It's a fairly late comment (but you can tell I'm looking at the posts in your world~! :D Nice posts, by the way), but I don't think you should judge people who go to anime conventions are beautiful or whatever 'cause that's not why we cosplay at conventions, we do it for the fun and because that's the most appropriate place to cosplay (plus you get lots of attention if you cosplay popular characters and do it well).
I mean, I don't think the 2nd picture is all that beautiful, but I don't think you should judge a picture in a con, or for a con, compared to a model for an anime character. Yes, PEOPLE MODEL. It's not just fun and games, a lot of the time it's their job to look beautiful. People who go to cons just do it for fun.
A lot of your pictures on here are of PROFESSIONALS. The girl on the left is probably not a professional, and probably the only reason why it looks better is because she styled the wig better and is thinner (and she's taking it outside...obviously she isn't having fun at a con, she's just posing in a place that would look nice in a picture)...but the girl on the right has a better costume.
I just feel a bit offended because I don't have the money or sewing skills to make a good costume and I really would hate having people look down on me just 'cause my costume doesn't look perfect...(Like right now both of my cosplays for an upcoming con are decent looking because my sewing machine is broken and I don't know how to sew a jacket etc.). (I'm not overweight at all, but none of my costumes have ever been as close as some of the amazing costumes I've seen...it feels terrible to be judged like that after all the hard work only to get a somewhat adequate costume)
I've only seen liiike 5% of people at cons that actually look amazing...O.o; So it makes no sense to say any of what you just said.
It's a common debate, but it shouldn't be debated 'cause the point of an anime convention is to have fun and not judge other people, if you do then you just look that a jack-a**.
Cosplay meant for fun is for anime conventions, cosplay meant for beauty is for photoshoots.
Have you ever seen a gathering of people where everyone looks absolutely gorgeous? No, not even on the red carpet (in meh opinion). It would just never happen, so stop wishing it would and just let other people have fun.
Also, a lot of people don't dedicate their lives or a large amount of their time to cosplay, so don't expect them to.
(Argument is probably over...XD But I just had to put it out there).
Last edited by Wakusei Aoshi at 1:08:29 PM CDT on March 24, 2012.
I'm a little late in commenting on this post. XD But, honestly, I hate seeing obese people cosplaying. Totally and completely ruins all good images I had of the character. Rather scarring, if you know what I mean.
But kudos to them for having the courage to go out to a con dressed like that. For half-assed cosplayers, I doubt many people even spare them half a glass. Cosplay is an art, but I believe it's an art to be enjoyed. I enjoy singing, dancing, writing, making cards, and I consider those arts. So why can't art be something fun, as well?
On that note, I just have to say that all this is good and well, and saying that you like people to look like the character they are cosplaying is easy enough to say--if you have lighter skin. Not to be racist or anything. I have olive skin, and it is extremely hard for me to cosplay as someone who looks like me, because there are few characters out there who are darker skinned.
Well thank you! Yeah, I can agree with that. i hate with how everyone thinks that it's all about looking perfect and not having a bit of fun. Art is not perfect, nor will it ever be. People will just have to face it. The world is not perfect.
So if someone wants to cosplay, and they're not 60 pounds (Because of how ridiculously skinny those anime chicks really are...), others will have to deal with it if they find it a bother, it's the persons choice.
I actually totally agree with you, Pikmin. P: I work really hard on my cosplays. I don't have a job, or even a way to get money, but I do try. I go to Thrift Stores and Walmart. I weight around 200+ but it doesn't stop me from dressing as Grell from Kuroshitsuji. I'm huge, yeah, but I still work hard. And it's not as if I WANT to be fat, you know. I've been big my whole life, really. Its what happens when you come from bigger parents. But I still dress how I want to- Within reason. I don't go around wearing booty-shorts and all that but you know. And honestly, I could care less if someone big like me is cosplaying. As long you can see that they tried, I can respect that.
That’s not what I meant at all, and the ‘For the lulz’ isn’t part of this. I’m not talking about people cosplaying as ‘for the lulz’. I’m talking about the people you say make ‘Half-assed’ cosplays as you call it. What if they DID make that cosplay? What if to them, that was the best of their ability and they DID put their sweat and tears into it? Then they go to a con, in a cosplay they know they tried their hardest on, and they go looking around and having FUN. That is what cosplay is about. Having a fun and good time in something you bought by working hard to save money, or put your sweat and tears into making something, and just enjoying something you made.
