Wizard World Comic Con in Madison -- Cosplay Tips

Wizard World’s Madison Comic Con is happening this weekend, so expect to see people dressed up in costumes...and more so than what you’re used to in Madison (we’re talking about you, Thong Cape Scooter Man).

While the festivities are sure to be enjoyable, one thing that stresses many convention-goers is what to wear. Going in Cosplay – dressing up as a familiar popular culture icon – can be intimidating. Don’t sweat it! We have some tips for you.

1. Get inspired, don’t get scared

Doing a Google search of what character you want to go as can be a double-edged Sword of Omens. On the one hand, it can generate a great idea that you hadn’t considered beforehand. On the other hand, it can create a huge mess for you, as you begin to compare your crafting skills to those on the Image Search Results page. Don’t sweat it – go as what you want to go as. This is supposed to be an enjoyable experience, so do the best you can and have fun with your costume.

2. Remember the details

The best parts of any costume are the details. Thor is nothing without his hammer, Magneto is just another guy walking around without his helmet, and Frodo is just a nameless Hobbit with big feet without his ring. If your character has an important element to it – whether that’s a prop or anything else – you should tailor your costume to accommodate it.

3. Bring a repair kit

It happens to the best cosplayers. It never fails. You’re walking along the exhibits, maybe admiring the intricate details of someone dressed as Lorne the Host, when you trip. A piece of your costume got stuck under your footwear, and just like that you need a repair job.

You’re fortunate: you’ll be surrounded by a community of cosplayers, and probably one (if not a dozen) among them will be willing to help you out with your predicament. Still, you know your costume best, and you should bring a repair kit with you just in case you need to fix something. The elements that your costume is composed of will help you determine what you need – sewing needles, thread, glue, duct tape – so keep that in mind when you’re putting your kit together.

4. We can’t all be Deadpool.

Even if eating all the chimichangas you can stomach is your life's goal.

5. Ignore the Haters

You could roll up to the doors in the flashiest, most awe-inspiring cosplay costume the world has ever seen – there will still be people criticizing you. Ignore them. You’re not dressing up for them, you’re dressing up for fun and to engage in a culture of cosplayers who advocate acceptance. Those who try to bring you down aren’t worth your time.