“Cosplay” is a combination of the words ‘costume’ and ‘play’, a sort of performance in which players dress up like different characters. Character ideas is drawn from several sources, which include videos, current events, tv ads, or abstract concepts. If you can picture it, you can produce a costume to represent it. Oftentimes it isn’t a literal interpretation – cosplayers often apply a different style than the origin material, as well as dress up like someone of the opposite gender.

Usually, although not always, cosplayers are going to be fans of the work they draw their characters from. Alternatively, a show or game’s creator might hire someone to put on a dress-up costume to market their newest creation, or a fashion designer may relish the process of the costume’s unique construction. Even so, most cosplayers are enthusiasts who participate for the fun of it, instead of industry professionals spending hundreds of hours and 1000s of dollars on each costume.

Far and away the biggest number of cosplayers are anime related. In the usa, they are likely to gather at the different anime exhibitions that are held across the country, though they are seen at comic book and science fiction events as well. Other convention attendees will take their shots or ask to have pictures taken together. Many take part in official and semi-official costume tournaments, private photo shoots, and parades.

Cosplayers can foster a sense of belonging and togetherness through the private and professional contacts they could make. For many, it is all they’ve ever wished for.