bastard I am so appreciative of your positive message in this. Actually joined up as a member. I'll probably never have the chance to meet you as I'm in Australia but have loved your work from the original Mythbusters and a long time since. Just thank you for being you, such positive energy is needed in this world now more than ever.
I've sometimes imagined a cosplay app or website where you can enter your body proportions/measurements and a database would return suggested results based on records of fictional character's sizes
All well said, Adam. I have always admired your refusing to be a gatekeeper of any sort. Keep it up, it means a lot to many!
Im going to my first con! a con virgin if you must. ALL because of this channel and this community. It's a passion I didn't even know I had! Thanks, Adam.
I am "non-slim" and it has never stopped me. This past year I did a mash-up of Mermaid Man wearing a Starro mask. In the past I have done several LEGO minifigs and a 1940s noir/Spirit style Green Lantern. Do what you want and let the haters f off...
It never crossed your mind to exercise so that everything looks better?
As a non slim cosplayer, my best advice is just go for it. It's about your enjoyment of it over everything else. One of my first cons I saw a 6'5 bodybuilder dressed as misty from pokemon. You got this.
to the portly indy - while you might not have felt very confident there was probably someone that seen you doing your thing who is also too nervous to cosplay a certain character for whatever reason but seeing you has given them the confidence to do it next time
I’m too embarrassed to cosplay. 😕
@@makeupmchoardington5159 what character would you want to cosplay?
As an actor, putting on the costume informs so much of how I move or subtle interactions with the other actors. Absolutely correct, Adam!
Just when I thought I had a handle on everything you do... your emotional prowess equals your technical abilities. Well played sir.
I clicked immediately after seeing the title because my biggest fear with cosplaying comes from being plus-size. There are dozens of characters I want to cosplay but have put the idea on the backburner because I'm terrified of what people might think of me or say to me. Being Black and plus-size and seeing how some people treat cosplayers that look like me online is traumatizing enough :/
Not in to cosplay, not in to scifi, fantasy or anything about it.
Just wanted to express how nice it sounds if it's truly as supportive and inclusive as described.
To the person worried about their body and costumes, please, do what makes you feel good.
Be kind to yourself and trust that there's way more nice people out there than horrid ones even if it doesn't seem that way all the time, or even often, and trust that you have the courage to do what you want to do.
Have fun. Be happy
I'm an introvert by nature. Not one to draw attention to myself, uncomfortable in crowds, etc. However! I love going to cons! I don't dress in costumes but I REALLY enjoy the creativity, imagination and sheer talent put into the costumes...big or small. Great video, Adam and team!
So True. It really forces me out of my comfort zone and haveing attention on the crazy costumes really allows me to expend minimal effort and enjoy myself
Maybe try a cosplay where no one can see your face. Especially if it’s one that doesn’t have to talk. Then they can’t tell that you are an introvert. They don’t know how awkward it is for you. It can be the thing that lets you let go and enjoy the con in a whole new light. And if for some reason it doesn’t, no one knows it was you.
For four years, I've been regularly cosplaying a female character in different outfits. I've got the outfit she was introduced in, a Scarlet Witch version, a Victorian/steampunk gown, and in the next five weeks I'll be making an autumn-themed look for her because the con's theme this year is fall festival and her color scheme is red, orange, and yellow. I'm a dude with a goatee. I cosplay her because she's my favorite character, and that's all I need.
Adam, your answer just brought me to tears of happiness!♥ That is EXACTLY how people on the floor generally react nowadays to anyone with a different body type to their chosen character! My daughter - @HenchWench (Aussie Cosplay champion) sees this everywhere also. Every day on stage at Weta Workshop from now on, I'll pass this on to all our budding cosplay visitors!!!
Thank you so much!
