I realise that this thread, like my Skimpy Cosplays - do they make you a slut? thread, may seem a little controversal and little bit negative diving but if you don't want to put your opinion forward or you're not prepared to back it up if someone challenges it then you're not required to post.

But let's face it, the anime community is nice and all and I've met and befriended some real gems but there are some right twats in it too XD Though this is true for all communities.

Anyway onto my question.

Now when I say masquerade I don't mean masquerade's in general, I don't mean catwalks (like Aya, Ame, Kita) etc. I mean actual competitions.

Do you do it just to take part even if you have no hope of winning?
Do you just like being on stage?
Do you only compete if you have a chance of winning?
Is winning irrelevant?
Is it <b>just</b> the taking part that counts?
Isn't taking part what wondering around in cosplay, photoshoots and catwalks for?
Should competitions be purely competative?
Do you ever get to a competition, see the line up and think you shouldn't be there?
Do you look down on other cosplayers if you're think they're not on par with you?
Do you simply size up the competition and your own chances of success?

Bought cosplays, does it matter if they enter if it's non-competative?
If it is competative does it annoy you that people do pass off bought work as their own or only modify a bought costume a little and call it their own work?

On a side note, do you think as a country we are underperfoming in terms of what our best cosplayers can offer compaired to what else is out there in terms of costume quality/complexity and performances?


If there are further related aspects to this question you have an opinion on would love to hear it
Again I'm not looking to point blame or sling mud and if anyone names names in this thread then on you're own head be it I'm just interested in what people think.

I'll bite here.

I take part in a masquerade if I feel proud enough of a newly produced costume to show it off like that. For example at Amecon I entered my Fredric Chopin outfit, I was particularly proud of the way that turned out and felt I'd like to show it off, at Ayacon while I had new costumes, I felt they were not high enough quality to take up time/a place in the masquerade. In addition I'm more likely to take a new costume on stage should I have a group with friends.
I don't expect to win any prizes, but it's partly the chance to see all the other costumes up close, discuss how they were created and recieve (mostly useful) feedback and construction ideas on my own costume from other people in the hobby.

On bought costumes, I must admit, I do feel the mass produced, usualy ebayed costumes are fine only as long as that space couldn't be taken up by someone who has spent the time and effort creating their own. Luckily at the least the judges at the majority of UK events are more than skilled enough to notice most bought costumes and the interview section that usualy accompanies the bigger competitions takes care of any that may slip through.

I wouldn't say I look down on those with not as well constructed costumes or feel put off by people better, I view it as a chance to pick up some of their skills and techniques. I do kind of look down on people who have a terrible attitude: I can think of an example where I was chatting to someone outside a masquerade complimented their costume, noticed an issue I'd had previously and offered an easy suggestion on avoiding that. The person in question bit my head off with a rant about how 'God, it's only for fun, it's stupid to care about things like that!'

As for non competitive entries, I guess similar to bought costumes as long as they arn't taking places away from competitive entries go for it!

Oh I remember you from Ame, your Chopin was very nice indeed loved the musical cane

Debate is good, it's healthy!

Do you do it just to take part even if you have no hope of winning?

If I eneter a costume I've made into a competition, I'll generally think that it's my best if not one of my best works to date. If I thought I had no hope of winning or at least getting some sort of feedback (I value feedback from judges alot) then I wouldn't enter it. I'm very harsh when it comes to my own creations and if I think it's not good enough then I won't enter it.

Do you just like being on stage?

Alot of the stage ones don't exsist anymore, most competitions are held in a room where you stand before the judges and have a chat.
Saying that though. I hate being on stage! it's scary! I get tunnel vision and I panic I'm doing it wrong. Thus the last time I was on stage was in 2007 in my Dizzy costume, though I did go on stage at the first Kitacon, I sort of don't count it because I couldn't really see out of the silent hill nurse head thing XD.

Do you only compete if you have a chance of winning?
Is winning irrelevant?

