Not-another-cosplay-survery-oh-god (please help? <3)

By **JVCA**. 15/05/11, 12:47 am

So, I'm doing a practise based research project on "Why does cosplay appeal to us?" for one of my papers at University, and part of that involves a little market research (so to speak).

If you have a moment or two spare, or are procrastinating on something, it would be a huge help if you could answer these questions for me. If you can answer these questions either in thread (please put your answers in a spoiler tag, and don't read anyone else's answers until after you've answered for yourself) or via PM, I will love you eternally. chuu~!

Here's the list - please answer as in depth as you like (anecdotes are awesome. Very Happy

):

Age?
Gender?
Do you make or buy your costumes?
What was it that originally drew you to cosplay? How did you find out about it?
If you continue to cosplay, why do you still do it now?
Have you ever thought about quitting cosplay? Why?
Has cosplay affected you personally, and if so, how?
What are the highlights of cosplay for you, and why?
Has cosplay been beneficial to you in some way? How so, and to what extent?
What do you usually say to members of the public when asked about what you're doing and why you're doing it? How do they react?
What do you say to people you know personally (friends/family/accquaintances) about what you're doing and why you're doing it? How do they react?
If cosplay had never existed, and never would exist - how might your life be different?
Do you mind me publishing these answers (in part or entirety) online? (If you do mind, your answer will be recorded in my process book and possibly shared with my class, but those will be the only instances of them being disclosed.)

Thank you thank you thank you to anyone and everyone who takes the time to get back to me!
_________________

The Biscuit Brigade
http://kevan.org/johari?name=jvca
♥ Midsummer-Snow - Nana to my Hachi ♥

By XOrengenOX. 15/05/11, 01:00 am

Spoiler:

[Edit by JVCA: Sorry, added in the spoiler tags - thanks for answering! <3]

By Icarus. 15/05/11, 01:13 am

Spoiler:

Age?
19

Gender?
Female

Do you make or buy your costumes?
I've made most of my costumes, I've bought a few pre-made items here and there for parts of an outfit from time to time.

What was it that originally drew you to cosplay?
My interests in anime & manga, and dressing up looked fun.

If you continue to cosplay, why do you still do it now?
It's evolved into a bit of an obsession, but I guess with the friends I have gained and the fun times I've had in costume keeps my urge to cosplay strong.

Have you ever thought about quitting cosplay? Why?
I have, cosplaying becomes really stressful when making deadlines and difficult to balance with school work/other activities. Even just feeling intimidating with comparing your own skills with others.

Has cosplay affected you personally, and if so, how?
Indeed it has. I used to be a quiet girl that avoided attention at all costs, and now I've become a lot more confident and able to openly express myself. Also I've gained many crafting skills.

What are the highlights of cosplay for you, and why?
Making friends, meeting new people and being able to discuss similar interests.

Has cosplay been beneficial to you in some way? How so, and to what extent?
I would say it has completely changed my personality, I don't think I would be the same person I am today if I wasn't involved in this hobby. And definitely affected me a good way.

What do you usually say to members of the public when asked about what you’re doing? How do they react?
"We're costumers."
"oh, so is this for a show/project/something special."
"..yeah, like a private project."

I like to keep the explanation short & simple as I feel when I go into too much detail the people asking would get confused. A vague yet straight forward answer works well for me.

What do you say to people you know personally (friends/family/acquaintances) about what you’re doing? How do they react?
I think my outside-of-cosplay friends think it's a little weird but (hopefully) in an interesting way. I haven't had anything negative said about me cosplaying. I usually talk to the closer friends/classmates about cosplay normally, if they're more of just acquaintances then I only talk about the sewing aspect of it, as mentioned before, keeping things simple.

Do you mind me publishing these answers (in part or entirety) online? (If you do mind, your answer will be recorded in my process book and possibly shared with my class, but those will be the only instances of them being disclosed.)
Go for it~~

Good luck with the assignment!

