Cosplay is with no doubt the hottest trend in pinoy pop culture. We have seen teens
dressing up in their favorite characters in conventions held almost weekly. With these
happenings coming around the metro, each of these cosplayers has their own reasons to
cosplay. At this moment wanted to meet new friends with the similar passion for anime
culture. Others just wanted the exposure and recognition, and in some cases the fame that
is currently being connected with pinoy cosplay and otaku fever. Everyone can enjoy the
fanfare and appreciation with the right attitude and mindset. These tips will definitely
help newcomers as well as the veterans so that you can be a well-respected entity without
the need to act like a fan whore.
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| Cosplayer and singer Ayumi Kassinique |
1. Don't HATE, EDUCATE!
As with every successful person in any industry, the ones who know how to educate their
fans are the ones who get equal respect form their fans. A well-decorated cosplayer knows
that by handling hate mail in a very positive matter can render good results. Learn how to
educate your fan base and learn how to handle negative thoughts. If the community you're
in is in the brink of collapse, then why leave it like that? Fix the issues and stand from
the rest in the process.
2. "THANK YOU" Compensation is a NO-NO
Most people would have been in a position like this when they are starting out. Saving
their hard-earned money for being accurate for their costumes and in the end they will
only receive a pat in the back. Cosplay is an art and with any art we have the right to be
rewarded for your work. Most corporations are paying huge amounts of money for good
cosplay. So the next time when somebody wanted you for a birthday party it's not wrong to
demand for payment. You don't want to be ripped off especially when your costume is bulky
that being there is a waste of time, money, and energy.
3. Add your own PERSONAL TOUCH
Have a fan page? Then don't let just some admin rule over your fans. Be enthusiastic and
try to answer their questions as much as you could. When in conventions, don't wear your
costume first and be active in socializing with other people around you. It's free
promotion, and it reduces the chance of someone being mad about you because of your own
accidental ignorance. Furthermore, let them know that there are things that you need to
take care of and avoid being like a ghost and disappear without a trace. It's creepy and
can turn people off.
4. Balance ACCURACY and DECENCY
It's becoming an occurrence in Philippine cosplay where people are cosplaying something
that they are not in their skin. It's not a good idea because it promotes a bad image and
can instantly turn a hot female cosplayer into a fan whore. Never put yourself into a
position that you can be insulted or ashamed of yourself. The best cosplayers around are
the ones who carry their costumes with pride and comfort. It adds personality to the
character being portrayed and good image in the cosplayer. If you just can't be sexy at
that particular time, then simply don't cosplay. Most photographers will still notice you,
and you can be sociable without being scrutinized by the public.
5. Keep Your Head Up
There will be a time that you want to quit and leave for good because of pressure and all
the black propaganda spreading around you. Keep your mindset on the positive side. Relax,
refocus, and make a plan to make your dreams into reality. Take the hindrances one at a
time and never let people pull you down. Be with people that will motivate and help you
along the way. You'll be glad you did.
