Cosplayer’s body size

Size is an important factor in cosplay because it will influence the overall appearance of the cosplayers. As an example, the height difference between character and cosplayer should not be more than 10cm.

Height: 140-155cm

Physical: Small and medium weight.

Cosplayer in this category has not much option to choose because many characters in this category were created in the age of 12-15 years old and with various personalities. Cosplayer has to be careful when choosing character that is suitable with his physical and personalities.

Height: 155-160cm

Physical: Medium height and light weight.

Usually cosplayer in this category will choose character in the age between 14-17 years. Most of the characters are weak in fighting but expert in course like magic, study, research or computer.

Height: 155-160cm

Physical: Medium height and medium weight.

Most of the heroes and heroin in shonen genre were in this category, it will benefit those who want to be other’s attraction. Because the characters in this category are more active compare to other category, the cosplayers also need to be more active.

Height: 160-170cm

Physical: Medium height and heavy weight

Cosplayer in this category can choose character that has big muscle and tough body. Cosplayer with this physical is suitable to bring armour equipment and heavy object.

Height: 170-180cm

Physical: Tall and medium weight

There were many characters in this category. So those who are in this category should not face any difficulty to choose characters that were suitable for them. Cosplayer is also advised to choose character that has smart costume to be looking more attractive.

Height: 180cm and above

Physical: Very tall and medium weight

Cosplayer in this category can choose charecters that are very tall, especially in genre such as fantasy.

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Cosplay as a profession

There are not many choices in career base on cosplay because it is still not being recognized as a main occupation. But for those who are willing to try, below are some jobs related to cosplay.

1. Costume Designer

Costume designer are the expert in researching and the making of blueprint for cosplay costumes. They work by gathering all of information about costume’s character that being ordered by customers. Then they will make the sketching for the costume. The sketch is important as a reference for the tailor. Costume designer must have the ability to design an exact sketch of the original costume for the character.

2. Costume Tailor

Costume tailor is an expertise in sewing costume. In AMG, they are many complex design, so a good technique in sewing is a must have for costume tailor. Furthermore a good knowledge in fabric also important. Usually costume tailor will work together with costume designer, but there are also peoples who did both jobs at the same time.

3. Prop designer

Prop designer has the same scope like costume designer, but they work on cosplay prop like weapons, equipments, and accessories. Prop designer must has knowledge in scale drawing, so that the equipment will be made using right scale.

4. Prop maker

Prop maker is the people responsible in making the cosplay equipments for cosplayers. Knowledge in carpenting or metal cutting are the main assets for a prop maker.

5. Make-up artist

Make up is one of the important elements in cosplay. For those who are expert in make-up can offer their service, but this will only happens during cosplay conference or cosplay photo shooting. So this job is not suitable to be chosen as a full-time job.

6. Stylist

Stylist is the expert in making hair style, either using original hair or wig. To become a stylist, a person must have skills in hair cutting, colouring and treatment.

7. Cosplay Shop

Cosplay shop is a dream job for a cosplayer who has capital to start a business. A cosplay shop usually offers services like costume/prop designing, costume/prop making, costume rental, make-up, hair styling and wig.

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Crossplay

The word crossplay was originated from the words cross-dressing and cosplay. It means cosplayers that act as characters of that opposite sex to themselves. Even though there are many cosplayer around the world, the amount of male cosplayers are less than the female cosplayers; only 30% of them are male. The small amount of male’s cosplayer had caused the shortage of male characters in Cosplay Conferences. This situation has stimulated the crossplay phenomenon; when female cosplayers took the role of male characters in order to balance the amount of female characters. Those peoples are called crossplayers.

At first most of crossplayers are female, but later on there are also male crossplayers appeared. Usually female crossplayers are looking good and were accepted by other cosplayers. But there were some negative impressions to male crossplayers as they were related to sensitive issues like homesexual and transexual. This was because some of the male crossplayers have chosen characters that were very contra to themselves. Their action was considered as over-acting and aiming to challenge the etiquette of cosplay. The different opinion being made between male and female crosslayers have made male crossplayers viewed this as a discrimination to them.

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Cosplay

Cosplay conference is like a holy place for cosplayers to show off the ideal cosplayer among them. Cosplay begun in Japan about 12 years ago when AMG (anime,manga&games) fanatics spread in Japan. Every year there are many cosplay conferences held around the world especially in Japan and United Satates of America. U.S. is the country that has the most cosplay’s conferences held because it has a lot of AMG fans.

Cosplay Event

One of the event that give cosplayers bonus marks in grouping cosplay competition is sketch/skit. This event is important because it is the only way to show the credibility of their group in effective manner. But it is not easy because it needs co-operation among the members. Cosplayers also need to write a suitable script so that all the member will have their chance to show their talents.

Tips and basic instructions for skit event

1. Make sure the cosplayers that act on the stage do not exceed the limit, usually between 6-10 peoples are allowed.
2. Don’t do dangerous actions on the stage. This is for safety.
3. Any filthy actions and words are not allowed. Cosplayers must be remind that the show is for public showing.
4. Don’t include sensitive issues like racist, religion or politics into the show.
5. The sketch must related to original anime or characters involved.
6. Cosplayer must stay to their character’s characteristic during the show.

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