By IcyRose. 15/05/11, 01:21 am

Spoiler:

1. 24
2. Male
3. I do both. I make comp pieces while I tend to purchase ones that will give me a harder time.
4. Originally I saw an online friend of mine do a rather simple cosplay that looked very casual and I was impressed with the idea of making something that was geeky, but not too geeky. But after a while, I began to be drawn my the costumes that were a lot more elaborate and fancy and the obsession grew from there.
5. I still continue to cosplay because of all the friends it has given me and also the fun of getting dressing up and getting into character. It's also nice seeing how much progress I have made in the years I have done it. There is a lot of satisfaction in it.
6. Not so much quitting as taking a break. My girlfriend does most of the hard work in the making process and recently I had been putting a lot of work on to her to the point she had overworked herself due to our rather steep learning curve I had established with our cosplays. While we are still cosplaying now. I put a lot more consideration in our capabilties and am trying to shoulder more of the workload now that I've found an aspect of it that I feel I can specialise in.
7. I think cosplay has made me appreciate other people's cosplays a lot more than I think I would have as a member of the public because I now know how much effort is truly put into their work. It has also given me a hobby that feels constructive and creative which gives me a sense of accomplishment in that I have now made things I would have never thought I could make in the past.
8. For me, it's the actual wearing of the cosplay that is the most fun. While making the cosplay gives you that sense of personal satisfaction, I find all the fun of it is in the wearing of the costume, mainly because I am one for theatrics and that I get to have fun expressing my liking towards the character I am portraying. Since I make it a rule that I only cosplay characters I know and like (or would have fun portraying) There is always a personal connection in the cosplays I do.
9. A lot of my friends today are friends I made through cosplay and would have otherwise not gotten to meet personally had I not cosplayed. This includes my girlfriend who cosplays with me frequently and means the world to me. It is something I am very grateful for now that I think about it.
10. Most of the time I will be cosplaying during a convention so I will simply say I am dressed up for an event. Those who take legitimate interest I find are very accepting and react normally and sometimes take a photo. I find that most if they're willing to ask what I am doing they are usually nice about it. It's not often I have been approached by someone who would ask me what I was doing only to insult me about it. Those kinds I find tend to dot hat from a distance.
11. I explain the concept of the hobby and why I do it. It's not often that I fo it since most of my friends are either into anime or cosplay so are aware of what it entails and my Mum helps out with my cosplays. Although my Mum personally wishes I cosplayed more normal looking characters as she feels if I stood out too much, I might attract unwanted attention from people. In some cases in which people will take a legitimate interest in what I do, other times they think I might be a bit weird or perverted depending on who the person is and their perception of what the media my costumes comes from is.
12. I would probably have a lot less friends and also not have so much fun at conventions as I have found the days I did not cosplay were the more dull ones.
13. I do not mind at all. Feel free to use my answers as you see fit

Hope this helps

Last edited by IcyRose on 15/05/11, 12:44 pm; edited 2 times in total

By Rikki-Leigh. 15/05/11, 01:32 am

Spoiler:

Age? 18
Gender? Female
Do you make or buy your costumes? Make.
What was it that originally drew you to cosplay? Being able to bring a 2D image to life and bring the character to life.
If you continue to cosplay, why do you still do it now? I find a sense of accomplishment in being able to make something myself and figure out how to do it with limited outside help and then being able to wear it for other people to enjoy as well.
Have you ever thought about quitting cosplay? Why? I have, simply because of money and time. Fabric is annoyingly expensive and my school assignments are rather large and time consuming. School also comes before everything else.
Has cosplay affected you personally, and if so, how? Ever since I started cosplaying, my confidence levels have increased dramatically. Before I started cosplay, I had absolutely no confidence, but now, three years later, I've become more comfortable in my own skin and, after making my own cosplays, I've become more confident in my own skills and work, things which also apply to and help with my art.
What are the highlights of cosplay for you, and why? Being able to spend so much time with like-minded people, whether it be at conventions or sewing parties or just meeting up outside of cosplay and events to just hang out.
Has cosplay been beneficial to you in some way? How so, and to what extent? See answer to 7.
What do you usually say to members of the public when asked about what you're doing? How do they react? I tell them that I cosplay and explain it as a form of costuming. They seem very impressed when I tell them that I make the costumes myself. The ladies at the Spotlight I go to regularly insist on us bringing them photos of our finished cosplays.
What do you say to people you know personally (friends/family/accquaintances) about what you're doing? How do they react? They all support it and are glad that I have a hobby that I can enjoy so much. My mum enjoys it especially because it's something we can do together since she's such a good seamstress and can help me when I need it.
Do you mind me publishing these answers (in part or entirety) online? (If you do mind, your answer will be recorded in my process book and possibly shared with my class, but those will be the only instances of them being disclosed.) Do with them as you will~

By theconniebro. 15/05/11, 02:02 am

Spoiler:

Hope that helped/I answered them correctly~

By Blooberry. 15/05/11, 08:44 am

Spoiler:

