With the multiversal elements of the DCEU and Marvel taking over theaters, cosplayers have never had as many options of characters to take on as they do now, and with convention season in full swing, there is no better time for people who have considered getting into the cosplaying craft to try their hand at the art form.
While cosplay can seem like a daunting field to get into, there are plenty of online resources that beginners can access for free to learn the basic skills that it takes to turn into their favorite character from any universe or medium, whether it be books, video games, or movies.
Kinpatsu Cosplay
Kinpatsu Cosplay has been making step-by-step cosplay videos on YouTube for some time and has shown cosplayers of all kinds how to best make their own costume pieces out of many materials.
Their tutorials range from the most complex to the most basic elements of cosplay, so no matter where cosplayers are on their costume-building journey, they can find tips on this channel that will improve their look. Kinpatsu Cosplay includes resources like books and materials in their description, so viewers can get the same materials and know their ensemble will look just as good as the tutorial.
KamuiCosplay
KamuiCosplay posted on Instagram they are building an Elden Ring cosplay that is sure to blow fans away once it is finished. KamuiCosplay helps viewers learn how to use all their resources to make the most effective cosplays. The pair often use computer programs to print patterns for weapons and wearable costume pieces, so they are perfectly even and to scale.
KamuiCosplay provides viewers with detailed videos but is honest about sending some of their pieces to professionals for laser cutting or anything they can not do at home. However, their tutorials are detailed and structured, so cosplayers of any level can follow along.
Cosplay Chris
Christopher Stanley, also known as Cosplay Chris, posted his Batman cosplay on Instagram for his followers to see his progress on his 3D-printed suit. But Cosplay Chris also has a YouTube channel where he takes a different approach to constructing his cosplays.
While he makes some of his own pieces, Chris often buys premade compositions as a base and builds off of the base to create more movie-accurate looks. This approach is excellent for people who do not have time or the skills to sew all their suits from scratch but still want to add their twist to the costume. This method is great for people just starting cosplay to practice and learn to make smaller pieces before attempting a full suit of armor or super suit.
SKS Props
SKS Props is a professional foam smith company that produces educational tutorials for cosplayers and appeals to a more general audience than people looking for a specific character. Their channel starts with the most basic materials and tutorials and builds up in skill level.
This channel is great for people who want to build their tool kit for cosplay and purchase the suitable materials that will help them make the best props to take to conventions or just because they want to try their hand at the hobby.
AnyaPanda
AnyaPanda is a passionate cosplayer who helps her viewers understand how to cosplay and why cosplaying is a creative outlet for many people. AnyaPanda doesn't focus on one universe or one type of character for her looks which is great for people looking to get into the art form but aren't sure what characters they want to embody.
Her page is a good resource for people who want to focus on the photo aspect of their cosplaying versus conventions, however, she does go to conventions and offers tips to her followers.
Lightning Cosplay
Lightning Cosplay takes on some of the most complex armors and battle suits for their cosplays, which can intimidate beginners, but they break down all the steps to become a master crafter on their channel.
Cosplayers can learn how to do just about anything from Lightning Cosplay, including pattern making, sewing, weapon making, and shoe crafting to complete their desired look. They also encourage fans to work with what they have and not focus on buying lots of materials when household items and clothing can be used to make impressive costumes with less time and effort.
Rachel Maksy
For cosplayers who want to focus on the sewing aspects of costume and cosplay, Rachel Maksy is a good resource to learn how to make pieces and put different spins on popular characters. Rachel dresses up as many characters but often puts a vintage spin on their look; for example, she can take a cosplay based on a superhero or villain and give it a vintage twist.
Her style results in a lot of sewing, but she breaks down how she patterns her costume pieces and how to sew them together in a way that is easy to follow but also entertaining.
Pretzl Cosplay
Pretzl Cosplay does a variety of cosplays, so no matter what a cosplayer is looking for, she probably has a tutorial on how to make it. Many of her projects include EVA, so crafters can easily recreate her work and use the same tools they use for other cosplays.
Unlike some cosplayers, Pretzl tells viewers which formulas they need to get the perfect measurements for their patterns and so their costumes fit their bodies perfectly once they are constructed, which takes away the frustrating guesswork and refitting.
Alyson Tabbitha
Alyson Tabbitha has gained a massive following because of her cosplay skills and the characters she takes on. Alyson has played anyone from the most popular video game characters to the strongest female characters in the DCEU and beyond.
While she does make many of her own costume pieces, fans go to Alyson for her expert makeup skills and wig styling that help put the finishing touches on any costume. The wig tutorials are handy for cosplayers on a budget that can't afford movie-grade wigs but still want an accurate look.
Alice In Cosplayland
Alice In Cosplayland provides simple sewing tutorials for those who are looking to handcraft their entire costume but don't know where to start. Alice also goes over the planning process of making a new cosplay which can take a few days or months depending on how involved the character is to do.
This is helpful for people who are just starting out and feel overwhelmed by all the elements they have to take on for their process to begin.