Cosplaying has been something that I personally do not participate in but do enjoy seeing what people create online. Being able to see people bring characters they love to life while allowing fans to see their creations. It has become massive in the west in recent years as social media expanded, giving cosplayers from the East ways to show off what they create, allowing us to see new ways to explore our own characters.
Cosplayers such as Chamomile_chami, Ryora, Mogura and others do amazing work bringing not only characters from games and anime but also creating their original characters. They do photo shoots to show off their creations while building a fan base, in which allows them to attend conventions where they meet fans, talk with others while giving and taking tips for future projects. The ability to do something they enjoy, share it online and meet others along with fans has brought the hobby into what can be considered a profitable venture if one becomes successful.
The community has grown over years, becoming influential as it went from a niche genre of life to mainstream as entertainment from Japan, South Korea and other East Asian countries became mainstream. Everything from big names such as Pokemon, Naruto, Bleach, Dragon Ball, Sailor Moon and others to the smaller and lesser known manga’s and anime were broadcast, read, and live streamed in more and more houses. This in turn had cosplay ride in behind these series, gaining ground as the creatives in the west who fell in love with series, in turn, fell in love with this expression of ones love of a character.
Now as the cosplay industry grows, there has been issues that have come along for the ride. The biggest issue is the people who do not know to not touch the model as many cosplay characters who wear outfits that are or can be sexual in nature though the cosplayer only wishes to stay true to the art. (Side note: I do wish many voice actors would stay true to the source material but unfortunately hindered and slowed not only the art but whatever ideology they are trying to push. Be quiet and sit down as you watch people who love the work stay true to it.)
Many who do attend comicons understand the idea that the cosplayers are there to show off their own creations and work along with purchasing various items such as manga, anime, cosplay photos and enjoy the experience. Though there will always be those who think it is alright to touch the model doing the cosplay, in which we all need to watch for, as the genre grows, the education on etiquette will grow with it. Hopefully. (Some of you gooners are just weird and need to get an education on social etiquette in general.)
In the end, what was mainly in East Asia, though with some people in the west dressing up as Batman, Spiderman, and the such, made such things main stream through the efforts of those who lead the way early on. Today, we now have many who enjoy their hobby and in some instances, are able to make a modest, and a few instances, a decent income on their hobby.
If you are considering this hobby, do consider it but also understand that will take money, time, and dedication to it but only do it if you want too. It is a fun hobby for many and a great way to express yourself while making friends.
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