Oh, and do drop back with Norman SOON!♥♥♥
As a heavy person who has always been afraid to cosplay, I really appreciate this video and the supporting comments
You have to be comfortable in the cosplay you choose. As someone who is also overweight, I struggled for a long time trying to think of a cosplay for a character I liked, and a body type I felt I could pull off. I always loved the idea of cosplay, but my weight and the characters I love never made me feel like I could make a successful cosplay and not be made fun of (even if it was my own brain doing the mocking and not someone else). A few years ago, I decided to bite the bullet and quickly throw together a Super Mario cosplay using a pair of denim overalls, a red shirt, a red hat and a homemade Mario mustache. When I went to Ottawa ComicCon in that cosplay, I got so many compliments and requests for my picture, I ended up having the TIME OF MY LIFE. It 100% depends on what you are comfortable with, but I am so glad that I took that plunge and pushed past my own fears and insecurities of what others might think of my cosplay. I finally realized the negativity was in my own head and not coming from anyone at the con. I hope that your own cosplay and con experiences can be just as entertaining as they were for me.
I love your stance against gatekeeping and most of your advice to Phil. Absolutely, cosplay what you want.
However, I have seen and heard people not being accepting of people cosplaying "outside their body type."
"She's too fat to cosplay that character."
"He's too short to cosplay that character."
"She's too busty/not busty enough to cosplay that character."
Sadly, the dudebros _do_ show up to cons, and they _do_ make their vile opinions known. I know people who won't cosplay because of it. And that sucks, because their cosplays were awesome.
It's up to the rest of us to make their opinions unwelcome at cons.
Yeah, there's gotta be at least one costume everyone has always wanted to wear. Personally, I'd love an ODST trooper armor from the HALO series. One with a silenced SMG prop like the Halo 3 ODST game. Everyone has to have at least one.
Personally I have multiple. I'm a big fan of science fiction armor suits. The armor from Halo is probably low on my list, but Stormtrooper armor, Fallout Power Armor, 40k Space Marine armor, Mandalorian armor, or a Dr. Doom costume are some of the ones I'd love to put on.
I have cosplayed for years at various different sizes, and I would say that there are 2 strategies to approach the problem. 1) lean into it: My size 8 Vampire Willow was practically invisible. No one commented on it. But size 14 "Pigs in Space" Miss Piggy, couldn't walk 3 feet without someone complementing or asking for a pic. 2) details matter more when you don't look like the actor. Bruce Campbel came off the stage to acknowledge a short, south-asian Ash from Evil Dead/Army of Darkness because of the attention to detail
That's awesome! I would love to see someone do Taweret from Moon Knight because her character and her costume are so cool. But I also understand that someone with the physique to really carry it would likely have unpleasant feelings about cosplaying a hippo.
I'm 6'3", got the spare tyre, and cosplayed as Sailor Pluto at a con. Yes I was nervous an terrified and was meeting a group of others who wanted to do Sailor scouts. I lacked the staff and the costume felt super short but I can say it was an amazing feeling being there and I did get compliments. Down side was the boots I wore kind of hurt and my feet ached for two weeks after 😒
Still wouldn't swap that feeling for the comfort zone 😊
Adam is such a kind soul
Went to my first comicon last year in Liverpool UK, it was amazing to see and be involved in such a welcoming place, it felt free, I didn't go in costume, but tickets for next year are booked, and my costume is underway!
Damn I enjoy your enthusiasm about your interaction with that young fan of McReady!
I appreciate your support for the question about non-slim body types. I've struggled with the same issue.
Man just rock it! People's body type is the last thing people are worried about at this things. Its all about creativity and community. You aren't alone in your struggles my friend. Have fun my friend
If self-conscious, one of my favorite "universal" cosplays (ie looks fantastic with any body type, size, color, gender, age, etc) is GHOSTBUSTER!
I went to my first con this year…not in costume, but saw all types of creativity. My daughter is all about going next year in costume, and I will support her fully. The love we got as first timers was amazing…and maybe my broken down, too large body will find my way into a costume too…
Just vibe with whatever costume she wants to wear! That is a memory she will never forget! Good on you :) have fun
I used to build my own spaceships, up in the attic, with actual screens and controllers, when I was around 8 years old.
