Thank you Kirilee, good timing on this one. I have been a costumer (not cosplayer) for over 50 years (yes, I started very young). Once cosplaying came into the picture, I slowly dipped my toes in it. But I was never a gamer or a comic book fan, so I did movie character. Then one of my granddaughters became obsessed with cosplay. I assisted her for the first 2 years then when she turned 11, she started to compete in our local mid-sized comic con. She is now 16 and competing at adult level. Though she is always chosen to be in the semi-finals, she has not been winning. Her attitude can really get bad though she never shows it on stage. I have tried my best to help her change her mindset but then. . .I'm "just the grandma". I will show her your video and hope from someone younger and a true cosplayer, she might hear the message. You say it well.
You are far too kind- but considering your history I would say YOU are the true cosplayer indeed. I hope that your granddaughter does watch my video and it can help her a little. She will get there.
Being in a final is the ultimate prize, meeting so many people and having the privilege of being on the same stage as them is a wonderful feeling. Just entering to simply ‘win’ will only bring you down in the end. Me and my sister have entered comps many times now (with a variety of different outcomes) but we always keep crawling back for more because meeting people back stage is such a great experience, also yes Nomes and Minnie are fantastic people within the UK cosplay scene and we love them dearly, having also been backstage rivals on some occasions haha ☺
I have never participated in a cosplay competition before, but have had similar feelings just walking around in my cosplay(especialky my first couple). When you see all the other amazing cosplays having their photo taken all the time and mine only had a couple over the course of the entire day it was pretty disappointing. I had to remind myself why i cosplay. It's because i ike the character and the process of creating something, not for the attention at the convention. While it would be nice to create a cosplay that gained that kind of attention once, it's not the reason i do it.😊
I have to remind myself of the same thing! Of why I love cosplay, its the love of creating something new and using my skills to the best of my ability. I also like to see how I improved over the years
First couple times competing for cosplay. I lost and was disappointed, I did a transformation dress one year that I was at most expecting maybe a technical award for and nothing. But because I've shifted my focus to my skit, especially for cons that don't let me perform otherwise. I've found winning or losing matters a lot less to me. As long as I put on a good show, I would have got what I wanted out of the event in the end. Especially in more recent years when I've been up against friends in the same competition.
my dream is to go to a cosplay contest and come in second place 🥈😊I have participated in many competitions but I have always been a loser. But I have always had fun and been happy for those who won 😊
Thank you for making this video. The Crown Championships was my first competition ever so of course I was honored for the regional win. But that also meant I had never lost a competition either and I was absolutely dreading the idea. What you've said really put things into perspective and will help me keep a positive mindset!
It is AMAZING that you won on your first competition piece. That is an amazing testament to your level of skill. I look forward to meeting you in Chicago and seeing your gorgeous monster hunter outfit up close!
Yes, this! I entered my first cosplay competition this year (OzCC Championships of Cosplay), where you have to submit your entry in advance, so simply being accepted as one of the 10 contestants in such a high-level competition made me feel like I had already won! I believe the best reason to enter a comp is to just SHOW OFF a cosplay that you are extremely proud of. Don't even THINK about winning. If you do win something that's just a lovely bonus! Going in with that attitude, you are never going to feel disappointed. I was genuinely so happy for everyone that won something. I couldn't stop smiling and clapping for them. And the BEST part? Meeting and talking to other cosplayers who are as passionate about making stuff as you are. Everyone was so lovely and it's a great way to make new cosplay friends. I'm already planning my next competition cosplay, not expecting it to win, but knowing it will push me to craft to a higher level and try new techniques and skills. ❤
I entered my first competition in July and won best Novice. I entered my second in September and won best Journeyman. I'm now in masters and while I'm overjoyed, it's kinda frightening to have moved so fast. I now feel myself comparing myself to other cosplayers I look up to and admire, and I know I have a lot to learn to truly compete at a master's level. I know it feels weird being like "wow I won every competition I entered" (all 2 of them), but It really opened my eyes to what competing really is. I've made great friends and learned amazing things, and I feel so proud of everything I worked on. Honestly, I just wanted the professional looking photo of me on stage that really showed off my costume in all it's glory, as I put a lot of work into it. I am a competitive person, and winning felt great, but I think the things I've learned make me feel that much better. I feel so inspired to make things, and I'm so excited to take what I've learned and work hard towards my next big costume! Also, at the September competition, I was standing in line to go on stage behind a cosplayer with beautiful foam and leather work (I'm a Sewist) and I was so amazed by the details I could see of their costume from my place 2 feet behind them. I was so blown away by their work, I had already accepted that they were going to win and I would be happy for them because I could see how much work they put into it. Turns out I won just barely because they had a few messy seams on the inside, something even I couldn't even see from all the time I was standing next to them. This really shows that judges make their decisions for a reason, and if you're not a judge you honestly cannot determine who should win or not because even if you look closely at that costume, you don't know everything. Congrats on your win!! Your Toph costume is so beautifully made and is so inspiring, and it helped me find your videos. I love your videos because it feels genuine, and I love the joy that you share through what you teach and share with people.
Firstly, a massive congratulations. I had a similar experience when I started. The first big competition I entered I won, and then within the next year or so I had won a National competition. Immediately I was a master. Yet there were people around. Me who had been cosplaying for years who were more of the intermediate level. And since then, I’ve always kind of been at that higher level… so I kind of get what you mean in terms of advancing quickly. It is a bit terrifying. Just grab hold of the adventure and go with it! Learn, learn and continue to learn. It is great you saw that other person’s cosplay up close and could appreciate it- maybe learn how to incorporate some of those elements into your own cosplay. :) continue to grow and push yourself
Ive grown numb to losing. Like it happens a lot and I'm in the same boat as the majority of the contestants who didn't place and it's fine! Better luck next time. Just smile and clap and be proud you joined at all! Most people wouldn't have the guts to go up on stage and stand in the spotlight, so you being there is already a major achievement. When I first entered a cosplay contest, I didn't place....at all. Not because I didn't try, it's because I was new to the scene of cosplay contests. But after a couple of tries to win year after year, I still didn't win. And that's fine but I still wish I at least placed, even though I did have fun dancing around and showing how I did my skit. I plan on competing again one of these days and I plan to snatch my waist smaller and sing live opera for my skit, or even lipsync if I can't sing live. I've sometimes been a competitive person and I will do anything to win but sometimes I just do it for the experience of being on stage. Could I win? Not sure. Will I try my hardest? Definitely. Will I be a sore loser? Nah, I've lost all the time so I'm numb to the feeling. Will I do it again? Absolutely yes.
