People about Cosplay...

To me, it’s equally a tribute to the property that I’m making the cosplay from, and the art form.

One could say the same thing of not getting the appeal of creating any media – learning any instrument, painting a picture, writing a book. It’s creation and display – this may not be the same to everyone, but it’s definitely a big part to me. It’s also a way to meet new friends from all walks of life. I’m certain if you looked closer, a lot don’t meet the stereotypes of an overgrown kid. I cosplay with people in the military, aerospace, tech, and all walks of life. Conversely there’s people that do this for a living, myself included.

As someone that enjoys hobbies and media that was formerly shunned for being “too nerdy”, perhaps immediately throwing anyone that takes part in cosplay into the “you’re a man/woman child” box is a bit reductionist, and a little offensive.

There are so many things, and most people have different reasons. Some people go to an anime convention and see the costumes, some just love a character so much they want to be them, some like performance, while others are more into the crafting.

The main reasons I started, and still, cosplay, are the crafting elements and being able to bring my favourite characters to life. There’s a huge challenge in planning how to bring some of these anime and video game characters into the real world.

One other thing that can be fun is the reactions of others. I get a lot of comments, mostly positive, on my costumes and people can tell how much work I put into my costumes. I’m not the best at the performance, but I got a lot of positive feedback this past weekend in the costume contest at a local con. It’s my creative outlet and I love that there are people who accept cosplay. I have got some negative comments, mostly from people who don’t approve of costumes, but the positive feedback and friends I have made through cosplay keep me going.

I’m going to address this question from a different viewpoint. Why is cosplay popular amongst those that do it?

There is the factor of honoring the source material/fandom that you love. There is the creative outlet. Then there is the sharing of the work with other fans and making new connections with like-minded people. Getting complimented for your work can create a sense of accomplishment, as can having a photographer ask to take your picture. A three day event like a local comic-con or Anime/SF/Fantasy Convention can be more rewarding than a two week vacation in the tropics, to some people.

This all has a spillover effect, those that aren’t doing it, see the results and fun that those that are having and want to do it themselves next time. This keeps the world of Cosplayers growing at a currently staggering amount. I’m staff on a 2,200 person Anime Convention and we are constantly amazed at the ~60% cosplay attendance.