Cosplay All Night: Don't Sleep On Creativity

Don't Sleep is a brand that sells cosplay wigs and a book title. The wigs are designed for various cosplay characters, including Akatsuki No Yona, Fate/stay night, Love Live!, and more. The book, titled I Don't Always Craft Cosplay Sometimes I Sleep, is a cosplay costume planner that helps users sketch out their outfits, keep track of pricing, and build full cosplays.

Cosplay costume planning

Planning a cosplay costume requires a lot of preparation. The process involves budgeting, purchasing, and constructing your costume, and can include sewing, super-gluing, taping, and more.

A good place to start is by sketching out your desired outfit. This will help you to visualise the final product and identify the different components you need to source or make. It is also helpful to set a timeline for your project, giving yourself a clear deadline to work towards.

When it comes to purchasing your costume pieces, it is important to compare prices from different vendors to stay within your budget. Keep track of the items you need and their prices. This will help you to make informed decisions about where to allocate your budget and ensure you don't overspend.

In addition to budgeting and purchasing, you may also need to construct or assemble parts of your costume. This could involve sewing, gluing, or taping pieces together to create the desired look. It is important to allow enough time for this process and to have the necessary tools and materials on hand.

Finally, don't forget to add any additional notes that could be helpful during the planning process. For example, you may want to make a list of alternative vendors or back-up options in case your first choices are unavailable.

Cosplay wigs

Choosing a Wig

When selecting a wig for your "Don't Sleep" cosplay, consider the character's hairstyle, colour, and length. For example, the "Don't Sleep Love Live! Sunshine!" cosplay wig features a hand-curled style, while the "Don't Sleep Fate/stay night" wig has a centre parting and long hair. You can find specialised cosplay wig stores online, such as Arda Wigs, Epic Cosplay Wigs, and Morojowig, which offer a wide range of styles and colours designed specifically for cosplay. These stores often use heat-resistant fibres, allowing for easy styling.

Alternative Options

If you're on a budget, you can also try online retailers like Amazon and eBay, which offer a variety of cosplay wigs at different price points. However, keep in mind that the quality may vary. Another option is to customise an existing wig. You can have a professional hairstylist cut and style a wig to match your desired look, such as the "Don't Sleep" character. Alternatively, you can dye your own hair, but be aware that this option may require more maintenance and could be damaging to your hair.

Wig Care and Maintenance

Taking care of your cosplay wig is crucial to ensure its longevity. Synthetic wigs, for instance, require less frequent washing compared to real hair wigs. Additionally, remember that heat-resistant wigs are not heat-proof, so be cautious when using heat styling tools to avoid burning the fibres.

Final Thoughts

Finding the perfect cosplay wig for your "Don't Sleep" character can be a fun and creative process. With a variety of options available, from specialised cosplay wig stores to customising your own, you can achieve the desired look. Remember to plan ahead, consider your budget and the level of detail you want, and always handle your wig with care to ensure it lasts through all your future cosplaying adventures!

Cosplay preparation

Choose Your Character:

Start by selecting a character that you want to cosplay as. In this case, you've chosen "Don't Sleep", which is a great choice! Now, research and study the character's appearance, including their hairstyle, costume, and any unique accessories or props they have.

Gather References:

Collect as many images and references of your chosen character as possible. This will help you understand the details of their costume and ensure that your cosplay is accurate. Look for close-up images of the character's outfit, hairstyle, and any distinctive features.

Create a Plan:

Use a cosplay planner or notebook to sketch out your cosplay idea. Create a timeline for your project and list all the items you need to acquire or create. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you don't miss any important details. Note down the prices of items to help with budgeting.

Source or Create Your Costume:

Now it's time to gather or create the components of your cosplay. You can purchase ready-made costumes online or in specialty stores. Alternatively, you can showcase your crafting skills by sewing, gluing, or constructing the costume yourself. Don't forget to include any necessary accessories, such as gloves, shoes, or jewellery, to complete the look.

Style Your Hair:

Hairstyle plays a crucial role in cosplaying. In the case of "Don't Sleep", you might need a wig to achieve the desired look. Search for a wig that matches the character's hairstyle and colour. Some wigs may require trimming or styling to get the exact look you want.

Practice and Refine:

Once you have your costume and wig, it's time to practice wearing them. This will help you identify any necessary adjustments. Make sure your cosplay is comfortable and allows for a full range of motion. Pay attention to the small details and refine your cosplay until you're happy with the result.