I competed at Anime Boston this year- it was the first juried competition I ever tried to enter and I am so pleased/proud that I got in. As soon as I saw everyone, I knew I wasn’t placing because my game wasn’t there …yet. I did meet a ton of really cool people and I learned a lot, so it was a very positive experience for me
When participating in a competition with the goal of enjoying the moment, one will have the most amazing experience. I won nothing in the national French cosplay competition this year but, I have gained so much from the experience it bled into other areas of my life. My self confidence is now through the roof because, now I can say that whatever I decide to put my mind on, I can do it!😂 We have to remember it's not easy to get there at all and the fact that we made it is a win in itself.
Thank you!! This is such a great way to explain these feelings. I love the backatage party most of my amazing friends come from it. I will take your advice to heart as I go in to my next competition.
My first ever competition i entered (was just my own hometown one) and i took home best in show which completely floored me. I'm getting ready to compete in my second, and it's been tough trying to remember that it's okay for other people to be WAY better and more experienced. It also my first performance so i think that is adding another layer of anxiety lol. Thanks for the video, i appreciate the levelheaded perspective.
I havent ever actually competed in a competition but i have had some very impressive cosplays so far and my favorite things to hear are always "can i get a photo" and "Are you in the competition?" because even just hte implication that they think my cosplay is impressive enough to be in the competition brings me so much joy. so in the sense i win every time i cosplay.
This so much! Competitions are always a crapshoot, you have no control over anything but what you bring. All you can do is do your best, and then it's out of your hands. I've been competing for 20 years, but at most of the competitions here we don't have big prizes (mostly just ribbons and certificates) so the judges are able to give out as many awards as they wish in order to encourage contestants. So we have a lot of 'best details' or 'honorable mention for props'. Crown was a completely different animal for me and I had no idea who else was going to show up and how things would go. I'm thrilled, but I wish more costumes could have gotten recognition as all of them were just so good.
Mate, I was cheering for you so hard down under. It is going to be an absolute privilege to see your ice queen in person and of course to meet you. You are 100% correct- you never know who is going to turn up. You never know what the result is going to me. The only things you can control is to enter, present yourself as best as you can, and have a good time. That’s it. You deserved that win, hands down. The judges knew their job and they chose you. I am sorry you had a bit of sourness from certain people to do with that comp and I hope you could ignore it and only relish in the joy that you deserve! Xoxo
It took me a very long time to ever win in a cosplay competition, so I luckily never had the experience of expecting a win and feeling bitter for not winning. I have left many competitions without any wins and yeah there's always disappointment, but the excitement for friends winning always wins over. And because I am very used to not winning, or winning big (which I am one of the only Master Level cosplayers in my friend group without a traditional Best in Show), anytime I DO win something it feels really really good. Honestly, a win when you don't expect it may seem sweeter than the ones where you "expect" it. Also thank you for sharing your story involving WCS. Honestly, it may feel like you missed out on some of your WCS experience, but also I feel like WCS is the ultimate learning experience in cosplay. I know my entire mind set has changed since WCS and I have learnt so much about cosplay, and the competition mind set.
Thank you for saying that! WCS in Japan was my first international cosplay competition and I learnt a whole lot about the cosplayer I want to be. Since then I have managed to achieve a whole lot and I am a happier more creative person
@KirileeCosplay honestly it really shows! I feel like you have managed to turn that feeling around so well and it makes you such a great role model in the competition, international and probably even your local communities.
Well said Kirilee, I competed last year in the ANYC cosplay masquerade and I didn't win a thing I just made new friends that year. Best of all I had fun.
So glad to see this topic being discussed! And congrats on your Crown win! ahhh! I've been working on my mindset after a really disappointing loss in 2019 and I've definitely had much much better times since then. When I start a new project for a competition, I set myself some goals that have nothing to do with winning that I would be happy about regardless of what happens. Things like "I want to try this technique," or "I want to feel really comfortable in this cosplay" or "I want to have fun while on stage". I pick a couple of those and if I hit those, then I'm happy. Winning an award is just icing on the cake if it happens. :)
EXACTLY! I no longer go in saying "WIN! ONLY WIN!" because at the end of the day - that is out of your hands. I focus on being proud of what I've achieved to the judges, and super excited to see how the other competitiors did their cosplays!
Well said! You should go into comps to have fun, and as a stage for your craft! Its a great time where people HAVE to look at your costume. It's great for networking too. I have entered and won, not placed, etc. But omg... one of my last on there was a group that yelled at the judges directly for not winning.. I also had a "friend" basically not talk to me for months because i won and she didnt. Don't enter with the mindset to win, enter to show off your craft! PS I love how you organize your fabric! I have the same shelves and you make me want to organize like this!
Oh wow - that is not a true friend. I know that I am super happy for the winners of comps when I don’t place, even if I have my own disappointments. My disappointment is my own and this is a wonderful opportunity for the winner
I feel like it is just human nature to be slightly upset at the outcome. But as your friend said, everyone that is there put so much effort into their costume and performance! I am always super happy for the people that win because I know the effort! I always ask for my judging notes if possible to see where I can improve on, even if I do place in the comp! @@KirileeCosplay
I used to wish my competitors in figure skating good luck because I wanted to win by both of us doing our best and mine was just better, not because they fell or anything like that. Now I'm not sure if I'd want to compete in cosplay, I did enough competing in other stuff and now I just love sewing
Competiting in cosplay is honestly a wonderful experience and I find the best friendships have been forged in the backstage rooms, oogling over each other and appreciating each other's works. So much more than just a trophy and title.
i would say to prepare more for not winning. set up a defeat party where you go and decompress and just kick back and relax. This way you win either way. Either you celebrate having competed, have another fun night with all of the other competitors and dance the night away or you actually get the extra bonus of having won the competition. If you are a good sportsperson about things you will end up getting invited to so many new competitions! I have been cosplaying for almost 20 years at this point and I still get the beginning jitters and stage fright but once I get out onto the convention floor I just focus on the crowds energy and how happy every one is. I focus on feeling like I am returning home once again and those nerves just melt away,
Good video, and thank you for being honest about past action/reactions. I think your experience is one many many people fall into when competing, it's a question of growing and changing mindset that matters. For some it happens quickly, for others.... we can be years down the road and the attitude is still the same every time.. I was lucky to meet Bemoreshonen last summer, and they are such kind souls, I'm not surprised at hearing Nomes saying what she did. Your mentionning of on stage reactions reminded me that for at least 2 years during WCS prelims, the runner-ups (different people both times) were very visibly annoyed at being called 2nd place while standing in the middle of the stage 🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️
The competition bug sometimes gets all of us. And being a super competitive person, I get it. You can be disappointed, and sometimes you can’t hide that on stage, but you can stop yourself from venting through online media. Haha!
the true magic in any cosplay competition is in the green room, not the stage. Magical moments absolutely happen on the stage but the real magic is the fun had in the green room, the new friendships formed. the support and comradery that happens amongst the competitors. There is no better feeling than in certain competitions like the WCS helping your competitior. becuase you either get to know you helped them win, or you placed avove fully fleshed out competitors. Focus more on learning and the social aspect and you will be winning more and more competitions and having so much more fulfillment and joy along the way. Do not isolate your self.
