Cosplay 101: Budgeting for Cosplay || MangoSirene

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 ก.ย. 2024
  • I get a lot of questions about how I can afford to cosplay, even though I'm a student and I work part-time. The answer is really simple: budgeting, and good day-to-day financial practices! Best of all... no debt required!
    For more tips on how to manage your money, check out this great article series on Yahoo: voices.yahoo.co...
    And again, I strongly, strongly recommend going to a book store and picking up a personal finance book! The one in this video is "The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous, and Broke" by Suze Orman.
    Suze Orman's site also has a great list of resources and online calculators you can use to monitor your spending and saving habits!
    suzeorman.com/r...
    suzeorman.com/s...
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    *COSPLAY 101*
    In each video, I'll be covering a different cosplay topic.
    These videos will range from how-tos, tutorials, and discussions. :D
    If you have a topic that you want to know more about or would like to see included in this series, leave a comment or send me a message!
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    You can help support this channel for as little as $1 a month and bring even more helpful and positive content to other cosplayers! (Plus, rewards include access to future After Dark videos as well as fun things like blooper reels, recordings of live panels, and cosplay prints. Huzzah!) Be sure to check out my Patreon for more information: / mangosirene
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ความคิดเห็น • 444

  • @SnickyNicky96
    @SnickyNicky96 10 ปีที่แล้ว +99

    Instead of going straight for the cosplay sites to look for outfits, try thrift stores or army-navy stores to see if they have parts for your costume. It may not be complete, but then you only have to buy the parts you absolutely cannot find anywhere else.
    EX: I bought a real military uniform (suit, shirt, and pants) from WWII with extreme detail, and I got it at an army-navy store for about $45, while the cosplay sites were charging over $100 for one that wasn't even very detailed.
    Be ready to go to thrift stores and know that you are not going to find the exact thing you're looking for, but get something to work with.
    EX: I needed a long coat for my Garry (Ib) cosplay, so I found a $5 trench coat and spent a good few hours cutting it up, and it looked more convincing than most I saw on the internet.
    Going to thrift stores to look for parts for cosplay is like going on a scavenger hunt, and it can be really fun and it is much more rewarding when you see the completed outfit after gathering all of the pieces. It's really a lot of fun. And you can invite friends too!

    • @killjoyyzz
      @killjoyyzz 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Wait
      army-navy stores exist?????? (also Gary is my favorite character of all time)

  • @cm-dance-practices
    @cm-dance-practices 9 ปีที่แล้ว +95

    Lol vocaloid cosplay wigs and contacts are a good investment because then you can cosplay the same character from different songs.

    • @Tealkun
      @Tealkun 8 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Don't forget idol anime like Love Live! But you also may need to buy new wigs and contacts every year since wigs can get tangled and contacts expire.

    • @Tealkun
      @Tealkun 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      White Flags Fly ah i wrote that comment a long time ago, i know how to de tangle wigs now :3

    • @chiyoka8408
      @chiyoka8408 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      I've done it the other way around - I did one version with two VOCALOIDs. I only had to change the wig and small details. (It was the Magnet version and I did GUMI and Miku. ^^)

  • @theartsanime
    @theartsanime 10 ปีที่แล้ว +35

    Hint:
    If you're on a tight budget, the thrift shop and amazon can be your best friend.

  • @NWCountryGirl17
    @NWCountryGirl17 9 ปีที่แล้ว +71

    thrift-stores are your BEST FRIENDS I got reallly great quality trench coat for my Castiel cosplay and only ended up dropping like 30 bucks black pants button down shirt and good shoes i already had for my work so all had to get after that was a nice blue tie end result made for a great cheap and reworkable cosplay

    • @ivanbraginski8533
      @ivanbraginski8533 9 ปีที่แล้ว

      (( Dude that's awesome!! :D ))

    • @xiaria
      @xiaria 9 ปีที่แล้ว

      NWCountryGirl17 wish we had them in the uk, also wish i wasnt so picky XD i ended up buying the same trenchcoat he wears in the series (burberry) for 70 pounds ._. sooo much regret

    • @NWCountryGirl17
      @NWCountryGirl17 9 ปีที่แล้ว

      you don't have thrift stores in the UK? like second hand shops? IDK for me I'm far too cheap to be too picky

    • @KassieJane
      @KassieJane 9 ปีที่แล้ว

      NWCountryGirl17 I was thinking about doing that for my Sherlock cosplay, but I'm very picky and I'm a first-time cosplayer and don't know how to sew and whatnot, so I've stuck with buying the materials and paying the price for the full replica coat... I'll wear the coat on a regular basis anyway so it'll be worth the investment, but fortunately the rest of Sherlock's costume wasn't too expensive (got many pieces such as the shoes, shirt, and scarf on Aliexpress for less than $30 a piece, wine colored dress shirt being only $6)

    • @mollypayton4923
      @mollypayton4923 8 ปีที่แล้ว

      +NWCountryGirl17 in the UK places like charity stores, second hand stores and stores where they sell things shops dont want anymore (leftover stock) were my best friend.

