/cgl/ - Cosplay & EGL

>>10763404
To start off:
>have you competed before?
I just recently entered a small little online competition for making cosplay tutorials. I made a little youtube video compiling my process making my second-ever cosplay and well.. it was shit! But good shit. The type I know I put my heart and soul into but I just don't have enough experience to make something good yet. I was gonna enter the same costume in the Crunchyroll Cup, but eh, losing the first competition humbled me real quick. I'm thinking of entering the next costume I make into next year's AX's Masquerade or Crunchyroll cup now that my skills should be competent enough for a beginner level competition. I'm excited to document the process properly for once!

>Currently working on?
Deciding my next character, doing research and sourcing supplies.

>Have you made a construction booklet for competitions before?
No, but I'm going to! I'm a crafty hoe, so I'm excited to pick a cute template and get started. I also wanna make another youtube video, but like, good this time.

>What's your ultimate competition goal?
To win something, anything. I just want external validation for all of the hard work I've put in up until this point and to motivate me to work harder in the future.

>Have you competed before? If so, what competition(s)? Did you win?
We've entered quite a few as a duo, from AX 2 years in a row, Wondercon, etc. We've won 2 awards our first time entering we won Best Group craftsmanship at Anime California (the year they filmed that MTV thing we were used as B-roll lol) and again at a revamped AC in 2019 for the best overall Group craftsmanship

>Are you currently working on a costume for an upcoming competition? If so, tell us what aspect of the costume you're working on. Pics greatly appreciated
Possibly planning something for either Crunchyrolls video expo or ALA 18, not decided on what yet for ALA 18

>How do you decide what character to choose for your current or past competition(s)?
It's a healthy mix of "thing we really like" and "Thing that will be fun to wear on stage/show off" we have been trying to lean less obscure as a few of our entries leaned on "thing nobody has heard of"

>What do you do to set yourself apart from the competition? (ie. in your craftsmanship, interactions with judges, etc.)
That varies from project to project but for some, we've tried to really focus on screen accurate detail, for others we wanted creative changes to have like logic based on character/lore/etc. Usually, they're craftsmanship focused, though with our last few we really tried to amp up performance on stage (for our last we made a picture frame that bust open it was a fun performance!)

>Have you made a construction booklet for competitions before? What is something you always like to include or are very proud of in your book(s)?
Yes! The booklet is always fun, when we can we try to theme it to the project when possible. (for bravely default we made it resemble the D Journal and in-game menus, etc.) its fun!

>What's your ultimate competition goal? (ie. a goal for your craftsmanship or say, a specific title you want to win)
Ideally? one more award (any award desu) and we'd love to judge a competition at least once!

>Have you competed before? If so, what competition(s)? Did you win?
I’ve entered several over the years, I’ve gotten judges awards, honorable mention, and 2nd and 3rd place before. Sadly never won outright.
>Are you currently working on a costume for an upcoming competition? If so, tell us what aspect of the costume you're working on. Pics greatly appreciated
Not working on anything right now for competition, I honestly rarely feel like my stuff is good enough
>How do you decide what character to chose for your current or past competition(s)?
I’ve always entered stuff that I made because I love the character/design. My latest one is a Sakizou gown that I spent several months on but I made it because I liked the design, not to compete
>What do you do to set yourself apart from the competition? (ie. in your craftsmanship, interactions with judges, etc.)
I just try to have really good craftsmanship and present it as well as I can. It has to be really good for me to consider competing because I only see flaws and most of my stuff doesn’t measure up to my picky ass
>Have you made a construction booklet for competitions before? What is something you always like to include or are very proud of in your book(s)?
I just include a ton of pictures of as much as I can. My last one is 25 pages.
>What's your ultimate competition goal? (ie. a goal for your craftsmanship or say, a specific title you want to win)
I’d like to win for once. It’s hard because I’ve never really known what I needed to improve. There have been times where I felt that my craftsmanship was superior to a winner and I wish I could know what I did wrong or needed to do better. I wish scores were shared, even if only to the competitors so that I would know what I need to do. I feel like my Sakizou costume is the best I’ve ever done and I don’t know how to top it but it’s still 2nd place material I guess

>>10763473
Oh wow, your rewards are amazing! Duo entries sound so fun.

>we have been trying to lean less obscure
Do popular characters not do well in competitions?

> we made a picture frame that bust open
Ahhh, I love things like that in competitions.

>we made it resemble the D Journal and in-game menus
Now that's the shit that gets me excited. That extra attention to detail is just too cool. I can see why you have some awards under your belts.

Thank you for sharing! Your history is exciting.

>>10763554
>Sadly never won outright.
Yet. I'm sure you'll nail it in the future, anon. I can imagine how hard it'd be to grow without that constructive criticism. Don't let it make you plateau. If you're willing, open yourself up to concrit. It might be helpful to start practicing appreciating your work (even in small doses) because that pride will push you further than displeasure will. There's always something to improve, but there's also always something to appreciate in your work. Your work obviously isn't as bad as you make it seem if you're placing so high in competitions.