Amazing vid Kirilee!! I cheered so hard for you and Giorgia during WCS, and was also sad to not see you place. Your costumes were gorgeous and your skit was amazing and memorable, and it was so fun to keep track of both of your progress! I’m normally in the artist alley so I’ve only entered comps a handful of times, but I definitely struggled with feeling dejected and a little bitter afterwards. Even then, any disappointment will always be outweighed by having fun, meeting new people, and getting to show off something you’ve worked hard at. Great vid and so proud of you for Toph as well! Definitely inspired me to get her out of storage for another wear! How did you find the contacts? I couldn’t stand mine haha ❤️
This video is a tough pill to swallow for me. Last year, I won a first place prize in the very first cosplay competition I ever competed in. But not in the top of the Novice category, even though it was my first competition. Nor in the Journeyman category, even though the above reason still applied! No, me and my group (ours was a group cosplay) somehow managed to win 1st place in the MASTERS category. Please believe me, because I barely believe it myself. It was a local convention that was still finding its footing. But needless to say the pressure I feel to make a cosplay that lives up to the same hype that our costumes garnered last year is IMMENSE. It's 4 months away and I feel like every day where I haven't gotting my design specs perfectly worked out and materials list all together yet is a day of failure. And I have RSD so failure really sucks. If you have any insights on how to process these emotions, I would greatly appreciate it.
Firstly, remember the first rule of cosplay- it is meant to be fun. Nobody is going to judge you against what you did last year AND you also can’t control who will turn up this year wearing what they’ve made. The only thing you should focus on is making the cosplay to a standard that you are proud of. Stop trying to guess how other people will react.
Thanks for that perspective Kirilee, kinda helped me with my mindset making my Ichigo Kurosaki cosplay thats going to be a costume change on stage. having competed in multiple contests myself and haven't won yet, i use the losses to elevate my next cosplay, To drive myself to get better and do more that give it the wow factor. Unfortunately, there was one loss that i had that to this day drives me nuts. when the contest is done i always go to the judges booth and ask them what i could have done better, or for any pointers on my cosplay to make it stand out just that little bit more. most judges always say it came down to one or 2 points and that there wasn't anything i could have done different. yet one judge told me. "I'm just a bigger fan of that character they cosplayed as, rather than the character you cosplayed. That's why they got more points." to this day that still gets under my skin but i don't let it ruin the experience nor the drive to one day win a cosplay contest.
Thank you for sharing your experience at WCS! This was so powerful. I've had friends who were in that place, and that's been one of my biggest fears about competing: missing out on the good things because I'm so caught up in my own mindset. I'm so glad you've been able to catch up on aaaaall the positivity and community building ever since!!!
Oh my god! You qualified to WCS! 😳 I know so many people whose life goal is _qualifying_ to Japan, not even _winning_ the Japanese final! And some countries don't even have the option to qualify... like my country, until this year. I tried competing in a prestigious contest in my country (one which would later become the WCS qualification) and was extremely burnt-out, and thought I'd never compete again, but honestly, the stories about the WCS finals make me want to dream about qualifying again...
Yes- I have been very privileged to have represented my country a few times but it is also a case of “wanting more”. I’ve learnt to try and silence those thoughts
Wow, I would have never guessed that about your WCS feelings! I'm glad it had an inspiring outcome though. Keep up all the good work, and I'm looking forward to cheering you on at c2e2 next year!
Thank you! Will do! I have grown a lot as a person in the last 5 years and I am very aware of how quickly my competition brain can go toxic. I need to stay in the happy zone :)
Really glad you shared your thoughts on this topic! You articulated everything so well and I love that you weren't afraid to share your personal experiences and feelings too. I was pretty disappointed with some people's behavior after a recent US-based competition. I hope that going forward, cosplayers can keep in mind the points you explained here. I know I will!
how you speak of others is how people see you as a person. If you are genuinely happy for the winner and even better if you try to learn a thing or two from them people will associate positivity and kindness with you. If you mouth off at the winner and throw a hissy fit they will associate that with you, a ton of negativity. When you enter even your first cosplay competition that is now what will publicly be associated with your name, so stay professional and kind hearted. Make sure to go to any after parties and focus more on having fun. Focus on how amazing the winner's cosplay is and how close you came in competing with them. Absolutely do every thing you can to learn at least 2 things from them whether it be how they made their patterns, what type of paint they used on the warbla, what gear they used, how long it took them to sew the train literally anything you can learn from them will become a tool in your tool belt for the next competition. If you genuinely accept that you are not going to win literally every single competition you enter youll be in a wonderful starting head space. Focus more on the fun, because if you arent having fun there is no point to any of it.
I’m planning to join a competition for the first time ever this year. No clue if it’ll actually go well. Although I live in a country where cosplay isn’t that popular, people sometimes come to tiny cons with insane costumes. My biggest fear at the moment is actually not not winning but I’m afraid I’ll make some silly mistakes and get really embarrassed lol
Its funny because I've never had a competitive bone in my body until I discovered cosplay! It's possibly an advantage of starting a hobby somewhat older than the average competitor, as I'm usually able to regulate my emotions a bit better when it comes to competing. Also I'm pretty good at picking the winner from backstage so it gives me time to sort out my disappointment 😉. My only rival is myself, and i just want to get better!
I just want to share this here bc i feel it fits the theme of the video ajdja, sorry if its a bit long- During march i decided entering a big contest in another state after i couldn't enter a big contest i really wanted to enter (i also felt really disappointed because i was already really excited of the contest, i still LOVED that con, that was on November 2022), and when i entered in the march competition this year, it felt amazing, there was a bunch of people that were INCREDIBLY talented and also deserved to win, i submitted a princess peach cosplay (it also was like a auto birthday gift bc i always loved the character as a kid and the con was days after my birthday!), and EVEN before the con and the contest itself, the announcement of the cosplayers that got a spot in the contest was right the day before my birthday, so in a way, getting to participate in the contest and finding it out one day before my birthday was like the coolest pre birthday gift I got jsdjsj And IN the contest, everyone cheered for me, and did quite some dancing and transformation, and i got the crowd wild, but i still was incredibly nervous on who was gonna win, but i still applied the mentality you said on the video:0, i was that one specific cosplayer that was cheering on everyone, so when i got the signal that I had to be backstage to get on the stage bc i won first place, i couldn't believe it, i was REALLY close to crying and ruining the makeup sjdjsj (I never had won a really big competition like that), if i had lost, i still had won a lot of the experience i got, the cool friends i got to meet, and even just celebrating with all the cosplayers just taking pics backstage, that was the coolest birthday thing i made this year even if it was some days later If you got to read all of this, thanks!