It was basically a pillow-fort with some cardboard boxes, a joystick for gaming and an old television. But because it would be so dark up in the attic, it felt so real to me.
I had a very vivid imagination as a kid 😄
I still remember putting on my dress blues for the first time in boot camp as a young man. This was back in 1983. That "costume" had so much inherent "swagger" it was profound. Thank you for the memory.
You are a special gift to humanity Adam. Thanks for this.
There's a lot of positivity and encouragement here in the comments for the portly Indy, and I love that and I think it's great, BUT I think it also speaks to a deeper anxiety: how do I make myself feel good about a costume that doesn't necessarily fit my body type? I think Adam gave some great advice about "striking the hero pose" and asking yourself how the costume makes you feel, but within that there is "am I doing the costume justice?". Don't feel obligated to wear a perfectly screen accurate version of a costume. Buy pants that fit, get a jacket that isn't too big for your frame, wear. comfortable. shoes. Nobody who is worth listening to will tell you that you are too short/fat/skinny/tall for a costume, but you also won't FEEL that way if you make the costume fit your body. A portly Indy who's gut is hanging out of his shirt is going to probably be more self conscious and draw more attention than a well dressed portly Indy who is more comfortable in their costume. (although a deliberately fat Indy costume could be a fun aesthetic as well, if that's what you're going for)
I follow a bunch of cosplayers on Twitter and Instagram, and although I love and adore everyone doing any effort, my absolute favorite cosplays are when it's the non "traditional" ones. The men going as women, and vice versa, the chunky proudly going skintight, the black doing white characters, et cetera.
Knightmage does a gorgeous He-Man, for example, blond hair and all. 😁
If you're confident in yourself, and are willing to put yourself out there like that, I will adore and admire you, regardless of how your body may "fit the character".
I've always been chunky and for the longest time I struggled with my self image, but with age has come understanding, then acceptance, and finally pride. And I wholeheartedly wish the same upon all y'all!
Man, Adam, what a great response. I totally agree with your response. The one thing I would add to Phil, or anyone who grapples with body image issues, is you are loved and you are not alone. Buttheads will always want to judge you for something. No one's perfect in any way shape or form. Do your best to be happy and surround yourself with people who will build you up rather than tear you down.
I love you Phil and I love you Adam. Thank you for being positive influences in my life!
I have an unfounded hunch that anyone at a convention who points out a cosplayer's rotund shape is bound to get more attention than the person they "call out".
Like, if I saw a 3XL stormtrooper in a 3XL cosplay, I'd think the person went the extra mile to have it suit themselves.
When I was in undergrad and intent on studying theatre, my professor said that he never felt like he could get into character before he put on their shoes and literally felt what walking as them was like.
I've been near death at 140 The Big C, and now near death at 260 heart stuff. That being said Kenneth McMillians
Baron V Harkonnen would be a wonderful costume, for any body type.
Comic Cons People!
I have worked security for over 10 years and have worked concerts, events and various locations with many different results. Yesterday I worked my very first Comic Con (I have never before attended one) and it was the happiest day of work I have ever had in security. I have never met a group of more accepting, inclusive and happy people in my life When I expressed my appreciation for a costume the result was the most enthusiastic "THANK YOU!" and a smile that stretched from ear to ear. In addition I had a number say to me "We appreciate what you're doing.: not a statement we hear often in this job. In discussion with merchants, artists and attendees I discovered a common thought, that these people have retained or re-learned the ability to play. I will return again to next years "Capital City Comic Con" whether to work, volunteer, attend or all of these and maybe even play a bit. Thank you to all of you who organize and attend events so that many more of us can remember to play.
The costume and props absolutely influences the performance if not the creation of the character.
