2012 Cosplay Round-Up

2012 was a year of more and less. I went to more conventions but I made less costumes. I made less commissions but I sold more in artist alleys. I participated in less masquerades but I judged more of them.

Here is a recap of my life in cosplay for 2012, including my costumes, expenses, favourites, and let downs.

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2012 Costumes

6 costumes in total, kinda... I'm grateful for the easy Korra variations.
The images are linked to their galleries detailing: construction, awards, video, and features.
It was a slow costume year due to my busy schedule. I still had a great time making costumes and I made progress on many projects that will be make an appearance in 2013.

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2012 Expenses

Travel and convention expenses = $2100
My expenses went up from $1700 last year because of all the extra travelling. 10 cons in 2012 vs. 7 cons in 2011
This includes con passes, hotel, and transportation.

Total spent on costume materials = $1500
I made six costumes (for $400) but I bought materials for many upcoming projects. The total includes all money spent on cosplay related materials for current and upcoming costumes bought within the calendar year.
2011 total was also $1500.

Overall Total Spent in 2012 = $3600 CAD
Yikes! It's an expensive hobby. Up $400 from 2011's $3200
I've been doing commissions and selling in artist alleys throughout the year to offset the costs, so this is not all out of pocket.

Most expensive costume: Korra = $155
Surprisingly an expensive costume due mostly to the cost of the wig ($40) and extensions ($14). This total includes all 3 variations of Korra I have made in the year, including her regular, winter jacket, and book 2 outfits. Even subtracting the variations, the costume it would still be the most expensive. 

Least Expensive costume: Karako Nurse = $20
I already had the wig and necklace from a previous Karako costume, and red pumps and white tights from my wardrobe. All I had to buy was pink cotton for the dress and hat.

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Favourite Costume

Korra - Legend of Korra
It was pretty comfy to wear, it's easily recognizable, there are tons of people to team up and collaborate for photoshoots, I love the series; Korra was an easy pick for favourite 2012 costume, also I did 3 versions, so she was the majority of my costumes for the year.

Favourite Prop

Racquelle Gothic Axe
I didn't even finish the costume yet but I certainly like the prop. This year was a slow prop year, most of the props I made were for other people. I should be debuting the costume next year. *Fingers crossed.*

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Favourite Photo/Photoshoot

Korra in the Waterpark
It was my mission to have great waterbending photos once I completed my Korra cosplay and EleventhPhotograph helped me accomplish this at ColossalCon with real water.
See the full shoot here.

This was a close call because I had many great photoshoots this year. I really enjoyed my group Korra shoot at Anime North, as well as the pics from my Sakura shoot with Jack, and I'm still waiting on photos from him for my Ame-comi Cheetah shoot.

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Best Convention

Easily ColossalCon
The convention itself was good, they had unique events, a marketplace, and monetary prizes for competitions. What sells ColossalCon is the venue which includes a waterpark and mini-zoo. I felt like I was on a vacation. Read the full report.

Worst Convention

No doubt it's Youmacon
It was poorly organized, with long lineups for badges, events were held in far apart venues, troubles with artist alley, and untrained staff with little knowledge of the con. Read the full report.

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Looking Forward to 2013

As always I have high hopes for the next year. I have some ambitious costume plans that I plan on actually delivering. I am going to have to prioritize conventions because I will not be able to do nearly as much travelling now that I am no longer a student. Expect bigger costumes that include props and weapons. I also hope to upgrade my wig styling skills. I also hope to finally finish that damn Granado Espada costume that has been dragging on for two years.

I'm already detailing my 2013 plans if you are curious.

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