Entering a cosplay competition is exciting, but when competitions are oversubscribed, standing out requires more than just showing up. Many events use scoring rubrics to evaluate applications—each with their own specific rules, formats, and structures. This guide provides general advice for crafting a strong, adaptable application that works for any cosplay competition.
For event-specific guidance, always check the official rubric or rules. The Guild has created the official scoring rubric for the MegaCon Live Cosplay Masquerades, which can be found here.
Share Your Reference and Build Progress Clearly
Competitions often want to see how you brought your cosplay to life, especially for craftsmanship-based entries. Where there is space for photos in an application, photos and clear descriptions are your best tools for communicating your journey.
Reference Materials
Provide high-quality images that show what inspired your costume:
- Source media stills, character artwork, or fan art
- For original designs, include inspiration boards or sketches
Work-in-Progress (WIP) Photos
WIP shots showcase your progress and technique at key stages of your build. Capture:
- Sewing pieces, patterning, and fabric cutting
- Prop and armor construction phases
- Painting, weathering, and detailing
If you lack photos, or there is not a photo option on the application, supplement with clear written descriptions of your process:
“I 3D modeled the medallion in TinkerCad, converting a png into a stl translatable file to create the iconic airbending swirling symbols. I then 3D printed the medallion out of ABS and used acetone to smooth the print lines, along with sanding. Using various shades of brown, I painted the medallion to match the wooden beads that make up the necklace, using a dry brush to get a wood grain effect.”
General Tips:
- Organize your references and WIP photos in separate folders (e.g., Google Drive, OneDrive).
- Double-check that links work and permissions are set for easy access.
Break Down Your Cosplay Build: Made, Modified, or Bought
Competitions often want to know what parts of the cosplay were made, modified, or purchased. Be clear and detailed:
- Made: Describe the construction, materials, and methods used.
- Modified: Explain how you altered purchased items (e.g., reworking a wig, repainting armor).
- Bought: List ready-made elements of the costume.
Example Breakdown:
- Made: Racing suit (duck canvas, machine sewed and heat transfer color vinyls applied, vinyls were digitized in photoshop).
- Modified: Store-bought wig (red streaks added and styled), Second-hand motorcycle helmet (painted and added vinyl stickers), Shoes (painted to match suit and added Lightyear logo to sidewall)
- Bought: Gloves + Sunglasses purchased online, unaltered.
Providing a full picture of your work helps competitions evaluate what percent of your cosplay is made while appreciating your resourcefulness.
Detail Your Performance Plan (If Required)
Many competitions include a performance element—whether it’s a skit, a choreographed routine, or posing. Use this section to outline your creative plan:
- Concept: What’s the theme or story of your performance?
- Timing: How long is it? Does the pacing flow naturally?
- Movements: Describe poses, choreography, or dynamic actions.
- Props & Effects: Mention props, music, lighting, or sound cues.
Example:
“I portray Avatar Yangchen, seated in a meditative pose to reflect her deep connection to spirituality and peace. I then rise gracefully and flow into a series of airbending-inspired movements, choreographed to mirror the fluid and dynamic style of airbenders seen in Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra. The performance builds in intensity, ending with a powerful and commanding pose as the music reaches its climax, embodying Yangchen’s strength and wisdom as an Air Nomad Avatar”
Why It Matters:
Well-planned performances stand out and demonstrate your stage presence and character portrayal. Be detailed to show you’re prepared and creative.
Share the “Why”: Your Inspiration and Story
Your cosplay reflects your passion, so let them see that personal connection. When competitions include an inspiration section, use it to tell your story:
- What drew you to the character or design?
- Did you overcome creative or technical challenges while bringing it to life?
- What makes this cosplay meaningful to you?
Example:
“I’ve always been inspired by Lightning McQueen’s bold personality and journey of growth. Creating a human version of him as a race car driver allowed me to channel his iconic style into a detailed red racing suit, incorporating elements from his character design like the lightning bolt, the “95,” and sponsor logos. My favoruite detail was incorporating the tyre logo and rims logo into the shoe design. It was a fun challenge to balance the sleek, high-energy vibe of a professional driver with the recognizable charm of McQueen’s design.”
Showing your thought process adds depth to your submission and gives them a reason to connect with your work.
Honesty Is Key: Unfinished Cosplays
Not every costume is complete when you submit your application—and for many competitions, that’s okay. Be transparent about what’s left and how you’ll finish it before the competition.
- Unfinished Cosplay: List incomplete elements and your plan to complete them.
“I still need to add weathering effects to the vest and trousers, but have plans to complete those details this week.”
- Finished Cosplay: Let them know it’s ready to hit the stage!
“The costume is complete, and I’ve rehearsed my performance.”
Being upfront about your progress builds trust and can contribute towards completeness determinations.
Present an Organized, Complete Application
Incomplete or unclear applications may miss out on opportunities—especially in oversubscribed competitions. Double-check the following before submitting:
- Did you include all required photos and descriptions?
- Are your answers clear, detailed, and easy to read?
- Did you provide correct links with proper permissions?
Checklist for Success:
✅ All elements of the application are complete
✅ Detailed descriptions for text based questions
✅ Clear stage performance plan (if applicable)
✅ Contact info is accurate complete
Some competitions, like MegaCon Live, may grade applications based on completeness, so leaving sections blank could lower your chances. Treat every question as an opportunity to shine.
Showcase What Makes You Unique
Competitions love variety and originality. Think about what sets your cosplay apart:
- A unique performance concept or niche character choice
- Uncommon materials or innovative techniques
- Your personal story and passion behind the cosplay
Don’t be afraid to highlight what makes your work special—it’s your chance to stand out.
Final Thoughts: Your Application Tells Your Story
A great cosplay application does more than check boxes—it shows your passion, skill, and creativity. Be clear, detailed, and honest while letting your enthusiasm shine through.
No matter the competition’s rules or structure, this advice can help you create a strong, adaptable application that highlights your hard work. Always refer to event-specific rubrics, like the MegaCon Live Masquerade scoring guide here, to tailor your application to each competition.
Take your time, trust your process, and good luck!