And yes, it IS rude to go up to someone and tell them that they’re ugly. And it’s even worse to online, where millions of others would see your comment and go “LOL SHE IS.” What if She (Or He, just an example person) found it. You wouldn’t like it if someone came up to you and said that your cosplay was ugly, now would you? It’s that nice and golden rule; If you can’t say something nice, then don’t say it at all.
And it’s up to those ‘Obese’ people to put that stuff on. Sure, it might be a bit displeasing to you or someone, but if you don’t like it, then don’t look. There are tons of cosplays at cons, and even IF the cosplay is perfectly accurate and etc. I still wouldn’t want to look at a perfectly fine girl (Weight Wise) in a bikini and a huge gun. I don’t want to see that, so I would just look away.
And here is what I return to in an earlier subject I mentioned. Art, I never realized that art had to be so perfect that it’s sickening. No art, no art in the world, is perfect. Maybe to one viewer, but to the one who made it in their eyes; It’s not perfect. OR, if you like, maybe they think it’s perfect, but only some think the same. Are you going to go to the starter artists on here and tell them that their pictures are not ‘perfect’ and are ‘ugly’? Because if you think of cosplay as art, then you should treat every other subject of art the same way. Because, in a way, art is a huge family. You got music, drawing, painting, and so on. If you are saying that cosplay is an art and you wish to start saying what’s ‘ugly’ and what’s ‘perfect’, then you need to treat the rest as the same way.
The 2 cosplay pics are meant for contrast, the 1st one displeases me, but the 2nd is amazing!
For fun is ok when effort is put. I still can't shake off my idea that obese people shouldn't cosplay, but the costumes that aren't perfect aren't ugly either.
It's easy to look decent in a cosplay and have fun, it just takes a tad of extra effort :3
Self confidence is a double edged sword. It's the awesome type that makes people not hate themselves for not looking like celebs and there's the awkward one that makes people go in public like this: link.
I'd say self confidence should be used wisely, as a good thing, not an excuse.
It's not rude to call a cosplayer ugly when that's the case. No matter what, I refuse to call triple chins on a cosplay of a moe character beautiful... To be a bit overweight and cosplay it's totally fine, but to be morbidly obese and wear a miniskirt as Rukia, it's insane and gross.
And here I return to what I wrote in the post that there are 2 kinds of cosplay, as an art and for fun.
As audience I will never call a halfassed cosplay beautiful, I simply don't enjoy it.
There's the crack cosplay that amuses me though, like the Sailor Moon bearded guy XD That's obviously for the lulz.
The one thing I hate more than ANYTHING is seeing poorly done cosplays ON THE STREETS. I believe cosplay is something that belongs at conventions and conventions alone, unless you're doing a serious photoshoot! The other day, when I was in Japantown, of course I had to see the terrible Miku and Gumi cosplayers in public... OTL I think that kind of ruins the idea of cosplay :T
However, I also must say this. If I saw those two at a convention, I might have thought they weren't half bad. Why? Because I could tell they put some time and effort into the cosplays. The Miku girl was overweight, but really, she wasn't like an obese 500 pound man LOL I kind of sit on the fence with this debate. I believe for some people, cosplay is an art to take seriously. For others, it's something to do for fun. Me, I do it for fun. I still put a considerable amount of time (and money <--- so poor from trying to get amazing cosplay) into my cosplays, so that I won't be seen as one of those people who half-assed and did the costume in 5 minutes. But I don't mind seeing what you would consider "bad" either. Let's face it, not everyone is beautiful model/barbie material. Sometimes you have to do with what you have. Whether you choose to take advantage, for better or for worse, is up to you ^ ^; As long as you're doing your best and having fun (maybe even staying in character is a good idea xD) then why not, right?
We don't share the same view on cosplay.
I hate cosplays that aren't faithful to the character and I don't want to see poorly made costumes on people who don't resemble the character one bit.