@@KirileeCosplay AWWW THANKS!! i LOVE your Toph cosplay sm!! rn as i speak i was watching some of ur videos while I'm making the final details of my most recent cosplay! I'm gonna try again at submitting to the cosplay i wanted to enter last year that I mentioned, you are very talented!!
You mentioned poi in one of your toph videos? Can you do a video on using poi for cosplay? There are so many different kinds of poi and I wonder what the convention rules would be about them, as well as tips for making them match your cosplay, finding music to choreograph to, etc.
I have never personally used poi for a cosplay so I can’t say that I can comment on that. I would say check the convention rules but as long as the poi’s aren’t too long from finger to ball base (which is then covered with fabric and long tails) you should be fine… just don’t spin them around in crowded areas. Keep it to the stage or outside.
Thank you. I've been trying to get myself to this mindset and it really helps to hear it from someone of your level. I've tried to enter Otakon's contest twice, but backed out each time. (Once was a legitimate reason, other time was anxiety) What do you do about your self-doubt, when thinking "I could have done [x]&[y] better if I had more time, is it really even good enough to be competing?" and such thoughts.
This is such a great video! We had no idea the impact those words would have BUT I wanna say that as your hotel neighbours we had a great time with you both and we cherish the memories we made and our friendship! Love you!
Omg... This has me thinking of the Gold Coast/Brisbane Supanova cosplay competitions. As much as I'd love to enter the competition, I will NEVER enter one until they have a different person as the host. The current guy can't help but make awful jokes about the media the cosplay is from (or make an unrelated joke about some other series because he knows nothing about whatever the cosplay is from), he'll constantly mispronounce names or series, and there will rarely be any mention of the skill in the cosplay. Not to mention, they literally let someone enter the competition in a cosplay that was store bought?????? ugh.....
I am sorry to hear that. Have you sent that feedback onto supanova directly? Because it is something that they should really be aware of. In fairness, it would have been the cosplay staff that allowed a store bought cosplay to be put into the cosplay comp, not the host.
Hello, I have a question! I’m going to a smaller con soon, and they have no rules saying you have to make your cosplay or anything to participate in the contest. I just wanted to ask, is it alright to join the competition if you bought your cosplay, or is that wrong? I kinda wanna participate but I don’t have time to make my own cosplay, so I had to buy one. This is just a genuine question of mine and I would love to know what you think! ^^
If there is no rules, go for it. However, I would also just check during sign up and if their is prejudging of any sort, you will need to disclose that you bought it. Just be honest and have fun :)
The ONLY time i have done anything remotely like it, was when i had to make a quick exit because i was going tonwet myself 😂😂 i was in a large ballgown and didnt have a handler to help me. Id been waiting allmday and was actually releoved tjat i didnt won, because it meant i could rush to the loo more quickly 😂😂😂😂 i cheered my lungs out for every winner, but the quick exit was genuinely the fact that i was wearing a white ballgown and didnt want to have an accident 😂 The only time ove complained, was not becahse i didnt win, but because a judge felt the need to give a backhanded apology that i didn't win first place because the winner did a proper performance (i came second). Bearing in mind, i am disabled, had mentioned it was the first time off my stick in 6 months and i soecifically entered the non performance category because i felt i couldnt do a performance that day (you entered on the day). So while i made a post about that experience, i didnt mention the con. I made sure to point out that thr winner DESERVED TO WIN (I wouldnhave placed them above me too!), but my complaint was the necessity of a judge coming up to a disabled cosplayer and letting them knowbthat their physicalnability to perform on that day was why they lost. When there wasnt supposed to be a performance element to the competition, they entered. The following day they did something that was also insulting as well, i was on my stick that day, too, because I'd broken myself doing what i had the day before. Ive competed at the same grouonof cons since, but I'm considering avoiding the chain when i comes to competing from now on because my last experience was great, but the judges werent allowed to do a prejudging so the poor judge (different and absolutely lovely) complimented me on how much id edited my cosplay (she thought id bought it and altered). I took it as a compliment, but id made everything bar the tights, one petticoat and the shoes from scratch. 😂
Idk .. i try fo keep a positive mindset when i do my cosplay competition but id be lying if i said i don't get salty.. i mean here you have so many hours work put into sewing 3d printing sanding etc just to lose to a guy dressed as a furry? A typical monster Halloween outfit? I mean... Sometimes its like what do the judges look for? Hard work and dedication can get beaten by a guy wearing a fish bowl helmet? (Yes i lost a cosplay contest to a freaking guy wearing a yellow jump suit with a fish bowl.....
I’ve been trying to think of a response to this for weeks- so here goes. Just because what you see may look to be easier that what you have created, doesn’t mean that it is. Now sometimes, the judges are maybe not skilled or experienced enough and shouldn’t be judging. That happens - but less often than I think you are implying. My suggestion to you is to not enter a competition again that you feel would not judge you fairly. Or enter and when the judging panel is announced, if they are not who you would want to be judged by, pull out and wait for a competition with judges that better suit you. I wish you all the best
Thank you Kirilee, good timing on this one. I have been a costumer (not cosplayer) for over 50 years (yes, I started very young). Once cosplaying came into the picture, I slowly dipped my toes in it. But I was never a gamer or a comic book fan, so I did movie character. Then one of my granddaughters became obsessed with cosplay. I assisted her for the first 2 years then when she turned 11, she started to compete in our local mid-sized comic con. She is now 16 and competing at adult level. Though she is always chosen to be in the semi-finals, she has not been winning. Her attitude can really get bad though she never shows it on stage. I have tried my best to help her change her mindset but then. . .I'm "just the grandma". I will show her your video and hope from someone younger and a true cosplayer, she might hear the message. You say it well.
You are far too kind- but considering your history I would say YOU are the true cosplayer indeed.
I hope that your granddaughter does watch my video and it can help her a little. She will get there.
Being in a final is the ultimate prize, meeting so many people and having the privilege of being on the same stage as them is a wonderful feeling. Just entering to simply ‘win’ will only bring you down in the end.