  • @user-us1yu8gx9s
    @user-us1yu8gx9s 8 ปีที่แล้ว +26

    I'm awful at math and had no clue how much fabric usually costs. this helped me thank you

    • @shammydammy2610
      @shammydammy2610 8 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      +Amanda Hanahan Depending on the type, fabric can get quite expensive. However there are online retailers for fabric, those sites will allow you to price the kind you're looking for before you go shopping.

  • @ariloveless1133
    @ariloveless1133 10 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Don't forget ebay and Goodwill. I found good leather for 10 bucks and a leather jacket for 7 bucks.

  • @twinkieb1982
    @twinkieb1982 10 ปีที่แล้ว +23

    Thrift stores are great - I found the perfect hoodie for my Vanellope VonSchweetz costume at Goodwill for $3. Bought a yard of pink trim with a coupon for about $1.50 and I had an important element for my cosplay that cost less than $5. :)

    • @Cryptwalker
      @Cryptwalker 10 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Completely agree, my Karkat cosplay costs about 10$ to 12$ part of it I already had and just recycled and some I found at thrift stores.

  • @rubyoddie9279
    @rubyoddie9279 10 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    A good way to avoid credit card debt while still shopping online is get a visa or mastercard debit card if your bank offers it. My bank offers a visa debit card so you can still shop online while only spending money you already have.

  • @jessicatilford3177
    @jessicatilford3177 9 ปีที่แล้ว +40

    "Or yes even Homestuck" I love how she is so disappointed when she says that. It's like 'Well Homestuck takes up half of the internet so I apparently have to include it.'

  • @pathaorion
    @pathaorion 9 ปีที่แล้ว +38

    Really, a wig doesn't need to cost $50. I got my Anna wig for 15 bucks and my Eren Yeager wig for 10 dollars. Both work wonderful and good wigs.

    • @darKILLusionnn
      @darKILLusionnn 9 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      patha orion Buying from Arda wigs makes you go broke TT_TT I dropped $65 on one.

    • @pathaorion
      @pathaorion 9 ปีที่แล้ว

      *****
      go on ebay

    • @darKILLusionnn
      @darKILLusionnn 9 ปีที่แล้ว

      patha orion I did. I actually got a wig from Ebay first. When it came, i was so disappointed I just ended up getting a wig from Arda.

    • @pathaorion
      @pathaorion 9 ปีที่แล้ว

      you just need to keep trying

    • @girl_gaming_gunnar9069
      @girl_gaming_gunnar9069 9 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I reccommend Hair Brats. Their wigs are pretty good if you know how to take care of them :3

  • @syfrenemy
    @syfrenemy 8 ปีที่แล้ว +30

    I use the Wish app to buy certain cosplay items: wigs, contacts, accessories, and some costumes (you can easily alter a costume if you need).
    And a lot of the stuff from Wish is good quality and very inexpensive. You just gotta be patient with the delivery process, but it's so worth it. And if you're not sure about something, read the reviews and look at real customer product photos. ☺

    • @EmilyBarrett53
      @EmilyBarrett53 8 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Are the cosplay accessories good from wish?

    • @vinmightbehere9293
      @vinmightbehere9293 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      EffervescentEmily wish is the best app some things are really high quality for really low prices but still be careful 😊

    • @bonzer9367
      @bonzer9367 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      syfrenemy wish is a really good shop.

    • @Solliijudee
      @Solliijudee ปีที่แล้ว

      Omg omg please dont get contacts from wish for the love of God

  • @danabarrett9735
    @danabarrett9735 10 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I'm planning on making some armor from Skyrim, online I can find the whole set for over $700 .. I'm almost half-way done mine and it's only costed me $10. I have alot of the supplies needed at home so it saves alot! :)

  • @TurquoiseKanyl
    @TurquoiseKanyl 10 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Tips about expensive fabric for cosplay. This is a tip that add a little bit of more cost on a cosplay budget, but can save you a lot after.:
    Make a sample of the costume in cheap cotton if your costume is in a stiff fabric or cheap jersey if your costume is in strecthy fabric (New cheap fabric or old scraps and clothes). If you do this you can also now exactly how much you need of the expensive fabric and you know if you have made it in the right size / fit on you.
    ITS EXPENSIVE TO USE EXPENSIVE FABRIC IF YOU ARE NOT SURE ON HOW TO MAKE IT OR IF IT WILL FIT YOU
    (sorry for caps but its a very importent tips)

  • @marcthetaylor12
    @marcthetaylor12 10 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    A good place to check out for cosplay supplies are your local high school theatre. They tend to throw a lot of stuff away and if you ask nicely or some how get involved with their program they will most likely give it to you for free or really cheap. Ive gotten tons of trim, spare fabric, odd ends here and there for cosplay all for FREE!!!! Just today I got an awesome foam board prism that is perfect for a Pyramid Head cosplay.