If people really have fun looking ugly at a con, good for them, some may praise them, like you did, but I won't and I definitely won't enjoy the sight of them. Self confidence is awesome, but sometimes hard work is best to be chosen over fun.
Maybe the "bad" cosplays are the best the person has. Maybe they're not talented enough to make something that is "perfect". People should cosplay for themselves, not to go to a convention and impress others. How 'horrible' the cosplay is, they're allowed to go the convention, have fun and not be looked down upon. No one wants to hear "your cosplay is so bad, keep it at home!". No one. That's really rude of anyone to say, and it would hurt. I mean, yeah, the cosplays that are just, as you said, bathrobes pretending to be Ichigo, those are a bit ridiculous. Or the ones like SweetDevil mentioned, bearded Sailor Moon.
And making costumes, getting wigs, making weapons, etc etc costs SO MUCH MONEY. I really hope no one is dumb enough to spend most, or all of their money on something they're gonna wear for over the weekend and that's it. Sometimes a cosplay can be started to a point where the cosplayer is satisfied with it, and then they'll just add onto it or modify things when they have more money. Or maybe their complete versions ARE satisfactory to them.
And about overweight cosplayers. Yeah, it's pretty gross when overweight people (or even skinny people for that matter) wear skimpy costumes, but at least they have the confidence to do so, without caring what harsh things people have to say. And, if the wigs, outfits and weapons or other accessories look OK, who cares about their weight? You can't expect people to be 5'8" and 105 lbs like anime characters. You cannot. I mean, what if an overweight person hears about a convention, and wants to cosplay and go? What are they supposed to do? NOT go? Just because it won't reach someone's expectations? No. It's not right.
It's the same with people who don't have a lot of money. Are they just supposed to skip out on something like that, when they want to go and want to cosplay, but can't afford to make perfect ones? Hell no. They can go, they can have fun and they shouldn't be insulted for it.
When people cosplay, it should be for themselves. They shouldn't try to please others, or reach anyone's expectations. They should do it for fun, and make an outfit they're happy with. That's what counts the most; how the COSPLAYER feels about it. Not what others think. Because if they did care, and they saw posts like this one, and realized their cospalys aren't "perfect", they're gonna be really hurt.
Last edited by MikuBerry at 11:47:57 PM CDT on April 28, 2011.
Well that's not really fair. Some people can't control their weight OR their money issues. And like what someone else said below, it's for fun as well. I'm sure as heck not going to dress as a character because I HAVE to, it would be because I wanted to. I don't have the money to spend on whatever I please, I can sew things, but not well, and I'm not the 'perfect' weight that all the anime characters seem to be. So I go and try my best, and then get hated for it because the cosplay isn't perfect. So what? So what if the costume isn't perfect? At least I tried and I liked. So what if I'm not like a barbie doll? At least I wanted to have fun.
And yeah, I agree with where you say someone slinging on a bathrobe for a cosplay isn't trying at all. But heck, sometimes people want to at least try and dress up when they go to one to resemble someone they like from their favorite show, and maybe it's a joke.
I get your meaning with some things, but other things are just plan rude. Sure, Cosplay is an art, but like all art things you can't be absolutely perfect at it. It takes practice, just as drawing or making music or etc. does. So what if the girl pictured is a little heavy? She got the courage to try and dress up as a favorite character. ANd you know what? I think she looks good, as well as the other cosplayer.
I'm sorry, but in this post your making it sound like you have to look exactly like the character to dress up as them, and I've seen plenty of wonderful cosplays to where the person hardly looks like them because their not the same gender or etc. that the character they're cosplaying is.
You should also add "gender awareness" to the list, I'm sure we've all been traumatized by that bearded dude cosplaying as Sailor Moon >.>
I agree with you. I haven't been to any conventions yet but cosplaying is like dressing to go out on the town: your wear something you're comfortable in and which fits you. And wouldn't the pleasure of cosplaying be even greater with a well-made costume?
I totally agree with you... Cosplay is an art and, so, it must be well-done. At a convention or on a web site, it is not just for fun.