Me and my sister have entered comps many times now (with a variety of different outcomes) but we always keep crawling back for more because meeting people back stage is such a great experience, also yes Nomes and Minnie are fantastic people within the UK cosplay scene and we love them dearly, having also been backstage rivals on some occasions haha ☺
Nomes and Minnie are just simply two of the best individuals. I have so much respect for both of them.
You guyyyyyyys ❤
I have never participated in a cosplay competition before, but have had similar feelings just walking around in my cosplay(especialky my first couple). When you see all the other amazing cosplays having their photo taken all the time and mine only had a couple over the course of the entire day it was pretty disappointing. I had to remind myself why i cosplay. It's because i ike the character and the process of creating something, not for the attention at the convention. While it would be nice to create a cosplay that gained that kind of attention once, it's not the reason i do it.😊
Agreed
I have to remind myself of the same thing! Of why I love cosplay, its the love of creating something new and using my skills to the best of my ability. I also like to see how I improved over the years
First couple times competing for cosplay. I lost and was disappointed, I did a transformation dress one year that I was at most expecting maybe a technical award for and nothing.
But because I've shifted my focus to my skit, especially for cons that don't let me perform otherwise. I've found winning or losing matters a lot less to me. As long as I put on a good show, I would have got what I wanted out of the event in the end. Especially in more recent years when I've been up against friends in the same competition.
That’s awesome that that is your new focus :)
my dream is to go to a cosplay contest and come in second place 🥈😊I have participated in many competitions but I have always been a loser. But I have always had fun and been happy for those who won 😊
It all about the experience and I’m sure you will have success as well- one day it will be your turn!
Thank you for making this video. The Crown Championships was my first competition ever so of course I was honored for the regional win. But that also meant I had never lost a competition either and I was absolutely dreading the idea. What you've said really put things into perspective and will help me keep a positive mindset!
It is AMAZING that you won on your first competition piece. That is an amazing testament to your level of skill.
I look forward to meeting you in Chicago and seeing your gorgeous monster hunter outfit up close!
Yes, this!
I entered my first cosplay competition this year (OzCC Championships of Cosplay), where you have to submit your entry in advance, so simply being accepted as one of the 10 contestants in such a high-level competition made me feel like I had already won! I believe the best reason to enter a comp is to just SHOW OFF a cosplay that you are extremely proud of. Don't even THINK about winning. If you do win something that's just a lovely bonus! Going in with that attitude, you are never going to feel disappointed. I was genuinely so happy for everyone that won something. I couldn't stop smiling and clapping for them. And the BEST part? Meeting and talking to other cosplayers who are as passionate about making stuff as you are. Everyone was so lovely and it's a great way to make new cosplay friends.
I'm already planning my next competition cosplay, not expecting it to win, but knowing it will push me to craft to a higher level and try new techniques and skills. ❤
Yay! That’s exactly what I’m talking about!
This is true for all competitions, everywhere, all the time. You stated it so clearly and with such a true heart. Thank you.
Thank you for your kind words :)
I entered my first competition in July and won best Novice. I entered my second in September and won best Journeyman. I'm now in masters and while I'm overjoyed, it's kinda frightening to have moved so fast. I now feel myself comparing myself to other cosplayers I look up to and admire, and I know I have a lot to learn to truly compete at a master's level. I know it feels weird being like "wow I won every competition I entered" (all 2 of them), but It really opened my eyes to what competing really is. I've made great friends and learned amazing things, and I feel so proud of everything I worked on. Honestly, I just wanted the professional looking photo of me on stage that really showed off my costume in all it's glory, as I put a lot of work into it. I am a competitive person, and winning felt great, but I think the things I've learned make me feel that much better. I feel so inspired to make things, and I'm so excited to take what I've learned and work hard towards my next big costume!
Also, at the September competition, I was standing in line to go on stage behind a cosplayer with beautiful foam and leather work (I'm a Sewist) and I was so amazed by the details I could see of their costume from my place 2 feet behind them. I was so blown away by their work, I had already accepted that they were going to win and I would be happy for them because I could see how much work they put into it. Turns out I won just barely because they had a few messy seams on the inside, something even I couldn't even see from all the time I was standing next to them. This really shows that judges make their decisions for a reason, and if you're not a judge you honestly cannot determine who should win or not because even if you look closely at that costume, you don't know everything.
Congrats on your win!! Your Toph costume is so beautifully made and is so inspiring, and it helped me find your videos. I love your videos because it feels genuine, and I love the joy that you share through what you teach and share with people.
Firstly, a massive congratulations.
I had a similar experience when I started. The first big competition I entered I won, and then within the next year or so I had won a National competition. Immediately I was a master. Yet there were people around. Me who had been cosplaying for years who were more of the intermediate level. And since then, I’ve always kind of been at that higher level… so I kind of get what you mean in terms of advancing quickly. It is a bit terrifying.
Just grab hold of the adventure and go with it! Learn, learn and continue to learn. It is great you saw that other person’s cosplay up close and could appreciate it- maybe learn how to incorporate some of those elements into your own cosplay. :) continue to grow and push yourself
Ive grown numb to losing. Like it happens a lot and I'm in the same boat as the majority of the contestants who didn't place and it's fine! Better luck next time. Just smile and clap and be proud you joined at all! Most people wouldn't have the guts to go up on stage and stand in the spotlight, so you being there is already a major achievement.
When I first entered a cosplay contest, I didn't place....at all. Not because I didn't try, it's because I was new to the scene of cosplay contests. But after a couple of tries to win year after year, I still didn't win. And that's fine but I still wish I at least placed, even though I did have fun dancing around and showing how I did my skit. I plan on competing again one of these days and I plan to snatch my waist smaller and sing live opera for my skit, or even lipsync if I can't sing live. I've sometimes been a competitive person and I will do anything to win but sometimes I just do it for the experience of being on stage.
Could I win? Not sure. Will I try my hardest? Definitely. Will I be a sore loser? Nah, I've lost all the time so I'm numb to the feeling. Will I do it again? Absolutely yes.
You’ve hit the nail on the head. Just have fun with it!
I competed at Anime Boston this year- it was the first juried competition I ever tried to enter and I am so pleased/proud that I got in. As soon as I saw everyone, I knew I wasn’t placing because my game wasn’t there …yet. I did meet a ton of really cool people and I learned a lot, so it was a very positive experience for me
That is awesome to hear!
When participating in a competition with the goal of enjoying the moment, one will have the most amazing experience. I won nothing in the national French cosplay competition this year but, I have gained so much from the experience it bled into other areas of my life. My self confidence is now through the roof because, now I can say that whatever I decide to put my mind on, I can do it!😂
We have to remember it's not easy to get there at all and the fact that we made it is a win in itself.
