The Cosplay Inspiration & Persona Guide – How to Discover Your Cosplay Character
Want to build a cosplay? Here’s an easy guide for finding your cosplay inspiration, which will guide your journey of creation!
Are you trying to find your inner cosplay muse? Cosplayers are passionate, fascinating people who strongly connect to a character or fandom. After being inspired by a cosplayer you meet, it’s an easy step forward to look for tips and tricks for your own cosplay journey. Have you ever wanted to BE the characters you admire so much? We at BoLS are very passionate about the exciting art form of cosplay, and we’re here to share everything we know about the journey to manifesting the creative epicness with you. Today, we’re diving into cosplay inspiration!
The Fundamentals of Cosplay Inspiration
The first and most important thing to say in any cosplay tutorial or resource guide is this simple truth – there is NO wrong way to cosplay. What’s that, you say? Is it a community meant to be supportive, uplifting, and full of creative awesomeness? Mainly, without judgement, censure, and elitism? YES. EXACTLY. Cosplay is inclusive, inspiring, full of any and everything you bring to the table. Period.
Maybe you’re already a talented crafter. Or perhaps you’re just a fan with a closet full of great wardrobe items. Even if you have no practice creating cosplay, there is a character out there just waiting for you to bring them to life. Now, with this series of cosplay how-tos we’re illuminating some of the basics for you to consider as you step into the world of cosplay inspiration.
Cosplay Inspiration 101
Cosplay is a world full of a wide array of talents, inspirations, and creative outlets. Cosplayers are seasoned artists and actors and members of fandoms who go the extra mile. Eventually, they choose to take on the persona of their dearest characters. Cosplaying is an opportunity to step out of the normal shoes that we wear into those of a favorite character. It can be completely different to who we are, and it can also be empowering. Designing garb, costumes, props, skits, dances, and other elements of expression to portray those sources of inspiration is a main pillar of the cosplay community.
Cosplay artists can become anything which inspires them, be it a character, an emotion, or an entirely unique creation from the depths of their imaginations. For those discovering this new creative outlet for the first time, one of the most exciting and liberating moments of cosplay design comes from discovering a cosplay persona, or an alter ego… Discover the muse inside of you who waits for freedom!
Cosplay Personas and How to Find Them
Most cosplay actors and models adopt cosplay personas. Determining a cosplay persona helps define the direction for future cosplay projects. A perfect example is a superhero, or a gaming handle. By creating a nickname, you solidify the traits you will embody, creating a brand people can understand. This persona can be someone strong, magical, fierce, sexy, or uniquely creative.
Every person approaches cosplay with a different type of energy and inspiration. We at BoLS have more than a few brands we fangirl, like Yaya Han, Kamui, Jessica Nigri, and Maul Cosplay. They cover the skill-tree in aesthetics, and have an incredible passion for character creation.
I discovered my nom de plume, “Mayhem’s Muse”, during my time as a roller-derby skater. A muse is a person who speaks directly to the heart of an artist. It is an entity that challenges people to push themselves to discover new heights of artistic passion and expression. I wanted to step away from my habit of being demure and passive which limited me. So, I challenged myself to step up and make myself heard, to break out of my introvert shell. I poured all of those motivations to create Mayhem’s Muse, and this character inspires me to greatness. Ultimately, I cultivated an alter ego that is strong, sassy, and inspired me to new heights of creativity.
Using Your Muse
You can use your cosplay inspiration and motivations to discover your inner cosplay muse. Now, keep that idea in the forefront of your mind as you begin researching and exploring project ideas. Figure out what ideals and dreams that persona has, what types of expression would be most valuable for it. Cosplay can be creating a simple “closet cosplay” from wardrobe bits you already own. Additionally, it can be designing entire costumes from scratch with fabric and paint and hard work. It can also be creating physical expressions like skits and dances. There is a perfect blend of creative elements for each cosplayer and each individual cosplay. Let your muse be your guide, and above all have fun exploring your passions and bringing them to life!!!
Share the Inspiration
We want to hear from YOU! Send us your unique cosplayer backstory. Tell us your cosplay name and how you discovered it. Maybe you’ll be featured in a future article here on BoLS!
Checkout Our Ultimate Beginners Cosplay Guide
~Join us next week for more Cosplay Coverage~
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