I have plans for cosplay. Not too much because of my... caramel skin xD And I looked for character with the same skin as me for that. Characters who can look like me. I will never ever do Sakura or Panty (but I can do one of the evil sisters =D)... For fun, I once did Tornade (X-Men) and my best friend was Tonks (Harry Potter) but we worked a lot on it !! It's not even fun for me if there's no resemblances...
The picture you shown for example reminds me exactly those so ugly cosplays I saw once of Pokemon. I was young and it really shocked me... =S
And I don't agree with you. What's the point of making something if one doesn't do his/her best at it?
Having fun is one thing and going there to cosplay is on a different scale. That's why this world is for the art of cosplay. It means that only professional artists, who put sweat and tears in their costumes are featured.
I know making a costume costs money, but rather than looking unsatisfactory, I think it's best to just spend it. I've always disliked ugly cosplay, if a person wants to cosplay, then be it, but be damn good at it!
No offense, but I don't really agree with this post. To me, it doesn't matter rather overweight people cosplay a skinny person at a convention. Or if they just do a cheap version of a cosplay, at a convention. Sure, people do go to conventions to see good cosplays, but also to have fun and make friends. No one should judge or care if the cosplay isn't perfect. Some of us aren't talented enough to make great looking cosplays, and some of us aren't rich enough to buy some, or buy everything needed for the costume. As long as the people who cosplay have fun, that's what counts.
Wakusei Aoshi
Otaku Eternal | Posted 03/24/12 | Reply
It's a fairly late comment (but you can tell I'm looking at the posts in your world~! :D Nice posts, by the way), but I don't think you should judge people who go to anime conventions are beautiful or whatever 'cause that's not why we cosplay at conventions, we do it for the fun and because that's the most appropriate place to cosplay (plus you get lots of attention if you cosplay popular characters and do it well).
I mean, I don't think the 2nd picture is all that beautiful, but I don't think you should judge a picture in a con, or for a con, compared to a model for an anime character. Yes, PEOPLE MODEL. It's not just fun and games, a lot of the time it's their job to look beautiful. People who go to cons just do it for fun.
A lot of your pictures on here are of PROFESSIONALS. The girl on the left is probably not a professional, and probably the only reason why it looks better is because she styled the wig better and is thinner (and she's taking it outside...obviously she isn't having fun at a con, she's just posing in a place that would look nice in a picture)...but the girl on the right has a better costume.
I just feel a bit offended because I don't have the money or sewing skills to make a good costume and I really would hate having people look down on me just 'cause my costume doesn't look perfect...(Like right now both of my cosplays for an upcoming con are decent looking because my sewing machine is broken and I don't know how to sew a jacket etc.). (I'm not overweight at all, but none of my costumes have ever been as close as some of the amazing costumes I've seen...it feels terrible to be judged like that after all the hard work only to get a somewhat adequate costume)
I've only seen liiike 5% of people at cons that actually look amazing...O.o; So it makes no sense to say any of what you just said.
It's a common debate, but it shouldn't be debated 'cause the point of an anime convention is to have fun and not judge other people, if you do then you just look that a jack-a**.
Cosplay meant for fun is for anime conventions, cosplay meant for beauty is for photoshoots.
Have you ever seen a gathering of people where everyone looks absolutely gorgeous? No, not even on the red carpet (in meh opinion). It would just never happen, so stop wishing it would and just let other people have fun.
Also, a lot of people don't dedicate their lives or a large amount of their time to cosplay, so don't expect them to.
(Argument is probably over...XD But I just had to put it out there).
Last edited by Wakusei Aoshi at 1:08:29 PM CDT on March 24, 2012.
Hulaberry32
Primadonna (Otaku Legend) | Posted 07/30/11 | Reply
I'm a little late in commenting on this post. XD But, honestly, I hate seeing obese people cosplaying. Totally and completely ruins all good images I had of the character. Rather scarring, if you know what I mean.
But kudos to them for having the courage to go out to a con dressed like that. For half-assed cosplayers, I doubt many people even spare them half a glass. Cosplay is an art, but I believe it's an art to be enjoyed. I enjoy singing, dancing, writing, making cards, and I consider those arts. So why can't art be something fun, as well?
