To Build or Not to Build

“To Build or Not to Build” really does seems to be a major question on the lips of many con organizers and cosplay judges.  It creates rivalries and hard feelings, but it is certainly at the core of the cosplay culture right now.

This weekend marked yet another whirlwind adventure for me and mine to the big ole’ town of Tupelo, MS just in time for the 2017 Tupelo Comic Con. That's right, geeking out in the birthplace of the King himself.

Tupelo Comic Con is your typical hometown comic convention complete with minor celebrity appearances, vendor area, prop cars, artists, cosplayers / fandom community row, gaming tournaments, A LOT of panels and the obligatory cosplay contest.

It was the cosplay contest, more so the structure of the contest, at this particular con that really caught my interest.  TCC hosted what was essentially two separate contests.  One specifically for craftsmanship, the second one for overall appearance and the wearer’s ability to represent the character. 

The Craftsmanship Contest required that a minimum 50% of the costume must be constructed by the contestant.  A model could wear the costume but the creator must be present.  They also stated costumes which had already won awards in other costume contests were not permitted, requiring a completely new and original piece from each contestant.  This contest had more strenuous rules and offered more significant prizes than most I have seen.

Wonderland Duo Cosplay (Belle & The Beast)

Tanealya & Robin Burks (Disney Jedi Mashup)

The Closet Cosplay Contest was 100% focused on the appearance of the wearer and the costume could be created using any outlets available, so predominantly store bought, commissioned or thrifted costumes were moved into this category.  There were five awards but it was mostly for bragging rights and being able to strut your stuff on stage.

A little something for everyone but not all competing in the same arena.

Like most cosplayers I find myself interested in the never ending argument of whether store bought or commissioned cosplay should be allowed in the same competition with something hand built by the wearer? 

Blue Bunni Cosplay (Mystery Girl), Derrick (Pirate Crew of MSB), Lauren Knight (Misa), Mr. Fish (Captain Obvious)

Ok here is my official standing on this.  I don’t know. 

Anti-climactic, right?  Sorry 'bout that, but here is my reason for being indecisive.

I have the utmost respect for people who painstakingly handcraft each element of their costume.  That being said, I also can appreciate the cosplayer who purchased or commissioned the costume and completely OWNS THE CHARACTER. 

Heidi (Hawkgirl), Lauren Knight (Velma), Tenitia (Muse), Natasha (Harley Quinn)

In the past I have been accused of being a bit of a “build it yourself snob” but I don’t always have time to completely design and craft costumes for upcoming events.  My recurring roles as mother, wife, and my real world job don’t always allow for time, and being a parent does not always allow the expendable income.  Cosplay is an expensive hobby.

Personally, I love to sew and create, but I do not always find it is the most effective way for me to create my costumes.  So yeah I will purchase pieces.  I will happily forego sewing leggings if I can buy online cheaper than I can purchase the fabric.  However, there is ALWAYS something of my own creation in my gear and it's usually a major component. 

James of Brickhouse Training (Logan) , Kewpie Doll Cosplay (X-23)

For TCC my favorite Kewpie Doll Cosplay wore her X-23 gear replicated from the Logan movie.  Because the character is in street clothes, not the usual superhero getup, this costume is 90% store bought.  Her claws were hand built, but the jeans, T-shirt, and denim jacket are all off the rack.  She received a “Cosplay Choice Award” on the floor and much praise about how she embodied the character.  Let's be frank a moment, even an unbiased observer looks at this kid and understands she was meant for this cosplay.  Is it award worthy?  Depends on the contest.

Red Skull Alliance Cosplay (Captain America)

So here is my question to you…Who is at the real disadvantage?  The person who contacted a designer, spent a lot of money to have their gear custom built to fit their body?  They may look great but not always be able to communicate to a panel of judges, who more than likely handcrafted their own gear, how it was fabricated.  Or the person who built everything themselves but may not have the same skill level as a professional seamstress. Maybe it needs to be something each cosplayer addresses for themselves, but it may come down to finding your place by strutting on the floor and bypassing the stage.

So I say again, I don’t know.  I do know this, as long as you are happy with your gear, wear it and do not allow anyone, fellow cosplayer or judge, make you feel unworthy.  I know a lot of awesome cosplayers who fall into both of these categories.  Let your geek flag fly as you see fit and don't worry about what anyone else thinks, but understand that each event has their own parameters for what they deem worthy of an award.