Yes, I will only compete if I have a chance of winning, or if I THINK I do. Though I wont be distraught if I don't win. I do love the feeling of competition and everyone doing their best and strutting their stuff, then the big reveal of who won what. If my name isn't called though, I just go "oh well, it was still fun". Honestly though, whenever I win anything I'm utterly amazed because I hardly ever win anything anyway XD.

Is it <b>just</b> the taking part that counts?

Sometimes. Like I said before. The feeling of competition and being with loads of people who really tried their best is great.

Isn't taking part what wondering around in cosplay, photoshoots and catwalks for?

Depends, taking part for competition and taking part in non competative are different. Since you made the decision to do either one.

Should competitions be purely competative?

Is that not what a competition is? being competative?
I think competitions should be competative, yes. Though the UK conventions cater to both now, whatwith the catwalk being non competative, and having a seperate competition up against the judges.

Do you ever get to a competition, see the line up and think you shouldn't be there?

I've only done 2 really. One as sisater paula from trinity blood at ame 2006 where I did win a place but I'm not entirley sure what it was since at the time something had happened with the cosplay side of the amecon staff so we only got named really.
Then I entered my Dizzy from guilty gear in 2007. I diddn't really think I was out of my waters for either, but I did recognise the fact that there were alot of costumes with alot more detail, like embroidery and such, so Dizzy, diddn't really stand a chance XD.

Do you look down on other cosplayers if you're think they're not on par with you?

Much like Tiran, I only look down on people with a terrible attitude problem. People who will openly shout abuse at you because you're cosplaying something and you have a colour off. People who are more than willing to give your critisism but can't take it if you suggest something to them.

Do you simply size up the competition and your own chances of success?

I think everyone does, if you go into a competition, then you'll naturally look at the other costumes and wonder if you're in with a chance. So yes, when I'm in a competition, I do.

Bought cosplays, does it matter if they enter if it's non-competative?

I don't think it matters if they are enetered into non competative. However I do think it's a shame if they push out people who have spent months working on their costumes. I mean if an ebayed costume gets on the catwalk but that means that theres 1 less spot for a hand made costume.

If it is competative does it annoy you that people do pass off bought work as their own or only modify a bought costume a little and call it their own work?

Yes. I've always thought that if you have ebayed a costume, then you shouldnt be competing in it because competitions are usually aimed at people who have made 100% of their costumes or damn near that. Bought and modified I don't think should be allowed in competative either, because the garmets are already made for you, all you've done is, take it in, glue some stuff to it or added a bit here or there.
When they call it their own work, that really annoys me.

On a side note, do you think as a country we are underperfoming in terms of what our best cosplayers can offer compaired to what else is out there in terms of costume quality/complexity and performances?

Mhhhhhh not really, not out of choice anyway.
The UK usually have to import things in order to make them to a really high quality, so we end up having to spend far more tha a US cosplayer. Sure there are places in London like Goldhawk road which are a treasure trove of fabrics and such, but what if you don't live in London? or can't get there for cheap. For example. It would cost me £60 to get to London on an open return. There are cheaper options but it's hit and miss.
So pretty much all of my costumes have been made with fabric I've ordered online and as alot of you know....that can sometimes be a dissaster.

As for preformances......I can't comment because I don't preform.

i take part because i enjoy showing off what i made and
being toled that people like my cosplay.granted this might be my ego talking but the last con i was at (collector mania glasgow 2010)i got talking to dany jhon jules(for those of you too young to have seen red dwarf he was in blade)he said that he was just back from japan and there was a fireworks festival and all the teens he saw where in kimono(i was in kimono)he asked where i got my kimono when i said that i made it myselth he said thats amazing.whether he ment it or not it made me proude to be a cosplayer

In october, i entered the masquerade because i thought it would be fun. That's it. That's the only reason why i entered. XD

And i know this is offtopic but Lulu Rose £60?! It costs me £5.40 return on a train and i live in Nottingham.

Im going to sound rather generic here but...