On that note, I just have to say that all this is good and well, and saying that you like people to look like the character they are cosplaying is easy enough to say--if you have lighter skin. Not to be racist or anything. I have olive skin, and it is extremely hard for me to cosplay as someone who looks like me, because there are few characters out there who are darker skinned.
Just saying. :P
Pikmin541
Senior Otaku+ | Posted 06/06/11 | Reply
@cheriblosomchibi:
Well thank you! Yeah, I can agree with that. i hate with how everyone thinks that it's all about looking perfect and not having a bit of fun. Art is not perfect, nor will it ever be. People will just have to face it. The world is not perfect.
So if someone wants to cosplay, and they're not 60 pounds (Because of how ridiculously skinny those anime chicks really are...), others will have to deal with it if they find it a bother, it's the persons choice.
cheriblosomchibi
Prince Hunny Bunny (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 05/27/11 | Reply
@Pikmin541:
I actually totally agree with you, Pikmin. P: I work really hard on my cosplays. I don't have a job, or even a way to get money, but I do try. I go to Thrift Stores and Walmart. I weight around 200+ but it doesn't stop me from dressing as Grell from Kuroshitsuji. I'm huge, yeah, but I still work hard. And it's not as if I WANT to be fat, you know. I've been big my whole life, really. Its what happens when you come from bigger parents. But I still dress how I want to- Within reason. I don't go around wearing booty-shorts and all that but you know. And honestly, I could care less if someone big like me is cosplaying. As long you can see that they tried, I can respect that.
Pikmin541
Senior Otaku+ | Posted 05/03/11 | Reply
@SakuraDust:
That’s not what I meant at all, and the ‘For the lulz’ isn’t part of this. I’m not talking about people cosplaying as ‘for the lulz’. I’m talking about the people you say make ‘Half-assed’ cosplays as you call it. What if they DID make that cosplay? What if to them, that was the best of their ability and they DID put their sweat and tears into it? Then they go to a con, in a cosplay they know they tried their hardest on, and they go looking around and having FUN. That is what cosplay is about. Having a fun and good time in something you bought by working hard to save money, or put your sweat and tears into making something, and just enjoying something you made.
And yes, it IS rude to go up to someone and tell them that they’re ugly. And it’s even worse to online, where millions of others would see your comment and go “LOL SHE IS.” What if She (Or He, just an example person) found it. You wouldn’t like it if someone came up to you and said that your cosplay was ugly, now would you? It’s that nice and golden rule; If you can’t say something nice, then don’t say it at all.
And it’s up to those ‘Obese’ people to put that stuff on. Sure, it might be a bit displeasing to you or someone, but if you don’t like it, then don’t look. There are tons of cosplays at cons, and even IF the cosplay is perfectly accurate and etc. I still wouldn’t want to look at a perfectly fine girl (Weight Wise) in a bikini and a huge gun. I don’t want to see that, so I would just look away.
And here is what I return to in an earlier subject I mentioned. Art, I never realized that art had to be so perfect that it’s sickening. No art, no art in the world, is perfect. Maybe to one viewer, but to the one who made it in their eyes; It’s not perfect. OR, if you like, maybe they think it’s perfect, but only some think the same. Are you going to go to the starter artists on here and tell them that their pictures are not ‘perfect’ and are ‘ugly’? Because if you think of cosplay as art, then you should treat every other subject of art the same way. Because, in a way, art is a huge family. You got music, drawing, painting, and so on. If you are saying that cosplay is an art and you wish to start saying what’s ‘ugly’ and what’s ‘perfect’, then you need to treat the rest as the same way.
SakuraDust
Moderator | Posted 04/29/11 | Reply
@ChibiSasuke:
The 2 cosplay pics are meant for contrast, the 1st one displeases me, but the 2nd is amazing!
For fun is ok when effort is put. I still can't shake off my idea that obese people shouldn't cosplay, but the costumes that aren't perfect aren't ugly either.
It's easy to look decent in a cosplay and have fun, it just takes a tad of extra effort :3
SakuraDust
Moderator | Posted 04/29/11 | Reply
@Pikmin541:
Self confidence is a double edged sword. It's the awesome type that makes people not hate themselves for not looking like celebs and there's the awkward one that makes people go in public like this: link.
I'd say self confidence should be used wisely, as a good thing, not an excuse.