Add Final Touches:

Complete your cosplay by adding any finishing touches, such as makeup or special effects. Practice applying character-specific makeup looks, if applicable. You can also add props to enhance your cosplay and make it more recognisable.

Remember, cosplay preparation takes time and dedication. Don't rush the process, and enjoy bringing your character to life!

Cosplay props

Choosing the Right Materials

The first step to creating impressive cosplay props is selecting the appropriate raw materials. EVA foam, thermoplastics, and PLA are three of the most versatile and commonly used materials. EVA foam is pliable and easy to work with, making it ideal for armour, helmets, and weapons. Thermoplastics, especially Worbla, become flexible when heated and can form a firm shell, perfect for shields or other rigid structures. PLA, a biodegradable plastic, can be used for 3D printing a wide range of props, from lightsabers to elf ears.

Essential Tools

The right tools are crucial for shaping your chosen materials. A scalpel craft knife is ideal for cutting EVA foam, providing clean cuts and reducing the need for excessive sanding. A Dremel Multi-Tool is excellent for shaping, carving, engraving, and bevelling foam, and a heat gun makes foam and thermoplastics pliable for easy shaping. For 3D printing props, a 3D printer opens up a world of possibilities, allowing you to design or download your own unique prop files.

Gluing and Detailing

Using the correct glue is essential for solid and durable cosplay props. Contact glue works best with EVA foam and flexible materials, while a hot glue gun is perfect for strengthening seams and repairs. Once your prop is glued together, it's time to add details. Use your Multi-Tool with different grit Sanding Bands to shape and smooth your prop, and the Engraving Cutter to add lifelike features and patterns.

Practise and Technique

Before working on your actual prop, it's a good idea to practise on scrap materials. Keep a box of EVA foam offcuts, leftover thermoplastics, or (faux) leather pieces to test new techniques. This way, you can perfect your skills without risking damage to your final prop. Always move with the tool, not against it, to avoid removing too much material or roughening the surface. Start with a low RPM setting on your Multi-Tool to get a feel for it, then increase the speed as needed.

Finishing Touches

To prepare your 3D-printed prop for painting, use sandpaper to smooth out layer lines, progressing from rough to smooth grits and finishing with wet sanding. Prime EVA foam objects with spray-on rubber before painting to avoid cracking, and use airbrushing instead of regular automotive spray paint. You can use regular spray paint on 3D-printed pieces after sanding.

Cosplay as a hobby

Cosplay, a contraction of "costume play," has evolved from a niche pastime into a dynamic global community. It is a great way for comic nerds and movie enthusiasts to bring their favourite fictional characters to life. Engaging in cosplay as a hobby allows you to express creativity, craftsmanship, and admiration for the characters and worlds you love.

As a first-time cosplayer, you might feel overwhelmed by the wide array of choices, from selecting a character to the myriad details of costume creation. However, the key is to start simple and grow your skills over time. It’s not about achieving perfection on the first try; it’s about enjoying the process of making and becoming your chosen character.

Your primary aim should be to have fun and embrace the vibrant, supportive community that cosplay offers. As you make progress, you’ll not only develop practical skills like sewing and prop-making but also build confidence both in and out of costume.

When entering the world of cosplay, the first and most crucial step is selecting a character that resonates with you. This choice is the foundation of your cosplay experience, influencing not only your costume creation but also your overall enjoyment.

Your inspiration for a character can come from a variety of sources, including anime, comic books, video games, movies, and TV shows. A dash of nostalgia can add a personal touch to your cosplay, invoking familiarity and affection in both yourself and your audience.

When creating your costume, you will need to carefully select materials, master various crafting techniques, and make thoughtful alterations to clothing. Basic tools like a sewing machine, scissors, and hot glue guns are indispensable for the construction process. You will also need to consider the hair and makeup of your character; wigs are essential for achieving the character's unique hairstyle without altering your natural hair.

Capturing stunning photos of your cosplay and mastering the art of posing can greatly enhance the overall impact of your hobby. It’s not only about having a memorable costume; it’s also about how you present it through photography and how you emulate your character through poses.

Cosplaying is not just about putting on a costume; it’s about the connections you make and the inspiration you share within a vibrant community. Social media platforms have numerous groups where fandoms converge, making them ideal for connecting with both newcomers and experienced cosplayers.

Frequently asked questions