  • @courtesyof24
    @courtesyof24 9 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Firstly, thank you for telling people to budget real life things before other things. I personally know too many people who buy too many unnecessary things before basic necessities.
    I did my first cosplay this year and did everything myself. I thought it was simple. It was WAY more than time and money than I thought it would be. I know I spent over $200+. I was pulling all-nighters for the last two weeks before. I think I was being overzealous for my first time plus I'm too much of a perfectionist. It took me so long to find the right colors and weights of fabrics and contacts and blah.

  • @GamingSuccub
    @GamingSuccub 8 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I know this is an old video, but this video is more true than others think. Ive already started planning for Sakura Con 2016 and did some basic math and estimations of what I would need. Always plan ahead of time, like 2-3 months ahead of time. This gives you plenty of time to figure out how much you need for cosplay, the badge, even extra money to buy things.

    • @Tealkun
      @Tealkun 8 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hell, I'm planning 5 months ahead. How was Sakura?

    • @GamingSuccub
      @GamingSuccub 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Sakura was FANTASTIC! My first photoshoot experiences were wonderful too, just amazing. Got lots of neat merchandise at the dealers hall as well. I do love the Masquerade Ball but I probably wont do it again. Nothing like having your head hurt all day because you have bobby pins in your real hair poking through your wig cap because you need your hair to look nice. :P

  • @mythbusterslover14
    @mythbusterslover14 8 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I go thrifting searching for clothes that are similar to what I'm cosplaying. The I add whatever I need to add

    • @avabyrd8227
      @avabyrd8227 8 ปีที่แล้ว

      Me too. Thrifting has helped me save SO much money on my cosplays

  • @itsjustme6334
    @itsjustme6334 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Even now, in the year 2021, these videos bring me so much joy. Lesson's long learned, but the videos are all still so warm and welcoming. I'm really glad they're still up.

  • @nutpea69
    @nutpea69 10 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    again, your videos are helping me. I'm learning all sorts of stuff I'll need to know for later this year when I'll be starting my cosplay hobby. Thanks, so much!! :D

  • @PseudonymousCypher
    @PseudonymousCypher 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you so much for putting this video up! I know its hard for anyone who absolutely loves cosplay and anime and all that nerdy goodness to not spend all their money on it (like when you get to a con and you spend it all in the dealers room on friday...) but its super important to always have some money set aside. If you always have change put it in a jar by the door and after a month thats $15 for fabric or a cheap wig! and im just really happy to see more cosplay 101, it makes my day!

  • @luncrazed2835
    @luncrazed2835 9 ปีที่แล้ว +23

    cosplay 101; how to not make impulse buys at a convention? XD

    • @darKILLusionnn
      @darKILLusionnn 9 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Lun Crazed
      1.ALWAYS do you research before hand for what you want.
      2. Understand that the prices of items in the dealer room are going to be hiked waaay up. For example, a prop-kunai normally costing $10 could cost $20.
      3. LEARN how to spot bootlegs if you're going to buy things. Often times, people overpay for items that aren't even
      the real deal and are therefore poorly made.
      4. Set aside a budget for the weekend as well as the budget per day. For example, $75 for the first day should include food and buying things you like. If you _really_ want to save, don't snowball the money you didn't spend on each days. That way, you're stuck with the iron-clad budget you set for yourself.

    • @luncrazed2835
      @luncrazed2835 9 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      ***** omg yes thank you, im going to write this down now XD

    • @darKILLusionnn
      @darKILLusionnn 9 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Lun Crazed Haha, you're welcome.

  • @codenameleaf8239
    @codenameleaf8239 10 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I made an entire Crona cosplay out of the scraps of my Medusa cosplay using old fabric really is useful. . . this vid is really gonna help mr plan my trickster Dirk cosplay thanks

  • @evanlebleu9782
    @evanlebleu9782 10 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Oh my gosh, you sounded so exasperated when you said Homestuck hehe

  • @allpiesaresquare
    @allpiesaresquare 10 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Cosplay hack: just put on a lab coat and say youre Carlos the Scientist

  • @laurenwilkinson3662
    @laurenwilkinson3662 8 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Thinking a homestuck cosplay is easy is something a lot of people say and it can be true IF your doing the beta and alpha kids like she showed in the video. But some characters are very hard to make such as a dream dress or one of the ancestors.