The reason why i enter is more or less for the fun of it. I am proud of the cosplays i create and i wish for people to see them So what is better than the masquerade?
I admit that the thought of winning come to mind but more for the though of "i would like to, but there are plenty of better entries". So just go on stage and be as entertaining as i can for like one short minute.

@Koufuku: Why is it so cheap for you!?!?!? It costs me approx £35 return and I love closer! D: Cruel world! I often get the coach which is a £20 open return though, so it helps :'D

Anyway... Onto the topic:
Do you do it just to take part even if you have no hope of winning?
Pretty much yes looool. I'm doing the simplest costume ever (sorta) for October Expo and still entering the masquerade with it!

Do you just like being on stage?
I do yeah, I use to get really nervous. And I still do if I'm doing a performance or something. But generally now I think it's fun going on stage.

Do you only compete if you have a chance of winning?
Is winning irrelevant?
Not necessarily. If I'm on my own, then yes the costume does have to be pretty impressive. But if I'm in an epic group, then it'd be fun to enter regardless whether the costumes are mindblowing or not.

Is it <b>just</b> the taking part that counts?
I'd like to win, but with all my costume choices I know I'm probably not as I don't exactly pick the most elaborate ones XD So yeah, it really is just about taking part~

Isn't taking part what wondering around in cosplay, photoshoots and catwalks for?
You can have different costumes for photoshoots/catwalks and different stage costumes.

Should competitions be purely competative?
As Lulu Rose said, isn't that the whole point of competitions. So long as people's competitiveness is healthy it's all good.

Do you ever get to a competition, see the line up and think you shouldn't be there?
Lol yes, I look down the line and think I'm never going to win. But that's always the case : P

Do you look down on other cosplayers if you're think they're not on par with you?
No I don't think I have. I'm not observant enough to notice people ever being rude either apparently : S

Do you simply size up the competition and your own chances of success?
Sorta, most of the chances of success are pretty low for me compared to the rest of the amazing UK cosplayers. I like to think "Ooooh, I predict that person will get 1st, that person will get 2nd etc etc" in my head.

Bought cosplays, does it matter if they enter if it's non-competative?
Depends on the popularity. If it's a rather popular event, then I'd rather they let people that have put effort into their cosplay to show off their creation rather than someone who just eBay-ed their costume. If it's not so popular and there are plenty of spaces then sure I have no problem with it.

If it is competative does it annoy you that people do pass off bought work as their own or only modify a bought costume a little and call it their own work?
Yes yes yes! It's a pet peeve. It's not fair on the other competitors.

On a side note, do you think as a country we are underperfoming in terms of what our best cosplayers can offer compaired to what else is out there in terms of costume quality/complexity and performances?
Nah, I think we have some real gems in our little country. I'll use the cosplay.com showcase feature as an example. They have some cracking costumes featured there, but I think some of our best cosplayers here can top some of theirs so I think our community is just as good as any other.

As for performances, I admit, I would like to see some really lovely elaborate work of art performances <333 I'm a sucker for them. I just recently watched a few of the Ayacon performances and the girl who cosplayed from Vampire Knight with her flag performance... More performances like that please <333
Of course I do love the parapara, comedy, etc skits that people do. But I want moooore. I'm such a skit maniac though haha
I'm sorry to say this but my most favourite performances have been from abroad, they make my jaw drop.

Do you do it just to take part even if you have no hope of winning?
There are several reasons i enter masquerades. firstly of course, cos i enjoy takin part in them. i enjoy walking out onto a stage in something i have created, and showing it to the world. i enter them because i want to get good feedback on my costume from people more experienced than me. one thing i also enjoy is meeting people backstage. when your waiting to go on, everyone is together, and you seem to get a huge concentration of good cosplay. meeting new people and making friends, as well as getting well respected cosplayers to give you advise is always a good aspect of masquerades. Also, with all the professional photographers watching and snapping away, its a good chance to get some really nice, dynamic photos of your costume! some of my best cosplay pics have come from masquerade walks!

Do you just like being on stage?
I do! i really enjoy being on stage in front of big audiences. i dont know why, i just get a buzz from it. doesnt matter what it is, just put me in front of people!

