7 Reasons why People Cosplay Characters they Don't Know

I would  like to provide a little insight on this issue beyond the usual (valid) arguments that you should not go on a witch hunt for fake geek girls/guys. Full disclosure here, I have cosplayed characters I did not know on several occasions. *gasp* My first cosplay was a character I didn’t know. So please here me out.

1. You like the design
This is the point that most cosplayers would argue is the reason they cosplay without great knowledge of the source material. Cosplayers are attracted to the design, the look, the aesthetics of costumes. Here’s an analogy to explain. A group of hobbyist go to the movies. The photographer admires the cinematography, the DJ notices the music, the writer notices all the holes in the plot, and finally the cosplayer notices the costumes. A movie can be bad, but a cosplayer can still appreciate the costumes. Just like how individuals can like designer clothes without knowing the designer’s history, cosplayers can like a costume without knowing the series.

The joy of cosplaying is not strictly linked to becoming the character and acting like them. Sometimes it is the challenge that the costume will bring. Conversely, people can be huge fans of series and have zero desire to cosplay the characters if the designs do not appeal to them.

HACCAN designed the characters for Avalon Code and I would love to cosplay almost everything in his portfolio. I already have another character he designed in mind for late 2014 or 2015. I also didn't own a DS nor planned on getting one to play this game years ago. Although the game looked cute and fun. I couldn't justify it for one game.

I discovered concept art for Granado Espada when browsing online and when I saw this design I was sold. I loved the colours and the variety of potential props. The costume presented me with a challenge I wanted to take on.

2. They are a fan of the artist(s) – regardless of the fandom they are illustrating.

They may not be knowledgeable of the series but they may be a fan of the artist [character/costume designer] instead.  I know many cosplayers will make a CLAMP costume without a second thought about what the series is about. The style just resonates with them. People are willing to make obscure costumes from one-off illustrations in art books.

3. Lack of Access to Source Material:
I’m going to break this down into two subcategories: Geography and funds
Although it is not as much of an issue today but sometimes it is hard to access source material depending on your location. Maybe the game/book is only available in another country and you don’t speak the language.
In regard to video game costumes, it could be that the person doesn’t have access to a console or computer to play the game. Not surprisingly some people can’t be bothered to buy a whole new console and the game just to make a costume they like.
Other than videogames, artbooks are another source material that can be hard to find and can cost hundreds of dollars.

4. You’ve been invited to a cosplay group:
Cosplayers are a social bunch and like to collaborate. Often times it might be for a series that one person is a big fan of while the others are less aware or unaware of the series. Is the big fan’s costume better because they are a fan? No. Is their costume more valid because they are a fan? No. If anything they are bringing more people into the fandom.
Also it could be that the group collectively like the designs (Point #1) or they like the artist (Point #2).

My knowledge on Wonder Woman's archenemy may be limited, but when I saw the Ame-comi figure for the character I knew I could pull off the character well. I wanted more comic book costumes under my belt and practice making fitted leotards/bodysuits. At the same time, it is hard to find dark-skinned characters in popular culture with cool designs.

5. You look like the character:
Sometimes this is enough to get the interest of a cosplayer or maybe the character is often  suggested to them as a potential costume. This can be an especially strong incentive for people who find very few representations similar to themselves in popular media. Although I believe in cosplaying whatever you want, I can understand that sometimes people are more comfortable cosplaying characters that look like them. There is a certain form of satisfaction to being told “You look exactly like them.”

6. You already have the supplies:
Cosplayers tend to accumulate materials over the years and it is nice to get rid of them in a productive way. Sometimes they stumble across a costume that will use up some supplies and tools that have been collecting dust. It is especially the case for expensive items such as: an embroidery machine and leather crafting tools. But this also applies to slightly less expensive items such as: wigs, boots, and fabric.

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I was working on Styria before the game was released. I wore it within months of the official release. Unfortunately, I couldn't play it until after the event because I had to dedicate most of my free time finishing this costume. I spent twice as much time (maybe more) on this project than I did completing the game.

7. Limited time:
There is only so much time for hobbies. Although we all would love to spend more time reading visual novels, watching TV, and playing video games, there are so many hours in the day and something has to give. Cosplay is a time intensive hobby especially when you throw in work, school, family, friends, and other interests. If someone is passionate about crafting then let them dedicate their time to that.


Disclaimer: I would advise cosplayers who plan to cosplay something they do not know to do some research. You may unknowingly cosplay something contrary to your beliefs and interest, such as  characters from adult content (hentai), culturally insensitive costumes, and controversial historical figures/symbols (ex. Nazi uniforms).

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Reasons Why it's Okay

• It’s a labour of love - The time spent on a costume can often equal or surpass the amount of time a person spends interacting with the source material.
  
• They are showing appreciation to a different aspect of the source material. There are many ways to be a fan.
  
• Cosplay is a great gateway to becoming an even bigger fan of the source material
• Knowledge of the series does nothing to reflect on craftsmanship and quality of the costume.
  
• "But, they are doing it for popularity because the series is popular right now and they don’t care about the fandom!" If that is what you believe, then don’t give the person publicity by commenting/reposting, instead ignore them and move on.

• "X character would never pose/act like that, therefore, that cosplay/cosplayer is bad"
  
  For photos: In a typical photoshoot many photos get snapped. Some poses may be in character while others are not. So after all the photos are narrowed down it could be that generic poses or “out of character” poses are best ones from the lot.
  
  At conventions: Some people cannot be bothered to be in character all weekend. It can be a draining process. If the acting abilities of non-actor strangers determine your enjoyment of a convention then it may be time to find other fun things to do at that event. For the most part, people get in character for photos and masquerades. Cosplayers are paying attendees too and are not obligated to pose a certain way for photos (or be photographed at all). For some the joy of cosplay is found in making and wearing the costume, instead of acting like the character.
  

• "That series isn’t even out yet. How can they cosplay it without knowing what’s it’s about?" - They may not be a fan of the series yet, but they are certainly a fan of the art, the character design, and maybe the artists who designed it.
  
• "Why don’t they just design something themselves instead?" - Not everyone has a knack or an interest in designing their own costumes.
  
  
  All this being said, cosplayers should not have to justify or defend every costume choice they make. Be respectful that people approach being a fan in different ways.