This article is the first of a three-part series in which the judges of March 2018’s Dutch Comic Con give valuable tips to cosplay competition competitors. You are currently viewing Calypsen’s tips, and Ivy Doomkitty and Shappi Cosplay’s tips will be online soon!

Calypsen's cosplay competition tips

Top – Calypsen often cosplays powerful female characters! In this image she cosplays Marvel Comic’s Valkyrie. Photo credits go Aleke photography.

Cosplay Contest can be stressful for many cosplayers. While some cosplayers truly enjoy performing, for others is the hardest part. Below are five things I’d love to give beginning cosplayers to make their attendance easier!

1. Nail the pre-judging

Are you afraid you will be stressed during the pre-judging? If you fear you’ll forget to tell the judged how you made a costume, and that you’ll miss detailing some important element, I suggest you make a document! Make a simple document or album that shows your work in various stages of progress, and give it to the judges for easy reference!

Not only will it be impossible to miss anything important if you do this, the judges will also see how serious you take your work!

2. Make sure you have the entire outfit!

Afraid to forget an important piece of your costume when you leave for your convention? Play it safe and make a detailed list! Include all your pieces, down to the tiniest details. This includes things like contact lenses, accessories and make-up needed to complete your cosplay.

When it’s packing time just check your list top to bottom – it will be impossible to forget anything!

3. Rehearse, rehearse and then rehearse some more!

Practice your performance with the right music as often as possible. You want to get the act into your muscle-memory, so that when the stage lights and cheer of the crowd hit you, you don’t black out. 
 
If you’r not sure if you’re nailing your stage moves, ask friends or family to be your little audience. Their constructive criticism can help you take your act to the next level.

Top – Calypsen as Nova from Starcraft. Photo credits go to Studio Zahora.

4. Rules are important

Always read the contest rules! Things like smoke and confetti can give your performance that extra bit of presence, but you need to be certain it is allowed. You don’t want to be expelled from the competition because you forgot to adhere to the rules!

When in doubt send the organisation a message and ask what is and isn’t allowed, it’s the easiest way to avoid surprises.

5. Be punctual

A contest is an event that is planned to the fine details (the stage is only available for cosplay for a limited amount of time). Know the hours of prejudging and your performing time, since nobody is going to wait for you. Remember that by being on time, you not only show respect to judges, but also to the other contestants. 
 
Last but not least, come to convention early enough to have enough time to change into your costume. Rushing a beautiful cosplay is a terrible idea!

That’s it for Calypsen’s tips! Would you like to meet this talented Cosplayer? Drop the coming edition of Dutch Comic Con and say hi to her, Calypsen will be a guest of honor and a judge in the competition. 

Top – Calypsen as Sasha Kaidonovsky from Pacific Rim. Photo credits go to Siradze Giorgiy.