Do you only compete if you have a chance of winning?
Is winning irrelevant?
Winning is irrelevant. its always nice when you do of course, and i will admit, i do always hope that i will (who wouldnt), but at the end of the day, even without winning, i get a lot out of the experience. so to me, that'd just be the icing on the cake. i do not enter to win.

Is it <b>just</b> the taking part that counts?
Id say so. There are many reasons i enter beyond winning, and im sure other people feel the same when they enter.

Isn't taking part what wondering around in cosplay, photoshoots and catwalks for?
Im not really sure what this is asking?

Should competitions be purely competative?
Personally, id like to see more of them becoming competetive. maybe that would spur people on to improve on themselves, and encourage more people to actually try and make their own cosplays. we'd probably start to see far more incredible creations if we started to do this.

Do you ever get to a competition, see the line up and think you shouldn't be there?
Not really, no

Do you look down on other cosplayers if you're think they're not on par with you?
Not at all. if they have made their own costume, and made it accuratly, then no matter what the quality, its worthy of respect. if the costume has been made, but has some major inaccuracies, id wonder why they did it like that, but still, worthy of respect for the attempt. i dont "look down" on bought cosplays at all, but i think they should at least make the effort to make them. kudos to them for at least having the guts to wear a costume though. unless the person is arrogant (and ive not actually encountered a bad cosplayer yet), then i wont look down on them

Do you simply size up the competition and your own chances of success?
Perhaps automatically? when i enter a masquerade, i can usually guess which entries will stand the best chance of winning, and guage my own entry appropriatly. not cos i wanna win, but becuase its a sorta automatic thing.

Bought cosplays, does it matter if they enter if it's non-competative?
I dont think so. They have the same courage to get up there and wear a costume, so they have the right to do it, if its non-competetive.

If it is competative does it annoy you that people do pass off bought work as their own or only modify a bought costume a little and call it their own work?
With this one yes. ive witnessed problems with this firsthand at small conventions, with people in bought costumes winning the prizes, against those that worked on theirs for months. if its competetive, it should go to someone who has made their outfit, or at least heavily modified it from store bought items (i dont even like modifying a bought cosplay). otherwise, its simply unfair on those that have spent a lot of effort on their cosplays.

On a side note, do you think as a country we are underperfoming in terms of what our best cosplayers can offer compaired to what else is out there in terms of costume quality/complexity and performances?
id say no? we have some amazing cosplayers in england, people who really do put their hearts and souls into their work, and could certainly compete on the international cosplay stage. these people have earned my respect at least. the problem in england isnt the quality of cosplay, its the fact we dont actually have many cosplayers in comparison to places like america and japan. this is because were a smaller country. i mean, in Japan and America, you have huge conventions, and someone can become a "cosplay superstar". there are many "famous" cosplayers you could list, and a long list it would be. england is a small country, so of course were gonna have less people who are really of international quality standard. the proportions are probably the same, just not the numbers. so no, i dont think were underperforming, were just restricted by population levels.

I think it's because im a child and i have a discount railcard thingy too TOTALLY OFFTOPIC T_T

Fffff, oh yeah, I remember it use to be around £5 return too when we had my friend's family and friend's railcard and I was a child... Those were the days T^T

TOTALLY NOT OFF TOPIC!
-runs-

http://www.cosplayisland.co.uk/forum?c=showthread&ThreadID=3578&page=1#lastpost

For you guys lol

An additional thought: At some events there is no catwalk style event, some costumes by virtue of their size or delicacy are not suitable for wantering round the floor in, so the masquerade may be the only place you can realisticaly wear those outfits.

