Cosplay Competition Information

Format

The competition will span Saturday and Sunday and will take the form of short, informal interviews with a panel of 3 judges.

You will get the chance to show off your costume and tell the judges all about your costume, anything from how you chose the materials to how you found that kid’s toy helmets made the best base for shoulder armour. The topics that you cover are up to you!

There are limited spaces for this event, registration will close on the 9th August or when the last space is taken. (Up to ten people’s details will be taken as a waiting list in case of cancellations.)

The winners will be announced at the closing ceremony.

Rules

1. The entrant must have made the costume, commissioned or bought costumes are not allowed to enter – this is a craftsmanship competition. (Please note that these rules apply to the majority of the costume – items such as shoes, some accessories, wigs and such are expected to be bought!) It is fine to enter with someone else modelling your costume.
2. You can only enter one costume, individually, in the competition (either Saturday OR Sunday.) You will be given preference on the form, but please note you are not guaranteed your preferred day.
3. You must send in your reference sheets by the 9th August. (More details on these can be found here)
4. The weapons/prop rules for the cosplay competition are the same as the masquerade. As with the masquerade entrants, please ensure that you are not carrying around the prop at any other time (with the exception of taking it to & from the weapon drop-off or your room!)
5. There are no restrictions on the category of costume – anime, game, western and original designs are welcome. However please note that part of the judging is based on accuracy to the character, so entrants with original designs are encouraged to include a greater number of design/concept sketches.

Reference Sheets

Once your place has been confirmed you will be asked to submit a reference sheet for your costumes. This can be up to 2 sides of A4, but must include reference pictures for the design you are portraying. Along with reference pictures, please feel free to include any extra information that you think might be useful, in progress pictures, sketches or anything for the judges to note!

Accuracy is a large part of the judging process – you must send in reference pictures by the 9th August to support@cosplayisland.co.uk

Useful Preparation Tips

Most entrants often find it hard to come up with things to say about their costumes, despite the months they have spent on them!

A few good questions to think of answers for to get the ball rolling are below:

Why did you choose the costume?
What was the most challenging part?
Have you learned anything new from making it?
What part of the costume are you most proud of?

Just remember – if the judges are asking questions it’s not to catch you out, they will be interested in finding out how you made your costume and will be trying to ease your nerves!

So if you have a competitive streak in you - sign up and enjoy yourself.