I hope that was okay c:

Last edited by Blooberry on 15/05/11, 09:12 am; edited 1 time in total

By Squishy blob. 15/05/11, 08:52 am

Spoiler:

Age? 16
Gender? Female.
Do you make or buy your costumes? Made most of them so far, I own some bought ones but I haven't used them yet.
What was it that originally drew you to cosplay? How did you find out about it? I always liked the idea of being able to emulate a character that I liked, being able to bring to life/into the 3D world. I also like being able to show my obsession/love of a series through cosplay. I heard about it through the forums I used to go on as a kid (12-13).
If you continue to cosplay, why do you still do it now? It's amazingly fun, always worth the effort and time, you get to meet a whole lot of new people and make friends. I enjoy every cosplay event so much, and being able to talk to people about cosplay makes me happy. It's a very rewarding hobby.
Have you ever thought about quitting cosplay? Why? Yes, because it saps my money and time- it distracts me during study/projects, and I get major consumerist 'I-must-have-that-costume/wig' lust, even if I might not use them. Case in point: I got up early to finish a classics assignment, but am now on CNZ. However, the friends and fun always brings me back.
Has cosplay affected you personally, and if so, how? I guess so, I'm more outgoing and probably more confident now, you have to be able to talk to people you don't really know at events, and not worry too much about what they think of you.
What are the highlights of cosplay for you, and why? Being able to WEAR a cosplay once it is complete. As much as the construction process can be fun, the best part is getting to wear the damn thing at the end.
Has cosplay been beneficial to you in some way? How so, and to what extent? Yup, I've made lots of friends, gained some confidence and skills through cosplay.
What do you usually say to members of the public when asked about what you're doing and why you're doing it? How do they react? I get the 'is there a party on somewhere'/'why are you wearing that' sometimes. I try to give a basic explanation of what cosplay is/why people do it.
What do you say to people you know personally (friends/family/accquaintances) about what you're doing and why you're doing it? How do they react? I guess I really just have to explain why I cosplay- that I enjoy it, it's pretty safe, and I make friends through it. All of my family has been pretty positive about it so far, my mum helps me and my dad encourages me, even my uncles are interested, sometimes they ask about my wigs. And I do have fun imagining the shock old friends might have when they find me on facebook.
If cosplay had never existed, and never would exist - how might your life be different? I would be richer, but also more bored and less happy. I'd have to get more into my other hobbies like cooking and music.
Do you mind me publishing these answers (in part or entirety) online? (If you do mind, your answer will be recorded in my process book and possibly shared with my class, but those will be the only instances of them being disclosed.) Yup. Feel free.

There you go =D. I might edit it/add stuf later if can think of some anecdotes.

**Guest** Guest

Spoiler:

By PIe. 15/05/11, 10:42 am

Spoiler:

1. Age? 18
2. Gender? female
3. Do you make or buy your costumes? make
4. What was it that originally drew you to cosplay? Orinally it was a fun thing to do with my friends. It was also a good way to be more involved in my fandoms and I really really really do love dressing up. How did you find out about it?I knew it existed but had not considered it as something I was asked by a friend if I'd cosplay with her.
5. If you continue to cosplay, why do you still do it now? Cosplay has become a huge part of my life. I fell in love with the whole costume making process after my first couple of costumes. The community here also helped by being so cool, if I hadn't found you guys, I wouldn't be the cosplayer I am today.
6. Have you ever thought about quitting cosplay? Why? I have. It was at the end of last year and I was getting bored with a couple of my fandoms, not spending so much time online and was just really getting into fashion again. Scine a well done cosplay can sometimes cost as much as a Karen Walker skirt or Kate Sylvester dress to make I considered doing only one costume this year then stoppping to be able to buy more of these clothes but turns out I couldn't do it and I think I'd be lost, not know what to do with myself without cosplay. Thankfully I'm more into it than ever.
7. Has cosplay affected you personally, and if so, how? Do I spend most of my money on it? Yes. Am I happier cause of it? Yes. Do I have awesome cosplay friends? Yes. Am I addicted to it? Aside from caffeine and alcohol, it's the only drug I'll ever need.
8. What are the highlights of cosplay for you, and why? Figuring stuff out. Anime, manga and game costume designs often don't take how a garmet would work in real life into consideration when drawing it. I love it when you finally understand how to bring those difficult things to life. An example of this is the skirt I wore for Synchronicity Luka, the designer had not considered how it would undo and be able to be put on and I spent a lot of time deciding were the skirt would undo without impacting on the look of it.
Another highlight is the people in the hobby. NZ has such a supportive and friendly community and I love this so much.
Finishing a costume is also a highlight. Being able to look at a costume and think "I made that" is a great feeling no matter hoe simple the costume.
9. Has cosplay been beneficial to you in some way? How so, and to what extent? My sewing skill has increased so much it isn't even funny. Before I cosplayed I made my dance costumes but when you're working with 4 way stretch that your Mum has already cut out and an overlocker, you only need to know how to stop the fabric warping or stretching as you sew. I have also learnt other things I never thought I would such as wig styling or embroidery.
It also gave me the courage to use buses on my own. Before Wellygeddon this year I had never taken a bus by myself anywhere and had an acute fear of doing so. Now that fear is gone and I'm able to take buses if I don't want to pay parking or use petrol.

