Hello There!
We are back from Star Wars Celebration Chicago and we. are. SAD.
But we’re mostly happy, just in the con-recovery process. The best part had to have been the people we met, cool things we got to see, and the memories we made. One of those memories was my first cosplay! I had never cosplay-ed before, let alone a new character. I went through all the steps…
- “I want to cosplay Padmé because she was my first strong Star Wars female,”
- “I want to partner with my mom and do a Leia/Rey combo,”
- “I need to go get fabric and buy accessories,”
- and most of all, “I have no idea what I’m doing.”
None of that mattered because with the support of multiple costuming forums (linked at the end) I was able to piece together my first cosplay.
My best first-time cosplay advice is to not be afraid to ask questions and definitely don’t feel like you have to make every piece of your costume. I bought all of my pieces and adjusted to my fit and accessories I had available. My current goal is to build/buy a few more cosplays and get them to 501st/Rebel Legion approval by 2021. Even without a costuming group approved look, I was humbled and surprised by the support I got and the photos I was asked to be a part of. Walking around in 3-inch heels since 7 AM was worth every second. And to answer what you’re thinking now, no I didn’t make it all day in my heels, I had backup converse that I switched in and out of throughout the day. Speaking of my aching feet, I also had to soak them in cold water and elevate them when I got home that evening.
Even through the swollen feet, the people I met and the feeling I had while wearing that cosplay was something I’m sure we all want to feel more often. I’ve been asked why I wanted to start cosplaying and the answer was simple; Cosplay is another escape for me (like my writing and photography), it helps immerse me in a world that I love and getting into character for photos had to have been my favorite part. Overall it was such a wonderful experience to be a part of the cosplay community, the Qi’ra community, and most of all the Star Wars community.
Cosplay Photos – @cjerrica on Instagram
Photography – @panthera.studios
To learn how we get over our Star Wars Celebration Blues, visit cheyennehoover.wordpress.com
Thank you all so much for reading, feel free to reach out if you’re also a first-time cosplayer, I plan to keep this journey going for as long as possible and would love to help any way I can.
May the Force Be With You!