That was a very insightful and wholesome answer. I'll keep it in mind in my everyday life as well. I don't think its right to make fun of people and I wouldn't want friends who make fun of people so I should be less worried about somehow interacting with someone who may or may not make fun of me because they are likely not valuable to me in my life nor would they become valuable if I feel that they are antagonizing me. Thank you Adam :)
What Adam says is so true. Ninety five percent of cosplayers don't care about the body the costume is on, they are more interested in the costume itself, and then more about the effort you've put into it rather than the execution.
If they can tell you've tried on your costume they will appreciate it, they might offer the odd bit of advice for improving but not in a way that is meant to put you down.
But also, trust in yourself. Appreciate any compliments you might get but as for criticisms, both in everyday life and at conventions, who cares? If you don't know the criticisers and more importantly, they don't know you, why do you care about their opinions? Whatever you're wearing as a costume, there is probably someone getting around in civvies who looked at your costume and thought 'I wish I'd done that.'
I went to a convention last November and since it was after Loki, we had a gathering of Variant Loki. Since I am nowhere near a Hiddleston physique, I am closer to Endgame Thor, I went as a “Lumberjack Loki” (currently my profile pic). There were a lot of compliments. I had a great time
"Acting to a silhouette". *Love* that. Same principle to design to.
In my opinion these would be simplest of terms for cosplay.
-you can put ANY costume you want on yourself and go do whatever, But there are things to know when people look at you:
-first they look at your costume and evaluate the effort put into the costume
-second they look at how you are impersonating the character
-bonus points if you worked to fit the weight category of the character.
The weight category is least important to onlookers but it tends to be a goal for cosplayers.
For me, its a personal thing. It helps me mentally and physically if i lose weight to play the character.
But it's not important for anyone else who looks at me.
yes! this, not just body type, I wore my crappy homemade mr. torgue cosplay to an event once, i felt awful about how shitty it was but other people were stoked to see me. I had developers who designed the character shouting across the hall at me with enthusiasm. pro cosplayers with pro level costumes made me feel so welcomed. took pics with me. it was amazing. i got to stand on stage and hear people cheer for my shitty costume. thats not to say there are no assholes but you won't notice them. and as mr. savage said if someone does give you shit, tell literally anyone else about it and they will be happy to stomp down the hate.
Cosplay isn't an audition.
You don't need someone to tell you that you're right for the part to cosplay. The fact that you want to try on the costume makes you right for the part, because you're the casting director.
You're showing your love for the character or object that you're playing. You're announcing to others that you relate to that character or object in some way, and you're shouting out to the Con community for others who might feel the same way.
You're hoping to meet others who share your love, or inspire to see the character as you do.
No one will match that person or thing, except for the actor / actress / CGI / animation that created it. Your interpretation is always going to be a facsimile of the original, with any imperfections or improvements that you've added. Glory in that.
IMHO, the very reason why Adam cosplays is because of his deep love for the characters, and the costumes that inspired them.
Some folks are artisans who show off their extreme detail and craftsmanship. There are tailors, makers, formers, and engineers creating on every scale... hoping for that one person who will admire their work.
Then there are folks who found a cape and a t-shirt at the last moment to pay homage to a favorite movie or moment.
Never let anyone else take away your joy in pretending to be someone else for a day.
I would just like to say, I watched mythbusters since I was around 8 or 9. You are one of the biggest inspiration in my life that led me to do robotics in highschool and study engineering in college. I'm now an intern for Mercedes Benz and it is thanks to you! ❤️
Since it is your costume, always make sure it is tailored to you. The silhouette of the costume is the important part not the body in it. So if you need to add some padding to your shoulders or cut the lines of the pieces a little wider so that it is both flattering and proportional to you, that is just you making a good costume for you.
This is true for all body shapes that you need to make alterations for. Whether you are tall, short, busty, thiccc or just drastically different from the shape of the character you are cosplaying as. It doesn’t matter if the original costume has all the dimensions known down to the size of the rivets, you need to make the proportions work on your body.