10. What do you usually say to members of the public when asked about what you're doing and why you're doing it? I've never been asked while in cosplay but to the people at fabric shops I say "I'm a costumer so I'm making a costume" to justify whatever strange thing I'm about to reply to their "What are you making with this"? with. How do they react? Since I could be anything from a theatre costumer to working for a hire company, there's nothing out of the ordinary about my response or them to react to.
11. What do you say to people you know personally (friends/family/accquaintances) about what you're doing and why you're doing it? How do they react? My family now loves my cosplaying. My parents especially, used to hate it and think it was nothing but a waste of money. Now that they've watcehed me go from using thhe selvage as the bottom of a skirt instead of hemming to fully lined costumes and seen how happy it make me they know it's a good thing for me to do. Mum still worries about how much I spend but she knows it's part of me and goes searching the internet for pictures of me after armageddons. My brother does one cosplay a year, he hasn't had the courage to wear anything anytime but halloween but he wishes he did,
My friends either think of it as my 'wierd' thing and compare it to how another friend scrapbooks or another fishes or are really nerdy and wish they could be bothered to do it themselves.
All in all, I no longer know anyone who thinks of it as a bad thing.
12. If cosplay had never existed, and never would exist - how might your life be different? Firstly, I'd have more than one designer dress in my wardobe. I would also spend a lot more time in the kitchen cooking. I think I'd probably still be writing fanfics, I gave this up when I got more serious with cosplaying. My family would still judge different things as 'wierd' and I wouldn't have made friends with so many new people.
13. Do you mind me publishing these answers (in part or entirety) online? (If you do mind, your answer will be recorded in my process book and possibly shared with my class, but those will be the only instances of them being disclosed.) Np problem with this at all.

By Rikku. 15/05/11, 12:39 pm

Spoiler:

1. Age? 19(nearly 20! 8D)
2. Gender? Female
3. Do you make or buy your costumes? I make my costumes.
4. What was it that originally drew you to cosplay? How did you find out about it? Jannah got me excited about ChchGeddon in 2010 and I wanted to be 'different' and do something exciting. I settled on Rikku's hair, but then decided I wanted to make the outfit, too. Then Jannah explained to me that everybody does it, and that I will be judged very harshly if I do a bad job. But I did it anyway. Uh. I think I went off on a tangent. XDDDD
I wanted to have pretty hair, then made the costume to match. And I found out about it through a friend who was really keen to go but had no way to get there, so talked me and dad into going so we could take her up. xD
5. If you continue to cosplay, why do you still do it now? Because it is SO MUCH FUN!!! 8DDD You get to meet new people, have people look at you, the attention xDD, you make a lot of friends and I personally just have a lot more fun while in costume.
6. Have you ever thought about quitting cosplay? Why? Nevar! >D Tho it is quite expensive... xD
7. Has cosplay affected you personally, and if so, how? Not /really/. I'm a cosplayer and my boyfriend likes that, so I guess it's a large plus. 8D
8. What are the highlights of cosplay for you, and why? Meeting new people and doing exciting things. Plus, I also get a confidence boost while in costume. Idk why. You'd think I'd be shy in a Rikku cosplay, but nope. Huge confidence boost.
9. Has cosplay been beneficial to you in some way? How so, and to what extent? Oh. Lol see above question. It gives me a confidence boost. 8DDD
10. What do you usually say to members of the public when asked about what you're doing and why you're doing it? How do they react? Uh. I usually just say I'm making a costume, then when they ask what for, my mum intervenes, or my dad, and they start to prattle on about what I'm doing, why I'm doing it, when I'm doing it, what I'm doing it for... Idk. I get kinda embarassed when asked about cosplay. Lol confident in costume, unconfident out.
11. What do you say to people you know personally (friends/family/accquaintances) about what you're doing and why you're doing it? How do they react? I'm a cosplayer and I'm proud to be one(when I'm around people I know. XD). They all know, and most of my family is very proud of me for doing it. They're all shocked that I could parade around half nekkid, but they all love seeing the pictures of how much fun I'm having. xD I don't have many friends, but the people that do know that I'm a cosplayer are all just indifferent to it. xD They don't praise or shun me. It's good. 8D
12. If cosplay had never existed, and never would exist - how might your life be different? I WOULD BE VEREH SAD IF I NEVER DISCOVERED IT. DDDDD8 But uh. I would probably not be going down the road I am now without it. xD
13. Do you mind me publishing these answers (in part or entirety) online? (If you do mind, your answer will be recorded in my process book and possibly shared with my class, but those will be the only instances of them being disclosed.) Nope. Go right ahead and do whatever. 8D I don't mind! ^-^

