Cosplay 101: How to Create a Memorable Costume

Kendall Walters is the former EPL's Digital Marketing Specialist.

Whether it’s comic con, Halloween, a masquerade or a regular Tuesday, there’s something almost magical about the power of a really good costume.

After all the ideas, the planning and the preparation, finally getting to don a guise and be someone else can be thrilling.

Cosplay—a portmanteau of the words “costume” and “play”—takes the fun of costumes one step further, giving fans a chance to not only look like their chosen character, but act like them as well. Especially popular with fans of anime, manga and video games, cosplay has extended into every realm of fiction imaginable.

Want to create your own cosplay or get started on a killer costume—no matter the occasion? Check out these resources available from the Edmonton Public Library.

Costume Inspiration at EPL

1. Cosplay Crash Course by Mina Petrović

A Complete Guide to Designing Cosplay Wigs, Makeup and Accessories.

2. The Costume Making Guide: Creating Armor & Props for Cosplay, opens a new window by Svetlana Quindt

Find out how to easily create elaborate costumes and eye-catching props out of things you can find at the local arts and crafts or hardware store—no sewing necessary., opens a new window

3. Make: Props and Costume Armor—Create Realistic Science Fiction and Fantasy Weapons, Armor, and Accessories, opens a new window by Shawn Thorsson

Whether you’re trying to craft your own suit of armour or DIY a screen-accurate replica of your fave fantasy weapon, this is the book for you., opens a new window

4. Extreme Costume Makeup: 25 Creepy & Cool Step-by-Step Demos, opens a new window by Brian and Nick Wolfe

Get all the skills you need to create believable creepy costume makeup—from insects and werewolves to cyborgs—from world-renowned special effects artists. Extreme Costume Makeup is also available as an eBook, opens a new window., opens a new window

5. 1,000 Incredible Costume and Cosplay Ideas: A Showcase of Creative Characters from Anime, Manga, Video Games, Movies, Comics, and More, opens a new window by Yaya Han, Allison DeBlasio and Joey Marsocci

If you’re in need of some inspiration, look no further than this book. Featuring examples of creative and clever costumes from convention goers and professionals alike, there are plenty of photos to spark your imagination., opens a new window

6. The Hero’s Closet: Sewing for Cosplay and Costuming, opens a new window by Gillian Conahan

This book can take a sewing novice to a cosplay pro, with step-by-step instructions covering costume sewing basics, 11 original patterns and tips on how to mix and match them to create any style., opens a new window

From Star Wars, opens a new window to steampunk, opens a new window, Star Trek, opens a new window to magical knits, opens a new window, Harry Potter, opens a new window to woodland yarn creations, opens a new window—and beyond—there’s costume inspiration galore to be found at the Edmonton Public Library.

Find Your Costume Inspiration, opens a new window