A look at what could be for our South African cosplayers

So as everybody knows South Africans don't make a big fuss as other countries do about dressing up for fun. Unfortunately we do not have the support of non cosplayers who would want to go to these events for fun and check out what stalls have available. Yes most of these functions overseas have manga, comic and clothing stalls among a whole range of other things. The only difference is that most of the people there are dressed as their favourite superheroes or anime characters or even game characters.

 

What is so great about any of this you might ask?

Well for starters it gives you the ability to not be you for a day. To take on your hero's persona and have that confidence you have always wanted. You can act as silly as you want and nobody will judge you. You get to meet and make the most awesomest of friends in the world, whether they come from your area or not. Yes there are a lot of gamer's who cosplay as well, and no it is not the devil to dress up and walk around for one day looking like something from a horror movie. Why for the life of me people read these events that way is beyond me. They are fictional characters brought to life by talented artists who have sacrificed their time and money to make their dreams a reality. Children that I have seen at these events love it and their parents let them join in as well!

Is there a proper etiquette when you are among cosplayer's.

Not because you see half dressed women and men means you have the right to do what you want. As and introduction to a person who inspired some of my love for cosplay, I give you D-Piddy and friends in his Youtube video: Cosplay does not equal consent Feat: Deadpool and Bob   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxHDjpj_ZD0

D-Piddy goes to every convention of cosplay you ever dreamed of going to overseas. He has his own youtube channel which I urge future cosplayers or veteran cosplayers to join immediately. Cosplaying is supposed to be fun and to experience it through his videos makes you feel like you are there. Although there is a point where you get sort of jealous that we do not host these events here. What makes cosplaying most awesome is building or making your own outfit and the blood, sweat and tears that go with it to achieve the end product. I know it all too well as you go through different stages agonising that your outfit will not turn out right. Well it won't be perfect but it will be done by you. You will be the one walking around (or in my case my husband lol) in the outfit you made and the beauty of it people won't judge. Yes there will be a lot of advice given but do not take offence to others trying to give you their tricks of the trade. Believe me you will not get your outfit perfect come your first convention. There will be many alterations and changes after every one you attend to perfect your outfit. You will develop a network of friends who know where to find materials and services at better prices or at least have the knowledge to pass on to future friends.

This is why I want to build up this blog as a place where cosplayers can unite and learn from each other. I may not be a professional at blogging or cosplaying but maybe something I do will help someone else who is struggling on their project. It's all about willingness to share thoughts or advice and being open to it. Let's build a friendship circle dedicated to helping one another.

Besides cosplaying what else happens at these conventions?

Lots and lots of photograph's, selfies and fun! With the growing amount of youtubers these days there will be someone at these events with a camera to take videos of everything. I'm hoping in the near future that South Africans can eventually start some sort of cosplay convention with panels and serious cosplay competitions with proper stages at least and also maybe get in some youtuber panels and gaming stalls as well as merchandise stalls and overseas sponsors and investors. If ever our country wanted to up their game in tourism this would definitely help as thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, attend these events and are willing to even fly around the world to go to them. Also cosplaying is not only for adults! Children can join in on the fun and not just for Halloween. Let them go with as a mini version of you or even another character involved with your characters theme.

 Here are some more links to more awesome D-Piddy videos to get you creative juices flowing. Remember no matter the project, believe you can do it, as you will see these fellow cosplayers can and so can you!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9O9tDB8TTTg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YP0zRvy6gBw

Big shoutout to D-Piddy and friends for allowing me to use the links to his youtube channel!