Hi everyone, I'm new here. As you can probably tell because I'm introducing myself...
The reason I am here is probably quite different to most people really. Truth is I'm quite interested in modelling, but the mainstream modelling industry is harsh. I've been put off by some horror stories I've heard and I'm not sure I want to participate in such an industry.
However, the cosplaying community seems so much more friendly and upbeat!
I'm basically looking for some information on cosplay modelling. I would love to get a few small jobs modelling and/or promoting a cosplay maker's outfits!

The basic reason I'm here is to get some information and to find out what you guys think about this idea to start with!
So feel free to message me or reply or anything, just get in touch! I'm a super friendly person and even if I don't like you the worst I'll do is not reply!

Hey Jenny!

Yeah, modelling world is harsh.

If you're looking for cosplay modelling stuff, on here it's most likely that it'll be for free rather than a career. It's not the right place, unfortunately.

However, it will build up a really good portfolio for then joining in mainstream modelling! I'd recommend seeing if you can find any local commissioners who are looking for a good model for their commissioning business.

Okay awesome Thanks for your reply!
I'm hoping to make some friends on here to point me in the right direction and help me meet the right people.
Would you be able to give me the names of some British cosplay models? If that'd be possible it'd be super helpful :]

I don't know any professional (or proper) cosplay models, I'm afraid. I only have Catnip_Dreams who's my personal model for building my portfolio for commissioning purposes.

Ohh okay Thankyou anyway!

Hi Jenny, your aspirations are quite refreshing and you're taking a rather unorthodox method for your goals.

However, as with many things it's not who what you know it's who you know.

A friend of mine models for large names in the anime community and has featured in mainstream magazines. She's very well connected. Any self help book will tell you that you need only a few key things for success and a goal is one of them. A mantra I was told is "Don't burn bridges, Work damn hard, and you may get lucky."

My advice would be to set up a facebook account purely for cosplay and anime. Get involved at the deep end and plough through several volumes of classic and current anime, see what people love and give it a try, get a feel for the costumes.

Then make some or get involved with a cosplay group. Establish connections with as many people as you can and you'll be asked to cosplay with certain groups based on the quality of your outfits and how good you are at it. It's not impossible to forge steady foundations within the span of a few months, depending on how many events/conventions you attend.

There's more too, but I'd rather not make that public or everyone will have a go at it and it causes a degree of chaos in the system. Whilst that is alluring to me, it's not the kind of chaos I like.

If you'd like to know more, send me a pm.

hay Jenny.

I have been a model i was a teen model and did a few pics for mizz mag(prob doesn't exist now lol), it can be horrible but fun. Being told that i don't walk correctly was def a low point especially cos i have a problem with my knees.

If you are serious about modelling then you need to get an agent, they should NEVER charge you for having model shots done, they make their money from the shoots you do. The pics everyone wants to see is you without any makeup the basic looks because they will have their own ideas of make up.

I've never done cosplay modeling i'm not sure if they actually have such a thing in the UK that you can make money out of, but if they do hope you succeed

hello as you can see i am also looking for a job as a model in cosplay. i don't care if i earn money or not i just want to be a cosplay model. unfortunately i don't have the money to buy anime dresses can someone help me too i'm begging you all

Watching the buyers part of the forum would be a good move, people sell their old costumes for cheap, or some people even offer swaps.
Also experimenting with Make-up and hair is cheaper than buying costumes if you want to do hair and beauty modelling as well as full outfits.

If you really can't afford to buy costumes why not invest in a sewing needle and some charity shop clothes, create your own costumes and take pictures of you in them. This video has a demo of editing charity shop clothes from 3:20 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcEXl1OfyzU

The suggestion above about making a facebook page is quite important, you need to start circulating yourself via social media as a model as soon as you can and you need a fashion/cosplay type blog.

Cosplay Island may not be the best place for getting modelling work but there is a photography section on the forums which could give you links to which photographers will be at which events etc.

Good luck girls