Do you do it just to take part even if you have no hope of winning?
Yes

Do you just like being on stage?
This is the major reason I go on stage. I like to present, pretty much show off my costumes because I feel I've done something really well with it. Sometimes I like to make a group and enter them in just because having a full/almost full group from a fandom seems pretty epic (this is especially true with the Digimon group I organised in May, we didn't enter competitively, we just showed how funky it is to have all 8 digi-destined onstage xD)

Do you only compete if you have a chance of winning? Is winning irrelevant? Is it just the taking part that counts?
I am slightly competitive, and yes I do have a small hope that I may be awarded a prize, but I don't rage or baaw if I don't get anything, I'm proud that I at least went on stage

Isn't taking part what wondering around in cosplay, photoshoots and catwalks for?
This is true, but being on stage involved with the theatre, I seem to have gotten accustomed to the stage and showing off things X3 Plus you can get some nice photos on stage; with Yuna's Floral Fallal, they were almost the only photos I had of the full outfit, the wind outside meant I couldn't wear the full thing without it falling off and I didn't want to wear it all in the hall (restrictions too)

Should competitions be purely competative?
It depends, I think the majority do hope they have a chance of winning but I know a few people do just do it for the thrill of entering xD

Do you ever get to a competition, see the line up and think you shouldn't be there?
NEVAR. I see the line, see a cosplay group I like and squee with glee at the idea of being in the same masq as them

Do you look down on other cosplayers if you're think they're not on par with you?
No. Every cosplayer starts somewhere, and I respect that they might not be to the standard I might be at. Just as I understand there are others who have higher cosplaying experiences than me

Do you simply size up the competition and your own chances of success?
Nope. Well...maybe a little. But that's because I'm slightly competitive But I'm not like "oh he sucks I'm totally winning this biatch hahaha" because that attitude is not wanted

Do you do it just to take part even if you have no hope of winning?

Yup. Cliched as it is, I do think it's the participation that counts. If a competition relies on sponsors for prizes, the best way you can support them is to enter the competition, because the more people taking part, the happier the sponsors are, the easier it is for the organisers to hold more events in the future.

To be honest I enter masqs (competitive or not) more often now that I've opened a shop. It's because 1) I have become more passionate about this hobby, and 2) I want people to know that this shop is run by a person who cares about what she sells, and this person really exists, the shop isn't run by some nameless scammer who's put together a site to steal your credit card details. It's a way to advertise. I'm sure other shop owners and commissioners will agree that it's really hard to get your name known and work up a good reputation. I think masquerades do help.

But mostly it's because I enjoy this hobby. Because if not, I wouldn't have started the shop! XD

I entered my fist Masquerade at MCM in May on the Sunday, with my Big Sister Suit.

I did it because I chickened out of doing it on the Saturday, though I'm glad I didn't enter on Saturday now, cuz Tab was there with her Big Sister, and it was awesome, and because my friends threatened to carry me on if I didn't do it.

It was terrifying, and really fun. But I was really proud of my costume, and it was the first one I had made myself, and because my mum wanted me to She still shows people pictures of my on stage to people, and I'd definitely do it again.

It was the first time I'd ever been cheered for anything, and it was so loud, even with my helmet on. I am glad no one could see my face, cuz I was grinning like a fool ^_^

Do you do it just to take part even if you have no hope of winning?
Yes, I had no hope of winning when I entered my first masquerade in May. It was a fun experience and it was probably one of the most terrifying but worthwhile things that I have ever done!
Do you just like being on stage?
After coming off stage in May I can tell you that I liked being up there. Even though it terrified me the crowd was so supportive
Do you only compete if you have a chance of winning?
Nope, I knew I had no chance but I wanted the experience. Even now I still think the masquerade is a way to show off all your hard work.
Is winning irrelevant?
No. If you win it shows that your cosplay is one of the best there. Winning gives people the opportunity to have a confidence boost and for those who don't win it gives them something to strive for.
Is it just the taking part that counts?
As long as you try and have a go I think it is something that every cosplayer should do. Taking part is great.
Isn't taking part what wondering around in cosplay, photoshoots and catwalks for?
Being up on the masquerade stage is a whole different experience from just walking around displaying your costume. On stage everyone is focusing on you and it is a different experience.
Should competitions be purely competative?
The point of a competition is to see who has the best costumes and to also display them. Of course the whole reason for having different ranks in competitions is to give everyone a chance to have a go at winning.
Do you ever get to a competition, see the line up and think you shouldn't be there?
At first when my costuming went for pre-judging I started to think that but I soon dismissed the thought.
Do you look down on other cosplayers if you're think they're not on par with you?
Why would you do that? Everyone is on the same boat when you go for a masquerade, elitism is just wrong.
Do you simply size up the competition and your own chances of success?
No, I normally end up talking to them and giving out sweets!
Bought cosplays, does it matter if they enter if it's non-competative?
As long as they say that they bought it, if they have fun why not, every cosplayer has to start somewhere!
If it is competative does it annoy you that people do pass off bought work as their own or only modify a bought costume a little and call it their own work?
Yes, I could go on into a mini-rant but I will contain myself XD

