The Co$t of Co$play

The Co$t of Co$play

Budgeting Around Your Hobby

Cosplay is an expensive hobby.... or at least it can be. 

The trick to being a cosplayer, and being financially responsible, is budgeting and planning.

I personally like to at least do a preliminary list at the start of each new year. This is a list of conventions I am planning on attending and cosplays I want to do at those conventions.

This not only gives me and idea of what my time frame for builds will be, but it sets out a financial map for supplies I will need.

Now, of course, this list will change and mold. Sometimes group cosplays come up, or I have a new idea that I really want to push to the top of my list, but generally its a great place to start with budgeting.

The key for me with cosplay budgeting is to not buy everything I need for a cosplay all at once!
I will slowly collect the items or fabrics I need, this way I can spread my funds out, rather than dropping a butt load of money in one swoop!

This also lets me take better advantages of sales and coupons!
(BTW- In case you didn't know, Places like Joann's, Hancocks, Michaels, and Hobby Lobby take competitor coupons!)

Coupons are a cosplayer's best friend!

I am a cosplayer who prefers to make all or most of my cosplays.
this can be a big factor in racking up the bill for cosplays too!

Sometimes the best choice can be to outsource pieces of your costume depending on what they are.

I work closely with Michelle over at Damsel in this Dress when I have a cosplay that requires a corset. Michelle owns a company that does nothing but makes corsets, so she is able to get the supplies needed at a much lower cost. Working with her allows me the opportunity to stay involved with the design process, while being fiscally responsible.

AND
Added bonus, I get to help promote the amazing work of a friend and build her business!
Everybody wins!

Just remember: Goodwill is your friend!

Utilizing thrift shops is a great way to save money as a cosplayer. 

I often will go shopping for clothing or bedding, and cannibalize those items for fabric! This can be wayyyyyy cheaper than a trip to Joann's, and often I can find different fabrics I wouldn't have!
The trick is to stay creative. Using things like sheet as lining in a costume can keep a couple more $$$ in your pocket!

Now I know its become a thing for cosplayers to put amazon wish lists out there, or even straight up ask people to buy their cosplay supplies for them.
Frankly I think this isn't okay, so its not something I participate in.

People's money is their own, and in the end they will do with it what they want, but I think morally we have to ask ourselves where the line is.
Also, its not needed!

I've been a cosplayer on a variety of budgets, and I always find a way to make it work!

So, if you can think ahead and be a coupon cutter, a deal shopper, and a smart planner; then any cosplay should be in the realm of possible for you!

$$$

"Prude Shaming"

Living life as a Cosplayer, I have stumbled across the term "slut shaming"

From Wikipedia:Slut shaming (also hyphenated, as slut-shaming) is defined as the act of making a woman [person] feel guilty or inferior for engaging in certain sexual behaviors that deviate from traditional or orthodox gender expectations, dressing in sexually provocative ways, for requiring access to birth control, or even for being raped or sexually assaulted.

From what I have seen in the cosplaying community, this tends to be aimed at cosplayers (specifically women) who dress in a revealing manner, whether or not it is part of a characters design.

Now as I have stated before, what a person wears is their choice.

I personally choose not to cosplay in a revealing manner. It is a personal preference for me and my comfort level. I would never say a woman can't or shouldn't wear something if that's what they want to wear. My only stand on the issue of revealing clothes is to maybe be considerate of the location, time, and environment you are wearing them in.
(ex- if there are children around, maybe wait to wear the revealing outfit until they have left or it has past the reasonable hour for them to be around.)
But, as I believe in any aspect of life, we should always be aware and courteous to how our actions and behaviors effect those around us.

What people don't realize is just as big of a problem in the cosplay community is what I like to call "prude shaming"

This, to me, is the act of making a person guilty or inferior for choosing not to be revealing with their behavior, dress, or costumes.

It is important to understand that ,just because a person doesn't choose to be revealing or open about their sexuality, doesn't mean they hate everyone who does.
It is a truth in the cosplaying community, and  in our world, that sex sells.
To deny this would be silly.But to put down or ignore those people who do not choose that path is just as wrong as putting down those who do.