So yeah, make the best version of the costume that looks good on you. And practice your swagger. Because you are there to have fun and show off this beautiful thing you have made!
Wearing cosplay is also amazing because it gives you a conversation starter with so many people at a con? I spent an entire ECCC collecting selfies with my "daughter" cosplayers and it was one of the best cons I've ever done
In regards to cosplaying as a character who may not be the same size as you, I say go for it. I have walked the floor in and out of costume and I have seen many cosplayers who don't fit the physique of their favorite characters. But in every case they embraced the cosplay %100. You shouldn't let others opinion shape who you are and what makes you happy. I'm nearly 50 and I try to choose characters who fit my aesthetic, but not because of others opinions, but for my own happiness and, I'm lazy so I rarely go over and above, lol.
Your story ofnthe kids in the cardboard armor reminds me of childhood playtime. I was around 5 or 6 when the TV Captain America movies were on in the early 80s, I cannibalized card board boxes to make little Captain America shields to run around outside with my friends, throwing those things at each other.
The last time I wore my d3 barbarian to a contest I thought I was 'too big' for the character. After contest and actually placing in a category above what I had entered the super buff guest judge said that I was actually built for the character and brought it to life. I had completely forgotten that the 6ish months of weightlifting prior had actually brought more realness than I had thought!
He’s not just saying it… I read a thread on the rpf where a member went after another for being too scrawny to cosplay as “Star Lord” - and Adam jumped in on the thread, going after him.
And my love for Savage grew.
I used to reenact with a civil war group, at first I was very self conscious to walk into a store or such away from the event, but after a few times I started to embrace it, and not worry about it... So embrace your fear and jump in! You will never regret it !
I'm not really into Cosplaying myself but I do enjoy making costumes for clients and seeing what other people come up with.
I have seen people in wheel chairs cosplaying, having fun. and being admired
I am an older (52) generously robust gentleman myself and I like to cosplay. I will amplify what others have said about wearing whatever you want - you will be appreciated. I will also like to add that I totally get it. It's not all about confidence - there's a TECHNICAL challenge for plus-sized cosplay. As a plus-sized cos-player, I have to make a lot more of my costume from scratch because I will never find a helmet or coat that will fit me. This also affects my choice in costumes. Thirdly, as a plus-sized cosplayer, I do try to choose characters/costumes that at least will look plausibly good on me. For me it's not about shame or embarrassment - my Aqua-Bats costume was pretty skin-tight and my Master-Blaster costume had me going shirtless - it was more about what I felt I could pull off. What type of character "fits" my body type - not LOOKS LIKE, but FITS! I choose characters that will fill out my body shape, not characters my body shape will fit into. But yeah, basically, the technical aspect of getting clothes, coats, helmets, etc. that will fit you is a HUGE hurdle!
Also, this year for Halloween, my wife is Troy McClure from Planet of the Apes the Musical and I'm going as Doctor Zaius.
Us slim guys have trouble as well, I've been shamed when shirtless and I didn't receive the same support non-slim people get. Being skinny isn't any easier than being large, we need to get rid of that misconception.
It's okay to call people 'skin and bones' but it's rude to say 'fat'
On costuming cheap, I was at a con last week, and there was a person in a homemade ghostbuster outfit. Cardboard and hot glue, top to bottom. Technically "sloppy," but there was no mistaking any part of it, it absolutely hit my memory of the details of the movie, and I could tell they poured love into making it. And that's what I try to go for when I suit up. My Rocketeer has a 90% helmet, a 70% jacket, and a 50% rocket pack. It's "thematically" accurate, but would never pass a side-by-side. But my self-conscious concerns are ALWAYS cut off by "OMG, it's the Rocketeer! Holy crap, you have the gum (10cents worth of sculpy) that stops the leak!"
You can find fellow makers who will talk about the exact year of Alice frame and shade of sequel jumpsuit if you want, and that's fun too, but the people on the floor aren't pulling up screens to judge your work, they're going "hey, I loved that too!"
