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General Advice

1. Start Early There's nothing worse than leaving a cosplay to the last minute and not making it to the best of your ability. This is a good bit of advice if you're a beginner or have a lot of other life commitments. Start a while before the con/expo that way you'll be less stressed out, and you'll have time to get things right. It also means if you mess something up, you have time to get it right.

2. Research Your Fabric Don't think just because satin looks good it will suit your cosplay and is naturally the best material to use. More often than not, its not. Take time to think about the material that would work best with the outfit and also with the character. For example, a warrior would probably not wear silks or satins, so stick with cotton and linin - materials that move easily. However, if you're doing a royal character (Princess Garnet's ceremonial dress for example) then satin or silk would be a good choice.

3. Cosplay What You Want So your friend and everyone else you know is really into Naruto and are all cosplaying characters from Naruto. But you're not a fan. Don't worry. Cosplay what you want to - even if its a character from an obscure game. You'll feel better cosplaying something you want to, rather than something you have just because everyone else is doing it. And if that obscure character you're cosplaying gets recognised by just one person, you'll feel so much better than the millions of Naruto or Bleach cosplayers running around!

4. Don't Feel Obligated to do What Your Friends are Doing Half the reason people go to conventions and Expos is to meet new people and make new friends. Just because you're there with friends doesn't mean you should have to stick to them like glue. Branch out. Go and investigate that really awesome group of Final Fantasy VII cosplayers, or go tell that gorgeous Magic Armour Link how impressed you are! You'll be amazed how easy it is to strike up a conversation with someone.

5. If You're Not Comfortable, Don't Cosplay So you've spent months on a costume, but when it comes to actually wearing it you feel a little too exposed or uncomfortable. That's fine. Don't wear it. Save it until you have more confidence. Because if you wear a costume that you're not comfortable in, it will show.

6. Get Enough Sleep No one likes a grumpy bum at an animé convention. If you're not prepared to get a enough sleep, then take a huge supply of proplus with you (or Red Bull).

7. Enter Masquerades Only if you want to though! Its worth doing. The experience is great fun, and the cheers from the crowd are such a buzz and really a boost for your confidence.

8. Invest in Makeup So you've spent £60 making your perfect costume. Its wonderful, spotless down to the last detail. Don't ruin it by not investing in proper make up. In my opinion, ever cosplayers basic kit should consist of: eyeshadow; eyeliner; mascara; blusher; a good fountation; a good primer and powder.

9. Book in Advance This goes for tickets and for the hotel. Hunt around for a good deal, and as soon as you've found one, go for it! Because as soon as dates are announced for an Expo or convention and registrations are opened, the hotel rooms will turn into hotcakes!

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