Too often people believe that people who remain covered have specific reasons for it.

• Their religion
• They have been victimized by sexual assault
• They look down on those who are sexually open
• They are ashamed of their bodies
• They are jealous of others
• They are disgusted by sexuality in any form

None of these reason need apply in order to be a cosplayer who stays covered.

Assumptions on both ends of this issue are what keep the hateful words flowing.

I have been approached many times, in both a respectful and disrespectful manner, on why I don't show more skin. I have heard ever reason possible on why they think I don't, and why they think I should.
I'm very open with having discussion on my choices with others as long as the conversation can remain respectful.For me I like to keep my attention on the costume and my love of a character. When people see my cosplays I would rather them see what I love and not just me in an outfit. This is how I approach my work as a cosplayer. This is just how I choose to show my appreciation to the characters I love, but there are a million other ways to do so. What is right for me may not be what is right for someone else.... and that's fine!
Thats what makes cosplaying so beautiful. You will never get the same result or perspective twice.

What we have to remember as a community is that it is never okay to be spiteful, angry, are hateful to someone for their beliefs or actions, as long as those beliefs and actions are doing no harm and are not bulling others.
We should stand up for those, both covered and uncovered, who face ridicule and bullying everyday.
If you see it happening, say something.

Because in the end the real issue isn't if you chose to be naked, or fully covered.

It's about Respect.

Adventures at MomoCon

This past weekend I had the joy of attending MomoCon!
This con is an Animation and Gaming convention located in Atlanta, GA (my home!)

I had such a fun time at this convention, however the week leading up to it was CRAZY!!!

I knew from the start that I would be bringing two new Cosplays. Lady Rainicorn from Adventure Time, and Trixie from My Little Pony. However I didn't anticipate having as many road bumps as I did.

Trixie from My Little Pony

Lady Rainicorn from Adventure Time

First off I need to thank The Doctor for putting in hours of work on my awesome Alicorn Amulet staff. It turned out amazing!

Alicorn Amulet Staff

I was unable to attend the con on Friday due to work and finishing up costumes. The first version of my Lady Rainicorn costumes didn't come out quite as I had pictured in my head, so friday night I decided to redo most of the outfit.

Most people think I'm crazy for this, but I just didn't feel right about the costume.
however I'm really happy with the final result!

Photographer: Tobias Roybal Photography

I had a blast on saturday gallivanting around with my Adventure Time gang, which consisted of The Doctor as Lord Monochromicorn and Metric Jack as Marshall Lee!

Photographer: Tobias Roybal Photography

I got to also hang with my friend Ashley over at Corsair's Boutique while she worked in the dealers room!

Saturday night we changed things up so we could PARTY!
I got to TARDIS up with The Doctor, while my friends pulled out their Ponies!

The Doctor and BewitchedRaven

Photographer: JB Photogrpahy
Fluttershy: Flutterworks
Pinkie Pie: Mary Lou Who?
Spike: Metric Jack
Rarity: Holly
AppleJack: Allison

Sadly I was unable to attend the con on Sunday, and therefore unable to show off my new Trixie cosplay!
Partying saturday hit me a little harder than I had thought, and the combination of work and too little sleep finally caught up with me.
But never fear, cause Trixie will make her appearance at MTAC in just a few weeks!

All around MomoCon was a lot of fun! I really enjoyed all the people I got meet, and all the cool cosplays I got to see.
Next year I will have to take some time off work to help prepare me for the fun ;-)

Willkommen, bienvenue, welcome!

Well Hello There!

I am BewitchedRaven! I love cosplay and anything geeky!

This blog is where I will share my thoughts, feelings, and costume processes. Please understand that what I state here is my own opinion, and I am entitled to it.
I love to receive feedback, but cruelty and hate will never be welcomed into my world.

The internet is a vast and interesting place, and there is enough room for all. So I will be claiming this little corner for me.

My goal is to have weekly posts.
Be sure to check me out on Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr too!

I really hope you enjoy what I have to say! Happy Blogging!

NOTE: Image created by Dorian Chase (www.facebook.com/MetricJack)