YESSSS! I am so happy to hear this for you mate! Having met you in person I know it will only be a matter of time :)
Thank you!! This is such a great way to explain these feelings. I love the backatage party most of my amazing friends come from it. I will take your advice to heart as I go in to my next competition.
Good luck!
My first ever competition i entered (was just my own hometown one) and i took home best in show which completely floored me. I'm getting ready to compete in my second, and it's been tough trying to remember that it's okay for other people to be WAY better and more experienced. It also my first performance so i think that is adding another layer of anxiety lol. Thanks for the video, i appreciate the levelheaded perspective.
It is all about the experience isn't it :)
I havent ever actually competed in a competition but i have had some very impressive cosplays so far and my favorite things to hear are always "can i get a photo" and "Are you in the competition?" because even just hte implication that they think my cosplay is impressive enough to be in the competition brings me so much joy. so in the sense i win every time i cosplay.
That is very true!
This so much! Competitions are always a crapshoot, you have no control over anything but what you bring. All you can do is do your best, and then it's out of your hands.
I've been competing for 20 years, but at most of the competitions here we don't have big prizes (mostly just ribbons and certificates) so the judges are able to give out as many awards as they wish in order to encourage contestants. So we have a lot of 'best details' or 'honorable mention for props'. Crown was a completely different animal for me and I had no idea who else was going to show up and how things would go. I'm thrilled, but I wish more costumes could have gotten recognition as all of them were just so good.
Mate, I was cheering for you so hard down under. It is going to be an absolute privilege to see your ice queen in person and of course to meet you.
You are 100% correct- you never know who is going to turn up. You never know what the result is going to me. The only things you can control is to enter, present yourself as best as you can, and have a good time. That’s it.
You deserved that win, hands down. The judges knew their job and they chose you. I am sorry you had a bit of sourness from certain people to do with that comp and I hope you could ignore it and only relish in the joy that you deserve! Xoxo
It took me a very long time to ever win in a cosplay competition, so I luckily never had the experience of expecting a win and feeling bitter for not winning. I have left many competitions without any wins and yeah there's always disappointment, but the excitement for friends winning always wins over. And because I am very used to not winning, or winning big (which I am one of the only Master Level cosplayers in my friend group without a traditional Best in Show), anytime I DO win something it feels really really good. Honestly, a win when you don't expect it may seem sweeter than the ones where you "expect" it.
Also thank you for sharing your story involving WCS. Honestly, it may feel like you missed out on some of your WCS experience, but also I feel like WCS is the ultimate learning experience in cosplay. I know my entire mind set has changed since WCS and I have learnt so much about cosplay, and the competition mind set.
Thank you for saying that! WCS in Japan was my first international cosplay competition and I learnt a whole lot about the cosplayer I want to be. Since then I have managed to achieve a whole lot and I am a happier more creative person
@KirileeCosplay honestly it really shows! I feel like you have managed to turn that feeling around so well and it makes you such a great role model in the competition, international and probably even your local communities.
Awww thanks mate xoxo
Well said Kirilee, I competed last year in the ANYC cosplay masquerade and I didn't win a thing I just made new friends that year. Best of all I had fun.
That’s awesome!
So glad to see this topic being discussed! And congrats on your Crown win! ahhh!
I've been working on my mindset after a really disappointing loss in 2019 and I've definitely had much much better times since then. When I start a new project for a competition, I set myself some goals that have nothing to do with winning that I would be happy about regardless of what happens. Things like "I want to try this technique," or "I want to feel really comfortable in this cosplay" or "I want to have fun while on stage". I pick a couple of those and if I hit those, then I'm happy. Winning an award is just icing on the cake if it happens. :)
EXACTLY! I no longer go in saying "WIN! ONLY WIN!" because at the end of the day - that is out of your hands. I focus on being proud of what I've achieved to the judges, and super excited to see how the other competitiors did their cosplays!
Well said! You should go into comps to have fun, and as a stage for your craft! Its a great time where people HAVE to look at your costume. It's great for networking too. I have entered and won, not placed, etc. But omg... one of my last on there was a group that yelled at the judges directly for not winning.. I also had a "friend" basically not talk to me for months because i won and she didnt. Don't enter with the mindset to win, enter to show off your craft!
PS I love how you organize your fabric! I have the same shelves and you make me want to organize like this!
Oh wow - that is not a true friend. I know that I am super happy for the winners of comps when I don’t place, even if I have my own disappointments. My disappointment is my own and this is a wonderful opportunity for the winner
I feel like it is just human nature to be slightly upset at the outcome. But as your friend said, everyone that is there put so much effort into their costume and performance! I am always super happy for the people that win because I know the effort!
I always ask for my judging notes if possible to see where I can improve on, even if I do place in the comp! @@KirileeCosplay
I used to wish my competitors in figure skating good luck because I wanted to win by both of us doing our best and mine was just better, not because they fell or anything like that. Now I'm not sure if I'd want to compete in cosplay, I did enough competing in other stuff and now I just love sewing
Competiting in cosplay is honestly a wonderful experience and I find the best friendships have been forged in the backstage rooms, oogling over each other and appreciating each other's works. So much more than just a trophy and title.
i would say to prepare more for not winning. set up a defeat party where you go and decompress and just kick back and relax. This way you win either way. Either you celebrate having competed, have another fun night with all of the other competitors and dance the night away or you actually get the extra bonus of having won the competition. If you are a good sportsperson about things you will end up getting invited to so many new competitions! I have been cosplaying for almost 20 years at this point and I still get the beginning jitters and stage fright but once I get out onto the convention floor I just focus on the crowds energy and how happy every one is. I focus on feeling like I am returning home once again and those nerves just melt away,
That is a good way for you to view it :)
Good video, and thank you for being honest about past action/reactions. I think your experience is one many many people fall into when competing, it's a question of growing and changing mindset that matters. For some it happens quickly, for others.... we can be years down the road and the attitude is still the same every time.. I was lucky to meet Bemoreshonen last summer, and they are such kind souls, I'm not surprised at hearing Nomes saying what she did.
Your mentionning of on stage reactions reminded me that for at least 2 years during WCS prelims, the runner-ups (different people both times) were very visibly annoyed at being called 2nd place while standing in the middle of the stage 🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️
The competition bug sometimes gets all of us. And being a super competitive person, I get it. You can be disappointed, and sometimes you can’t hide that on stage, but you can stop yourself from venting through online media. Haha!
the true magic in any cosplay competition is in the green room, not the stage. Magical moments absolutely happen on the stage but the real magic is the fun had in the green room, the new friendships formed. the support and comradery that happens amongst the competitors. There is no better feeling than in certain competitions like the WCS helping your competitior. becuase you either get to know you helped them win, or you placed avove fully fleshed out competitors. Focus more on learning and the social aspect and you will be winning more and more competitions and having so much more fulfillment and joy along the way. Do not isolate your self.
