Cosplay is its own art form. From sewing costumes and styling wigs to building props and perfecting makeup, cosplayers can spend hours bringing their favorite characters to life. The results are amazing—but for someone just getting started, they can also be a little intimidating.
If you want to try cosplay but need a push, this is for you. I interviewed four cosplayers about what once scared them, what they love about the community and what they want beginners to know.
What advice would you give a new cosplayer?
Jasper: Don’t give up just because you aren’t good at something you want to do. Making props takes time, styling wigs is hard and sewing will hurt your fingers. But you’ll learn eventually.
Roki: Don’t be scared to show off your cosplays! Sure, there will be hate and cruel people, but the support you get will always be worth it.
Jay: Start small. There’s no need to buy the most expensive or elaborate cosplay. Try piecing together a closet cosplay or making something yourself. Skills are learned over time. Most cosplayers do this as a hobby, not for money. You don’t have to be the most popular or accurate cosplayer out there. Remember to have fun and be yourself!
Sophiringa: Cosplay is for everyone. Don’t worry if your body type, race or gender doesn’t match the canon character. Cosplay is meant to be fun!
I also suggest sketching your cosplay beforehand, including the outfit, wig and makeup designs. Then, when it’s time for a convention or another event, you know exactly what to do.
What scared you when you started cosplaying?
Even experienced cosplayers once worried about failing, being judged or not looking enough like the characters they portrayed.
Jasper: I was scared of messing up and failing at something that was supposed to make me happy. It does make me happy now that I’ve stopped worrying about that.
Roki: I was scared I wouldn’t be accepted because some of my cosplays were inaccurate. I thought everything had to be perfect—and I wasn’t.
Jay: Putting myself out there was scary. It can be intimidating to be perceived online, especially when you aren’t used to being on social media. I was nervous to try certain trends or make videos because I worried people would think I was weird or cringe.
Over time, I learned that many people enjoy those silly little videos. Some have even told me my content makes their day a little brighter. It is rewarding to make people happy or smile. I’ve also created new memories and made friends who enjoy the same fandoms.
Sophiringa: I was horrified to start cosplaying again after four years because I worried about being bullied or made fun of. Then I began cosplaying with friends, and I instantly lost my fear of filming TikToks in public or acting like the character when people asked for a photo.
“To be cringe is to be free!” That’s my motto, and I live by it.
What is your favorite part of being a cosplayer?
The cosplayers mentioned creativity, acting and transformation—but friendship and community came up again and again.
Jasper: I’d say the friends I make, but honestly, I think it’s styling wigs. I enjoy that more than anything.
Roki: The community! Most of the cosplayers I’ve met are really sweet and supportive of everyone else. Shoutout to Ward!
Jay: I love being able to shift into a new person. I’m a girl and very feminine-presenting outside of cosplay, so getting to cosplay a male character is so much fun. I enjoy the outfits, the makeup and tapping into the character’s personality while filming.
It’s nice to let loose and escape my day-to-day life. I’ve also met many people through social media and conventions. Some of the people I’ve met through cosplay are now my closest friends.
Sophiringa: My favorite part is going to a convention and having someone stop me for a picture. It could be a little kid, someone my age, an aspiring cosplayer, a photographer or simply a fan. It makes me feel special that someone is willing to take time out of their day to ask me for a photo. That’s also how I made all of my friends. We took photos together and exchanged social media information.
I’m also an actor, and the characters I cosplay are characters I would love to play in a musical, play or film. Cosplay gives me an excuse to act as those characters at conventions and in masquerades.
What is your favorite cosplay?
Jasper: Riddle Rosehearts!
Roki: Kaidou Shun from The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. I felt comfortable in the cosplay, and it suited me best.
Jay: That is a hard one! My overall favorite is Hawks—Keigo Takami from My Hero Academia. He was one of my first cosplays, and I still cosplay him today, so he holds a special place in my heart. I feel comfortable portraying him, and that cosplay has given me memories I will always carry.
Sophiringa: My favorite is definitely Susie from Deltarune. I see myself in her, and when I’m dressed as her, I feel like I am her. It’s a simple, comfortable cosplay, and she is so much fun to portray at conventions.
When I went to WonderCon as Susie, a little boy who was about 7 or 8 years old was dressed as Kris. He ran up to me with the biggest smile and began role-playing with me in character while his parents filmed us. It was an awesome experience to help make that child’s day.
Start Small—and Have Fun
The cosplayers I interviewed may portray different characters and enjoy different parts of the process, but their advice had one thing in common: Cosplay doesn’t need to be expensive, accurate or perfect.
Start with what you have. Learn as you go. Find people who make you feel supported—and don’t let the fear of looking “cringe” keep you from having fun.
Thank you to Jasper (@errortheweirdo on TikTok), Roki (@r0ki_d0k1 on TikTok), Jay (@cherrycola_cosplay20 on TikTok) and Sophiringa (@Sophiringa11037 on TikTok and Instagram) for sharing their experiences.