This was very timely! I am in end stage liver failure, waiting for a transplant, and I am putting together an Indiana Jones costume and display for Trunk or Treat at my Church next month. I decided that I was not going to care about my weight ballooning up 250+ pounds, it is going to make me happy and I need that right now. Life is too short and precious to avoid what you like because you are afraid of other people's ignorance or intolerance. That is a shame they must bear, not me!!!!
Confidence plays a big part in selling a character and I speak from experience
As an overweight cosplayer myself, I can say that the kind of people that go to cons generally don't care how big you are. In fact, it's more about your acting or....rather, your actions. Your ability to be in character is more important.
I also don't have a lot of money or time. All of my cosplays are found object cosplays and edited cheap wigs. My costumes are never exactly the character. What I usually do is draw the character wearing the costume I'm making or close to it so as to make sure the costume suits the character. Makes sense for how they are, generally. I can't get exact in most cases. But as long as it's recognizably the character and you can put on the show of the character, that's really all that matters.
Kinda/sorta related: went to a variety show at my nephew's high school. The young lady was dressed as Dorothy Gale, with ruby red glittered shoes, singing "Over the Rainbow". She was opposite of Judy Garland's figure. But did anyone care? Of course not! From the applause, she stole the whole show with her solo. *imo, she was one of the few highlights of the show.
Comic cons are some of the most inclusive, accepting places on Earth. I have never seen bullying or laughing at someone else's costume.
Adam's right. I've been to loads of cons. People go there for an escape from the reality of day to day life. In my experience, I've only ever seen massive encouragement for anyone who wears a costume. No matter what body type anyone has, it's about having fun and being a different person or character for the day. In a way, cons are one big costume party! :-D
And this is also something that every con organizer needs to make sure that they keep up on. Cons have gotten much better at anti-harassment policies, but it's the kind of thing that they need to maintain. Look over the policies, workshop how to be more responsive and make sure that everybody is focused on inclusion.
When we put on clothes it changes the way we think about ourselves. This is true whether it's a suit and tie or a spiderman costume. If that cardboard armour makes you happy, go for it.
Some folks with less than ideal body type for a particular character can really play that character to the maximum. While others have found themselves “self conscious”. I suggest finding people who love CosPlay an go as a group.
I totally agree with what Adam said about don't worry about your body type just where the costume that makes you feel something if it makes you feel good makes you feel strong confident whatever just wear it I'm 6'5 and 300 lb and I don't care if I'm cosplaying is a little kid I don't care if I can cosplaying as someone that's supposed to be skinny I just make the character my own but still the character that I'm supposed to be if that makes any sense and yeah if anyone gives you any crap they're in the wrong space they're definitely in the wrong spot because everyone that likes to cosplay just like to see other people cosplay they don't care if you're exactly how you're supposed to look or if you have every minor detail complete there's just those people that would prefer to have everything right but just have fun and if anyone gives you crap that just means they're not having fun and coming from someone that was bullied throughout School and I actually quit because of it don't listen to him if you are having fun if you were with friends if you go by yourself you will find people around you that are like-minded and that will encourage you to do anything
From experience, make the consume yours. You only get grief when you get closer and closer to being 100% screen accurate or trying to be identical to the source. The more you make it your own but within the character you want, the more accepting the community is.
The reason for that is similar to Adam and his prop making. When you have a reference material and can compare, you see the imperfections. The more you deviate the more accepting others are to "this is their creative choice" and allow it. But when you try to get identical to the original, someone will notice that something is just a little wrong... wrong texture, wrong color, missing a little do-dad... whatever.
So if you want to be a double for someone or impersonate them in costume, it is highly likely someone will be a little more critical of the differences, but if you take it on and make it your own, they will accept that you are making it your own version of that thing.
Yes, there will always be "that guy" who wants to argue and point out that your design is not the same, but that is a very small minority in the cosplay community.