It's not rude to call a cosplayer ugly when that's the case. No matter what, I refuse to call triple chins on a cosplay of a moe character beautiful... To be a bit overweight and cosplay it's totally fine, but to be morbidly obese and wear a miniskirt as Rukia, it's insane and gross.
And here I return to what I wrote in the post that there are 2 kinds of cosplay, as an art and for fun.
As audience I will never call a halfassed cosplay beautiful, I simply don't enjoy it.
There's the crack cosplay that amuses me though, like the Sailor Moon bearded guy XD That's obviously for the lulz.
ChibiSasuke
13th Angel (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 04/29/11 | Reply
This is getting scary o Ao;;
Anyways, my opinion:
The one thing I hate more than ANYTHING is seeing poorly done cosplays ON THE STREETS. I believe cosplay is something that belongs at conventions and conventions alone, unless you're doing a serious photoshoot! The other day, when I was in Japantown, of course I had to see the terrible Miku and Gumi cosplayers in public... OTL I think that kind of ruins the idea of cosplay :T
However, I also must say this. If I saw those two at a convention, I might have thought they weren't half bad. Why? Because I could tell they put some time and effort into the cosplays. The Miku girl was overweight, but really, she wasn't like an obese 500 pound man LOL I kind of sit on the fence with this debate. I believe for some people, cosplay is an art to take seriously. For others, it's something to do for fun. Me, I do it for fun. I still put a considerable amount of time (and money <--- so poor from trying to get amazing cosplay) into my cosplays, so that I won't be seen as one of those people who half-assed and did the costume in 5 minutes. But I don't mind seeing what you would consider "bad" either. Let's face it, not everyone is beautiful model/barbie material. Sometimes you have to do with what you have. Whether you choose to take advantage, for better or for worse, is up to you ^ ^; As long as you're doing your best and having fun (maybe even staying in character is a good idea xD) then why not, right?
SakuraDust
Moderator | Posted 04/29/11 | Reply
@Morbid Dollie:
We don't share the same view on cosplay.
I hate cosplays that aren't faithful to the character and I don't want to see poorly made costumes on people who don't resemble the character one bit.
If people really have fun looking ugly at a con, good for them, some may praise them, like you did, but I won't and I definitely won't enjoy the sight of them. Self confidence is awesome, but sometimes hard work is best to be chosen over fun.
Morbid Dollie
Strawberry (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 04/28/11 | Reply
@SakuraDust:
Maybe the "bad" cosplays are the best the person has. Maybe they're not talented enough to make something that is "perfect". People should cosplay for themselves, not to go to a convention and impress others. How 'horrible' the cosplay is, they're allowed to go the convention, have fun and not be looked down upon. No one wants to hear "your cosplay is so bad, keep it at home!". No one. That's really rude of anyone to say, and it would hurt. I mean, yeah, the cosplays that are just, as you said, bathrobes pretending to be Ichigo, those are a bit ridiculous. Or the ones like SweetDevil mentioned, bearded Sailor Moon.
And making costumes, getting wigs, making weapons, etc etc costs SO MUCH MONEY. I really hope no one is dumb enough to spend most, or all of their money on something they're gonna wear for over the weekend and that's it. Sometimes a cosplay can be started to a point where the cosplayer is satisfied with it, and then they'll just add onto it or modify things when they have more money. Or maybe their complete versions ARE satisfactory to them.
And about overweight cosplayers. Yeah, it's pretty gross when overweight people (or even skinny people for that matter) wear skimpy costumes, but at least they have the confidence to do so, without caring what harsh things people have to say. And, if the wigs, outfits and weapons or other accessories look OK, who cares about their weight? You can't expect people to be 5'8" and 105 lbs like anime characters. You cannot. I mean, what if an overweight person hears about a convention, and wants to cosplay and go? What are they supposed to do? NOT go? Just because it won't reach someone's expectations? No. It's not right.
It's the same with people who don't have a lot of money. Are they just supposed to skip out on something like that, when they want to go and want to cosplay, but can't afford to make perfect ones? Hell no. They can go, they can have fun and they shouldn't be insulted for it.