    • @dashiellchandler9455
      @dashiellchandler9455 8 ปีที่แล้ว

      +Lauren Wilkinson Exactly

    • @Mamimx9
      @Mamimx9 8 ปีที่แล้ว

      PREACH

    • @xinnafey-tukes8454
      @xinnafey-tukes8454 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      +Lauren Wilkinson If you aren't experienced with sewing things like the dreamers outfit or the godtier outfits it might be a little challenge but with a time and effort and confidence you will get the hang of it. Ugh, i wish i can post progress pictures on here so i can show you. But I started cosplaying the first day of 2015 and my Jade cosplay wasn't even canon. Its 2016 and I am now re-bringing my Feferi God Tier to Supercon on Friday.

    • @teaganp964
      @teaganp964 8 ปีที่แล้ว

      and then you get to the sprites and it takes like an hour just to get the white face paint to cover correctly >.>
      I also spent like a month just planning everything
      making sure I had money, time, skills, and the materials to make the outfit

  • @shadowstalker130666
    @shadowstalker130666 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    Another great tip I can offer those new to cos play and costume making is to buy in pieces! Get a piece here and there, and work on assembling it little by little. My post apocalypse costume if I bought the materials all at once would of been over $2000. But buy well in advance of when you need it, only spending or saving small amounts each paycheck, and it becomes much easier. I budgeted $30/wk and I had the basic costume together in 3 months. The rest went to accessories and add ons. Take your time, and get the essentials first. Half the fun of having the costume is the time and effort you put into making it with your own hands, so enjoy yourselves. And remember, this is supposed to be fun!

  • @GiggLes17Cars
    @GiggLes17Cars 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    I love your Cosplay 101 videos. They are very helpful for those who just started cosplaying or are thinking about cosplaying. Also, i enjoy your blog videos of you working on your cosplay, also very helpful! Keep it up! :)

  • @shammydammy2610
    @shammydammy2610 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thrift store purses are the best source for D-rings and clasps. When I needed four oval clasps and matching D-rings for my current cosplay, I was able to find a thrift store purse with the correct hardware at a fraction of the Tandy Leather price for them new.

  • @francisthe_artist
    @francisthe_artist 9 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I actually already use some of these budgeting tips! Im glad that im still young, because my family works on paying my basic needs, i use my own money to buy cosplay ^^

  • @LeelaBluePins
    @LeelaBluePins 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for making this! A lot of people interested in cosplay should watch this, I do commissions and a lot of people get thrown off the price of materials when they ask for a character with tons of details etc.

  • @SimplePlanForever99
    @SimplePlanForever99 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    This video has really helped! My mom gets a little worried that I'm spending my money on costumes but now I know cheap ways!

  • @RhinoaLunar
    @RhinoaLunar 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    People were amazed when I cosplayed Sebastian Michaelis and Rufus Shinra with thrift store finds. My wigs were the most expensive part of them. As a bonus, the vest, shoes, and tie were interchangeable. As a bonus the vest was also the perfect binder and I was able to forgo additional binding. I have large C small D cups so this surprised me a lot. I was lucky enough to have a friend loan me the tailcoat for Sebastian. I sprung $7 on a serving tray and baked cakes to hand out.

  • @SummerRamsay
    @SummerRamsay 9 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    My first cosplay with Mikasa from Attack on Titan. The only thing that I really needed to buy was the jacket (which was $15) and the wig. The nice thing about it though is that by changing the wig and a few accessories I can also cosplay multiple other characters from the show. It was the perfect cosplay to start off with :3

  • @crystallionaire
    @crystallionaire 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    ive put off cosplaying for three years T.T but the time has come where i can finally afford to spend the money on making the clothes and armor!

  • @daniellekeaveney743
    @daniellekeaveney743 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Also be sure to check your local thrift/secondhand stores!!