Yes
Amazing vid Kirilee!! I cheered so hard for you and Giorgia during WCS, and was also sad to not see you place. Your costumes were gorgeous and your skit was amazing and memorable, and it was so fun to keep track of both of your progress!
I’m normally in the artist alley so I’ve only entered comps a handful of times, but I definitely struggled with feeling dejected and a little bitter afterwards. Even then, any disappointment will always be outweighed by having fun, meeting new people, and getting to show off something you’ve worked hard at.
Great vid and so proud of you for Toph as well! Definitely inspired me to get her out of storage for another wear! How did you find the contacts? I couldn’t stand mine haha ❤️
Toph was a good experience over all! And thank you for the kind words!
This video is a tough pill to swallow for me.
Last year, I won a first place prize in the very first cosplay competition I ever competed in.
But not in the top of the Novice category, even though it was my first competition.
Nor in the Journeyman category, even though the above reason still applied!
No, me and my group (ours was a group cosplay) somehow managed to win 1st place in the MASTERS category.
Please believe me, because I barely believe it myself. It was a local convention that was still finding its footing.
But needless to say the pressure I feel to make a cosplay that lives up to the same hype that our costumes garnered last year is IMMENSE. It's 4 months away and I feel like every day where I haven't gotting my design specs perfectly worked out and materials list all together yet is a day of failure. And I have RSD so failure really sucks.
If you have any insights on how to process these emotions, I would greatly appreciate it.
Firstly, remember the first rule of cosplay- it is meant to be fun.
Nobody is going to judge you against what you did last year AND you also can’t control who will turn up this year wearing what they’ve made.
The only thing you should focus on is making the cosplay to a standard that you are proud of. Stop trying to guess how other people will react.
I would love to be in a cosplay contest someday and this is really good to know!!
Good luck for your first entry
Thanks for that perspective Kirilee, kinda helped me with my mindset making my Ichigo Kurosaki cosplay thats going to be a costume change on stage. having competed in multiple contests myself and haven't won yet, i use the losses to elevate my next cosplay, To drive myself to get better and do more that give it the wow factor. Unfortunately, there was one loss that i had that to this day drives me nuts. when the contest is done i always go to the judges booth and ask them what i could have done better, or for any pointers on my cosplay to make it stand out just that little bit more. most judges always say it came down to one or 2 points and that there wasn't anything i could have done different. yet one judge told me. "I'm just a bigger fan of that character they cosplayed as, rather than the character you cosplayed. That's why they got more points." to this day that still gets under my skin but i don't let it ruin the experience nor the drive to one day win a cosplay contest.
I'm glad this could help :)
Thank you for sharing your experience at WCS! This was so powerful. I've had friends who were in that place, and that's been one of my biggest fears about competing: missing out on the good things because I'm so caught up in my own mindset. I'm so glad you've been able to catch up on aaaaall the positivity and community building ever since!!!
Thank you hun. I have really tried - and whilst I don’t always succeed, I do certainly try lol
Oh my god! You qualified to WCS! 😳 I know so many people whose life goal is _qualifying_ to Japan, not even _winning_ the Japanese final!
And some countries don't even have the option to qualify... like my country, until this year.
I tried competing in a prestigious contest in my country (one which would later become the WCS qualification) and was extremely burnt-out, and thought I'd never compete again, but honestly, the stories about the WCS finals make me want to dream about qualifying again...
Yes- I have been very privileged to have represented my country a few times but it is also a case of “wanting more”.
I’ve learnt to try and silence those thoughts
Wow, I would have never guessed that about your WCS feelings! I'm glad it had an inspiring outcome though. Keep up all the good work, and I'm looking forward to cheering you on at c2e2 next year!
Thank you! Will do!
I have grown a lot as a person in the last 5 years and I am very aware of how quickly my competition brain can go toxic. I need to stay in the happy zone :)
Really glad you shared your thoughts on this topic! You articulated everything so well and I love that you weren't afraid to share your personal experiences and feelings too. I was pretty disappointed with some people's behavior after a recent US-based competition. I hope that going forward, cosplayers can keep in mind the points you explained here. I know I will!
Thank you so much. It was disappointing to see, and I didn’t see any sort of apology from the person in question.
FIRST! this was an awesome vid! keep up the great work!
Actually … third hehehe :)
Thank you so much :)
oof, just realized@@KirileeCosplay
how you speak of others is how people see you as a person. If you are genuinely happy for the winner and even better if you try to learn a thing or two from them people will associate positivity and kindness with you. If you mouth off at the winner and throw a hissy fit they will associate that with you, a ton of negativity. When you enter even your first cosplay competition that is now what will publicly be associated with your name, so stay professional and kind hearted. Make sure to go to any after parties and focus more on having fun. Focus on how amazing the winner's cosplay is and how close you came in competing with them. Absolutely do every thing you can to learn at least 2 things from them whether it be how they made their patterns, what type of paint they used on the warbla, what gear they used, how long it took them to sew the train literally anything you can learn from them will become a tool in your tool belt for the next competition. If you genuinely accept that you are not going to win literally every single competition you enter youll be in a wonderful starting head space. Focus more on the fun, because if you arent having fun there is no point to any of it.
Yep
Really good advice for any competition. 💜
Thank you!
I’m planning to join a competition for the first time ever this year. No clue if it’ll actually go well. Although I live in a country where cosplay isn’t that popular, people sometimes come to tiny cons with insane costumes. My biggest fear at the moment is actually not not winning but I’m afraid I’ll make some silly mistakes and get really embarrassed lol
Just get on stage and have a good time. Everything else is subjective :)
Its funny because I've never had a competitive bone in my body until I discovered cosplay! It's possibly an advantage of starting a hobby somewhat older than the average competitor, as I'm usually able to regulate my emotions a bit better when it comes to competing. Also I'm pretty good at picking the winner from backstage so it gives me time to sort out my disappointment 😉. My only rival is myself, and i just want to get better!
Hahaha! I definitely feel the bit about being older than the average cosplayer - you are absolutely right though!
