Cosplay on a Budget

So any of the people in my life will be able to tell you, I spend money like a fiend. I am a poor college graduate who decided her life long career move would be performing…I didn't think that through. I'm always out of a job, I love to spend money, and this leads to the inevitable fact that I am broke…a lot.  Yet I can somehow still compete with the best of them in cosplay competitions.  Is it because I am that good? I would like to think so. I obviously didn't spend the thousands of dollars some people think is necessary in order to have a well-made costume.

This costume (Sexy Ewok from Star Wars) I made for under $100

Well, my big secret is a combination of little things that all add up to help the everyday cosplayer put their best foot forward while not spending top dollar. Here is how I do it, now you can too!

1.Goodwill and other various thrift stores are absolutely your best friend.  I will go there just looking for fabric or scraps I can use. Buying a ten dollar leather jacket is going to be a whole lot cheaper than buying letter straight up. I have bought so many giant dresses that happen to be the right color rather than buying the fabric. Because believe me, making things by hand is not the cheapest route.
2. Never ever ever go into Joanne Fabrics, Micheal's, or any other craft/ fabric store and pay full price. I signed up for coupons that the store texts to me on a weekly basis, and they are great discounts. Get the emails, flyers, whatever you have to do to save yourself a few bucks. In fact, if you happen to have a smart phone, go on google and look up some coupons. They, especially Joannes, always has recent coupons and discounts on their website.
One more for good measure, 3. Be creative with things on the costume. Many things in the costumes I have made, I found at home. For example, wire hangers make awesome frames for things like props or wings, just unwind them. Look around your home and think of what you can use.
There are ways to be an awesome cosplayer and not spend a lot of money. Hopefully these tips help any beginners or even seasoned cosplayers who maybe need help saving money. I know it is hard in this super competitive, super expensive hobby, but there are ways!
Thanks for reading!
Sparkle on
Rennie