Always my partners in crime...Miss Scarlett Fever
& Comanche Rose (aka MidSouth Wonder Womna)

Oh yeah add Kewpie Doll Cosplay
to my normal partners in crime!

with Big Daddy Cool

I cannot forget my REAL partner in crime
master of shenanigans, my other half
and "staff photog" Darrell :) 

Keeping with my goal of positive support of others I am featuring some of my FAVORITE local cosplayers in this post!  This is by no means all of my favorites just a few who had epic designs that sprung to mind!   

The Inevitable Visit from "Aunt Flo"

As a woman I am NOT accustomed to waiting with hopeful expectation for “Aunt Flo” to pay her monthly visit.  Like most women it is a most dreaded time and one of few times I don't like being a girl.  While I am attending to my monthly,  I would prefer to stay home for a couple of days dressed in old sweatpants eating dark chocolate & Cheetos and drinking wine to numb the pain.  About the only time most women find themselves eagerly awaiting the return of the monthly curse is to make sure there is not a bouncing oops-a-baby in the near future.

This, however, is not always the case with cosplay girls. 



WWII Bomber Pilot Robin

As I sit here writing, I am hyper-aware that today marks the 7 day countdown to a big Comic-con I am preparing to attend.  During this Con I will be debuting my latest and greatest design, an awesome WWII inspired Robin, along with my oldest daughter as my WWII Paratrooper Batman counterpart.  My costume features form fitting pants, red steel boned under bust corset, and an ammo belt which is to ride low on my hips.  Of course, the timing couldn't be any worse as I also begin to notice those little signs that my not-so-beloved Aunt may be on her way with her affection for puffiness, bloating, and bitchiness.  I cannot tell you how stressed I am about this as the days tick by.  The last thing I want is to prepare to wow the crowds as a smoking hot Robin and come off more like the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man.

I work out regularly, but I am a woman in my 40s and can be very self-conscience about extra pounds showing up here and there.  Especially AFTER I spend months constructing a new costume.  Every event I attend, I find myself on the show floor in full costume alongside 20-somethings who are the picture of perfect health and physique.  I am not very easily intimidated but I am aware that I am not a spring chicken and have birthed a couple of children.  Ok, maybe I am easily intimidated, but you have to give me props that I can still do this at my age.    

Just for shits & giggles I decided to mention my dilemma to my daughter and her reaction was about the same…at first she laughed at me…then I could see reality set in on her face…she was counting days too. After all, there is that whole synchronized periods issue with women in the same house.  Don't hate me, but I had to smile to myself when I saw the realization come into her eyes.  At least I wouldn't be alone in my misery.

 

So for the rest of the week I will sit here with my fingers crossed praying that Aunt Flo shows up and leaves on time…and the rest of the week trying to count how many days I have left before I am and out of Puffiville.  But just in case, wish me luck that in all my suffering and impatience I do not choke out some 20 year-old skinnier-than-necessary Harley Quinn at the Con.  

My Confession

I have a confession to make …I cannot draw.  There I admit it.  My lack of art skills can from time to time make the creative process a bit complicated.   

Example:  I was recently in contact with a local F/X artist to discuss building a custom prosthetic facial appliance which is to accompany my latest steampunk dress design.   The dress, which is still in the VERY basic stages of construction, is a basic formal skirt and a corset top.  Looking at this piece now reminds me more of a prom dress than a steampunk creation.  So when the F/X artist asked me to send photos or drawings I was almost embarrassed to say “I don’t have either.” 

Like most of my designs, I have an image in my head.  I can attempt to explain my image however it can sound like someone reading technical instructions aloud.  Until I know I can realistically create the image that is in my head I won’t even discuss the design.    

My saving grace in the creative process is I make a lot of notes and I can doodle.  Wow that sounds awkward…I am a doodler!  I keep a journal on me at all times and at any given moment will make notes and childlike drawings of art projects, sewing projects or anything else I want to create.  In some cases my rudimentary drawings resemble stick figures with notes...A LOT of notes! 

Anyone who knows me knows that I am passionate about art and design.  The mention of a possible project and my mind starts the creative process immediately.  My lack of sketching skills, although hindering the process, does not stop the end results.  I guess I shouldn't feel so bad.  Every once in a while I will see a show like SyFy's Face Off and catch a glimpse of a sketch by a truly talented sculptor, that looks like it was rendered by a 3 year-old with crayons.  I see those and say to myself, "look, a kindred spirit!"



Seriously DO NOT LAUGH