On a side note, do you think as a country we are underperfoming in terms of what our best cosplayers can offer compaired to what else is out there in terms of costume quality/complexity and performances?

Considering how long cosplay has been in this country and how it is only just being recognised I think the country is doing great. The amount of cosplayers that there are and the fantastic quality of so many of the costumes which are made by British cosplayers is something to be proud of!

I've not entered a COMPETITIVE catwalk/masquerade before, but I have entered one cosplay competition where judging was in a small room. I guess I just wanna put in my own 2 cents

Do you do it just to take part even if you have no hope of winning?
Yes. Masquerades and competitions are a lot of fun, and you get to meet some pretty awesome and talented people whilst doing them

Do you just like being on stage?
Yes, I admit I do, but that's because I have low self esteem/ self confidence. Going on stage in cosplay makes me feel nervous, but at the same time it's a huge boost and it helps me relax while in costume if it goes well.

Do you only compete if you have a chance of winning?
No, I like to compete whenever I can, because sometimes I just think it's too fun not to!

Is winning irrelevant?
Yes. For me it's all about the boost you get being on stage and having a laugh.

Is it <b>just</b> the taking part that counts?
For me, yes, but I realise a lot of people see competitions differently. I respect that and don't have a problem with it

Should competitions be purely competative?
No, because sometimes you wear a costume that you still think deserves a bit of love and stage time, but hasn't been made by you or you don't feel it up to standard. Those who want to be competitive should be given a choice. Saying that though, I really like the setup Kitacon has (as an example.) They have, like most events, a non-competitive masquerade, and a separate copetition for those who want to be judged. Then if you really love a costume, you can wear it to both!

Do you ever get to a competition, see the line up and think you shouldn't be there?
Yes, the one time I entered competitively I was way out of my depth. ><

Do you look down on other cosplayers if you're think they're not on par with you?
No, infact quite the opposite, I have major inferiority issues. I fear doubles because they all look better than me too, lol.

Do you simply size up the competition and your own chances of success?
Sometimes I'll see someone and go 'wooow! I hope they win!' or 'You can see a lot of effort there, they deserve it the most'. But I don't look at the line up and mentally label 1st, 2nd, 3rd etc...

Bought cosplays, does it matter if they enter if it's non-competative?
No. If it's non-competitive I think everyone should get a chance to show off and enjoy a bit of stage time. BUT ONLY if they make it known thier costume is store bought. I hate people who lie about that >

If it is competative does it annoy you that people do pass off bought work as their own or only modify a bought costume a little and call it their own work?
Yes, it irritates me no end. I only say let bought costumes be in non-competitive events.