I just want to share this here bc i feel it fits the theme of the video ajdja, sorry if its a bit long-
During march i decided entering a big contest in another state after i couldn't enter a big contest i really wanted to enter (i also felt really disappointed because i was already really excited of the contest, i still LOVED that con, that was on November 2022), and when i entered in the march competition this year, it felt amazing, there was a bunch of people that were INCREDIBLY talented and also deserved to win, i submitted a princess peach cosplay (it also was like a auto birthday gift bc i always loved the character as a kid and the con was days after my birthday!), and EVEN before the con and the contest itself, the announcement of the cosplayers that got a spot in the contest was right the day before my birthday, so in a way, getting to participate in the contest and finding it out one day before my birthday was like the coolest pre birthday gift I got jsdjsj
And IN the contest, everyone cheered for me, and did quite some dancing and transformation, and i got the crowd wild, but i still was incredibly nervous on who was gonna win, but i still applied the mentality you said on the video:0, i was that one specific cosplayer that was cheering on everyone, so when i got the signal that I had to be backstage to get on the stage bc i won first place, i couldn't believe it, i was REALLY close to crying and ruining the makeup sjdjsj (I never had won a really big competition like that), if i had lost, i still had won a lot of the experience i got, the cool friends i got to meet, and even just celebrating with all the cosplayers just taking pics backstage, that was the coolest birthday thing i made this year even if it was some days later
If you got to read all of this, thanks!
Congratulations on your win and thanks for sharing
@@KirileeCosplay AWWW THANKS!! i LOVE your Toph cosplay sm!! rn as i speak i was watching some of ur videos while I'm making the final details of my most recent cosplay! I'm gonna try again at submitting to the cosplay i wanted to enter last year that I mentioned, you are very talented!!
awesome video! And very necessary
Thank you!
This video was really insightful, and i can absolutely relate to your WCS story with my Crown experience. Thank you!
Thank you
Thankyou for sharing this precious and amazing story ❤❤❤❤ Truly inspiring!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
You mentioned poi in one of your toph videos? Can you do a video on using poi for cosplay? There are so many different kinds of poi and I wonder what the convention rules would be about them, as well as tips for making them match your cosplay, finding music to choreograph to, etc.
I have never personally used poi for a cosplay so I can’t say that I can comment on that.
I would say check the convention rules but as long as the poi’s aren’t too long from finger to ball base (which is then covered with fabric and long tails) you should be fine… just don’t spin them around in crowded areas.
Keep it to the stage or outside.
@@KirileeCosplay thanks for the reply!
Well said!
Thank you!
Thank you. I've been trying to get myself to this mindset and it really helps to hear it from someone of your level. I've tried to enter Otakon's contest twice, but backed out each time. (Once was a legitimate reason, other time was anxiety) What do you do about your self-doubt, when thinking "I could have done [x]&[y] better if I had more time, is it really even good enough to be competing?" and such thoughts.
That is the competitive brain coming in! It’s hard, but push those thoughts away and focus on something else like the cool techniques you DID use!
This is such a great video! We had no idea the impact those words would have BUT I wanna say that as your hotel neighbours we had a great time with you both and we cherish the memories we made and our friendship! Love you!
You are awesome :) I forever appreciate both of your friendships with me. Love you too!
Awesome discussion
Thank you!
Omg... This has me thinking of the Gold Coast/Brisbane Supanova cosplay competitions. As much as I'd love to enter the competition, I will NEVER enter one until they have a different person as the host. The current guy can't help but make awful jokes about the media the cosplay is from (or make an unrelated joke about some other series because he knows nothing about whatever the cosplay is from), he'll constantly mispronounce names or series, and there will rarely be any mention of the skill in the cosplay. Not to mention, they literally let someone enter the competition in a cosplay that was store bought?????? ugh.....
I am sorry to hear that. Have you sent that feedback onto supanova directly? Because it is something that they should really be aware of.
In fairness, it would have been the cosplay staff that allowed a store bought cosplay to be put into the cosplay comp, not the host.
Hello, I have a question! I’m going to a smaller con soon, and they have no rules saying you have to make your cosplay or anything to participate in the contest. I just wanted to ask, is it alright to join the competition if you bought your cosplay, or is that wrong? I kinda wanna participate but I don’t have time to make my own cosplay, so I had to buy one. This is just a genuine question of mine and I would love to know what you think! ^^
If there is no rules, go for it. However, I would also just check during sign up and if their is prejudging of any sort, you will need to disclose that you bought it. Just be honest and have fun :)
@@KirileeCosplay Of course! Thank you! :D
The ONLY time i have done anything remotely like it, was when i had to make a quick exit because i was going tonwet myself 😂😂 i was in a large ballgown and didnt have a handler to help me. Id been waiting allmday and was actually releoved tjat i didnt won, because it meant i could rush to the loo more quickly 😂😂😂😂 i cheered my lungs out for every winner, but the quick exit was genuinely the fact that i was wearing a white ballgown and didnt want to have an accident 😂
The only time ove complained, was not becahse i didnt win, but because a judge felt the need to give a backhanded apology that i didn't win first place because the winner did a proper performance (i came second). Bearing in mind, i am disabled, had mentioned it was the first time off my stick in 6 months and i soecifically entered the non performance category because i felt i couldnt do a performance that day (you entered on the day). So while i made a post about that experience, i didnt mention the con. I made sure to point out that thr winner DESERVED TO WIN (I wouldnhave placed them above me too!), but my complaint was the necessity of a judge coming up to a disabled cosplayer and letting them knowbthat their physicalnability to perform on that day was why they lost. When there wasnt supposed to be a performance element to the competition, they entered. The following day they did something that was also insulting as well, i was on my stick that day, too, because I'd broken myself doing what i had the day before.
Ive competed at the same grouonof cons since, but I'm considering avoiding the chain when i comes to competing from now on because my last experience was great, but the judges werent allowed to do a prejudging so the poor judge (different and absolutely lovely) complimented me on how much id edited my cosplay (she thought id bought it and altered). I took it as a compliment, but id made everything bar the tights, one petticoat and the shoes from scratch. 😂
Thank you for sharing your stories with us!
Idk .. i try fo keep a positive mindset when i do my cosplay competition but id be lying if i said i don't get salty.. i mean here you have so many hours work put into sewing 3d printing sanding etc just to lose to a guy dressed as a furry? A typical monster Halloween outfit? I mean... Sometimes its like what do the judges look for?
Hard work and dedication can get beaten by a guy wearing a fish bowl helmet? (Yes i lost a cosplay contest to a freaking guy wearing a yellow jump suit with a fish bowl.....
I’ve been trying to think of a response to this for weeks- so here goes.
Just because what you see may look to be easier that what you have created, doesn’t mean that it is.
Now sometimes, the judges are maybe not skilled or experienced enough and shouldn’t be judging. That happens - but less often than I think you are implying.
My suggestion to you is to not enter a competition again that you feel would not judge you fairly. Or enter and when the judging panel is announced, if they are not who you would want to be judged by, pull out and wait for a competition with judges that better suit you.
I wish you all the best