>>10763819
We tend to cosplay stuff that's not super popular, at the end of the day it doesn't totally matter but when the audience knows what you're from and gets excited i imagine it can help!

>>10763823
Thanks anon. I’m always open to constructive criticism which is why I wish we’d get to see scores/comments from judges so that I could pinpoint what they see as needing the most work. I’ve had a lot of people say that my problem is that I don’t have enough variety because I do needlework and no real armor or props, which isn’t on purpose, I just tend to be drawn to ballgowns and such that don’t really have that, and I don’t want to just stick it in for points when it doesn’t match (I’m not going to stick lights on a Rococo style ballgown when it doesn’t make sense and isn’t in the design just to be able to say I added lights).
Like the last competition I entered, the winner had more techniques but their needlework wasn’t as high level as mine in my opinion (although I didn’t get the full detailed rundown the judges got, they told me that they altered pieces from purchased stuff etc), but it was a cool original design. So I’m not sure how those things were scored.
It just sucks always getting 2nd place, even if I agree that 1st place deserves it. I want to get better but I’m not sure how without picking costumes based on competition instead of liking the design.

>>10763925
Oh, good to know!

>>10764034
Sorry, yes. I meant to say "seek out concrit on here or other sites you're comfortable with". It sounds like you're already doing that though which is a great. I can see why you're in such a pickle. It seems like you're doing everything right already. Honestly I wonder if part of the issue you're having is because judges panels are usually made up of a small number of sewists. If there's a little of all techniques in a costume, then all the judges would lean towards what they know. Whatever the reason, I truly wish you all the best anon. I can see how much this is weighing on you and I only hope you'll find the answer to win the prize you long deserve.

Do most contests have a performance element? I have absolutely zero desire to do a skit. I just want my craftmanship to be seen and win an award

I've never participated in a competition, it's something I like to fantasize about though, but I still won a prize once.
It was at a movie theater, and they were giving out a prize to two cosplayers. However, for some reason they'd decided to give one to each gender (and not told anyone about it before), so I won by default for being the only male cosplayer. It felt a bit bad because there were many people with much better cosplays than me who didn't win anything.

>>10764387
Most do have a performance element but you can do a walk on (you basically just walk across the stage and show off the costume) and really only get scored on craftsmanship. Don’t do it if you only want to win though.

>>10764669
Goddamit. I get terrible nerves. Thanks for answering, anon

>>10764387

you dont have to do a full on skit, but during your walk/turn it does help to not hurry and not be slow either, and to try to inhabit the character's headspace with the body language and posture.

the costume is to 'sell' the characters appeal in some way, at least in whatever way it was important enough for you to dress up like them, compared to just for fashion's sake.

>>10765159
That's good to know, thank you. I think I could actually pull that off.

>Have you competed before? If so, what competition(s)? Did you win?
I started in 2017 (been crafting since 2010 but was never skilled until then) and have competed at at least one con per year since then. Won a group Judge's Award in 2017 at A-Kon, entered and won Masters at another in 2018, and most recently got solo BiS this past year! Still riding the high to be honest.

>Are you currently working on a costume for an upcoming competition?
I'm entering at A-Kon in a couple weeks with a friend. Still in the sewing stage but I'm almost done!

>How do you decide what character to chose for your current or past competition(s)?
I'm shit at props/armor so I tend to stick with needlework-heavy costumes like idols and dresses. It comes down to something being in my skill range as well as something that is flashy and detailed enough to make up for any possible discrepancies in patterning or the base structure.

>What do you do to set yourself apart from the competition?
If a con allows dual craftsmanship-performance entries I'll try to do a performance on top of crafting since it tends to elevate a costume that has less techniques involved. Having a good walk-on performance where needed is a big focus for me as well; stage presence is a huge factor when your costume isn't as big and flashy as others.

>Have you made a construction booklet for competitions before? What is something you always like to include or are very proud of in your book(s)?
Always! I've made build books since my first competition. I include material samples as well since not a lot of people in my comm do that, imo it helps the judges remember/notice the feel of the costume too.

>What's your ultimate competition goal?
I'd like to try and get to a level where I have taken home at least something at my top cons. Getting there! I'd also like to judge more, perhaps get a guest spot at a major con!

>Have you competed before? If so, what competition(s)? Did you win?
Since 2006. Yes I win things, not every time though.

>Are you currently working on a costume for an upcoming competition? If so, tell us what aspect of the costume you're working on. Pics greatly appreciated
Not technically, but the project I'm about to finish up turned out really well so I might compete in it over the summer.

>How do you decide what character to chose for your current or past competition(s)?
Usually from a series I enjoy or an outfit I want to make. When I was just getting into it years ago I would just enter whatever I had made last. Now I pick things that offer a lot of techniques or are complicated to make.

>What do you do to set yourself apart from the competition? (ie. in your craftsmanship, interactions with judges, etc.)
I have no idea. I don't really care.