As a former fat guy, I didn't like how my body was so I ended up just eating healthier food instead of my daily treats. I lost 30 lbs in a few months by literally not eating as much junk. Replaced it with meat and vegetables. That's it.. No cardio, no extra weight lifting etc... Hope you achieve your goals buddy!
After all of this, I need Adam to make me a "NASA lowered the standards for astronaut fitness" space suit! 🤣
Some actors love working with their costumes and see it as part of their process. Some do everything they can in spite of their costumes.
Adam Savage is just the best!
I've never done cosplay, but I have sometimes thought about putting together a Darth Vader outfit but where the cape has "Vader!" in sequins all over it, probably some rhinestones all over the body, and call it "Darth Vader during his fat Vegas years."
Re: 3:54 , My two daughters, early primary school, brought over the kids from next door, You've got to see this film!"
On goes the DVD, John Carpenter's The Thing.
The next day, a knock on the door. The parents, wanting to speak to us about their kids' nightmares.
It was like the preschool creche vampire incident, all over again...
Everyone should be able to cosplay any character no matter their body type! And anyone who isn’t okay with that should be shunned from the community!
Not saying an individuals reaction to getting negative feedback on their cosplay + body isn’t valid, it totally is! I’m just saying the assholes that bully others for their body are 1000000% not welcome in the cosplay community.
I hope I’m speaking for a majority of people when I say that.
I do it for the love I have for a character, I'm larger in the stomach and cannot help that and not easy when life isn't keeping you on the right path in many different ways... if you love the character you want to do the best you can and to avoid thinking that it has to be exactly as drawn/portrayed by other people...
I love the characters I've cosplayed and will do as much as I can do them despite not always being the same shape as that
Adam makes a terrific point. Stealing a line from Top Gun, it's not the plane, it's the pilot 😎
I so want a giant Totoro costume, with an articulated tongue and mouth. I would pay good money for such a thing.
As Adam said in his book, chase down your secret thrills. Do the cosplays or make the props that YOU want and damn anyone's opinions. Does it make you happy? does it feeling meaningful or important to you? follow that
Adam have you considered building yourself the Zod exploration spacesuit (the one with four head lights) as worn in the 2013 Superman movie?
Have fun with it, one of the best cosplays I have ever seen was the beer belly Thor, it was great. Guy walked around with a thor hammer and empty beer bottle. If you want to be portly capt america with a pizza shield, do it. Actually that sounds like an awesome cosplay.
When Bernard Hill saw the inside of his armor that he wore as King Theoden and saw that it had the seal of Rohan stamped on the inside where the camera would never see it he said, "That makes me feel like a King not an actor."
Even the actors who play the roles in real life aren't the shape they appear to be in costume. They are frequently in muscle suits to make them look 'super' despite being in great physical shape already.
I really want to get into an Assassin's creed cosplay but I'm 37 and not slim but I love the game! At the same time I feel like I'm too old and not fit so I'll just set back, watch and enjoy others who can
About the costume on the cheap. I went to a halloween costume party from a university. They were a group as the ninja turtles on the cheap. They used big aluminium foil pans as their shell and colored headband. Cheap AF, but yet effective. A loved that so much.
Yes! I wear my TK, I actually walk differently and a more controlled persona . It’s an intimidating stance and I become the stormtrooper
The only people I've ever seen make nasty comments about an out of the ordinary cosplayer were watching film of a con. I've never seen anyone at a con be mean about any costume. If you put in the effort and have the same dream, you are a member of the family.
Reasons why I am mildly terrified to do other non armor costumes because I can't hide behind belts and such like I do in my Mando. I would love to be brave and wear a twilek even though I am a little round. But I have friends who make it work for them so why not me?
Also I met one of my best con friends when she first made cardboard and duct tape boba Fett armor back in 2012 I think when Jeremy Bulloch may he rest in the force, was at phxcc, and I took her to go meet him!