I enjoy competition. It makes everything a bit more interesting for me - not that simply cosplaying for the hell of it is dull, you understand. But I respond well to the prospect of a reward for my hard work (and yes, I know I should consider other people's comments on my costumes as rewards in and of themselves... and I do, but I do also have a tendency to cosplay as relatively obscure characters who don't attract many comments anyway, so I think of it as branching out ). And yes, I do size up the competition and usually figure that I'm up against people whose skills far outstrip mine... but hey, this could be my lucky day, right? ^_^

I do have set rules for myself though. I wouldn't decide not to enter a competition on the basis of "oh, but look who else is entering, there's no point in competing", but I do kinda split my costume choices into "competition-worthy" and "floor only". For me to consider a costume choice "competition-worthy" it has to be something spectacular - something that's really cool to look at, and/or which has some interesting elements of construction to it. Looking back on my past costumes, I wouldn't have entered Ginrei or Nakoruru or Sephiria into a competitive masquerade - I worked hard on all of them but none of them have that x-factor that makes me think they're worth entering in anything. Viola and Teresa, on the other hand - once I get them both finished! - are very much competition-worthy to my mind, and just try and stop me entering either of them in whatever competition happens to be convenient!

I do think that, for a while, there was too much emphasis on non-competitive cosplay at UK cons (I do remember the events that lead to this decision, too, and the whole thing still annoys me enormously). I don't believe competition is any bad thing, and I think all the cosplayers I know who do enjoy competition have more sense than to get arsey about things (or at least keep their arsiness to themselves), so I think competitive cosplay events were unjustly held in a negative light for too long. I appreciate the fact that cons have reintroduced the competitive element now, and I don't think they could handle it any better, to be honest. My only gripe about competitive vs non-competitive is that it does occasionally feel like some people swing too aggressively in the opposite direction and start waving the "COSPLAY IS SUPPOSED TO BE FUN!!!" flag at the slightest hint of someone taking things "too seriously" - taking things seriously is often part of the fun for some of us, so being told that we're doing it wrong because we're not "having fun" according to someone else's arbitrary standards is, well, not that different to some stuck-up over-competitive prat looking down their nose at Naruto cosplayers who just want to hang out in costume with their friends!

As for the whole bought costumes thing... that's very simple, as far as I'm concerned. There is no shame in commissioning a costume that you want to wear but lack the skills to make yourself, but I do think credit should always be given when appropriate, and commissioned costumes should never be entered in craftsmanship competitions, with the exception of, say, a situation where your friend makes a costume for you, and you enter a competition purely as a model of your friend's work, with all credit given to your friend (this was the deal I had with Luke when I made his Medicine Seller costume for him). If it's a competition with an emphasis on performance, I don't think it matters so much.

tl;dr - there's nothing wrong with being competitive, a little competition is good and healthy, and people in general seem to be pretty mature and reasonable in their approaches to competitive cosplay events.

Do you do it just to take part even if you have no hope of winning?

Always. It's just a bit of fun, I think that's the main point to me.

Do you just like being on stage?

I feel kind of mixed about this. I thought it'd be fun, but when I actually got up there I was really nervous and thinking 'why am I doing this?!' I was glad I got the guts to do it in the end, generally I'm really shy so pushing yourself to do these kind of things can improve your confidence and stuff.

Do you only compete if you have a chance of winning?

Well, my first competition was kind of... an accident. Amecon was my first convention, so I thought the default thing to do was enter the competition. I knew I had no hope of winning but I thought it's better to enter just to experience the competition. When I got there and stood in the room with all the intricate and amazing costumes, I did actually feel really humiliated. I didn't realise that in cosplay you come under so much scrutiny, I thought it was a hobby/for fun sort of thing.

Is winning irrelevant?

I think for the people that win it's a nice reward for all the hard work they put in. It's a credit to their skill and craftmanship and I think that can only be a good thing.

Is it always just the taking part that counts?

In a way, I think so. I'd never enter the competition again, but the masquerade and so on were just a bit of fun.

Isn't taking part what wondering around in cosplay, photoshoots and catwalks for?

I cosplay because it's an opportunity to meet new people and it's fun. It's a part-time hobby of mine, I don't really take it so seriously. It's fun to take pictures home to show my Mum haha.

Should competitions be purely competative?

I think so. I suppose that's the point in them.

Do you ever get to a competition, see the line up and think you shouldn't be there?