  • @misspapercut65
    @misspapercut65 9 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Honestly, homestuck cosplays are amazing. My Roxy cosplay costed (ugh is that the right grammar? xD) like 90 bucks, and then i include EVERYTHING (lenses, clothing etc), and my Rose was about that price too.
    I also love hs because you can re-use your wigs for maaany characters (If your good at styling, that is)
    For example; if you buy a wig for Vriska, you'll be able to use it for Jade, Feferi, Meulin, Aradia and Porrim as well.
    So; if you're on a budget; COSPLAY HOMESTUCK
    And if you're not.. COSPLAY HOMESTUUUUUUUUCK U CANT FIGHT IT AND U KNOE IT HOMESSSTUUUUCK
    COSPLAAAAAUYY
    NAAAOOOOOWEEE

    • @dashiellchandler9455
      @dashiellchandler9455 8 ปีที่แล้ว

      +Miss Papercut All i can say is that is true. HS is fairly easy to cosplay, depending on which cosplay your during. I cosplayed Dave a few time, Regular-Alpha-Plush Suit-Luck Suit- you name it. and its fairly easy to cosplay and it doesn't cost much to cosplay must HS characters.

    • @lemonkatze7461
      @lemonkatze7461 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      Miss Papercut my homestuck cosplays are inexpensive to the point its rediculous. the shirts are literally like 5$ and paint is like 2 and inexpensive wigs are easy to find

  • @alsinakiria
    @alsinakiria 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Weird tip that may not work for most is this:
    Hotels buy literal tons of high quality white fabric. If it gets one tiny tear or stain it can't be used. Find a hotel near you that does their laundry in house and ask if they can set aside some of the ones they were going to throw away. I work in a laundry room in a hotel with over 120 rooms and I usually end up with 2 or 3 at the end of the day. Then, just do a character with a white outfit. Hell, I've even dyed the stuff (25 yard skirt).
    You could do Index, Chise, Lana Azura all for next to nothing.
    Another weird tip that is harder to do for specific characters is to go to thrift stores and see if they have any bolts of fabric (weird, but I've found dozens). Or you could buy a sheet with a very pretty pattern and make a kimono (did that).
    Hell, I even pulled apart my old prom dress before. It was the perfect colour and I just couldn't match it at the store.

  • @Vlad2319
    @Vlad2319 9 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is a furthering of your starfire example for reusing things.
    Depending on the color of the wig, you could possibly restyle for a Grell cosplay

  • @JustObsessing
    @JustObsessing 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you for this video because this helped me ace my financial lit class

  • @MartinaGiovese
    @MartinaGiovese 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Also, a good tip is to check out thrift shops! Ive gotten shoes and nearly whole cosplays that require minor tailoring for around 30 bucks. Its so worth it.

  • @wuboyle_
    @wuboyle_ 9 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Like u said u can reuse bits from other costumes, or if u have a costume you've worn before you can always wear it again. 😃

  • @eloisagloria7177
    @eloisagloria7177 9 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is so accurate, I cosplay as nepeta and her cosplay cost nothing for me! I made claws,horns, shirt, hat,coat, paw shoes, etc.and it was so awesome and fun to do! So if you are planning on cosplaying try and do someone you know you have most of the stuff for😊

  • @WeCanCos
    @WeCanCos 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Suze Orman is my hero! XD Budgeting is something that saves me from freaking out all the time.

  • @Silentgrace11
    @Silentgrace11 10 ปีที่แล้ว

    Recycling can be particularly amazing, especially if it's a simple item from time's past. I have a Yuuki Cross costume that I made four years ago. Obviously I have gotten taller (and wider, reluctantly), so the only thing that fits now is the black skirt. Somehow, every single year since then it has been utilized in my costume some way or another. I mainly use it for the sake of adding length to my skirts, since I have difficulty with measurement leeway, so they end up a touch short (a horrible thing to do for a convention in the middle of the winter). The elastic makes it to where I can lower it to fit around my hips while the main is around my waist, making it more appropriate for my needs and giving a cutsie petticoat appearance. If my costume this year wasn't pure white and already had a petticoat with so much tulle that no one could look under my skirt even if they tried, it would probably be used again this year. So always see what you can reuse in your past cosplay experiences.

  • @msvirginialee
    @msvirginialee 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is so helpful! I'm going to go get that book right after my run. I would love to see a Cosplay 101: Fitness or something like that. I do follow your Tumblr and read your fitness asks, but it would be cool to have a whole video on that. :]

  • @GreatNinjaYuffie01
    @GreatNinjaYuffie01 10 ปีที่แล้ว +31

    to tell the truth I have been cosplaying since 2008 with VERY low money, and I have a damaged spine and yet I still cosplay to anyone that says they can'r cosplay due t a medical illness ya just lazy cosplay is for everyone no matter what that includes money issues

    • @bailey9947
      @bailey9947 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      GreatNinjaYuffie01 she isn’t saying you can’t cosplay if you have an illness of any kind. She’s saying you shouldn’t drop tons of money on cosplay when you should be paying for basic needs or health stuff. If you have everything you need to cosplay then go ahead and do it, or if you can pay for basic needs and can still buy the stuff you need then go for it. What I’m guessing she means is that you shouldn’t put cosplay over things that are more important.

  • @natguevara2870
    @natguevara2870 10 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for this amazing video and advice and for letting me see your beautiful face and listen to you voice. It's soothing and easy to focus in, I actually listened to every single one of your words.

  • @PinkVelociraptor
    @PinkVelociraptor 9 ปีที่แล้ว

    What I do, (since I don't have a job and and I'm basically dead-broke) I go to thrift stores like Goodwill and I look through there old fabric scraps, curtains, and bed sheets. I have made a 2 layered, full circle skirt out of 1 twin bed sheet and I still had about a 1/2 yard leftover. Even old sheets that are faded work for things like under skirts.

  • @DearlyCryptids
    @DearlyCryptids 9 ปีที่แล้ว

    When it comes to cosplaying (I usually dress up and walk around my house to get used to it and make videos in my cosplay), I basically use what ever I have laying in my room. I wait until after Halloween when stores have 90% off sales to get make up and wigs for only $2 or $3. If I can't find what I want, I head down to the Dollar Store for $1 make up. I usually spend less than $10 on an outfit. This is a great tip if you want to cosplay and don't have the funds to buy a big costume that u might only wear 1 or 2 times.

  • @AlpacaAsh
    @AlpacaAsh 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    I highly recommend downloading the hobby lobby, micheals, and joann's apps. Joann's will take coupons from all three of those. They'll apply one coupon per item but you can go in with like 4-5 coupons and they'll work it out for ya. It's way awesome. My buddy and I got all of the fabric we needed for two sailor senshi uniforms for 60 dollars (including spandex).

  • @kkrazylovesrock
    @kkrazylovesrock 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    This tip can be added in with #3 or make it into #4 about planning out your spending money; not only think about the budget for the cosplay, also think about your budget for the con. You will need money for the hotel, con, food, and spending at the convention. If you're going everyday the con is open (normally it's about 3 days) you may want to pre order your con ticket and book the hotel room with friends. Then bring about an extra $200-300 for for food and spending money:)

  • @jabberw0cky13
    @jabberw0cky13 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    SCAVENGE. It truly is a great thing to do. I collect materials over time and it truly helps when you don't have the funds to make something.

  • @rosebailey5162
    @rosebailey5162 10 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is really helpful for people hoping to cosplay in the future. Definitely using these tips for Halloween.

  • @stripeyy_
    @stripeyy_ 9 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'm planning to cosplay as miku and it's going to be just over £100 so I'm buying parts ahead as I need it for the end of July, your videos are helping me a lot with everything so thank you x

  • @GraceMellody
    @GraceMellody 10 ปีที่แล้ว +76

    *grumbles* Being a Homestuck cosplayers great until you want to do the trolls..

    • @GraceMellody
      @GraceMellody 10 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yeah I want to do Damara badly but I'm doing Jade first, just need the skirt :p

    • @GraceMellody
      @GraceMellody 10 ปีที่แล้ว

      Welp we have uniform so no hope for me

    • @cazadorcazado08
      @cazadorcazado08 10 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      A few months ago I did a Gamzee cosplay. The funny part is, I didin't need a wig, LOL.

    • @gabe-dits
      @gabe-dits 9 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Gay Gir I'm working on a Feferi and Eridan cosplay right now acually :)
      I have finished cosplays of John and Dirk!

    • @ivanbraginski8533
      @ivanbraginski8533 9 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      (( Nee it sucks being a Homestuck cosplayer... HORNS AND FACEPAINT WHY YOU GOTTA BE SO HARD TO FIND AND MAKE!? ))

  • @Yoshinoo
    @Yoshinoo 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    I would really really really really want to see this too !!

  • @Fireyconstellation
    @Fireyconstellation 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    OMG this is so helpful, I almost follow all these rules when making my terra from Teen Titans cosplay.

  • @chesirecat136
    @chesirecat136 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I just started planning a hogwarts uniform, and I realized that I already had two pieces that would work well, just from my everyday clothes. The skirt I had was black, and I initially planned for a grey skirt, but the shape and length was just what I was picturing so I figured it was worth sacrificing the color, since I was saving probably $20 on the costume.

  • @arce0225
    @arce0225 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    This helped so much for my Cress cosplay! Thanks!!!

  • @Bird_Nerd_97
    @Bird_Nerd_97 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Try to find a character that wears semi-normal clothes or something you could slightly modify to get the right look. Then look at yard sales or thrift stores for the parts, or just check out clothes you already have that could be of use. Thrift stores are SUPER cheap and have all kinds of weird clothes. If your character has hair your color then wigs aren't really needed. You may just need to cut or style it differently. :)

  • @winxcat93
    @winxcat93 10 ปีที่แล้ว

    You are right about taking care of your health Cosplay can wait it's not going any where there alway next year it's all year around so it's no worry. Taking care of health is important first

  • @dobbyrocks1
    @dobbyrocks1 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    For the raven costume I'm making, I'm doing the cloak first, and for the shoes, I'm just going to get some thick material and cover up the shoes. But I'm probably gonna have to make the leo myself, which will take a while. The good thing is, is that I used to do dance, and I have a black belt thing that I can use for the belt! But I need to figure out how the make the gems... but this video gave me the idea to use the things I already have! Thanks! ^^

  • @hscuteness2172
    @hscuteness2172 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    I can't tell how excited I get whenever I hear someone I admire talking about Homestuck.She mentioned Homestuck and I literally sang mUtHeRfUcKiNg opera.

  • @HairNBeautyByHannah
    @HairNBeautyByHannah 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    #9 Check thrift stores.
    Most of the time you will be able to find SOMETHING that can be altered or used to make you cosplay! It will help a lot if you aren't great at sewing.

  • @lizben3463
    @lizben3463 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    I usually get wigs on sale from Amazon (they have some sellers which are low priced but still goid quality) and plan my cosplays way ahead. I use fabric from old thrifted clothes and as I can't wear contacts I never get any.
    I make my own patterns (and I suggest learning how to make them instead of buying patterns). Depending on the cosplay I usually spend between 25€ and 75€ on a costume :)

  • @alonesongtsuki5496
    @alonesongtsuki5496 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Tip #2 example: I'm cosplaying as jake english. on homestuck store sites, jake's symbol can be around $20. buying a plain white t-shirt and using some transfer paper/ just drawing his symbol yourself can save a nice amount of money- which you can then put towards other parts of the costume. such is how i was able to afford my wig

  • @allisondowns9631
    @allisondowns9631 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    Cheap cosplay idea: Yukine. You can find some wigs on eBay or AliExpress for under 20 bucks. Also I found a sweatshirt that has a pocket and hood strings but other than that it is the perfect color. Throw on some sweatpants and white shoes and there, you have a cosplay you didn't have to sew. Now that was my friend's cosplay (who I'll admit isn't doing the best financially) and now I have to somehow figure out how to sew a tracksuit for Yato.

  • @Blobclaw
    @Blobclaw 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you! And your hair is really pretty like that!

  • @TheGirjunkie
    @TheGirjunkie 10 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    "model train collecting"
    not going to lie, laughed my ass off.

  • @kristien2010
    @kristien2010 9 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I got an idea today for a cosplay I really wanna do, but I need to make the whole thing myself. I really wanna start it now, but I'm making myself wait until I can afford the fabric. I need food more than I need a cosplay

  • @princessjello
    @princessjello 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    On average, I choose my cosplay a year in advance, begin to do research on pieces and whatnot, and start drafting and stuff about 6 months in advance. Then the actual cutting, sewing and purchasing begins about 2-4 months before the deadline. And I finish a week before the con. I don't keep a budget though. I'm going to keep track of my Lissa materials this time lol.

  • @laurenmichelle3527
    @laurenmichelle3527 9 ปีที่แล้ว

    How about doing a cosplay 101 on how to get the correct measurements on cosplays next time your able to record a video? Thanks and I love your channel; it's so great!

  • @babeharley
    @babeharley 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    That makes plenty of sense, after all it's not for everyone.Thank you for being very tolerant and understanding, and I apologize if I may have seemed rude at first, that was not my intention at all.
    P.S after watching your videos it makes me motivated to make my own costumes instead of buying them c:

  • @lydia5261
    @lydia5261 10 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    i love skyrim, and since my name is lydia, i will do my first cosplay as lydia. GO SKYRIM! im a toatal nerd for skyrim.

    • @maxwilson7001
      @maxwilson7001 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      How did the cosplay turn out?

  • @tasy4229
    @tasy4229 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'm starting to do an armor for a con in one year and I do the easy cheap stuff first while I don't have money like patterns for the armor, cutting the craft foam etc. before buying worbla:) That way I can already start but don't have to pay everything

  • @LadyAhro
    @LadyAhro 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    As for deciding who to cosplay, it depends on you. Some people go for their favourite character (even if they're complicated) and jump in the deep end, having never cosplayed before. It can look great, but that's relative. Numerous people identify their body type and choose a character they like which will match. (Not necessary but I did meet a 300lb Sailor Moon once...) Some people simplify characters they like while others mix versions of a character.

  • @jobell20
    @jobell20 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    exactly a video I was hoping you would cover

  • @omglolzorange67
    @omglolzorange67 10 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    thank you so much for this series! it's so helpful :)

  • @spacedanny
    @spacedanny 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    I really needed this! Thank You so much!

  • @WolkeYume
    @WolkeYume 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    For me hoarding is one of the most important parts of cosplay. I keep like basically everything; you can use it later :D

  • @theglassesfetish123
    @theglassesfetish123 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    This helped a lot made me feel better thanks!

  • @bigbro6446
    @bigbro6446 9 ปีที่แล้ว

    homestuck is easy for cosplay example: for dave all you need are= shades, blonde hair or blonde wig, red tee shirt or sleeved shirt, jeans, red shoes. and then ya got a basic dave cosplay, or even a pokemon trainer can be a jacket jeans some shoes and a hat, i saw if u want to but don't have much money try something simple, like mentioned in the video

  • @DienamikChibee
    @DienamikChibee 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Could you do a video on molding/casting things like the gems for your starfire cosplay or other props/accessories? Your videos are awesome by the way!

  • @fatherbread455
    @fatherbread455 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    i came to this channel because i'm getting ready for a homestuck cosplay.
    (your voice saying the word tho X3)

  • @dalunawiz
    @dalunawiz 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is some stuff I can get behind!

  • @anobscenesumofdescendingco1595
    @anobscenesumofdescendingco1595 10 ปีที่แล้ว

    My cosplay budget is about $30-$50 for each one, and I manage pretty well. like what another user said, check thrift stores!
    Sirene, I think you should do Ellie from the Last of Us!

  • @shastaschroder8710
    @shastaschroder8710 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Ugh this was a great video. And for sure if people can't pay things, don't cosplay :( My husband just reminded me that my hobby was expensive ha ha. but at cons don't forget are also cheaper simply because they wont have the shipping is zilch! It's amazing what you can find at the cons to get for your next costume!

  • @user-mg8fw1lw9f
    @user-mg8fw1lw9f 10 ปีที่แล้ว

    Amazon.com, Aliexpress.com, local thrift stores, and tutorials all helped me keep the cost low.

  • @SpiritOfSakura
    @SpiritOfSakura 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Figured I'd mention this, since it wasn't really mentioned in the video: THRIFT SHOPS.
    Seriously. If you can find what you're looking for there (or if you can find something close and have the skills to modify it), it'll likely save you a bunch of money.

  • @megansmith7457
    @megansmith7457 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    omg, i love how you stress "dressing up as fictional characters" lots of people take it WAAYYYY more serious... i like you! you've earned yourself a subsciber :D

  • @AshLuvMilo
    @AshLuvMilo 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    OMG i'm so glad you chose Starfire

  • @AlecElizabethYukii301
    @AlecElizabethYukii301 10 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    My link Cosplay has come to £40 so far and I'm practically done :D

  • @charliedare1428
    @charliedare1428 10 ปีที่แล้ว

    I tried to learn how to sew, but I didn't understand most of the instructions. It would be nice if you made a video explaining some of the sewing lingo used in patterns and tutorial videos themselves.

  • @PUNKSLUDGE
    @PUNKSLUDGE 9 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Being a tattooed cosplayer is rough man. $200 can get you a nice costume or a nice tattoo. Put being a musician in college on top of that... Ain't that a bitch?
    I should start a vlog of these struggles.

  • @6AncientCharms9
    @6AncientCharms9 9 ปีที่แล้ว

    I just buy my wigs at cons. Since I usually cosplay characters with short hair or simple long hair. I got really quality wigs from IKKicons for $35 the cost ranged from $35-$45 or $50 depending on the style.

  • @hermitladylina
    @hermitladylina 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nina can you do a "Conventions for dummies video"? Basically a 101 for people who want to go to conventions but have absolutely no idea what they're getting into.

  • @queenboo1713
    @queenboo1713 9 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you so much for the tips~

  • @CJGatsby
    @CJGatsby 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    lI love your videos! as a rookie cosplayer, I find them to be really helpful. Could you possibly discuss at one point how to deal with rude people at cons? I've had friends have issues with being harassed at cons by people touching them without permission, harassing them for the quality of/how revealing their cosplays are, etc. You seem like you could do a good job with it :)

  • @Kharmazov
    @Kharmazov 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    Characters wearing military gear/uniforms are a good budget option since you can actually get the items cheap via milsurp stores or get cheap replicas (like helmets) fro those dealing in airsoft supplies.

  • @missselfdestruct8705
    @missselfdestruct8705 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    It's funny you mention starfire as I'm watching this as I'm getting ready to cosplay raven.