>Have you made a construction booklet for competitions before? What is something you always like to include or are very proud of in your book(s)?
I have but honestly unless the con requires it I usually just show up with a reference and a bunch of wip photos. No actual effort making it look good.

>What's your ultimate competition goal? (ie. a goal for your craftsmanship or say, a specific title you want to win)
I don't have one. I just like competing and preforming.

>>10766022
Woah, anon! Those are some impressive wins! Also, you gave some really good tips in your response. I like the idea of putting actual material samples in your booklet.

>>10766026
Anon, your monotone response to these questions have given me a good laugh, thank you. Is there something cool you've done during a performance that you want to share or a reason why you like performing so much? I'm curious.

>>10766129
I don't know if I've done anything particularly cool. I guess a costume change during a skit?

Typically though I just do walk ons that are like mini skits. More elaborate or planned out than the standard 3 poses. I like the creativity of coming up with a way to showcase the costume on stage.

>>10766189
That's really cool! I've never been on stage so while these things seem simple to you, I find them amazing.

>>10763554
>It’s hard because I’ve never really known what I needed to improve

Experienced judge here. If you're really stumped, drop a close up of your cosplay in and I'll give you some feedback.

Crown championships picked another international participant yesterday

>>10767431
Is that bad? I dont understand

>>10763404
>Have you competed before? If so, what competition(s)? Did you win?
Competed once at Otakon last year. Didn't win, and wasn't sure what to expect from a craftsmanship competition so it was more of a "meh I'm interested to see what I need to be like to compete". Everyone that I talked to there was fucking insane in terms of quality, I thought I was pretty good and had a shot at a "beginner" prize but everyone there was definitely not a "beginner" lol
>Are you currently working on a costume for an upcoming competition? If so, tell us what aspect of the costume you're working on. Pics greatly appreciated
nah, nothing planned.
Not really. I'm a guy, and most of the cosplays I have planned out for the future are menswear related, and a suit isn't flashy/impressive/cool enough to win. Even if I have excellent stitching and proper fit I think something with a lil pizazz has a better shot.
>How do you decide what character to chose for your current or past competition(s)?
I haven't really thought about cosplays from a competition side, but I'd deffo need something flashy to be impressive, and complex to showcase my sewing skill.
>What do you do to set yourself apart from the competition? (ie. in your craftsmanship, interactions with judges, etc.)
I am one of the few guys that sews. I've been spending a good amount of time improving actual sewing craft (like learning the proper techniques for garments instead of just settling for basic surface level cosplay sewing), and pattern drafting, which I hope will help distinguish myself in the future.
>What's your ultimate competition goal? (ie. a goal for your craftsmanship or say, a specific title you want to win)
Want to win something. I think the brackets are kind of bullshit and a lot of beginners in the one competition I was in were way too good to be a "beginner", so I have a pretty lofty road ahead lmao.

>>10767819
Hey, don’t knock yourself! Well made menswear (using actual tailoring techniques) is actually harder than womenswear to get right, and knowledgeable judges will know that. Also Otakon is a big con, maybe try a smaller con. Unfortunately the levels are based more on awards won than actual experience or ability.

>>10767819
>I am one of the few guys that sews
We love to see it. You should be proud for putting yourself out there in the first place. You sound very dedicated to the craft and I'm sure you'll have a prize in the future. All the good vibes going your way.

As for the beginners rank issue: I've seen some cases where a crafter I follow will enter as a beginner because just like you, they've never been in a competition before and don't know what the standard of quality is like so they assume beginnership. However, in those cases, the judges bumped them to the next tier to accurately judge their skill. Beginners should be for actual beginners. There should be some direction as to what skills are expected in each rank while signing up for the competition.

Since we were discussing feedback from judges, one of the anime Boston judges posted this on their Twitter. She later clarified that serged seams are a good finish for internal seams, but should be paired with an additional finish (like a rolled hem) for skirt hems and such. Also said that it wouldn’t be a point reduction for having a serged hem, but a missed opportunity to earn points for using a more advanced seam.

>>10768258
At least from Anime Boston, you can apparently request feedback that you’ll receive some time after the con. I thought that was neat.

>>10767853
thanks anon, I've definitely been putting more time into figuring out patterns/fit, and actual couture menswear seems to be such a nightmare from all the videos/tutorials I've seen. will have to figure something out for my next competition ready cosplay!

>>10768100
thanks anon x2, I definitely don't regret doing the competition. I met some incredible people in the masquerade walk-on that I still talk to regularly, couldn't even get angry at the winners because they all deserved it. it can get kinda tricky finding seamstresses/tailors at a con (just to talk about crafting, techniques, etc) so having a room full of people that sew is awesome

>>10768258
I.... kind of agree. for stuff that isn't lined, I think a hong kong finish or something would be ideal. serger is "robust" as in it won't unravel but not really pretty imo.

>>10767431
were they any good? I'm interested in how the future of crown is going to be considering the added european countries