Yes yes yes. Haha. Like I said, with my last Amecon experience I really wasn't up to scratch. I did feel stupid. I would definitely give it more thought next time, instead of just being like 'Oh, competition? Okay, *click.* I didn't really take the event seriously but I realise now that it was really... serious? xD

Do you look down on other cosplayers if you're think they're not on par with you?

Nooo. In fact, I do sometimes feel a little self consious in cosplay. It's not too bad (or I wouldn't do it) but from seeing all the really talented people it's like argh. At the same time it's really nice to see them, talk to them, and learn more about cosplay.

Do you simply size up the competition and your own chances of success?

Hm, well I think so. When you see other peoples work, it does make you think whyyyy.

@ Freyarule, ya Yuna Flora Twas EPIC!!!! By far one of the largest cosplays we've had to squeeze up onto the stage XD

Do you do it just to take part even if you have no hope of winning?

I started entering the masq's cause of Freyarule's encouragement when I first met her. I found it a fantastic way to meet cosplayers whom I wouldn't have had a chance to talk to unless we were all crammed backstage panicing on who's going first and omg is that who I'm after!? Ect, ect, ect

I work hard on my cosplays and now have the confidence to show people my work quite happilly on stage ^w^

Do you just like being on stage?

I'm a child of the theatre. I found it hard at first to step up on stage in something I had made but soon realised that everyone was so friendly and the feedback you get is a good way to seeing how you can improve in future.

Do you only compete if you have a chance of winning?

I think everyone would like to think that they have a chance at winning. It's nice to win things every now and again, so I think you won't win anything if you don't try. And if you don't win, meh, you'll be cheering clapping and enjoying the show with your mates and congradulated the talented cosplayers that do deserve to win.

Is winning irrelevant?

Read past answer *point up*

Is it just the taking part that counts?

For me it is, I mean sure it'd be nice to be considered for a prize but I just like to get up there, show off my work and have fun ^w^

Isn't taking part what wondering around in cosplay, photoshoots and catwalks for?

I guess...Maybe. As long as you enjoy yourself that's all that matters

Should competitions be purely competative?

I don't think so. Granted competative comperition and non-competatives should have seperate bits so that way everyone's can have fun and is happy.

Do you ever get to a competition, see the line up and think you shouldn't be there?

Yeah I think that every time I get in the line up! I sit there with my mates or the people I've only just met and watch to see who's got the best looking cosplay and whom's after who.

Do you look down on other cosplayers if you're think they're not on par with you?

That's kinda snobbish... and no not really. I'll nit pick at construuction methods as I want to learn as much as I can. I keep on thinking I'm not on par with other cosplayers.

Do you simply size up the competition and your own chances of success?

Who doesn't?

Bought cosplays, does it matter if they enter if it's non-competative?

If it's non-competative ... I guess. But I do hate seeing people turned away after they've spent months working hard on their cosplay when someone who's only had to fill in an e-bay feedback gets to go on. Just doesn't seem fair.

If it is competative does it annoy you that people do pass off bought work as their own or only modify a bought costume a little and call it their own work?

IT'S NOT YOUR OWN WORK! Gah these people annoy the living hell outta me! Granted most cosplays do have an element or two that has had to be brought, dyed or tweeked but still... I can't really see how someone who's put in the time, effort and heart to make their cosplay can get shunted by something that seems so cold as a bought cosplay that's been taken in to fit the wearer.

On a side note, do you think as a country we are underperfoming in terms of what our best cosplayers can offer compaired to what else is out there in terms of costume quality/complexity and performances?

How bouts HELL NO. I recon we're on par with some of the best out there and I know that if the UK Cosplay community continues to grow as it is atm then we may even be the ones setting the bar for quality Cosplays, not only in Europe but maybe worldwide someday. GLOBAL DOMINATION SHALL BE OURS!!!!!! XD

*blush blush* Thankyou hun >w<

And lol, encouragement. It was more like this:
Me: Go on.
GN: Maybe.
Me: You know you want to.
GN: I don't know...
Me: I'm doing it, come on let me drag you to the cosplay desk.
GN: ALRIGHT FINE
Me: yay :3