Looooool JVCA. xDD I'm supposed to be writing an 8-page report right now. I'm sitting in class. You make me procrastinate!!! XD
Omg. o.o Only 20 minutes left of class. Holy crap it took me that long to write this? XD Woot!

By lil-craka. 15/05/11, 12:56 pm

Spoiler:

[1]Age
18

[2]Gender
Male

[3]Do you make or buy your costumes?
Buy, but i make afew things...lil steps till i make my own Very Happy

[4]What was it that originally drew you to cosplay and how did you find out about it?
Thought i wanted to take my Fandom to the next level XD ...those japanese people looked intense...so i wanted to try Very Happy

[5]If you continue to cosplay, why do you still do it now?
Coz its really fun and i guess its awesome to meet like minded people at the conventions

[6]Have you ever thought about quitting cosplay? Why?
No not really.. although i did only start cosplaying last year XD...too early to quit

[7]]Has cosplay affected you personally, and if so, how?
hmmm i guess it has, the positive from cosplaying ..that i can say is that i can save money now when before i couldnt really do it ...also i guess i am not easily shamed by wearing weird costumes in public anymore XD...

[8]What are the highlights of cosplay for you, and why?
Wearing epic costumes is always good XD...and just meeting up with people who are into the same things aswell Very Happy

and i guess its also a way to express myself

[9]Has cosplay been beneficial to you in some way? How so, and to what extent?
Saving the $$ so i can buy the next piece of materials or next big for my cosplay Very Happy

[10]What do you usually say to members of the public when asked about what you're doing and why you're doing it? How do they react?
They usually ask me why im dressed the way i am, and sometimes you get the odd "Loser" comment ..but thats fine XD
i just shrug that off ... if members of the public ask what im doing...i just explain to them ...and throw abit of stuff my character would say ... Believe it~ Very Happy

[11]What do you say to people you know personally (friends/family/accquaintances) about what you're doing and why you're doing it? How do they react?
Dad tells me to grow up ....and focus more on my school work...and making websites and such ...so i can make more money XD
errrm i dont really react..just keep it bottled up..so i dun get into any more trouble >.>
as for Friends...they think im a legend ...so thats a win Very Happy

[12]If cosplay had never existed, and never would exist - how might your life be different?
hmmm interesting question... id say that id just be playing Video games like most of the other guys my age.. ..but really i cant really imagine many things i would be doing... Cosplay stuff keeps me busy ... making life.. not so boring >.>

[13]Do you mind me publishing these answers (in part or entirety) online? (If you do mind, your answer will be recorded in my process book and possibly shared with my class, but those will be the only instances of them being disclosed.)
Not at all

By **Duckeh**. 15/05/11, 01:07 pm

Will finish later, sorry. Only half done, need to get ready for school. orz

Spoiler:

_________________

{{Possible Plans}}
Valentina - Doctor Parnassus - 10% || Queen of Albion - Fable 3 - 0%

By **JVCA**. 15/05/11, 01:37 pm

These answers are great so far - please keep them coming, and thank you to everyone who has answered already. :3
_________________

The Biscuit Brigade
http://kevan.org/johari?name=jvca
♥ Midsummer-Snow - Nana to my Hachi ♥

By Rosenquarts. 15/05/11, 02:13 pm

Spoiler: