Cosplay is a Japanese word, which when broken down into its separate syllables: ' ko ', meaning character, and ' su-poru ', to perform. Put together the term means "to portray (a character)". The performer takes on the identity of the character they are portraying by wearing costumes, makeup and other accessories they buy from Premium cosplay shop.
However, many people in the west seem to equate cosplay with 'sexual' dressing up and tend to believe it is linked with fetishes. The truth is that wearing costumes and performing as a character has nothing at all to do with sexual preferences, but everything to do with identity and self-expression. Although many come under the 'guise' of cosplay to promote their favorite character they are portraying, there is no underlying motive or desire that comes into it. It is simply for the love of character they are portraying and nothing else.
Cosplayers spend months designing costumes, sewing material together to make it, looking for second-hand clothes in charity shops, buying material on eBay – anything they can – to make the 'perfect' costume.
And this is what cosplay is all about – it's not a hobby, nor something you do as a one-off for Halloween - it's a lifestyle. Many cosplayers dedicate time and effort to their passion for dressing up as characters from anime, manga, or even video games.
The number of conventions in the UK every year dedicated solely to cosplay shows how popular it is becoming. Many people tend to think that when it comes to cosplay, you need amazing costumes and hours in which to make them.
However, this is not always true - many cosplayers create their outfits out of necessity because they can't find one to buy or they can't afford it! The idea isn't to have the most expensive or well-known costume of all time - cosplay is about having fun and expressing yourself.
Cosplayers tend to be very friendly, passionate people who are willing to go out of their way to help others get involved in their hobby. There are many groups on social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Deviant Art for cosplayers to get in touch with people who share the same interests.
It is becoming so popular that there are even conventions dedicated solely to cosplay, where many different types of characters cross paths! Cosplay may seem daunting at first but it's very simple - you don't have to dress up in a big fancy costume or wear make-up if you don't want to. The idea of cosplay is about having fun and putting a smile on someone else's face.
What is the easiest cosplay?
There are many different aspects to cosplay, depending on whether you're dressing up as a character from anime or manga, video games, etc…
If you're looking for the easiest cosplay then dressing up as one of the characters from My Little Pony is perfect! The colorful outfits are very simple and easy to recreate. Other good choices include characters from Adventure Time or Ben 10 – all have simple, cartoony designs that almost anyone can do.
What is the future of cosplay?
Cosplay is becoming more and more popular – with conventions all across the country dedicated solely to cosplay, it's never been easier to get involved.
There are so many characters out there that you can dress up as – such as zombies or even characters from the hit video game Minecraft! There is a huge community online where fans can meet and get in touch with each other.
The future of cosplay looks bright – even if you're not dressing up, it's fantastic to enjoy with friends!
