Cosplay Philosophy

These are some thoughts originally posted in a Livejournal entry that have been cleaned up to put here. For what it’s worth, this is some insight as to where I come from regarding my costuming.

Information is better shared than hoarded. You know how abrasive someone can be if they hold their secrets as though they were nuclear codes? Art, in the grand sense of the word, does not GROW like that. When one learns things, they should take what they need and try not to be a burden on the one giving it. For example, I'll gladly share any technique I know and am very ecstatic to do so. If someone is asking for a step-by-step process to creating a costume for X character, that can be cumbersome. Make the choice to teach a man to fish rather than to give a man one.

While constructive criticism is great, unsolicited criticism is not, ESPECIALLY in a hobby where a great deal of the participants are not fully grown yet. Argue how you will about pictures on the internet being fair game, but being a bully can be very damaging to the fragile self confidence of a person. There's always a living, breathing person behind that picture you see, so let a fan HAVE FUN. Everyone who is good at something started somewhere.

Look for the positive first. Maybe the costume you see isn't exactly your idea of great construction, but there is always something good if you seek it out. Even if it’s as basic as they tried their hand at making a costume.... that's something at least.

Always be gracious, kind and patient. Someone may meet you only knowing you from pictures posted or a blog that is maintained. Never miss a chance to turn an internet friend into a real-life friend! Compliments can be answered with a sincere and brief "thank you." If the people you meet are at a con and/or cosplaying, you already have a common interest, right? Enjoy the possibility!

Don't wallow in mud because that is for pigs. Over the years, one learns that staying away from hate keeps one healthy and optimistic. Even if it isn't YOU being bashed on at a forum or site notorious for such behavior, someone is and maybe, just maybe that someone is hurting inside because of it. Such actions are not good and company as such is not good to keep. I get sad when people I respect and care about choose to wallow in the mud and then wonder why they are so unhappy.

Play win-win. Yeah, it may be relegated to a cheesy business slogan now, but in the end someone only wins when everyone wins. There is room for everyone to be successful and happy in their lives. This is something I believe down to the very core of my heart!

Givers gain and never let a compliment go unsaid. If someone is able to give, be it to chairty, to helping a friend, to volunteering at a convention, they should without a second thought. Same goes for compliments or other positive thoughts. See something you really like... then SAY SO. It costs nothing and hearing something nice could mean the world to a person. Don't pay compliments for no reason though... always make it genuine out of respect for the person being addressed.

On the giving subject- be it information, friendship or anything, do it unconditionally and from the heart. It keeps one from getting bitter.

Always do your very best and put your heart into what you do. Take time to do things right and always plan ahead. Things happen, especially in planning cosplay at conventions, so be flexible.

People are always changing. They either grow or decay. Always be growing!