When people cosplay, it should be for themselves. They shouldn't try to please others, or reach anyone's expectations. They should do it for fun, and make an outfit they're happy with. That's what counts the most; how the COSPLAYER feels about it. Not what others think. Because if they did care, and they saw posts like this one, and realized their cospalys aren't "perfect", they're gonna be really hurt.
Last edited by MikuBerry at 11:47:57 PM CDT on April 28, 2011.
-those with the biggest hearts hurt the most
Morbid Dollie
Strawberry (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 04/28/11 | Reply
@Pikmin541:
*Claps* I could not have said it better myself. Kudos~~
-those with the biggest hearts hurt the most
Pikmin541
Senior Otaku+ | Posted 04/28/11 | Reply
Well that's not really fair. Some people can't control their weight OR their money issues. And like what someone else said below, it's for fun as well. I'm sure as heck not going to dress as a character because I HAVE to, it would be because I wanted to. I don't have the money to spend on whatever I please, I can sew things, but not well, and I'm not the 'perfect' weight that all the anime characters seem to be. So I go and try my best, and then get hated for it because the cosplay isn't perfect. So what? So what if the costume isn't perfect? At least I tried and I liked. So what if I'm not like a barbie doll? At least I wanted to have fun.
And yeah, I agree with where you say someone slinging on a bathrobe for a cosplay isn't trying at all. But heck, sometimes people want to at least try and dress up when they go to one to resemble someone they like from their favorite show, and maybe it's a joke.
I get your meaning with some things, but other things are just plan rude. Sure, Cosplay is an art, but like all art things you can't be absolutely perfect at it. It takes practice, just as drawing or making music or etc. does. So what if the girl pictured is a little heavy? She got the courage to try and dress up as a favorite character. ANd you know what? I think she looks good, as well as the other cosplayer.
I'm sorry, but in this post your making it sound like you have to look exactly like the character to dress up as them, and I've seen plenty of wonderful cosplays to where the person hardly looks like them because their not the same gender or etc. that the character they're cosplaying is.
sweetdevil
Embracing Insanity (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 04/28/11 | Reply
You should also add "gender awareness" to the list, I'm sure we've all been traumatized by that bearded dude cosplaying as Sailor Moon >.>
I agree with you. I haven't been to any conventions yet but cosplaying is like dressing to go out on the town: your wear something you're comfortable in and which fits you. And wouldn't the pleasure of cosplaying be even greater with a well-made costume?
Felcie
Unicorn Lover (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 04/28/11 | Reply
I totally agree with you... Cosplay is an art and, so, it must be well-done. At a convention or on a web site, it is not just for fun.
I have plans for cosplay. Not too much because of my... caramel skin xD And I looked for character with the same skin as me for that. Characters who can look like me. I will never ever do Sakura or Panty (but I can do one of the evil sisters =D)... For fun, I once did Tornade (X-Men) and my best friend was Tonks (Harry Potter) but we worked a lot on it !! It's not even fun for me if there's no resemblances...
The picture you shown for example reminds me exactly those so ugly cosplays I saw once of Pokemon. I was young and it really shocked me... =S
SakuraDust
Moderator | Posted 04/28/11 | Reply
@Morbid Dollie:
And I don't agree with you. What's the point of making something if one doesn't do his/her best at it?
Having fun is one thing and going there to cosplay is on a different scale. That's why this world is for the art of cosplay. It means that only professional artists, who put sweat and tears in their costumes are featured.
I know making a costume costs money, but rather than looking unsatisfactory, I think it's best to just spend it. I've always disliked ugly cosplay, if a person wants to cosplay, then be it, but be damn good at it!
Morbid Dollie
Strawberry (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 04/28/11 | Reply
No offense, but I don't really agree with this post. To me, it doesn't matter rather overweight people cosplay a skinny person at a convention. Or if they just do a cheap version of a cosplay, at a convention. Sure, people do go to conventions to see good cosplays, but also to have fun and make friends. No one should judge or care if the cosplay isn't perfect. Some of us aren't talented enough to make great looking cosplays, and some of us aren't rich enough to buy some, or buy everything needed for the costume. As long as the people who cosplay have fun, that's what counts.
-those with the biggest hearts hurt the most